Nigerians in the media and social media space have met with a team from the federal government delegation led by the Honourable Minister for Information, Mohammed Idris, as part of preparations for President Tinubu’s State Visit to the United Kingdom.

The event, which occurred at the Hilton London Kensington on Sunday, March 15, 2026, brought together media professionals in the diaspora. 

The event gave Nigerians in the diaspora, particularly those in the media, the opportunity to engage with members of President Tinubu’s delegation. It also provided an opportunity for the media practitioners to introduce themselves and discuss germane issues affecting the country, and outline how to promote Nigeria in the UK.

Some of the figures present include the Honourable Minister for Solid Minerals, Dele Alake. Also, some members of the Nigerian in Diaspora (NIDO), present at the gathering, were Lady Jane Ezeolu, the Vice Chairman, Honourable Judy, the first Vice-Chair of CANUK, Honourable Ibinabo Idugan (Deputy Secretary, CANUK), DJ Jaiddo, Lady Joy and Lady Oby.

Journalists who attended the gathering include Femi Oke, the Director-General of BellaNaija, and Adeniyi Taiwo, a journalist who works with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), among others.

Speaking during the event, Honourable Minister for Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, disclosed that the Federal government has injected 3.5 billion dollars worth of gold into the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The minister added that in the market, Nigerian gold remains one of the finest and most sought-after.

He added that Nigeria now has a gold refining company that is domiciled at the Lekki Free Trade Zone in Lagos, which is capable of refining gold up to 99.9 percent which he claimed was hitherto available in Canada and a few other countries.

Alake further revealed that he has approved more gold refining companies in different geopolitical zones of the country. 

The minister also said most of the operators who were previously extracting and shipping out the materials now have their own processing plants in Nigeria, a development he claimed has attracted over $1.3 billion in investment in Nigeria.

The attendees expressed their readiness for Tinubu’s State Visit to the UK.

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has listed 12 economic achievements made by his administration as part of the Independence Anniversary celebrations.

Tinubu revealed this during his speech as the nation marks its 65th Independence Anniversary today.

According to the President, the key achievements are: record-breaking increase in non-oil revenue, restoration of fiscal health as manifested in reduced debt service-to-revenue ratio, stronger Foreign Reserve, and increased tax-to-Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio. 

It also includes an Increased export drive leading to the strengthening of the currency and job creation, increased oil production up to 1.6 million barrels per day, and domestic refining, N330 billion social investment programme for poor households and a Rise in coal mining activities.

He also noted that his administration has made great strides in the expansion of rail, road, air and sea transport infrastructure, improved sovereign credit rating through a boom in oil stock market, and a slash in the interest rate, which he claims for the first time in five years by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Tinubu, in his Independence Day speech, said the youths are the greatest assets of Nigeria, while charging them to dream big, innovate and conquer territories in their various fields of endeavour.

He said, “You are the future and the greatest assets of this blessed country. You must continue to dream big, innovate, and conquer more territories in your various fields of science, technology, sports, and the art and creative sector.”

“Our administration, through policies and funding, will continue to give you wings to fly sky-high. “We created NELFUND to support students with loans for their educational pursuits. Approximately 510,000 students in 36 states and the FCT have benefited from this initiative, covering 228 higher institutions. As of September 10, the total loan disbursed was N99.5 billion, while the upkeep allowance stood at N44.7 billion.

Credicorp, another initiative of our administration, has granted 153,000 Nigerians N30 billion affordable loans for vehicles, solar energy, home upgrades, digital devices, and more. “YouthCred, which I promised last June, is a reality, with tens of thousands of NYSC members now active beneficiaries of consumer credit for resettlement.”

The President promised to build a Nigeria that offers all the young people equal opportunities irrespective of their backgrounds. 

“Under our Renewed Hope Agenda, we promised to build a Nigeria where every young person, regardless of background, has an equitable opportunity to access a better future, thus, the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) programme. The Bank of Industry is driving the programme,  in collaboration with the African Development Bank, the French Development Agency, and the Islamic Development Bank. This initiative is at the cusp of implementation. Over the last two years, we have collaborated with our partners to launch the programme, supporting our young builders and dreamers in the technology and creative sectors,” Tinubu noted.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has cancelled the Independence Anniversary parade, previously scheduled to mark the 65th Independence on Wednesday, 1st October. 

According to a statement released by the Director, Information & Public Relations, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), Segun Imohiosen, the sudden cancellation does not reduce the significance of the anniversary. The government maintained that it is committed to celebrating Nigeria’s 65th year of independence with dignity and enthusiasm.

The statement affirmed that all other programmes slated for the Independence Anniversary will remain in effect. The Government deeply regrets any inconvenience caused by this cancellation.

The federal government thanked Nigerians, members of the diplomatic community, and guests for their constant support, understanding and cooperation. 

The statement read in part, “The Federal Government appreciates the understanding, support and cooperation of all Nigerians, members of the diplomatic community, and invited guests, and urges Nigerians to support the reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR in making Nigeria a greater nation.”

The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, October 1, 2025, a public holiday to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary. 

The Lagos Voice reports that this year’s anniversary is tagged “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” activities for celebration has begun with prayer at mosques and churches. 

The declaration was made by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in a statement signed and released on Monday by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani. 

According to the statement, Tunji-Ojo congratulated Nigerians at home and in the diaspora, urging citizens to uphold the patriotic spirit, unity, and resilience that have sustained the nation since 1960.

