General News
A Speech By His Majesty, Britain’s King, Charles III, during President Bola Tinubu and First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s State Visit to the United Kingdom, on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
Your Excellency, Mr President, and Distinguished First Lady,
Ekabo. Se Daaa Daa Ni. (Greetings! I hope you are well.)
My wife and I are delighted to welcome you to Windsor Castle here on this occasion. We are most grateful to you for travelling during this holy month, which, I acknowledge, is no small sacrifice, and so it is my particular pleasure to wish you, Mr President, peace, blessings, and an abundance of joy.
During my most recent visit to Nigeria in 2018, when I was fortunate enough to be able to spend some time with your highly respected traditional leaders, the Sultan of Sokoto, the Ooni of Ife, Onitsha, Warri, and The Emir of Kano, it was self-evident that while the warmth of the Nigerian welcome remains constant, the country itself is transforming at a remarkable pace. Nigeria hasn’t merely changed. It has arrived. Yours is now a nation of over two hundred and thirty million people, half of whom are under eighteen, with the energy, ingenuity, ambition, and resolve to address the great challenges of our age.
We in the United Kingdom are blessed that so many people of Nigerian heritage, having chosen Britain as their home, are now at the heart of British life through excelling at the highest levels of business, technology, academia, law, science, sport, literature, and the arts, and public service.
I have met so many of these quiet heroes in our schools, businesses, National Health Service, and universities, including countless young people who have flourished through the work of my King’s Trust over the last fifty years. Only last week, I was delighted to host a rather lively group of them for a ‘Jollof and Tea’ Party at St. James’s Palace. I was firmly assured that the Jollof was only the best: Nigerian, of course… or perhaps Ghanaian or Senegalese. Diplomatically, I cannot remember!
But who could have imagined that, when I first visited Nigeria thirty-six years ago today, so many of those I might have met would have gone on to have such an impact in the United Kingdom. From Afrobeats filling our concert halls and Nollywood captivating our screens, to stars competing in our Premier League and adjudicating our highest courts, so much of Britain’s culture is, in truth, profoundly enriched by Nigeria. Whether they are Nigerians who have chosen Britain as their adopted place to invest, trade or study, or Britons who cherish their personal connection to Nigeria, they all represent a living bridge of over half a million people who connect our nations, Mr President, and help make our cultures richer, our shared security stronger, and our economies more prosperous.
We are proud that so many great examples of this living bridge join us this evening.
As the connections between our nations deepen every day, so too do the economic ties. Your visit has provided the opportunity to celebrate the fact that Nigeria is investing in Britain’s future as much as Britain is investing in Nigeria’s – leading Nigerian banks have chosen the City of London as a global base, examples of the best Nigerian companies have listed on London’s Stock Exchange, and UK Export Finance is supporting investment in Nigeria’s ports. In education, British schools and universities are opening their doors in Nigeria, and British and Nigerian technology companies are forming ever closer partnerships. I was pleased to see that visitors from Nigeria spent £178 million in Britain in 2024, and 251,000 people from Britain travelled to Nigeria and spent just as much, in return. In January of this year, Nigeria became the United Kingdom’s biggest export market in Africa and whilst I hear that in Nigeria the phrase ‘Made in UK.’ has always symbolised the highest quality, it evidently now has a distinctively Nigerian flavour…
The friendship between our two countries, Mr President, is a partnership of equals that has brought us both enormous benefits. It has been described to me as a deeply spiritual connection – beyond churches and mosques – a deep bond through which we have strengthened our shared security, ensured our economies are more prosperous, and empowered each other to believe in a more hopeful future.
The many dynamic connections between our two nations have deep roots and yet I do not pretend that those roots are without a shadow. There are chapters in our shared history that I know have left some painful marks. I do not seek to offer words that dissolve the past, for no words can. But I do believe, as I know you believe, Mr President, that history is not merely a record of what was done to us – it is a lesson in how we go forward together to continue building a future rooted in hope and growth for all, and worthy of those who bore the pains of the past.
This afternoon, in another part of the Castle, Mr President, you and I witnessed one such example of how we are learning from one another when we met leaders of the British Christian and Muslim communities. The gathering was a deeply meaningful symbol of what Nigeria has long shown: that people of different faiths can, do, and must live alongside one another, in peace, in harmony and in shared purpose. It was also a timely reminder of the importance of standing with you – and in us strengthening your Quick Reaction Forces, or in providing food, nutrition and protection services in Northern Nigeria – when challenges disturb the age-old balance between these communities.
