News
Bosun Tijani Withdraws From ITU Deputy Secretary-General Race
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, has withdrawn his candidacy for the position of Deputy Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
Tijani announced his decision in a statement posted on LinkedIn on Friday, saying he had chosen to remain focused on Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.
“After careful consideration, I have decided not to pursue the opportunity to contest for the position of Deputy Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union,” he said.
The minister described the position as an attractive opportunity both personally and for Nigeria, noting that his election would have offered the country the prospect of having a Nigerian serve as an elected official of the ITU for the first time in its 160-year history.
However, he said the more important contribution he could make at this time was to remain in Nigeria and concentrate on ongoing digital initiatives.
“The opportunity was undoubtedly attractive, both personally and for Nigeria, as it would have presented the historic prospect of a Nigerian serving as one of the ITU’s elected officials for the first time in its 160 year history. However, I believe the most consequential contribution I can make at this time is to remain focused on the critical work before us at home,” Tijani said.
He highlighted several projects being pursued by the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, including Project BRIDGE, NUCAP, the development of two communications satellites, a national alphanumeric postcode system and the Nigeria Web Design Standards.
According to the minister, Project BRIDGE is expected to deploy 90,000 kilometres of open-access fibre infrastructure across the country, while NUCAP will expand mobile connectivity to underserved and unserved communities through the deployment of thousands of telecommunications towers.
He also cited plans for two new communications satellites aimed at expanding coverage and strengthening Nigeria’s national resilience, as well as the development of a national alphanumeric postcode system to provide homes and businesses with precise digital addresses.
Another initiative he highlighted is the Nigeria Web Design Standards, which he said would promote greater consistency, accessibility and citizen-centred design across government digital services.
Tijani said the projects, alongside other initiatives receiving the President’s support, could have a lasting impact on Nigeria’s digital economy and contribute to the ITU’s broader objective of achieving universal, meaningful and inclusive connectivity.
“My focus will therefore remain on supporting President Tinubu’s transformative digital economy agenda and ensuring that these critical programmes deliver enduring value for the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
The International Telecommunication Union is a specialised agency of the United Nations responsible for issues relating to information and communication technologies.
Founded in Paris on May 17, 1865, as the International Telegraph Union, the organisation predates the United Nations and became a UN specialised agency in 1947. It is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, and is currently headed by Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin.
The ITU works with governments, private-sector organisations and other stakeholders to promote global connectivity, coordinate international communications systems and support equitable access to technology.
Its work is organised across three main sectors: the Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R), which coordinates the global use of radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits; the Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T), which develops international technical standards; and the Telecommunication Development Sector (ITU-D), which supports digital infrastructure, skills development and technology policy, particularly in developing countries.
The organisation has 194 Member States, alongside more than 1,000 companies, universities and other institutions involved in its work.
Its highest decision-making body is the Plenipotentiary Conference, which meets every four years to determine the ITU’s strategic direction and financial framework, while the ITU Council oversees the organisation between conferences.
Beyond connectivity and telecommunications infrastructure, the ITU is also involved in emerging technology and sustainability initiatives, including work on artificial intelligence, internet access for schools, digital inclusion and efforts to reduce electronic waste.
Five suspected members of a criminal gang accused of abducting 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Imo State have been arrested in a joint security operation led by the Department of State Services (DSS), in collaboration with the military, police and other security operatives.
The suspects were apprehended in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and Abia State during intelligence-led operations conducted between October 10 and 14.
Three other suspects reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds, prompting a manhunt for the fleeing members of the gang.
The arrests followed the abduction of 20 prospective corps members along the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway in Imo State on October 1, 2026, while they were travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to their assigned NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states.
The gunmen attacked two buses conveying the prospective corps members and other passengers near Umunoha in the Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State.
The victims were rescued on October 7 during a joint security operation at Amakohia-Ubi Village in Owerri West Local Government Area of the state. They were subsequently taken to the DSS hospital in Owerri for medical attention and necessary checks.
During the search-and-rescue operation, the police had said their operatives located the kidnappers’ camp through drone surveillance but could not immediately advance because the location was reportedly planted with improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Security agencies later intensified efforts to reach the victims and secure their release.
The latest arrests mark a development in efforts to track down those allegedly responsible for the abduction and dismantle the criminal network.
