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Nigeria taps on private security firms to curb insecurity
The Federal Government has called on private security firms in the country to be prepared to complement the efforts of government in providing adequate measures to curb the insecurity in different parts of the country.
Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, who made the call, admitted that the nation’s security personnel were overwhelmed and grossly inadequate.
He said Nigeria would need private security firms to address insecurity in Nigeria.
He gave the position in Calabar during a retreat organised by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, and the Association of Licenced Private Security Practitioners of Nigeria.
The retreat held on Thursday had the theme, ‘New Dynamics for Security Practice in Nigeria’.
The minister whose speech was read by his Senior Special Adviser on Strategy, Ademola Adeyinka, called on private security firms in the country to be prepared to fill the gaps.
He said, “There is no doubt that we need private security firms. In a situation where there is a shortage of personnel, there is bound to be challenges, so this is where private security firms fill the gap and they should be prepared to play certain roles.”
He said the roles they should play should include providing security for their clients at the lower level, prepare their personnel to assist the security agencies with gathering and transmission of critical information as well as standardised training and renumeration.
Aregbesola said the Ministry of Interior will like to collaborate with them on establishing a training and certification institution for all categories of private security firms.
He said the retreat was timely given its objective of sharpening and shaping the role of private security operators in the general security architecture of Nigeria.
National President of ALPSPN, Wilson Esangbedo, identified some challenges faced by private security firms in the country.
“Our operators are operating under very harsh and difficult business environment. The Federal Ministry of Labour Employment and Productivity is harassing our operators to obtain recruiters’ licences to deploy guards.
“We also have the issue of very high tax assessment besides sundry fees our operators are forced to pay in various states of operation,” Esangbedo stated.
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Obasanjo Holds Secret Meeting With Babangida Amid 2027 Election Speculations
Obasanjo Holds Secret Meeting With Babangida Amid 2027 Election Speculations
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo met privately with ex-military ruler General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida at Babangida’s residence in Minna, Niger State, in a closed-door meeting that has sparked widespread speculation about potential political alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The meeting, which lasted about 30 minutes, drew attention as both leaders emerged as key elder statesmen whose counsel and influence are often sought by Nigeria’s political elite. Neither Obasanjo nor Babangida spoke to journalists after the session, and no official statement was released, fueling discussions about behind-the-scenes strategic planning and coalition-building for 2027.
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Political analysts note that such high-profile consultations are common ahead of major elections, as party leaders, former presidents, and influential figures explore alliances, policy priorities, and national governance strategies. Observers also link this meeting to recent PDP and APC elder consultations, signaling continued efforts by senior politicians to shape the electoral landscape.
The rendezvous underscores Obasanjo’s continuing role as a political kingmaker, leveraging his network and experience to influence party strategies, candidate selection, and national discourse. With the 2027 elections approaching, similar closed-door meetings among Nigeria’s top political figures are expected to intensify in the coming months.
Obasanjo Holds Secret Meeting With Babangida Amid 2027 Election Speculations
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Outrage in Borno as APC Excludes VP Shettima’s Photo at North‑East Zonal Hearing
Outrage in Borno as APC Excludes VP Shettima’s Photo at North‑East Zonal Hearing
There has been widespread anger in Borno State after the All Progressives Congress (APC) omitted Vice‑President Kashim Shettima from the official banner at the party’s North‑East zonal public hearing on constitutional amendments in Maiduguri. The banner, which featured President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the five APC governors from the region, and the party’s National Legal Adviser, conspicuously left out Shettima, a native of Borno State.
The omission prompted immediate backlash from party leaders, including Abdulkarim Lawan, Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, who described it as “provocative and unfair,” stressing that it was inappropriate to sideline a senior party official in his home state. The speaker recalled a similar controversy at an APC event in Gombe State last year, highlighting persistent sensitivities within the party’s North‑East faction.
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Attendees of the Maiduguri hearing, convened to discuss proposed constitutional amendments, expressed support for Lawan’s remarks, with loud applause and calls for the Vice‑President’s recognition. In response, the APC Deputy National Chairman dismissed the exclusion as an oversight by organisers, insisting there was no intention to diminish Shettima’s status and affirming that the hearing’s focus remained on party reforms rather than politics.
The incident comes amid speculation about internal APC dynamics ahead of the 2027 general elections, including questions around representation and leadership within the North‑East. Analysts note that repeated omissions of Shettima at high-profile events could fuel perceptions of internal rifts and affect party cohesion in the region.
Outrage in Borno as APC Excludes VP Shettima’s Photo at North‑East Zonal Hearing
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How to Become a United Nations Online Volunteer in 2026: Step-by-Step Guide
How to Become a United Nations Online Volunteer in 2026: Step-by-Step Guide
Becoming a United Nations Online Volunteer in 2026 offers individuals the opportunity to contribute to global development, peacebuilding and humanitarian causes without leaving their homes. Through the UN Online Volunteering Programme, managed by the United Nations Volunteers (UNV), skilled and passionate people can support UN agencies and partner organisations remotely.
The UN Online Volunteering initiative connects volunteers with assignments aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), covering areas such as research, digital communications, translation, data analysis, advocacy, and project support. Assignments are flexible, fully remote and open to applicants from all countries.
To be eligible, applicants must be 18 years and above. There are no nationality restrictions, and many online roles do not require formal academic qualifications, although relevant skills and experience are often essential. Online volunteering positions are unpaid, but successful participants receive an official UNV certificate, which can strengthen career profiles and international exposure.
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Interested candidates are required to register on the Unified Volunteering Platform (UVP), the official portal for all UN volunteering opportunities. After creating an account, applicants must complete their profiles with detailed information on skills, languages and interests. Volunteers can then search for available online UN volunteer opportunities and apply directly through the platform.
Assignments typically last between a few weeks and three months, with flexible time commitments that can fit around work or studies. Recent and ongoing opportunities include roles supporting UNDP, UNICEF, and civil society partners in areas such as social media outreach, SDG advocacy, research support and community engagement.
Experts say the programme is increasingly attracting young professionals, students and freelancers seeking international experience, especially amid rising interest in remote work and global digital collaboration. With preparations already underway for major UN campaigns in 2026, including global volunteerism initiatives, demand for online volunteers is expected to grow.
The United Nations Volunteers programme encourages interested individuals to apply early and regularly update their profiles to improve their chances of selection, as new opportunities are posted frequently.
How to Become a United Nations Online Volunteer in 2026: Step-by-Step Guide
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