Your nation, Mr President, is an economic powerhouse, a cultural force and an influential diplomatic voice from a continent that is playing an increasingly important role in the world. In a vastly interconnected global environment, one that is changing at unimaginable speed, that leadership brings responsibility – and opportunity. I heed the Yoruba wisdom – and forgive me if I say it in English… that “rain does not fall on one roof alone”. As you observed so astutely before the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa in 2024, “if we didn’t have this global alliance… of fifty-six member states, 2.7 billion people and a combined G.D.P. forecast soon to surpass twenty trillion U.S. dollars… there would be a need to create one”. I believe firmly that, when rain clouds gather, we can tighten the grip of friendship between us and, in so doing, reinforce the central role of the Commonwealth in our shared future.
As the world changes, these are lessons we must heed now more than ever. As the Hausa saying goes, “When the music changes, so does the dance”. We can learn from Nigeria, and the best of the UK and Nigeria’s partnership, and harness the advantage that comes from our common languages, our similar legal systems, and the web of cultural ties and spiritual connections that provide such deep trust between us, and look to the future and learn new dance steps, together.
Mr President, you have spoken, in particular, of the importance of expanding intra- Commonwealth trade by creating shared standards, regulatory and digital alignment, and removing barriers that deter investment – as the U.K. and Nigeria’s Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership is just such an example – so that our economies can grow, in harmony with Nature, and create the millions of jobs our citizens need. So as we look towards C.H.O.G.M this year, I hope far from being past its time we can demonstrate that the Commonwealth’s time has come, as you so rightly said. In achieving that, my wife and I will gain strength from seeing Nigeria take her rightful place at the heart of the Commonwealth and to standing alongside you as a friend, who believes the future is best when built together. As the Igbo say, “Knowledge is never complete two heads are better than one”.
So as I close, Mr President, in anticipation of Eid El-Fitr in Nigeria and across the world, I can only wish you and the millions of Muslims in our countries, Eid Mubarak.
And, in doing so, let me propose a toast,
To the President and people of Nigeria –
“Naija No Dey Carry Last!” (Nigerians Never Come Last)
General News
101-Year-Old Great-Grandmother Arrested For Selling Cannabis in Ogun, NDLEA Nabs N4.4BN ‘Loud’ in Lagos Ports
By Felix Umande
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have arrested a 101-year-old great-grandmother, Esther Ogunmabo, for allegedly dealing in cannabis in Ilisan, Ogun State, even as the agency intercepted more than 1.49 tonnes of “Loud” worth over N4.4 billion at Lagos ports.
The arrest and seizures were disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday as part of the agency’s latest nationwide crackdown.
Ogunmabo was arrested on August 15, 2026, with 90 grammes of skunk, a strain of cannabis.
According to the NDLEA, she admitted selling the substance in small quantities.
The centenarian reportedly told investigators that she resorted to drug dealing after a fire destroyed her provisions shop. She also disclosed that her daughter, who lives in Lagos, supplied her with cannabis every four days.
Following the arrest, NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), directed that Ogunmabo be granted bail and subjected to counselling because of her advanced age. Her daughter was subsequently arrested.
In a separate operation in Akwa Ibom State, NDLEA operatives intercepted a wooden boat allegedly heading towards fishing settlements in Cameroon. Three suspects were arrested with about 42.622 kilogrammes of illicit drugs.
The seizure included about 42.06kg of skunk, alongside other quantities of cannabis and 20 grammes of cocaine concealed inside a large wrap of edible cassava fufu.
The agency also announced what it described as its first seizure of illicit drugs shipped from Thailand through Nigeria’s maritime corridor.
Two containers containing cannabis indica, popularly known as “Loud,” were intercepted at the Apapa and Lekki ports in Lagos.
One container, declared to contain dry fish, rice, vehicle spare parts, turmeric soap and inverter batteries, was found to contain 1,090.5kg of the illicit substance.
A second container yielded another 400kg, bringing the combined quantity to more than 1.49 tonnes with an estimated street value exceeding N4.4bn.
The NDLEA said its operatives also recovered methamphetamine, skunk, opioids and other illicit substances during intelligence-led operations across Seme in Lagos State, Akwa Ibom, Ondo, Oyo, Kwara, Kano, Abia and the Federal Capital Territory.
The agency said the operations highlight the increasingly varied methods allegedly used by traffickers to move narcotics, including concealing cocaine in food items and disguising large consignments in containers declared as legitimate goods.
