News
42 Reps Become Israel’s Allies, Back Jerusalem As Capital
No fewer than 42 members of the House of Representatives have joined the Nigerian Parliamentary Israeli Allies Caucus, as Nigeria and Israel celebrate 62 years of diplomatic relations.
The caucus, which was inaugurated in Abuja on Tuesday, is a member of the global Israel Allies Foundation, is mobilising faith-based support for Israel and Nigeria.
The six-person inauguration committee included four members of the House, Bamidele Salam (Chairman), Sergius Ogun, Chris Azubogu and Oghene Egho as well as Nigeria Director, NPIAC, Sally William-Chinebu (Secretary) and Programme Manager, Chibuzo Okereke.
The pioneer Chairman of the NPIAC, Nicholas Ossai, in his remarks, noted that Israel Allies Caucus exist in over 50 parliaments of the world. He added that the Nigerian caucus would advance strategic engagements to encourage cooperation between Nigeria and Israel in areas of common interests, including agriculture, science and technology, youth development and innovation, culture/tourism, education, security, aviation, power/renewable energy, peace-building, democracy, rule of law and protection of human rights.
He said, “The caucus will from time to time organise parliamentary exchanges and visits to the Israel Knesset and other allies’ parliaments globally. Furthermore, the caucus will seek to organise business and investment summits/democracy promotion activities for the mutual benefit of Nigeria and the state of Israel.
“The caucus is open to legislators at both federal and sub-national levels, policymakers, faith-based leaders, lovers of Israel and Nigeria and the general public who meet the membership criteria. Caucus members have the opportunity to enjoy quality legislative exchange programs and experience visits to member parliaments and countries, Israeli visas, business opportunities, education, tourism and other mutual bilateral opportunities.”
After the inauguration, Ossai read out the resolution and pledge of the caucus.
Ossai said, “Whereas, the State of Israel has appropriately and necessarily exercised its God-given and legal right to declare the reuniûed city of Jerusalem to be the eternal and indivisible capital of the Jewish national home, thereby ensuring the protection of religious freedom for worshipers of all faiths under Israeli sovereignty;
“Whereas, people with faith in the Bible recognise the historic and spiritual significance of the Land of Israel and the City of Jerusalem to the Jewish people, and whereas, the Israel Allies Foundation was established to give clear expression to the moral and ethical bonds that unite Jews, Christians, and people of faith worldwide;
“Whereas, members of the Nigerian Parliamentary Israel Allies Caucus wish to enter the Global Israel Allies Network of over 50 parliamentary caucuses in countries worldwide in order to take a public stand on critical issues facing Nigeria and Israel for the mutual beneûts of our both countries;
“Therefore, we the foundational members are stablishing the Nigerian Parliamentary Israel Allies Caucus, whose mission it will be to support the stronger diplomatic ties between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the jewish State of Israel in asserting its God-given and legal rights to sovereignty and self-defense upon the entirety of its lands and territories, recognising the aimed of people of all faiths for a strong and united Israel and Nigeria through legislative diplomacy.”
The caucus called on governments, institutions and people of conscience around the world to “reject all forms of anti-semitism including the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement as a matter of official policy, duly noting its anti-semitic nature against the State of Israel.”
The NPIAC advocated for stronger collaborations and diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Israel in the areas of security, aviation, agriculture, science and technology, youth development, innovation and energy, while it “strongly support the relocation of government embassies to Jerusalem in accordance with the understanding that Jerusalem is the eternal and indivisible capital of the State of Israel.”
Earlier in her welcome address, the Nigerian Director, NPIAC, Sally William-Chinebu, noted that the Israel Allies Caucus derives its strength from a wide range of political parties, various religious or philosophical convictions, diversified ethnic nationalities, professional orientations and biases. “The caucus uses the instrumentality of advocacy, faith-based diplomacy, and policy dialogues to support good diplomatic relations with the State of Israel,” she added.
William-Chinebu stated that NPIAC is readily available to help deepen the relationship between Nigeria and Israel. She said, “We will assist to facilitate mutually beneficial collaborations and cooperation in areas of parliamentary engagements, cultural and educational exchanges, peace-building, agriculture, renewable energy, youth development, technology, aviation, security and other innovations.
“We will work to ensure and promulgate legislation that prevents discriminations of any kind against Nigerians and Israelis anywhere including anti-semitism. We will always support the right of the Jews to live in Israel, a Jewish state, in peace, harmony, and security and with rights to defensible borders. We also aim at promoting a greater role for Nigeria in the international community, while promoting democracy in Nigeria in an environment that guarantees freedom of expression, peace, social justice, rule of law and electoral integrity.”
News
Independence Anniversary: Nigeria Is A Failed Grandfather – Monarch
A first class traditional ruler in Rivers State, His Royal Majesty, King Aaron Ikuru, has described Nigeria at 65 as a grandfather who cannot provide leadership to other African Countries.
The monarch stated this in an interview at his palace in Ikuru Town, yesterday.
According to him, Nigeria would have been a developed country to set the pace in the whole of Africa, considering its numerous resources.
“Nigeria is a grandfather but not behaving as a grandfather. Our country, Nigeria, before and from the era of Independence was in the state of becoming a great country, but unfortunately is not becoming anything.
“We should be far ahead with what we have in the country. God blessed us, we have almost what it takes in terms of mineral resources, manpower amongst others that can drive speedy development in the country.
“If we’re able to harness all the things we have, even America by now would have respected us”, he said.
While blaming the past leaders of the country, the monarch called on the current leadership of the country to redouble efforts in order to narrow the differences in terms of development, exchange rate between naira and foreign currencies.
