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Author: Edeh Sadauna Lydia

  • Tinubu’s UK State Visit Signals Nigeria’s Rising Global Influence, APC Group Declares!

    Tinubu’s UK State Visit Signals Nigeria’s Rising Global Influence, APC Group Declares!

    Reported by sadauna Lydia edeh (Journalist)| Sele Media Africa

    Nigeria’s growing diplomatic relevance on the global stage has been highlighted following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to the United Kingdom, with a prominent group within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) describing the trip as a strategic milestone for strengthening bilateral relations and reinforcing Nigeria’s international standing.
    According to the group, the visit represents more than ceremonial diplomacy, positioning Nigeria as an increasingly influential actor in global political and economic conversations. The delegation argued that the invitation extended to President Tinubu reflects renewed confidence in Nigeria’s leadership and underscores deepening cooperation between Abuja and London across trade, security, investment, and climate partnerships.
    The remarks come as Nigeria prepares for one of its most significant diplomatic engagements with the United Kingdom in nearly four decades. Media reports indicate that the state visit hosted by King Charles III marks the first full state honour accorded to a Nigerian leader by the UK since 1989, highlighting the symbolic and strategic importance of the engagement.
    Strengthening Nigeria UK Strategic Relations
    The APC group emphasized that the visit offers an opportunity to expand cooperation in critical sectors, including economic investment, migration management, education, and security collaboration. Analysts note that Nigeria and the UK have steadily deepened diplomatic engagement in recent years through strategic partnership agreements and high level ministerial dialogues aimed at delivering mutual economic benefits.
    Supporters of the administration argue that Nigeria’s evolving foreign policy posture marked by active diplomatic outreach and participation in multilateral forums has contributed to renewed international engagement. They contend that the UK invitation signals recognition of Nigeria’s role as Africa’s largest economy and a key geopolitical partner within the Commonwealth.
    Broader Political and Diplomatic Context
    Coverage by multiple Nigerian media organisations indicates that political stakeholders view the visit as part of a broader effort to reposition Nigeria globally following domestic economic reforms and diplomatic re engagement initiatives. Reports suggest the visit is expected to attract foreign investment discussions while strengthening diaspora relations and trade cooperation in the post Brexit era.
    However, analysts also stress that expectations remain high for tangible outcomes, particularly in areas affecting economic recovery, job creation, and technological collaboration. Observers say the success of the visit will ultimately be measured by concrete agreements that translate diplomatic goodwill into measurable development gains for Nigerians.
    Symbolism and Global Perception
    Political commentators note that state visits carry strong symbolic value in international diplomacy, often signalling trust, strategic alignment, and recognition between nations. The APC group maintains that Nigeria’s inclusion in such high level engagements reflects a shifting global perception of the country as an active contributor to international policy discussions rather than a peripheral participant.
    As President Tinubu continues engagements in London, attention remains focused on potential agreements and policy outcomes that could redefine Nigeria UK relations and reinforce Nigeria’s diplomatic footprint beyond Africa.

    Sources: Punch Newspapers, Daily Trust, THISDAY, PM News Nigeria, The Cable, The Sun Nigeria, The Fact Nigeria, AllAfrica.

    Tinubu UK visi

  • Ondo Security Forces Launch Joint Statewide Patrols to Reinforce Public Safety and Curb Crime!

    Ondo Security Forces Launch Joint Statewide Patrols to Reinforce Public Safety and Curb Crime!

