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Argungu Festival 2026 Highlights Peace, Stability, Economic Growth — Tinubu

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at Argungu Festival 2026
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at Argungu Festival 2026

Argungu Festival 2026 Highlights Peace, Stability, Economic Growth — Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has hailed the 61st Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival as a milestone in Nigeria’s return to stability and normalcy, emphasizing its role in promoting tourism, agriculture, food security, and rural development in Kebbi State and the broader northwest region. Speaking at the grand finale of the four-day festival, Tinubu congratulated the Kebbi State Government for hosting the historic event, which drew over 50,000 fishermen and thousands of visitors from Nigeria and neighbouring countries. He described the festival as a “powerful symbol of unity, resilience and peaceful coexistence.”

The President lauded the robust security arrangements, noting that cultural events thrive only in a safe environment. He attributed the return of relative peace to sustained investments in security, intelligence gathering, and community engagement, promising that the fight against banditry and insurgency would continue until fully defeated. “Farmers, fishermen, traders, and families must be able to live and work without fear,” Tinubu said, stressing the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting agriculture and rural livelihoods, highlighting Kebbi State as a key contributor to Nigeria’s food security agenda.

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Tinubu also underscored the festival’s unifying power, noting that it brings together people of different nations, backgrounds, and beliefs in the spirit of friendship and healthy competition, while projecting Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage to the world. The festival featured traditional fishing competition in the Matan Fada River, cultural performances, music and dance, canoe races, and wrestling competitions, giving participants and visitors a full showcase of the region’s culture. The Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Sama’ila Muhammad Mera, described the festival as a symbol of courage, reconciliation, peace, and friendship, linking it to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.

At the competition’s climax, Abubakar Usman from Maiyama Local Government Area emerged the overall champion with a record 59‑kilogram catch, earning him N1 million and two vehicles. Runner-up Abdullahi Garba from Argungu caught a 40kg fish, while two contestants from Jigawa and Kogi states shared third place with 33kg catches each, also receiving prizes. All four winning fish were presented to President Tinubu as ceremonial souvenirs.

Before attending the festival, Tinubu inaugurated key infrastructure projects in Birnin Kebbi, including the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Secretariat Complex, a modern motor park, a three-lane dual carriageway, the Kauran Gwandu College of Nursing and Midwifery Sciences, and the newly dualised Old Argungu By-Pass Road. Governor Nasir Idris welcomed the President’s visit and reiterated his government’s resolve to sustain the festival as a platform for cultural preservation, tourism development, and economic empowerment. He highlighted the state government’s achievements, including road expansions, urban development, rehabilitation of 16 general hospitals and over 120 primary healthcare centres, and the distribution of fertilizers, improved seedlings, agrochemicals, and farm implements to local farmers.

The festival’s return after a multi-year hiatus due to insecurity is widely regarded as a turning point in the northwest’s socio-economic recovery. Local officials and stakeholders noted that the event has boosted trade, tourism, and cultural pride, attracting visitors and business activity across Argungu and surrounding areas, reflecting a renewed sense of peace, stability, and opportunity in Kebbi State.

Argungu Festival 2026 Highlights Peace, Stability, Economic Growth — Tinubu

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Rufai Oseni Dismisses Suspension Rumour, Labels It ‘APC Propaganda

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ARISE News Channel’s The Morning Show anchor, Rufai Oseni
ARISE News Channel’s The Morning Show anchor, Rufai Oseni

Rufai Oseni Dismisses Suspension Rumour, Labels It ‘APC Propaganda

ARISE News Channel’s The Morning Show anchor, Rufai Oseni, has firmly dismissed reports alleging that he was suspended from the international broadcaster, describing the claims as false, misleading, and politically motivated.

The rumour, which gained traction across social media platforms, claimed that Oseni had been suspended from Arise News following an alleged disagreement with a senior colleague. However, the journalist debunked the claim in a post shared on his verified Facebook page on Wednesday, where he described the report as “APC propaganda.”

“Rufai Oseni suspended by ARISE News? Lies, APC Propaganda,” he wrote, rejecting the viral narrative.

Providing clarity on his absence from the popular breakfast programme, Oseni explained that he is currently in Berlin, Germany, attending a series of international conferences and professional engagements.

He further disclosed that he is scheduled to appear at the Bundestag, also known as the German Parliament, located in the historic Reichstag building, where he is expected to participate in discussions and engagements.

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Oseni noted that his trip is aimed at gaining insights and experiences that could be beneficial to Nigeria, particularly in governance and institutional development.

The suspension rumour was reportedly linked to a social media post attributed to High Chief Lawrence Igbins Okoro, which alleged that the broadcaster had a confrontation at the station, including claims that he banged his fist on a table during a disagreement.

However, there has been no official statement from ARISE News confirming any disciplinary action against Oseni, further reinforcing his position that the report is unfounded.

Industry observers note that similar rumours have surfaced in the past, often coinciding with Oseni’s temporary absence from television broadcasts due to travel or official engagements.

Known for his fiery and assertive interviewing style, Oseni has built a reputation as one of Nigeria’s most outspoken television journalists, frequently engaging political figures and public office holders in robust debates.

His approach has earned him both praise and criticism, making him a prominent voice in Nigeria’s media and political discourse.