A security source described the arrests as a major relief, saying security agencies had sustained a manhunt for the suspects.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Abubakar Sadique Wase, has commended three senior officers posted out of the Division for their professionalism, loyalty and contributions to the service.
Wase gave the commendation during a send-off ceremony held at the Headquarters Conference Room in Kaduna, where he urged the departing officers to sustain their dedication to duty and remain worthy ambassadors of the Division in their new assignments.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Ajemasu Jingina, the GOC praised the officers for their contributions to the formation, popularly known as the “Stallion Family.”
He urged them to remain focused on their respective career paths and uphold the values and standards of the Nigerian Army wherever they were posted.
Speaking on behalf of the departing officers, Brigadier General Oluwasegun Okungbure expressed gratitude to God for His protection and guidance throughout their service in the Division.
Okungbure also appreciated the GOC for organising the ceremony, while thanking the Chief of Staff, commanders, principal staff officers and colleagues for their support and camaraderie.
He assured the GOC that the departing officers would continue to uphold the Division’s values and represent the formation positively in their new assignments.
In a related development, Wase reaffirmed the Division’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to enhance the safety and security of corps members in Kaduna State.
He gave the assurance on October 15, 2026, while receiving the Kaduna State NYSC Coordinator, Mr Abubakar Bawa, during a familiarisation visit to the Division’s headquarters in Kaduna.
Bawa said the visit was intended to formally introduce himself and strengthen the existing relationship between the NYSC and the Nigerian Army.
He acknowledged the Army’s continued support, particularly in providing security for corps members during orientation exercises, and appealed for sustained cooperation to ensure their safety across the state.
Responding, Wase welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed the Division’s commitment to supporting the NYSC in discharging its statutory responsibilities.
He emphasised the importance of the Scheme in promoting national unity, integration and youth development, assuring the delegation of the Army’s continued cooperation.
The engagements, according to the statement, reflected the Division’s commitment to recognising meritorious service and strengthening partnerships with institutions that contribute to national development and security.
President Bola Tinubu has nominated six persons for positions in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and reappointed Dr Bala Bila as a National Commissioner ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The nominations cover four National Commissioner positions and two Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) positions, with the nominees subject to Senate screening and confirmation.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Professor Mustapha Aliu has been nominated to replace Professor Abdullahi Zuru as the National Commissioner representing the North-West.
Bashir Muhammed Umar was nominated to replace Professor Muhammad Adamu as the North-Central representative, while Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, the current REC in Osun State, was nominated as the South-West National Commissioner.
Babalola is expected to succeed Professor Cornelius Ajayi, whose tenure expires on October 24.
For the REC positions, Tinubu nominated retired permanent secretary Dr Samuel Akinjide Akinleye to represent Ekiti State and Zahradden Basiru Sanusi from Jigawa State to replace Professor Saidu Ahmed Babura.
Onanuga said the nominations were necessitated by vacancies arising from the expiration of the tenures of serving officials.
The President urged the Senate to expedite the confirmation process to ensure the vacancies are filled ahead of the general elections scheduled for January next year.
The nominees will assume their positions subject to Senate screening and confirmation.
&m
-
Entertainment5 years agoBBNaija: “Shameful For A Married Woman” – Boma, Tega Doing ‘Stuff’ Under Duvet Sparks Outrage (See Video)
-
Entertainment5 years agoSinger, Oxlade In Big Mess After His Sex Tape With A Strange Lady Surfaces Online (Watch Video)
-
Entertainment6 years agoBBNaija: Kiddwaya Sucks Erica’s Boobs, Licks Dorathy’s Neck In Truth Or Dare Game (Video)
-
Entertainment3 years agoI’m Not Ashamed Of My Leaked Nude Photos, Ifunanya Confesses (See Photos)
-
Crime1 year agoNDLEA intercepts Saudi, UK-bound cocaine in lipsticks
-
Entertainment6 years agoI’m Not Sick But Only Lost Some Weight – Kiss Daniel
-
Crime1 year agoNDLEA seizes N3.4bn worth of opioids in Lagos, PH, uncovers drugs in chocolate tins
-
Politics5 years agoAMCON Takes Over Former Governor’s Mansion Over ₦5bn Debt