    Reported by sadauna Lydia edeh (Journalist)| Sele Media Africa

    Security agencies in Ondo State have intensified coordinated patrol operations across major towns and highways in a renewed effort to strengthen public safety, deter criminal activities, and reassure residents of government commitment to security. The joint operation brings together personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun.
    Authorities described the patrols as a proactive security strategy designed to address emerging threats, improve rapid response capability, and enhance collaboration among security institutions operating within the state. The coordinated deployment, visible across key urban centres and rural communities, included convoy patrols, strategic checkpoints, and surveillance operations aimed at preventing armed robbery, kidnapping, and other violent crimes.
    Security officials stated that the exercise also serves as a show of operational unity among federal and state-backed security outfits, signaling a strengthened multi-agency approach to law enforcement. According to local command representatives, intelligence-sharing mechanisms have been reinforced to ensure timely intervention and improved coordination during emergencies. Residents have been encouraged to cooperate with security personnel and provide credible information that could assist ongoing operations.
    Ondo State authorities say the initiative aligns with broader national efforts to address insecurity through inter-agency collaboration and community engagement. Analysts note that joint patrols have increasingly become a preferred strategy across several Nigerian states, reflecting recognition that complex security challenges require coordinated responses rather than isolated enforcement actions.
    While many residents welcomed the heightened security presence as reassuring, civil society observers emphasized the importance of sustained operations, community trust-building, and respect for human rights to ensure long-term effectiveness. Security experts argue that visible patrols can deter crime in the short term but must be complemented by intelligence-led policing and socioeconomic interventions.
    The Ondo joint patrol initiative comes amid ongoing nationwide conversations on improving internal security architecture and strengthening cooperation between conventional security forces and regional outfits such as Amotekun.

    Sources: BBC News, Premium Times Nigeria, Channels Television, The Guardian Nigeria, Punch Newspapers.

  • China Expands Middle East Footprint with Emergency Humanitarian Aid to Iran, Lebanon Amid Escalating Regional Crisis!

    China Expands Middle East Footprint with Emergency Humanitarian Aid to Iran, Lebanon Amid Escalating Regional Crisis!

    China has announced plans to deliver emergency humanitarian assistance to Iran, Lebanon, and other affected nations across the Middle East, as the region grapples with intensifying instability and humanitarian challenges. The move underscores Beijing’s growing diplomatic and strategic engagement in a region increasingly strained by conflict, displacement, and economic disruption.
    According to statements from China’s foreign ministry, the aid package will include essential supplies such as food, medical equipment, and emergency relief materials aimed at supporting vulnerable populations impacted by ongoing tensions. While full details of the distribution framework remain limited, Chinese officials emphasized that the initiative is guided by “humanitarian principles” and a commitment to regional stability.
    The announcement comes at a time when the Middle East is facing renewed geopolitical strain, with conflicts and political uncertainties placing additional pressure on already fragile systems in countries like Iran and Lebanon. Analysts suggest that China’s intervention not only addresses urgent humanitarian needs but also signals its intent to play a more visible role in global crisis response traditionally dominated by Western powers.
    International observers note that Beijing has increasingly positioned itself as a neutral actor capable of engaging multiple sides in the Middle East, building on previous diplomatic efforts and economic partnerships across the region. However, questions remain about the long-term implications of China’s expanding presence, particularly in a highly complex geopolitical environment.

    Sources: Reuters, Al Jazeera, BBC News, Associated Press

  • Explosion Near U.S. Embassy in Oslo Triggers Security Probe as Norwegian Police Assess Damage!

    Explosion Near U.S. Embassy in Oslo Triggers Security Probe as Norwegian Police Assess Damage!

    Reported by sadauna Lydia edeh (Journalist) | Sele Media Africa

    Authorities in Oslo, Norway, have launched a security investigation following an explosion near the United States diplomatic mission in the Norwegian capital early Sunday. Police confirmed that the blast occurred close to the consular section of the United States Embassy Oslo, causing minor structural damage but no reported injuries.
    According to officials, emergency responders quickly secured the surrounding area and began assessing the cause and potential impact of the explosion. Law enforcement agencies in Oslo stated that the incident happened in the early hours of the morning and prompted a swift deployment of police and security personnel. Investigators are examining the scene to determine whether the explosion was accidental or the result of deliberate action.
    The United States diplomatic mission in Norway confirmed that staff members were safe and accounted for following the incident. Norwegian police said the damage was limited primarily to the external section of the consular facility, and there was no immediate threat to the public. Security around diplomatic premises in the area has since been reinforced while investigations continue.
    Incidents involving diplomatic facilities are treated with heightened urgency under international security protocols. Authorities noted that cooperation between Norwegian security agencies and U.S. officials is ongoing as investigators work to establish the source and motive behind the explosion. Further updates are expected as forensic assessments and intelligence reviews progress.