Despite the controversy, Oseni remains part of the core three-man anchor team of The Morning Show, one of the flagship programmes on ARISE News.

The latest clarification is expected to quell speculation, as the broadcaster continues his international engagements with plans to return to Nigeria after completing his scheduled appearances.

Rufai Oseni Dismisses Suspension Rumour, Labels It ‘APC Propaganda

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Tension in Osogbo as Protesters Demand Respect for Court Judgments in LG Dispute

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Tension in Osogbo as Protesters Demand Respect for Court Judgments in LG Dispute

Tension in Osogbo as Protesters Demand Respect for Court Judgments in LG Dispute

Tension erupted on Wednesday in Osogbo as protesters stormed the Osun State High Court over the ongoing dispute involving Osun State local government funds and alleged non-compliance with court rulings on the release and control of allocations.

The demonstrators, who marched from the Government House axis to the court premises at Lameco, demanded strict adherence to judicial pronouncements amid rising concerns over governance and legal authority in the Osun LG funds crisis.

The protest is linked to an ongoing legal battle involving allegations that a commercial bank released funds allegedly used in the reinstatement of All Progressives Congress (APC) local government chairmen. The Osun State Government had initiated proceedings at the Magistrate Court over the matter.

However, the Osun State High Court in Osogbo, presided over by Justice Matthias Agboola, had earlier issued an ex parte order quashing the criminal proceedings against United Bank for Africa (UBA) and its officials at the Magistrate Court level.

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Despite the High Court ruling, proceedings were reportedly allowed to continue at the Magistrate Court, a development that triggered fresh protests by reinstated local government officials and their supporters.

Carrying placards with inscriptions calling for respect for court judgments, adherence to the rule of law, and protection of judicial integrity, the protesters accused relevant actors of disregarding valid court decisions.

Security operatives were deployed across the court premises to maintain order and prevent any breakdown of law and order as the demonstration unfolded.

Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Hon. Maaroof Ogundipe, representing reinstated council executives, warned that continued legal actions against bank officials despite higher court rulings could escalate into a broader constitutional crisis.

He also disclosed that the group may petition the National Judicial Council (NJC), arguing that the situation raises serious concerns about judicial compliance and institutional integrity.

“It is worrisome when court decisions appear to be undermined,” he said.

Chairman of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Olayanju Kolapo, also weighed in, stating that aspects of the dispute had already been addressed by earlier rulings, including a Supreme Court judgment delivered in December 2025.

He cautioned that continued disregard for court decisions could heighten political tensions and destabilise local government administration in Osun State.

The dispute over Osun local government allocations has continued to generate legal confrontations, competing interpretations of court orders, and political tension across council areas in the state.

Authorities are yet to issue an official response to Wednesday’s protest, but security presence around the High Court remained heavy throughout the demonstration.

Tension in Osogbo as Protesters Demand Respect for Court Judgments in LG Dispute

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Nigerian Air Force Releases BMTC 46/2025 Shortlist, Fixes Kaduna Interview Dates

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Nigerian Air Force

Nigerian Air Force Releases BMTC 46/2025 Shortlist, Fixes Kaduna Interview Dates

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the list of successful candidates for the Basic Military Training Course (BMTC) 46/2025 selection board, marking the next phase of its ongoing NAF recruitment exercise for new airmen and airwomen.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday, April 15, by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Ehimen Ejodame, the shortlist comprises candidates who passed the Zonal General Aptitude Test conducted across 15 Nigerian Air Force bases on December 5, 2025.

The Air Force said only candidates whose names appear on the official recruitment portal have been selected to proceed to the next stage of the process.


Kaduna Selection Interview Begins April 27

NAF confirmed that all shortlisted candidates are invited for the Selection Board Interview for Trades and Non-Tradesmen/Women, scheduled to hold at the Nigerian Air Force Base, Kaduna.

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The interview will run from April 27 to June 13, 2026, and candidates must report strictly according to their assigned batch schedules as published on the official portal.

The Air Force warned that failure to report on the specified dates will result in automatic disqualification from the recruitment process.


How to Check NAF BMTC 46/2025 Shortlist

Candidates are advised to visit the official NAF recruitment portal at https://nafrecruitment.airforce.mil.ng/updates/ to:

  • Confirm their inclusion on the BMTC 46/2025 shortlist
  • Check their assigned interview batches
  • Access official instructions for the next stage

NAF stressed that only information published on its official platform should be trusted.


NAF Warns Against Recruitment Fraud

The Nigerian Air Force reiterated that the entire NAF recruitment process is free of charge, warning applicants not to pay money to individuals or groups claiming to offer assistance.

It urged candidates to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities linked to recruitment scams.


About BMTC Recruitment

The Basic Military Training Course (BMTC) is the entry-level training programme for recruits into the Nigerian Air Force, designed to prepare successful candidates for military service as airmen and airwomen.

The ongoing BMTC 46/2025 recruitment exercise follows a structured process including online application, aptitude testing, and final selection interviews before enlistment.


Final Phase of Screening Begins

With the release of the shortlist, the recruitment exercise has entered its final phase, where candidates will undergo verification and interviews before final selection into the Force.

NAF urged all applicants to strictly follow official guidelines to avoid disqualification and ensure smooth participation in the selection process.

Nigerian Air Force Releases BMTC 46/2025 Shortlist, Fixes Kaduna Interview Dates

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