Author: kayode amuda
President Bola Tinubu has stated that Nigeria will not be intimidated, despite growing international concerns regarding alleged genocide against Christians in the nation.
The President made the remarks in a statement posted on his verified X account on Friday, days after United States President Donald Trump threatened potential military action over alleged attacks on Christians in Nigeria.
Tinubu stated that Nigeria would continue to assert itself on the global stage with “calm, clarity, and a strong sense of purpose”.
Speaking on Nigeria’s security crisis, the President maintained that terrorism remains a long-standing challenge but assured citizens that the government is determined to overcome it.
“We are indeed faced with terrorism — a challenge Nigeria has faced for almost two decades, and we will not back down. We will decisively defeat terrorism and claim victory in this battle.
“Security is non-negotiable, and we will never compromise on this principle. With unwavering courage and a steadfast commitment to the rule of law, we will prevail,” he said.
He emphasised that national security is non-negotiable and vowed that no effort will be spared in eliminating threats to peace.
The President urged Nigeria’s international partners to continue supporting the country, noting that collaboration is critical to sustaining progress already made.
This is coming in the wake of the threat by the US President Donald Trump that he had asked the Defence Department to prepare for possible military action in Nigeria if the Nigerian government “continues to allow the killing of Christians”.
Trump had earlier designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, CPC, in response to allegations of widespread persecution and genocide against Christians.
The 2025 CAF Awards is scheduled to take place in Rabat, Morocco, on Wednesday, November 19.
CAF confirmed the date and venue for the ceremony on Friday.
The ceremony which will reward the best in African football will begin from 7:00 pm.
A number of Nigerian stars including Victor Osimhen, Stanley Nwabali, Rasheedat Ajibade, Esther Okoronkwo and Chiamaka Nnadozie have been nominated for the continent’s top prizes.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe and other top football officials within and outside Africa are expected to grace the the ceremony.
Nigeria winger Ademola Lookman won the men’s award past year, while Barbra Banda of Zambia went home with women’s prize.
Bayer Leverkusen forward Victor Boniface has reflected on his journey with Nigeria’s Super Eagles, admitting that goals have not come as expected despite his best efforts.
The striker said his national-team showings have drawn mixed reactions, but he remains grateful for the opportunity to represent his country.
Boniface, who spoke in an interview with sports journalist Oma Akatugba, noted that his commitment to the team has never been in doubt, even though he has faced challenges converting chances on the big stage.
He explained that his dream of playing for the Super Eagles was fulfilled, but his time in the national colours has not yet reflected his true abilities.
According to him, struggles in a few games do not define who he is as a footballer, nor do they diminish his sense of pride each time he plays for Nigeria.
“I have been unlucky with the national team in terms of scoring goals, even though there were a couple of games I was not good,”Boniface said.
“My biggest dream as a football player was to represent my country and I achieved this and I am grateful for this.
“Because it has not worked good for me with the national team does not mean I am a bad player.”
Speaking further on his club career and the transfer window that saw him linked with AC Milan, Boniface said he has no regrets about how things played out.
“When the Milan deal didn’t go through, I was just relaxing with my friends. Things like that happen in football all the time,” he said, expressing contentment with his new chapter. “I love Germany. I really do.”
Boniface, who missed a significant part of last season due to injury, dismissed claims that his campaign was disappointing.
“I missed a lot of games but still scored eight goals. I don’t understand how that became a bad season,” he stated.
He emphasized that his journey has been shaped by resilience. “I came from humble beginnings. I’ve faced tough injuries that could have ended my career, so every day I’m thankful to God. Being here is already a blessing.”
The forward also addressed criticism over his social-media activity, a recurring subject among fans and commentators.
“I just post funny things. If people make it into a big issue, that’s their choice. My posts don’t hurt anyone,” he explained. “When I stopped posting, they said I must be going through something. When I post, they still complain.”
Boniface stressed that his happiness in Germany goes beyond football, noting the connection he feels with the environment and supporters.
“We have a good connection here. It feels like home,” he said.
He concluded by reiterating his commitment to staying and succeeding in the Bundesliga. “I had offers from other countries, even from England, but I chose to stay in Germany. I love it here and I want to make the fans proud.”
Victor Boniface is currently on loan at Werder Bremen from Bayer Leverkusen for the 2025/26 season.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has successfully secured a cumulative 21-year prison sentence for five members of an international criminal syndicate recently apprehended at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, over intercepted cocaine and opioid shipments destined for Australia and Gabon.
The convictions followed the seizure of 68.9 kilograms of cocaine and tramadol at the airport.
According to the NDLEA, the trio of Olasupo Michael Oladimeji, Muaezee Ademola Ogunbiyi, and Sola Adegoke—identified as leaders of one of the trafficking cartels—were arrested after 17.9kg of cocaine concealed in textile materials and local charms was intercepted at the MMIA export shed on August 26, 2025, en route to Sydney, Australia.
Further investigations led to the recovery of 20.5kg of Canadian Loud (a potent strain of cannabis) from Ogunbiyi’s residence in Lekki, while a black Range Rover SUV (RBC 459 EJ) was recovered from Adegoke’s home in Ikeja GRA.
The suspects were arraigned on October 30, 2025, before Justice Musa Kakaki of the Federal High Court, Lagos, on five counts under charge number FHC/L/925C/2025. They pleaded guilty to all charges.
Delivering judgment on October 31, Justice Kakaki sentenced each defendant to five years’ imprisonment without an option of fine, amounting to a combined jail term of 15 years.
The court also ordered the forfeiture of the Range Rover SUV and a Toyota Venza seized during the investigation to the Federal Government.
In a related case, two other cartel coordinators—Obunike Joseph Obichukwu and Uzorchukwu Godspower Chukwurah—were arrested over a shipment containing 2.60kg of cocaine and 27.90kg of tramadol concealed in motor spare parts destined for Gabon on July 19, 2025.
After investigations, both suspects were arraigned before Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa of the Federal High Court, Lagos, on November 4, on six counts under charge number FHC/L/980C/2025.
Upon their guilty pleas and a review of the case facts, the court sentenced both men to three years’ imprisonment each or an option of a N2 million fine.
Additionally, the N4 million Obunike allegedly offered as a bribe to NDLEA operatives was ordered forfeited to the Federal Government.
Actress Sonia Ogala has been seen crying in a new video over actress, Regina Daniels’ marital crisis.
Sharing a video via her IG, Sonia could been seen weeping as she lamented that Regina has locked herself inside her room and has refused to open her door for anyone.
“Life teaches us lessons through both joy and hardship. Sometimes those lessons come through pain, but they also bring wisdom and strength. Through everything, I have chosen love over bitterness, forgiveness over anger. and peace over pride.