    Sources:
    Reuters, BBC News, Associated Press, The Guardian

  • Lagos Government Warns Nollywood Actress Sarah Martins Over Street Cooking, Citing Public Safety and Environmental Laws!

    Lagos Government Warns Nollywood Actress Sarah Martins Over Street Cooking, Citing Public Safety and Environmental Laws!

    Reported by sadauna Lydia edeh (Journalist)| Sele Media Africa

    The Lagos State Government has issued a formal warning to Nollywood actress Sarah Martins, urging her to stop cooking and distributing food on public roads across Lagos. Authorities say the practice violates the state’s environmental and public order regulations, which prohibit cooking or trading on public infrastructure such as roads, walkways, and road medians. Officials also cautioned that continued violations could lead to arrest and prosecution.
    According to the state’s Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, while the government acknowledges the charitable intent behind the actress’s outreach to vulnerable residents, the activity raises significant safety, sanitation, and traffic concerns. Wahab stressed that public spaces are not authorized locations for cooking or food distribution, noting that such actions could pose environmental hazards and disrupt urban order.
    The warning follows renewed attention on Martins after videos circulated online showing her cooking and sharing meals with people on the streets. The development also recalls a similar incident in October 2025 when officials of the Lagos environmental enforcement agency apprehended the actress while she conducted a comparable outreach in the Lekki area of the city. Authorities say she had previously been cautioned but resumed the activity despite earlier warnings.
    Government officials have encouraged Martins and other philanthropists to channel charitable initiatives through approved venues and partnerships with relevant agencies to ensure compliance with state regulations. The administration maintains that humanitarian efforts are welcome but must operate within the legal framework designed to protect public safety, sanitation standards, and orderly use of urban infrastructure.
    First News NG

    Sources: Premium Times, Punch Nigeria, Vanguard News, Daily Post Nigeria, Naija News.

    Tags: Lagos street cooking ban, Sarah Martins Lagos warning, Lagos environmental regulations, Nollywood charity controversy, Tokunbo Wahab Lagos government

  • Jigawa Police Recruitment Screening Begins March 9: Applicants Advised on Venue, Requirements, and Dress Code!

    Jigawa Police Recruitment Screening Begins March 9: Applicants Advised on Venue, Requirements, and Dress Code!

    Reported by sadauna Lydia edeh (Journalist) | Sele Media Africa

    Authorities in northwestern Nigeria have commenced preparations for the screening of candidates applying to join the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) as constables in Jigawa State, with the exercise scheduled to begin on March 9. The recruitment screening forms part of the federal government’s ongoing effort to strengthen community policing and expand the nation’s security workforce.
    According to officials from the Police Service Commission (PSC), which oversees recruitment into the police service, shortlisted applicants across Jigawa State are expected to report to designated screening centers on the announced dates. The process will include verification of credentials, physical assessment, and background checks to ensure candidates meet the standards required for enlistment into the Nigeria Police Force.
    Applicants are required to arrive with original copies of their academic certificates, national identification documents, and printed copies of their online application forms. Officials also emphasized that candidates must appear in clean white T-shirts and shorts, along with white canvas shoes, as part of the official dress code for the physical screening stage. Authorities warned that failure to comply with these requirements could lead to disqualification from the recruitment process.
    Security experts say the recruitment drive reflects broader national efforts to strengthen law enforcement capacity amid rising security challenges across parts of the country. By expanding the number of trained officers, the Nigeria Police Force aims to improve policing presence at community levels and enhance response to crime and public safety concerns.
    Applicants have been advised to strictly follow official instructions and avoid dealing with unauthorized agents or intermediaries, as recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force remains free of charge. Authorities reiterated that the screening process will be conducted transparently under the supervision of the Police Service Commission.

