President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Professor Ralph Akinfeleye and Chisom Obih to the governing councils of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, and Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State.

The announcement was made on Tuesday in a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

Akinfeleye, a veteran journalist, former Head of the Department of Mass Communication at the University of Lagos, and Chairman of the Centre of Excellence in Multimedia and Cinematography/Unilag Radio 103.1 FM and Television, previously served on the governing council of Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja. He replaces Wahab Owokoniran, who is now the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Federal University of Transport, Daura, Katsina State.

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In the same statement, Tinubu approved the appointment of Professor Ibrahim Yakasai as Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Health Sciences and Technology, Tsafe, Zamfara State. Other principal officers appointed to the university include Hamisu Yusuf Yelwa as Registrar, Usman Nakazalle Sanusi as Bursar, and Dr. Shehu Aminu Liman as Librarian.

Yakasai, a retired Colonel in the Nigerian Army, currently serves as Provost of the College of Health Sciences at Bayero University, Kano, and Chairman of the Committee of Provosts of Colleges of Medicine in Nigeria. He is also a member of the governing council at the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State.

He obtained his MBBS from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, before winning a European Economic Commission scholarship to study in the United Kingdom, where he earned a membership and later a fellowship at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. He also holds a Master’s in Medical Education from the University of Winchester, as well as fellowships from the International College of Surgeons (FICS, USA) and the American College of Surgeons.

Yakasai has also served as Director-General of the Hospitals Management Board, Kano State.

…Target $1 trillion economy

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assented to the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Bill, 2025, a landmark legislation to strengthen Nigeria’s financial sector and accelerate the nation’s march toward a $1 trillion economy.

The Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA) 2025 repeals and consolidates several outdated insurance laws into a single, modern legal framework. The new Act provides for comprehensive regulation and supervision of all insurance and reinsurance businesses operating within Nigeria.

This was contained in a statement issued on Monday, August 5, by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

According to the statement, the NIIRA Act 2025 ushers in a new era of transparency, innovation, and global competitiveness for the insurance industry. It aligns with the Federal Government’s vision of achieving a $1 trillion economy and reaffirms the administration’s commitment to financial stability, economic development, and inclusive growth.

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Key reforms introduced in the NIIRA 2025 include: Stringent capital requirements to ensure the financial soundness of operators; Enforcement of compulsory insurance policies to enhance consumer protection; Digitisation of the insurance market to improve access and efficiency; Zero tolerance for delays in claims settlement; Creation of dedicated policyholder protection funds, especially in cases of insolvency; Expanded participation in regional insurance schemes, including the ECOWAS Brown Card System.

The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) is mandated to administer and implement the provisions of the NIIRA 2025 in a manner that unlocks the industry’s full potential and significantly improves insurance penetration across the country.

The reform introduced by the new law is expected to catalyse new investments, boost consumer confidence, and position Nigeria as a leading insurance hub in Africa.

Details shortly…

President Bola Tinubu has approved the transfer of the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation (OSGoF) from the Ministry of Works to the Presidency.

The President disclosed the directive on Thursday during the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, explaining that the move would enhance coordination and execution of major infrastructure projects, particularly the Lagos-Calabar and Sokoto-Badagry Super Highways.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, also confirmed the development while briefing State House correspondents after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by Tinubu.

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According to Idris, the reassignment is aimed at streamlining geospatial data management and strengthening direct oversight of national mapping and land administration priorities.

Although the minister did not provide exhaustive details, analysts note that the decision aligns with the administration’s reform agenda and increasing reliance on geospatial intelligence for infrastructure planning, development, and security mapping.

The OSGoF serves as Nigeria’s apex mapping agency, responsible for providing accurate geospatial data and services to support national development.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently appoint substantive ambassadors to represent Nigeria across its foreign missions.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, emphasized that the prolonged delay in naming new ambassadors could further strain Nigeria’s diplomatic relations and hurt citizens living abroad.

Abdullahi noted that since the federal government recalled Nigeria’s 109 ambassadors in 2023, the positions have remained vacant, leaving the country with limited or no representation in critical international engagements.

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“The absence of appointed ambassadors has weakened Nigeria’s voice and presence on the global stage,” Abdullahi stated. “We are already witnessing serious consequences, such as the rise in visa-related and consular issues involving countries like the United States and the United Arab Emirates.”

He stressed that junior diplomats or charge d’affaires cannot effectively perform the roles of ambassadors due to their limited access and recognition in diplomatic circles.

According to the ADC, this leadership vacuum is already taking a toll on the welfare of Nigerian students, workers, and professionals residing abroad. The party also warned that the situation could prompt other nations to reciprocate by downgrading their diplomatic missions in Nigeria.

Abdullahi concluded by urging President Tinubu to act swiftly, warning that the delay undermines Nigeria’s global image at a time when the country should be aggressively pursuing economic diplomacy and international cooperation.

President Bola Tinubu on Sunday in Kaduna charged the Nigerian Army to defeat terrorism and insurgency.

Tinubu, represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, made the call at the grand finale of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2025, marking the Army’s 162nd year anniversary.

The theme for this years’ celebration is ‘Developing the Soldier First Concept: Imperative for Nigerian Army’s Transformation Drive:.

Tinubu said that the theme reflected not just strategy but humanity.

He added that the event was a time for solemn pause, reflection and celebration, honoring the sacrifices of soldiers who had patriotically defended the nation.

He stated that the nation was facing challenges from terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and separatist agitations, which were existential threats that required a united, firm, and uncompromising response.

He also said that the Nigerian Army has been the spine of the nation’s sovereignty since 1863, shaping the course of history and earning its place in the hearts of patriots.

“The Army brought the Nigerian Civil War to a close with the immortal words, ‘no victor, no vanquished’, reminding Nigerians of their shared destiny,”he said.

The president praised the Army’s peacekeeping missions across the continent and around the globe, adding that they had fought for peace and stood for principle.

Tinubu commended the Army’s commitment to placing the soldier at the center of reforms, assuring that his administration stands firmly with them on that path.

The president urged the Army to press on with honour, guided by the constitution and international law, with strength remaining disciplined and courage anchored in justice.

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Tinubu extended sympathies to the families of those soldiers that had fallen in the line of duty, assuring that their memories would endure for generations.

The president appreciated all the stakeholders contributing to peace and national security, emphasising that nation-building was the responsibility of every citizen, leader and institution.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the Army’s welfare and operational capacity, investing in modern equipment, intelligence and human capital.

The president appreciated the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for his leadership and professionalism in steering the institution.

As the nation marks the 162nd anniversary of the Nigerian Army, the president congratulated all officers, soldiers and families, honouring the heroes past and saluting the warriors present.

The president reaffirmed the importance of the Nigerian Army, the Armed Forces, and the existence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

(NAN)