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Buhari to Nigerians: Bear with us if we haven’t done enough
President Muhammadu Buhari has pleaded with Nigerians yet to feel the impact of his government to bear with the administration.
He spoke in Ilorin through the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, at a town hall meeting with traditional rulers, youths, students, organised labour, market women and other stakeholders on the #EndSARS protest and its aftermath.
The forum was attended by the Kwara State Governor, Abdulrazaq Abdulrahman, Speaker of Kwara State House of Assembly, Yakubu Danladi; the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Sulu Gambari, and other traditional rulers, representatives of market women, traders and other stakeholders.
In the President’s message delivered by the minister, he said the administration had the interest of the youths and the people in general at heart and was doing a lot to touch their lives.
The President said the government was constrained by dwindling resources occasioned by the impact of COVID-19 which also affected the global economy.
He said, “If we have not done enough or we have not touched everybody, we appeal that you please bear with us.
“In the first instance, what we have is less than 60 per cent of the revenue that was available to other governments that came before us.
“We all know what we suffered during COVID-19, and as we are just trying to recover from this we also faced another crisis.
“We appeal that you should please assist the government and be patient. This government is dedicated to serving the people and we will continue to try our best to do so.
“I thank you all for your perseverance, understanding and patience.”
The President said the administration had many initiatives targeted at creating jobs for the youth and alleviating poverty among women and vulnerable groups.
He said the government initiated a N75bn National Youth Investment Fund to provide opportunities for the youth.
He said the fund was part of the N2.3tn economic sustainability plan aimed at cushioning the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on most vulnerable Micro Small Medium Enterprises across the country.
The President said other initiatives targeted at the youths included N-POWER which had engaged 500,000 beneficiaries with 400,000 more in December.
He said 10,000 youths had been trained and benefitted under N-TECH and N-AGRO respectively.
The President said the federal government FINTECH created enabling environment for growth of businesses that use technology to enhance or automate financial services and processes.
He said over two million farmers, traders, mostly youths, were empowered under FARMERMONI, TRADERMONI and MARKETMONI.
The President said over 500,000 youths had also benefited from the Graduate Internship Scheme which provides short-term employment graduates.
He said 1,000 farmers from each of the 774 LGAs in the country were empowered and guided under the Youth Entrepreneurship Support programme.
Also, Governor Abdulrazaq thanked the President for the initiative of directing ministers to interact with the people at the state level.
He prayed for peace, unity and stability of the country.
Emir of Ilorin said the town-hall meeting was a good forum for the people to express their minds and grievances to government.
News
Nigeria, Saudi Arabia Seal New Defence Cooperation Deal to Boost Security
Nigeria, Saudi Arabia Seal New Defence Cooperation Deal to Boost Security
The Federal Government of Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening defence and military cooperation between both nations.
According to a statement issued by Ahmed Dan Wudil, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of State for Defence, the agreement establishes a framework for strategic collaboration in key areas including military training, intelligence sharing, defence production, joint operations, and broader security development initiatives.
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The pact was signed on behalf of Nigeria by the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Mohammed Bello Matawalle, while Dr. Khaleed H. Al-Biyari represented the Government of Saudi Arabia.
The statement described the MoU as a major milestone in strengthening Nigeria–Saudi Arabia defence relations, enhancing cooperation on emerging threats, and improving collective capacity to manage evolving security challenges.
The Defence Ministry expressed optimism that the partnership will support existing efforts to combat insecurity across parts of the country. It added that the collaboration underscores Nigeria’s commitment to building strong international alliances in pursuit of national and regional stability.
Nigeria, Saudi Arabia Seal New Defence Cooperation Deal to Boost Security
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BREAKING: Senate Approves Tinubu’s Request to Deploy Nigerian Troops to Benin
BREAKING: Senate Approves Tinubu’s Request to Deploy Nigerian Troops to Benin
The Nigerian Senate has granted President Bola Tinubu approval to deploy Nigerian troops to the Republic of Benin as part of a regional peacekeeping mission aimed at stabilising the neighbouring country after a recent failed coup attempt.
The Senate said the decision was necessary to safeguard democracy in Benin and prevent a potential influx of refugees through the Nigeria–Benin border should instability escalate.
President Tinubu’s request, contained in a letter dated 8 December 2025, was read during Tuesday’s plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The President hinged the deployment request on Section 5(5) of the Nigerian Constitution, which empowers him to seek legislative approval for external military engagement.
When Akpabio subjected the motion to a voice vote, senators unanimously endorsed the request, giving the President full backing to proceed with the mission.
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Akpabio explained that the deployment was made at the formal request of the Benin Republic government, which sought Nigeria’s assistance in restoring stability following a brief takeover attempt by renegade soldiers.
The crisis erupted on Sunday when a group of soldiers announced that they had overthrown President Patrice Talon’s democratically elected government. The coup was swiftly neutralised by Beninese authorities, with the soldiers arrested within hours of their broadcast.
In response to the attempted takeover, President Tinubu had earlier deployed Nigerian military fighter jets in support of Benin’s loyalist forces, helping to secure critical national assets and reinforce regional defence obligations.
The Senate’s approval now provides constitutional backing for the continuation of Nigeria’s military involvement in Benin, marking a significant step in West Africa’s ongoing efforts to counter unconstitutional changes of government.
BREAKING: Senate Approves Tinubu’s Request to Deploy Nigerian Troops to Benin
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BREAKING: Tinubu Seeks Senate Approval to Deploy Nigerian Troops After Benin Coup Attempt
BREAKING: Tinubu Seeks Senate Approval to Deploy Nigerian Troops After Benin Coup Attempt
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally requested the approval of the Nigerian Senate to deploy Nigerian troops to the Republic of Benin following the recent failed coup attempt in the neighbouring country.
The request, conveyed in a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Tuesday’s plenary, was made pursuant to Section 5(5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which mandates Senate consent for external combat deployment. Tinubu said the move followed an official plea from the Beninese government after its security apparatus came under threat.
According to the President, the deployment aligns with Nigeria’s longstanding “ties of friendship and brotherhood” with Benin and reflects the nation’s commitment to regional peacekeeping, stability, and democratic governance in West Africa.
Coup Attempt in Benin and Nigeria’s Response
The crisis erupted when soldiers under the banner of the Military Committee for Refoundation, led by Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri, seized the state television station in Cotonou and announced the overthrow of President Patrice Talon. They declared the dissolution of state institutions and closure of borders.
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In response to a direct request from Benin, Nigeria swiftly deployed fighter jets and ground forces to assist loyalist troops in retaking key installations. The intervention, supported by the ECOWAS Standby Force, helped dislodge the mutineers and restore constitutional order.
Benin’s government later confirmed that the coup attempt had been foiled, with several of the plotters fleeing. The incident occurred as the country prepares for its April 2026 presidential election, sparking renewed concerns about political stability across the sub-region.
Senate Debate and Regional Implications
Tinubu’s request has stirred debate among legal analysts and political commentators. While supporters argue that the President acted within constitutional limits due to the urgency of the situation, critics question whether deploying troops abroad without prior approval is permissible under Nigerian law.
The unfolding situation carries significant implications for ECOWAS security, Nigeria’s leadership role in West Africa, and future responses to rising instability across the region. With multiple coups in neighbouring nations in recent years, the swift action in Benin is seen as a renewed effort to deter unconstitutional power grabs.
The Senate is expected to formally deliberate on the President’s request within the constitutionally required timeframe.
BREAKING: Tinubu Seeks Senate Approval to Deploy Nigerian Troops After Benin Coup Attempt
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