    Sources: Punch Newspapers, Daily Trust, The Nation Nigeria, Channels Television

  • Pharmacists Demand Strategic Laboratory Investment to Tackle Rising Antimicrobial Resistance Crisis!

    Pharmacists Demand Strategic Laboratory Investment to Tackle Rising Antimicrobial Resistance Crisis!

    Reported by sadauna Lydia edeh (Journalist)| Sele Media Africa.

    Pharmacists and public health experts have called for urgent and sustained investment in laboratory infrastructure, surveillance systems, and behavioral change initiatives to confront the accelerating global threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), warning that weak diagnostic capacity continues to undermine effective healthcare delivery across developing regions.
    The call was made amid growing international concern that antimicrobial resistance the ability of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites to resist medicines designed to eliminate them could reverse decades of medical progress if governments fail to strengthen health systems and promote responsible drug use.
    Laboratories Seen as Frontline Defense Against Drug Resistance
    Health professionals emphasize that well equipped laboratories are central to early detection, accurate diagnosis, and evidence based treatment decisions. According to pharmacists, inadequate laboratory investment forces clinicians to rely on empirical prescriptions rather than confirmed diagnoses, increasing misuse and overuse of antibiotics a major driver of resistance.
    Experts note that many healthcare facilities across Africa and other low and middle income regions lack modern diagnostic tools, trained personnel, and integrated data systems capable of tracking resistant pathogens. This gap, they argue, weakens national responses and limits the effectiveness of antimicrobial stewardship programs.
    Pharmacists stress that expanding laboratory capacity would allow healthcare providers to identify infections precisely, prescribe targeted treatments, and reduce unnecessary antibiotic exposure among patients.
    Behavioral Change Critical to AMR Prevention
    Beyond infrastructure, pharmacists are also advocating widespread behavioral reforms among healthcare workers, policymakers, and the public. These include discouraging self medication, improving prescription regulation, and strengthening awareness campaigns on responsible antimicrobial use.
    Public health advocates warn that easy access to antibiotics without prescriptions a persistent challenge in several African countries accelerates resistance and increases treatment failure rates.
    They further highlight the need for coordinated education campaigns targeting both urban and rural communities, emphasizing hygiene practices, vaccination uptake, and adherence to prescribed treatments.
    Economic and Health Implications
    Global health authorities estimate that antimicrobial resistance could lead to millions of deaths annually by mid century if unchecked, while also imposing severe economic burdens through longer hospital stays, higher medical costs, and reduced workforce productivity.
    Pharmacists argue that investment in laboratory systems should be viewed not as a cost but as a long-term economic safeguard. Strengthened diagnostics, they say, can reduce healthcare expenditures by preventing misdiagnosis and limiting the spread of resistant infections.
    Call for Government and Multisector Collaboration
    Stakeholders are urging governments, regional health bodies, and international partners to prioritize AMR within national health strategies. Recommended actions include increased funding for research, improved pharmaceutical regulation, cross-border surveillance cooperation, and stronger partnerships between academic institutions and healthcare providers.
    Pharmacists also advocate integrating laboratory development into broader universal health coverage plans to ensure equitable access to quality diagnostics across communities.
    As antimicrobial resistance continues to emerge as one of the most pressing global health challenges, experts warn that delayed action could erode the effectiveness of life saving medicines, placing routine medical procedures and infection treatments at risk.

    Sources
    World Health Organization (WHO); Reuters; BBC News; The Lancet; Al Jazeera Health Desk.

  • Federal University Dutse Expels 20 Students, Suspends 15 Over Examination Malpractice in 2024/2025 Academic Session!

    Federal University Dutse Expels 20 Students, Suspends 15 Over Examination Malpractice in 2024/2025 Academic Session!