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has reacted to the brutal murder of Arise TV News anchor, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, who died during a robbery attack at her residence in Katampe, Abuja, in the early hours of Monday.

The management of Arise News Channel confirmed the death of Somtochukwu in a statement signed and released by Hadiza Usman-Ajayi on Monday evening. 

Obi described Somtochukwu as a brilliant young anchor who was killed in the most painful circumstances.

He wrote, “I am deeply saddened by the tragic and untimely death of Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, a brilliant young anchor with Arise News, who was killed in the most painful circumstances during a robbery attack in Abuja.”

The former Anambra governor noted that the deceased had distinguished herself as a “gifted broadcaster and trained lawyer whose voice engaged, informed, and inspired many.” He described her death as not only a personal loss to her family and colleagues but a huge blow to journalism and the entire country.

“Her loss is not only a personal tragedy to her family and colleagues but also a huge blow to journalism and to our nation, which continues to lose its brightest to insecurity and violence. This heartbreaking incident once again highlights the urgent need for us as a country to prioritise the safety and security of every citizen. No Nigerian should go to bed fearful of what the night may bring, or lose their life in such senseless ways,” he said.

Obi also prayed for the repose of her soul and expressed his condolences to her family and the Arise news management and staff. 

“My thoughts and prayers are with her grieving family, the Arise News family, and all who mourn her. May her soul rest in peace, and may we, as a nation, work harder to build a country where lives are valued and protected. -PO,” he concluded.

In the same vein, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has also expressed his condolences to the family of Somtochukwu and the management and staff of Arise TV News channel. He wrote on his X page (formerly Twitter), 

“I wish to express my deepest condolences to the family of Ms Somtochukwu Maduagwu, an Arise TV newscaster who was killed in an armed robbery attack in Abuja. My condolences also go to the management and staff of @ARISEtv . It is my prayer that the family, friends and colleagues be comforted by this loss at such a very young age. -AA”

Arise TV News anchor, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, has been confirmed dead following a robbery attack at her residence in Katampe, Abuja, in the early hours of Monday.

Maduagwu, 29, a lawyer-turned-broadcaster until her death, worked as an anchor, reporter and producer with Arise News Channel. The deceased joined the station as a rising voice in journalism, known for her professionalism and passion for storytelling.

The sad news of her passing was confirmed by the management of Arise News, which described her as “a vibrant voice that engaged and connected with our viewers” and “a cherished member of the Arise News family.” 

The full statement, signed by Hadiza Usman-Ajayi on behalf of the management, read,

“It is with heavy hearts that the management and staff of the ARISE News Channel announce the passing of our beloved colleague, News Anchor, Reporter and Producer, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu.”

“Sommie tragically passed away in the early hours of Monday, September 29, 2025 following an armed robbery incident in her residence in Katampe area of Abuja that is being investigated by the Nigeria Police. Sommie, 29, was not only a cherished member of the ARISE News family but also a vibrant voice that engaged and connected with our viewers. Beyond the airwaves, Sommie was a lawyer who was a professional and supportive colleague and a friend to many.”

“We extend our deepest condolences to Sommie’s parents, siblings, extended family, friends, and loved ones at this difficult time. Sommie’s voice is now silent but her spirit, passion and legacy will endure as part of our collective memory. We remain in shock and call for a speedy investigation, apprehension and prosecution of the culprits. Hadiza Usman-Ajayi For Management”

The tragic news of her death has once again ignited fears of growing insecurity in Nigeria, as many of her colleagues and Nigerians pay tribute to her on social media.

The Federal Government has disbursed N330 billion in cash transfers to poor and vulnerable Nigerians through the National Social Safety-Net Coordinating Office (NASSCO). 

This was disclosed on Wednesday in Abuja by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, at a meeting of the Special Presidential Panel on the Social Investment Programme.

Edun said, “We are pleased to report that the social protection programme put in place as a safety net to help people cope with the rising price level is now firmly back on track.” 

“About 19.7 million poor and vulnerable households, representing more than 70 million individuals, are captured in the National Social Register. “The cash transfers, funded from the 800 million dollars World Bank facility, were disbursed to 15 million households. “So far, 8.5 million households have received at least one tranche of N25,000, while some have received two or three payments. “The remaining seven million households will be paid before the end of the year,” he said.

The minister also stated that the programme is based on a robust and sustainable system, with beneficiaries verified through their National Identity Numbers (NIN) and payments made digitally via bank accounts or mobile wallets.

The Lagos State Government has reacted to an alleged viral video of some students presumed to be from Excel College, Ejigbo, smoking and consuming alcohol within the school’s dormitory. 

The Lagos Voice reports that the video recently went viral online sparking reactions from social media users and stakeholders in the education sector.

The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, in a statement released on the state’s official X (formerly Twitter) page, frowned at such acts, saying “it goes against the core values and behavioural standards expected within the educational system of Lagos State.”

“We wish to inform the public that the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MBSE), via the relevant agency, Office of Education Quality Assurance (OEQA), is fully aware of the content of the video and has commenced a thorough investigation into the matter. Our Monitoring and Investigation team has been dispatched to verify the authenticity of the video, confirm the identities of those involved, and determine the level of institutional oversight.”

He also promised that the government is already liaising with the school authorities to gather all the facts, and any school found culpable will be dealt with in accordance with Lagos State’s education policies and regulations.

The Commissioner added, “The safety, well-being, and moral values of all students remain paramount to the Lagos State Government. We are committed to ensuring that all learning environments are safe, disciplined, and conducive to the academic and moral growth of every learner.