NEWS
FG denounces security alert issued by US, UK, others on Nigeria
By Funmilayo Olusanya
The Federal Government has rejected the United States (U.S.) and the United Kingdom (U.K.) “unverified security alerts” sent to their people in Nigeria on Sunday through their embassies.
At a ministerial panel of the ongoing UNESCO Media and Information Literacy Week yesterday in Abuja, the minister of information, culture, and tourism, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, denounced the act.
The minister also criticized some regional media organizations and social media for disseminating security alerts without investigating their veracity and ramifications.
Mohammed was a panelist at the UNESCO session themed “National Media and Information Literacy Frameworks, Sustaining Beyond Disinformation’’ moderated by Dr Tawfik Jelassi, Assistant Director-General Communication and Information Sector, UNESCO.
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Isa Pantami, the minister of communication and the digital economy, Goodluck Opiah, the minister of state for education, and UK Minister of tech and the digital economy Damian Collins were also panelists, but they spoke electronically.
Mohammed stated during his presentation that the embassies’ warning, which did not accurately reflect the security situation, could lead to unnecessarily high levels of anxiety.
He also criticized the media outlets that seized on the unconfirmed security alert to drive traffic to their websites without taking the impact on the nation into account.
The minister said: “Some media outlets and social media personalities are usually caught spreading unverified information on their platforms just for click-bait and the attendant monetary gain.
“Talking of click bait, this may be what informed the spread of the supposed security alert issued recently by some foreign embassies in Nigeria.
“One would imagine that if indeed this kind of security alert was issued, it was for the attention of citizens of the issuing countries in Nigeria.
“Suddenly, this alert found its way into the media, both new and traditional, thus creating panic in the polity.
“Schools were shut. Businesses were closed. Travel plans were altered. Lives were disrupted. No one cared to find out about the authenticity of these alerts.
“They just published, got the benefit of massive click bait and damned the consequences.”
He reiterated his position that the country “is safer today than at any time in recent times’’, with the efforts and sacrifices of the military.
According to him, troops had been proactive and as far as insecurity is concerned, the worst is over for Nigeria.
Urging Nigerians not to panic but to be alert at all times, Mohammed said: “We do not discountenance the fact that terrorists, bandits and their kind would always want to do whatever it takes to disrupt our nation’s peace, security and stability.
“Well, I can assure all that our military and other security agencies have continued to do everything possible to secure and protect Nigerians and foreigners living in Nigeria.
“Terrorists have been hard hit and put on the run. Bandits have been decimated and scattered,’’ he said.
Speaking on the theme of the session, the minister defined disinformation as “a deliberate act to spread falsehood with extreme consequences on national peace, security and stability.’’
He said the threat of disinformation to national and global peace and stability is glaring, as it undermines the trust by citizens in the system.
The minister said people must join hands to address the scourge of disinformation that was threatening global existence.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The development was disclosed on Friday by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President.
Akwa Ibom occupies a strategic position in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, with major federal investments expected to strengthen infrastructure and economic activities across the state.
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One of the major projects is the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, which has an approximately 82.8-kilometre stretch passing through Akwa Ibom.
The project, according to the statement, “promises improved connectivity, expanded trade, greater investment and new economic opportunities for communities across the region.”
Beyond infrastructure, the administration’s interventions in education, agriculture, healthcare, youth empowerment and social protection are also designed to improve livelihoods and broaden economic participation.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) is among the initiatives highlighted, complementing Governor Umo Eno’s investments in roads, aviation, tourism and human capital development.
The statement noted that the Uyo rally provides “another opportunity to strengthen the APC’s growing political presence in the South-South and make the case for continuity in 2027.”
Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Elohor Aiboni was among 100 people honoured with the DTN@100 Award.
She joined a list of distinguished recipients recognised by the Daily Times newspapers. The contributions of the awardees to national development will be documented in a special publication, titled Nigerian Grand Book.
Daily Times which started publication in 1926 gave the awards as part of its centenary celebrations in Lagos. The centenary theme is: “Honouring the Past, Shaping the Future.” Chairman, Folio Media Group and Publisher Daily Times of Nigeria Fidelis Anosike said: “We proudly celebrate Elohor Aiboni, Executive Vice President and Country Chair of Shell Companies in Nigeria, for her well-deserved recognition at the Daily Times Heroes Award. As a visionary female leader, Elohor has shown that true leadership is defined by action. Her forward-thinking policies continue to drive real, positive change across our nation.”
In her response, Elohor said: “Although this award is presented to me, I do not regard it as mine alone. I share it with my colleagues across the Shell Companies in Nigeria, our partners, and the many people I have had the privilege of working with and learning from over the years.”
Elohor was commended for her achievements in a career in the energy industry that started in Shell in 2002. In addition to serving in operational roles within and outside Nigeria, she has worked as asset manager for Bonga, leading up to her appointment as Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo) in 2021, the first female to hold the post. Early this year, she took up the role of Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, also the first female and Nigerian to hold both roles.
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In her acceptance speech, Elohor also called for concerted efforts towards educating the girl-child. She said: “If we are serious about shaping Nigeria’s future, we must be equally serious about educating and empowering the Nigerian girl child. Education provides not only knowledge, but also confidence, choice and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to her community and country.”
Photo Caption – L-R: Energy and Investment Solicitor, Sam Aiboni; Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Nigeria, Elohor Aiboni; actress Rita Dominic; and Daily Times Chairman, Fidelis Anosike, during the award presentation at Harbour Point, Lagos.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, following their historic qualification for the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The President commended the team for their impressive 3-1 victory over Brazil in Wednesday’s semi-final, describing their achievement as a remarkable milestone that has brought immense pride and joy to Nigerians at home and abroad.
In a statement issued on Thursday, November 5, by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu also praised the coaching crew and everyone whose hard work and support contributed to the team’s successful campaign.
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With the Flamingos set to face Japan in the final, the President urged the players to remain focused, confident and determined as they pursue the historic world title.
“I encourage you to approach the final with the same fighting spirit and belief that have brought you this far. I have confidence in your ability to make history by winning the coveted world title,” he said.
Tinubu also called on Nigerians to rally behind the young players, describing them as national ambassadors whose achievements continue to showcase the country’s sporting excellence.
He said the team’s performance would inspire a new generation of girls to pursue their dreams without limitations.
“Once again, Nigeria is proud of you. Go for the trophy, Flamingos!” the President added.
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