    Reported by sadauna Lydia edeh (Journalist)| Sele Media Africa

    The Federal University, Dutse (FUD), in Jigawa State has expelled 20 students and suspended 15 others following confirmed cases of examination malpractice during the 2024/2025 academic session, reinforcing the institution’s stance on academic integrity and disciplinary accountability.
    University authorities announced that the sanctions were approved after investigations conducted by the institution’s disciplinary and examination malpractice committees found the affected students culpable of violating established academic regulations.
    According to the university management, the offences ranged from unauthorized possession of examination materials and collusion to other forms of conduct considered inconsistent with the institution’s academic code of ethics. The disciplinary actions, officials said, were carried out in line with the university’s regulations governing student conduct and examination procedures.
    The management emphasized that the decisions followed due process, including formal reviews of evidence and opportunities for the students involved to respond to allegations before final determinations were made.
    In a statement issued by the institution, the university reiterated its zero tolerance policy toward examination malpractice, noting that maintaining academic credibility remains central to its mission as a federal higher education institution. Authorities further warned that any actions capable of undermining the integrity of degrees awarded by the university would continue to attract strict penalties.
    Education stakeholders have increasingly raised concerns about examination malpractice across tertiary institutions in Nigeria, describing it as a threat to educational standards, graduate competence, and public confidence in academic certifications. Universities nationwide have responded by strengthening monitoring systems, revising disciplinary frameworks, and adopting stricter enforcement measures.
    Analysts say disciplinary actions such as those taken by Federal University Dutse reflect broader efforts within Nigeria’s higher education sector to uphold merit-based assessment and discourage academic dishonesty.
    The university also encouraged students to uphold ethical academic conduct and utilize approved learning resources, stressing that integrity and discipline remain essential pillars of academic excellence.

    Sources: Premium Times, Daily Trust, The Guardian Nigeria, Punch Newspapers

  • Iran Expands Cross Border Strikes on Kurdish Groups in Iraq as Middle East Conflict Intensifies!

    Iran Expands Cross Border Strikes on Kurdish Groups in Iraq as Middle East Conflict Intensifies!

    Reported by sadauna Lydia edeh (Journalist)| Sele Media Africa.

    Iran has launched missile and drone strikes targeting Kurdish opposition groups in northern Iraq, signalling a widening phase of the ongoing regional conflict involving Iranian forces and a United States Israel military coalition, with growing implications for regional security, energy markets, and geopolitical stability.
    Cross Border Strikes Raise Regional Alarm
    Iranian military authorities confirmed that the strikes were aimed at bases belonging to Kurdish groups Tehran accuses of supporting anti-government activities inside Iran. According to Iranian state media cited by regional outlets, missiles struck facilities linked to Kurdish opposition organisations near Erbil in Iraq’s semi autonomous Kurdistan Region.
    Security sources quoted by Reuters reported that a drone attack hit the headquarters of an Iranian Kurdish opposition faction, though casualty figures were not immediately confirmed Iran International
    Local officials and eyewitness accounts indicated that air defence systems were activated across Erbil following multiple explosions near strategic locations, including areas surrounding Erbil International Airport, which hosts coalition forces.
    Iraqi News
    Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) described the targets as “anti-Iran separatist groups,” including factions such as Komala and other Kurdish organisations operating from Iraqi territory.
    Iraqi News
    Conflict Spillover From Wider Iran–US–Israel Confrontation
    The attacks come amid an escalating confrontation following joint US Israeli strikes on Iranian military and nuclear infrastructure, which have triggered retaliatory operations across multiple fronts in the Middle East. Regional analysts warn that Iraqi Kurdistan long a strategic buffer zone risks becoming a new theatre in the conflict.
    Recent reporting indicates that Kurdish opposition forces based along the Iran-Iraq border have drawn increased attention from Washington and its allies as potential pressure points against Tehran, further complicating the security environment.
    The Guardian
    The expanding conflict has already affected several countries hosting US military assets, with retaliatory strikes reported across Gulf states and heightened military readiness throughout the region.
    Al Jazeera
    Iraq Caught Between Rival Powers
    Iraq’s federal government has repeatedly warned against its territory being used as a battleground for external conflicts. However, the Kurdistan Region’s strategic position hosting foreign diplomatic missions, coalition forces, and exiled opposition groups has made it particularly vulnerable.
    Kurdish leaders have called for diplomatic solutions and urged Baghdad to prevent further attacks, stressing that continued escalation threatens civilian infrastructure and economic stability.
    The National
    Analysts note that Iraq has historically served as a proxy arena for tensions between Tehran and Washington, raising fears that sustained strikes could destabilise fragile security gains achieved after years of conflict with extremist groups.
    Economic and Energy Implications
    Beyond military concerns, the escalation is generating anxiety in global energy markets. Northern Iraq plays a significant role in regional oil production and export routes, and repeated drone and missile activity near infrastructure hubs risks disrupting supply chains.
    Security disruptions around Erbil a key commercial and diplomatic hub have also heightened investor uncertainty and pressured regional economic activity.
    Growing International Concern
    International observers warn that continued cross border attacks could trigger broader regional involvement if casualties mount or strategic installations are hit. Diplomatic efforts are ongoing, but positions among global powers remain divided over the legality and consequences of the expanding conflict.
    Al Jazeera
    Experts caution that without de-escalation mechanisms, the confrontation risks evolving into a prolonged multi-front conflict stretching from Iran’s western borders to Gulf states and beyond.