The NDLEA said it would continue to intensify operations against drug trafficking networks across the country, targeting both street-level dealers and larger supply chains involved in importing and distributing illicit substances.
By Nick Ibe
As another fake government agency, National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Special Project Office has been exposed, Anambra State Government has revealed how they erroneously got involved with it.
According to Mrs Chiamaka Nnake, Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Anambra was planning to host a fair in collaboration with the recently exposed fake Made-in-Nigeria Agency.
Mrs Nnake stated that the agency had tricked the government into hosting its maiden fair, which was billed to hold in December.
She further revealed how she was nominated as the state Focal Person for the agency, by Governor Chukwuma Soludo to represent the state in the fake agency.
The SSG was had to state her side of the story after her photograph went viral as the state Focal Person for the agency.
Nnake said:
“I wish to clarify the circumstances surrounding the trending news concerning the purported ‘Made-in-Nigeria Agency,’ in which my photograph has been displayed and I have been identified as one of the State Coordinators.
“In January 2026, the Governor received a letter from the Made-in-Nigeria Office, said to be under the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, requesting the nomination of a State Focal Person. In response, the Governor, in February 2026, nominated me as the State Focal Person for Anambra State.
“Following the nominations, Focal Persons from the 36 states have been in a WhatsApp group engaging on issues relating to the activities of the office.
“More recently, the same office wrote to the State requesting that Anambra host the South-East Made-in-Nigeria Fair. The request was approved, and an inaugural meeting was held about two weeks ago, with the National Coordinator in attendance.
“Since then, the State Committee has been working on preparations for the fair, which is scheduled to take place from December 2 to 5, 2026.
“Beyond these official interactions and engagements, I have no knowledge of, involvement in, or connection with any other activities, claims, or developments attributed to the said office.
“I, therefore, wish to make it clear that anything beyond the above-mentioned official interactions is entirely outside my knowledge and involvement.”
General News
Alia Swears In 7 New Commissioners, Charges Them To Deliver ‘Results, NOT Rhetoric’ For Benue
By Felix Umande
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, on Thursday, August 21, 2026, swore in seven new commissioners, charging them to prioritize competence, integrity and service delivery over personal or political interests.
The swearing-in ceremony was held at the Old Banquet Hall, Government House, Makurdi.
The newly confirmed commissioners are: Hon. Chief Solomon Terver Iorpev; Hon. Mrs. Elizabeth Onma Ogenyi; Hon. Kuma Aii Yenge; Hon. Roy Ashirga Terna; Hon. Angwa Egbe Monday; Hon. Nick Eworo; and Hon. Amo Ankwa.
Addressing the appointees, Governor Alia said their emergence was “not merely an elevation to public office. It is a call to service; a solemn trust; and an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the development, stability and prosperity of our dear State.”
He reminded them that the oath of office was a commitment to the people of Benue, not to friends or interest groups.
“The people expect competence. They expect integrity. They expect fairness, accountability and diligence. Above all, they expect a government that listens to them, understands their challenges and works tirelessly to improve their lives,” the Governor said.
Alia urged the new commissioners to work as a cohesive team, stressing that government cannot function when Ministries, Departments and Agencies operate in silos.
“Your ministries may differ in mandate, but our destination is one, whether you are responsible for industries, sports, humanitarian, science, works, information or any other sector, your work must ultimately contribute to the same objective: a stronger, more prosperous, peaceful and sustainable Benue State,” he said.
He charged them to communicate, cooperate and share ideas, warning that “the success of one ministry strengthens the entire government, while the failure of one sector can affect the credibility of our whole administration.”
The Governor acknowledged that the task ahead would be difficult, with competing demands and limited resources. He urged them to remain focused, consult widely, and “always put the public interest first.”
Alia assured them of his administration’s support but stressed that it comes with expectations.
“I expect you to be accessible to the people. Listen to their concerns. Visit your villages and interact with electorates… Our people deserve results, give us results,” he said.
He also called for innovation in governance, urging the use of technology, data and modern management to make public service more efficient.
Governor Alia reminded the commissioners that public office is temporary but legacies endure.
“Be ministers of service, not merely holders of office. Be accessible without compromising authority. Be firm without being arrogant. Be compassionate without compromising standards. Be ambitious for Benue, but humble in your service to her people,” he stated.
He concluded that at the end of their tenure, what should matter is “not the number of meetings you attended or the length of your speeches, but the difference your ministry made in the lives of ordinary Benue people.”
The appointments are part of Governor Alia’s administration’s drive anchored on “renewed hope, responsible governance, development and service to the people.”
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