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
PFIPC Gate: ‘Deputy Speaker House of Reps, Kalu Reveals Encounter with Adeyemi and His Team
By Nick Ibe, Abuja
Benjamin Kalu,
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, has revealed how he met with the Director-General of the fictitious Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, Adeniyi Adeyemi and his team.
The politician from Abia state narrated how he met with Adeyemi in his office after receiving what appeared to be an official letter bearing the Presidency’s insignia.
Speaking during Wednesday’s plenary in support of a motion seeking an investigation into the activities of the alleged council, Kalu said he was among those deceived by the group’s claims of legitimacy. He said:
“I rise this morning to support the motion that has been properly moved by my friend and brother from Plateau State. It is quite embarrassing that people have the kind of boldness exhibited, moving around with what is not in existence, carrying themselves as if they are a legal entity.”
Kalu added that his office received a letter dated May 2, 2025, on a letterhead bearing the Presidency and identifying the sender as the Director-General of both the Presidential Economic Advisory Council, PEAC, and the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, PFIPC.
“On the 2nd of May, 2025, my office got a letter. That letter had the Presidency on top of the letterhead. It had the Office of the Director-General, the Presidential Economic Advisory Council and the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council. Two councils under one DG,” he said.
According to him, although some aspects of the letter raised doubts, it contained what appeared to be authentic details, including an address at the Federal Secretariat Complex and a government website.
“When I saw this, I looked down at the letterhead. I saw the Federal Secretariat Complex, Phase 3, 2nd Floor, Central Business District. I also saw the website, pfipc.gov.ng. It was a bit confusing for me. Some of the information looked credible, some did not,” Kalu stated.
The deputy speaker stated that he directed members of his team to verify the office address before approving a meeting with the group.
“I sent my team to go and verify the existence of this organisation at the said address. They came back confirming that this organisation was in the said location. I then gave approval for them to come and have the interaction they had written for,” he said.
Kalu explained that the visitors had requested a meeting to discuss constitutional amendment, economic governance, legislative priorities and collaboration on foreign investment, but the discussion took a different direction.
“They said they wanted to discuss the 10th House of Representatives Constitution Amendment process and its implications for economic governance, legislative priorities that can enhance investor confidence, and areas of collaboration between the National Assembly and the Council to drive foreign investment,” he said.
However, he added, “When they came and started engaging, the issues they mentioned in the letter were not what they engaged on. They did not talk about the Constitution that we were amending. They were more about photo taking.”
The Deputy Speaker said the experience underscored the need for stricter verification of organisations claiming government affiliation.
“This goes on to show that a beautiful letterhead that has the Presidency is no longer confirmation that an agency is legal. It goes to show that an address that shows Federal Secretariat does not mean that that particular agency is legal,” he said.
He urged lawmakers to support the motion and conduct a thorough investigation into how the alleged council operated.
“It is our duty, based on Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution, to dig deeper into this matter. I urge members to support this motion for the House to show Nigerians that we are in support of transparency and accountability in governance,” Kalu added.
Reports show that the council’s appearance as one of the beneficiaries in the 2026 Appropriation Act sparked nationwide controversy despite the Presidency insisting that no such agency exists under the Federal Government.
As public outrage intensified over the agency’s inclusion in the federal budget, Tinubu directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to investigate how the council was inserted into the 2026 Appropriation Act despite not being recognised by the Federal Government.
The President also ordered that everyone found culpable in the alleged budget insertion be identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
While the outcome of that probe is being awaited, what is clear is the porous nature of the government system that had been invaded at the highest levels without detection: opening bank accounts with the CBN and about 34 commercial banks.
What is clear is that not all may have come out to the public domain about the activities of Adeyemi, who was reportedly arrested in 2025 but wriggled himself out to continue with his illegal activities well into 2026 before the hunt for him again.
By Michael Lim
Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), Minister of Defence, on Wednesday directed security personnel engaged in counter-terrorism and anti-banditry operations not to hesitate in confronting armed criminals, warning that any operative who fails to act under the guise of awaiting orders would be treated as aiding the enemy.
While commissioning the security assets procured by the Sokoto State Government, the minister stressed that troops must take decisive action against terrorists and bandits whenever the situation demands.
“Once you are deployed, do not wait for any order from anybody to shoot any bandit or any terrorist,” he advised.
“Anybody who refuses to shoot or kill any bandit or terrorist in the name of waiting for an order, we will treat you like a bandit. This is a general order.”
The minister gave the directive as the Sokoto State Government unveiled a N27.6 billion security intervention package comprising armoured personnel carriers, tactical vehicles and 300 motorcycles to strengthen security operations across the state.
The equipment was commissioned at the Giginya Memorial Stadium by the defence minister in the presence of senior military officers, security chiefs, traditional rulers, government officials and residents.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu while presenting the procurement said it is one of the state’s largest security investments, aimed at supporting the operational capacity of security agencies in tackling banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and other violent crimes.
The intervention, according to him, forms part of his administration’s broader strategy to restore peace and protect lives and property, particularly in border communities and rural areas affected by insecurity.
He noted that security remains the foundation for sustainable development, adding that economic growth, agriculture and social progress cannot thrive in an atmosphere of fear and instability.
Aliyu said the newly acquired armoured vehicles and motorcycles would improve rapid response, intelligence gathering, surveillance and troop mobility, especially in difficult terrains.
He appreciated President Bola Tinubu, the Armed Forces and other security agencies for their continued support in combating insecurity, pledging that the state would sustain investments that complement federal security efforts.
He further commended Gen. Musa for his leadership and commitment to the fight against terrorism and banditry. In recognition of his contributions to national security, Aliyu inaugurated a major road in the Sokoto metropolis and named it General Christopher Musa Road.
Gen. Musa, in his response, praised the Sokoto State Government for prioritising security, describing the investment as a demonstration of visionary leadership and commitment to public safety.
He added that the fight against insecurity requires collaboration among the federal, state and local governments, as well as active support from citizens.
The defence minister noted that the newly commissioned assets would enhance operational effectiveness and boost the morale of security personnel deployed across Sokoto State and the wider North-West region.
The minister chsrged residents to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies, stressing that community participation remains vital to addressing emerging security threats.
Musa assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces remain committed to eliminating criminal elements and restoring lasting peace across the country.
The ceremony ended with the inspection and symbolic handover of the security assets to relevant security agencies, with participants describing the intervention as a major boost to Sokoto State’s security architecture and the national campaign against insecurity
By Felix Umande, Makurdi
The Benue State Police Command has arrested a 23-year-old man, Abdullahi Usman, in connection with the killing of a lecturer at Benue State University, Professor Gabriel Saawua Nyityo, and his younger brother in Makurdi.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday in Makurdi.
According to the statement, operatives attached to the ‘D’ Division responded to a distress call from the Adaka axis in the early hours of Wednesday and discovered two bodies at a residence in the Adaka community of Makurdi Local Government Area.
“The victims are Prof. Gabriel Saawua Nyityo, ‘m’, 58yrs, and his younger brother, Iorngee John Nyityo, ‘m’, 19yrs. They were killed by unknown gunmen,” DSP Edet said.
The police said the suspect, Abdullahi Usman, 23, of Awe, Nasarawa State, has been arrested in connection with the crime.
“The suspect has been arrested in connection with the crime and investigation is still going on to get the remaining suspects,” the statement read.
Sources said the gunmen stormed the professor’s residence while he was asleep and attacked both him and his brother.
Prof. Nyityo was a lecturer in the Department of History. Although lecturers at the university are currently on strike, news of his killing has sent shockwaves through the Adaka community and the wider university community.
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