    Sources
    Reuters
    Al Jazeera
    The Guardian
    Al-Monitor
    Iraqi News
    AFP
    The National

  • Sokoto Polytechnic Honours Governor’s Wife Fatima Aliyu with ‘Queen Mother’ Title for Humanitarian Leadership!

    Sokoto Polytechnic Honours Governor’s Wife Fatima Aliyu with ‘Queen Mother’ Title for Humanitarian Leadership!

    Reported by sadauna Lydia edeh (Journalist)| Sele Media Africa

    The Sokoto State Polytechnic has conferred the honorary title of “Queen Mother of the Polytechnic” on Fatima Ahmed Aliyu, wife of Ahmed Aliyu, in recognition of her humanitarian contributions and sustained advocacy for vulnerable communities across the state.
    The honour was presented during an official ceremony organized by the institution, where management and student representatives highlighted Aliyu’s philanthropic initiatives, particularly her support for women, children, and underserved populations through education focused and social welfare programmes.
    Recognition of Humanitarian Advocacy
    According to the polytechnic’s leadership, the award acknowledges Mrs. Aliyu’s consistent engagement in initiatives aimed at improving access to education, healthcare support, and empowerment opportunities for disadvantaged groups. The institution noted that her interventions have complemented broader community development efforts within Sokoto State.
    School authorities described the honorary title as symbolic recognition reserved for individuals whose social impact aligns with the institution’s mission of promoting inclusive education and societal advancement.
    In her response, Mrs. Aliyu expressed appreciation for the recognition, emphasizing the importance of collective responsibility in addressing social inequality and expanding opportunities for young people, particularly girls and marginalized communities.
    Education and Community Development Partnerships
    Observers say the recognition reflects growing collaboration between tertiary institutions and public interest advocates in northern Nigeria, where partnerships between educational bodies and philanthropic actors increasingly focus on youth empowerment, skills development, and social inclusion.
    Analysts note that honorary titles awarded by academic institutions often serve to strengthen advocacy visibility and encourage sustained investment in education and community welfare programmes.
    Broader Context
    Across Nigeria, spouses of political office holders frequently lead non-governmental and humanitarian initiatives that complement state led development programmes. Such recognitions, while largely ceremonial, are often framed as acknowledgments of social impact rather than political endorsement.
    The Sokoto Polytechnic ceremony underscores the role of educational institutions as community stakeholders, recognizing contributions that extend beyond academia into social development and humanitarian service.

    Sources
    Reports by Daily Trust, The Nation, and Leadership Newspaper provided additional coverage of the event and confirmation of details.