King Ikuru, who is also the Chairman of Andoni Area Traditional Rulers Council, however, lauded the efforts of the founding fathers, past leaders of the country for the achievements so far.
He also expressed optimism that Nigeria would be great, calling on the opinion leaders to shun tribalism and political intolerance in the country.
“If Nigeria should experience rapid development in all sectors, it means we must shun tribalism and political intolerance, the interest of our country must be our priority.
“We need to fight corruption vigorously, and leaders must show good example of discipline and integrity”, he said.
The monarch used the opportunity to wish Nigeria happy independence anniversary.
By: Enoch Epelle
News
FG begins payment of N32,000 pension increment to retirees – PTAD
The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate has announced the start of implementation of the new pension increments for pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme, saying the adjustments will be reflected in the September 2025 payroll cycle.
In a statement signed by Management and posted on its X handle, PTAD said the increase package includes a fixed N32,000 payment alongside percentage increases of 10.66% and 12.95% for eligible categories, which will benefit about 832,000 pensioners under its management.
Recall that PTAD in August announced President Bola Tinubu approved a series of measures, including new welfare benefits for pensioners under DBS.
The approval follows a formal request by PTAD’s Executive Secretary, Tolulope Odunaiya, seeking an emergency budgetary allocation to implement pension reforms and welfare benefits for the scheme’s retirees.
The measures include a N32,000 pension increment, percentage increases for pensioners of defunct and privatised agencies, pension harmonisation for all DBS pensioners, enrolment into the National Health Insurance Scheme, and the settlement of long-standing unfunded pension liabilities.
In a statement yesterday, PTAD said the partial release of N820.188 billion by the Federal Ministry of Finance from the emergency funding has made it possible for pensioners to begin receiving the enhanced payments immediately.
The statement read, “Further to the President’s approval of the emergency budgetary allocation for the payment of the new pension increment rates for Pensioners under the Defined Benefit Pension Scheme (DBS) that was earlier published by the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate on Friday, 8th August, 2025, the Directorate is delighted to announce the commencement of the implementation of the 832,000, 10.66% and 12.95% pension increment for eligible pensioners under the management of PTAD, in the September 2025 pension payroll cycle.
“This achievement has been made possible through the partial release of 820.188 billion by the Federal Ministry of Finance, from the initial 845 billion emergency funding approval granted by the Federal Government.
“This milestone clearly reaffirms the Federal Government’s dedication to safeguarding the welfare and entitlements of DBS Pensioners in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
The directorate thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the emergency allocation.
It also acknowledged the role of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun; the Minister of State for Finance, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite; the Accountant-General of the Federation and key presidential aides and parliamentary committees for their “timely interventions” and support.
The statement also expressed appreciation to organised pension groups, including the Nigeria Union of Pensioners and the Federal Parastatals and Private Sector Pensioners Association of Nigeria, for their cooperation during negotiations and implementation planning.
“We further assure all our DBS Pensioners and Stakeholders that the Directorate will continue to collaborate with the relevant authorities towards release of the outstanding approved funds and subsequent fulfilment of all future obligations relating to the pension increments and the landmark reforms,” the statement added.
The DBS covers pensioners who retired before the introduction of the Contributory Pension Scheme in 2004, including those from defunct public institutions, privatised agencies, and treasury-funded parastatals.
Over the years, many have faced irregular payments, delayed harmonisation, and inadequate healthcare access, challenges that the new reforms are expected to address.
News
Nigeria At 65: NOA urges citizens to foster unity, progress
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has urged Nigeria. citizens to remain united, peaceful to enhance development of the nation as it celebrates 65th independence anniversary.
Mr Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, Director of NOA in Akwa Ibom, gave the charge in Uyo yesterday while addressing newsmen and stakeholders to mark the anniversary.
Mkpoutom said it was essential to recognise that the strength of Nigeria lay in its diversity
“With over 250 ethnic groups and an array of languages, the nation embodies a unique blend of heritage.
“This diversity should be seen not as a dividing line but as a unifying force that propels the country toward progress.
“As Akwa Ibom embarks on another year, it is crucial for all citizens to foster a sense of unity and shared purpose.
“Embrace dialogue, understanding and collaborate with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu in its efforts to addressing pressing challenges like poverty, security, education, and healthcare, thereby paving way for a brighter future for all.”
The state director, however, appealed to Nigerians from all walks of life to renew their commitment to a more prosperous, peaceful, and equitable nation.
“Let this anniversary serve as a reminder of the collective strength that lies in every citizen,” he said.
He urged everyone to contribute positively to the development of a better society.
Mkpoutom urged the people and all citizens to honour the labours of heroes past, as they celebrated the present, while working diligently toward a future filled with hope and opportunities for generations to come.
-
Maritime3 days ago
Blue Economy: FG Targets Lower Logistic Costs, Trade Competitiveness
-
Rivers3 days ago
Youth Leader Lauds Tinubu, Over Ogoni oil Dispute
-
News2 days ago
Shettima departs New York for Germany after UNGA engagement
-
Niger Delta12 hours ago
GoG Crucial To Bayelsa’s Dev, Growth – Diri
-
Sports3 days ago
FBN, Group Hold First E1 Lagos GP Champion Oct.3
-
News3 days ago
Dangote Refinery: PENGASSAN declares nationwide strike, Today
-
News12 hours ago
FG begins payment of N32,000 pension increment to retirees – PTAD
-
Oil & Energy3 days ago
We Are Elevated Through Plethora Of Projects —- Obagi HCDT Board … As Senator Attributes Success To PIA