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FULL LIST: Tinubu Gives Ganduje, Magnus Abe, Afikuyomi, Others Board Appointments

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President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointments of board Chairpersons and Chief Executive Officers for 42 federal organisations and a secretary to the board of the Civil Defence, Immigration, and Prisons Services.

This is contained in a State House release issued on Thursday by the president’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

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According to the statement, all the appointments take immediate effect.

“The President has also appointed a new Managing Director for the Nigerian Railway Corporation and a Director-General for the National Board for Technology Incubation.

“President Tinubu directs the board chairpersons not to interfere with the management of the organisations, emphasising that their positions are non-executive,” the statement read partly.

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1. NATIONAL YOUTH SERVICE CORPS, MINISTRY OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

Hillard Eta, Chairman (Cross River State)

2. NIGERIAN INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

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Prof Bolaji Akinyemi, Chairman (Lagos State)

3. FEDERAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY OF NIGERIA, MINISTRY OF AVIATION

READ ALSO: Tinubu Doing Everything To Unseat Himself In 2027, Eze Tells Ikenga

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Abdullahi Ganduje, Chairman (Kano State)

4. NATIONAL SUGAR DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

Surajudeen Ajibola, Chairman (Osun State)

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5. NIGERIA BULK ELECTRICITY TRADING COMPANY

Sulaiman Argungu, Chairman (Kebbi State)

6. NATIONAL AGENCY FOR GREAT GREEN WALL

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Senator Magnus Abe, Chairman (Rivers State)

7. NATIONAL TEACHERS INSTITUTE

Festus Fuanter, Chairman (Plateau State)

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8. NATIONAL BOARD FOR TECHNOLOGY INCUBATION (NBTI)

Raji Kolawole, Director-General (Oyo State)

9. NIGERIAN INSTITUTE OF EDUCATIONAL PLANNING AND ADMINISTRATION

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Victor Giadom, Chairman (Rivers State)

10. TEACHERS REGISTRATION COUNCIL OF NIGERIA

Mustapha Salihu, Chairman (Adamawa State)

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READ ALSO: Tinubu Meets Jonathan, Obasanjo, Others At Ghana President’s Inauguration

11. INDUSTRIAL TRAINING FUND

Hamma Kumo, Chairman (Gombe State)

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12. NIGERIAN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY

Donatus Nwankpa, Chairman (Abia State)

13. SHEDA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COMPLEX

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Senator Abubakar Maikafi, Chairman (Bauchi State)

14. FEDERAL MORTGAGE BANK OF NIGERIA

Nasiru Gawuna, Chairman (Kano State)

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15. NATIONAL OFFICE FOR TECHNOLOGY ACQUISITION AND PROMOTION

Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi, Chairman (Lagos State)

16. NIGERIAN POSTAL SERVICE

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D.J. Kekemeke, Chairman (Ondo State)

17. NATIONAL INLAND WATERWAYS AUTHORITY

Musa Adar, Chairman (Sokoto State)

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18. NATIONAL STEEL COUNCIL

Prof Abdulkarim Abubakar, Chairman (Nasarawa State)

19. NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS

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READ ALSO: FULL TEXT: Tinubu Pledges Economic Reforms, Stronger Naira In New Year Message

ENFORCEMENT AGENCY

Garba Muhammad, Chairman (Kaduna State)

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20. NATIONAL BIO-SAFETY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

Mu’azu Rijau, Chairman (Niger State)

21. NIGERIAN BUILDING AND ROAD RESEARCH INSTITUTE

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Durosimi Meseko, Chairman (Kogi State)

22. FEDERAL TEACHING HOSPITAL, GOMBE

Zainab Ibrahim, Chairman (Taraba State)

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23. NIGERIAN RAILWAY CORPORATION

Dr Kayode Opeifa, Managing Director (Lagos State)

24. FEDERAL TEACHING HOSPITAL, IDO-EKITI

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Durotolu Bankole, Chairman (Ogun State)

25. FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE, ABEOKUTA

Mr Dayo Israel, Chairman (Lagos State)

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26. FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE, ASABA

Mary Idele, Chairman (Edo State)

27. FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE, LOKOJA

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Chidi Duru, Chairman (Anambra State)

28. FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE, OWERRI

Emma Eneukwu, Chairman (Enugu State)

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29. CIVIL DEFENCE, IMMIGRATION AND PRISONS SERVICES BOARD

Maj-Gen. Jubril Abdulmalik (retd.), Secretary (Kano State)

30. FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE, UMUAHIA

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Mr Uguru Ofoke, Chairman (Ebonyi State)

31. FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE, YENAGOA

Felix Morka, Chairman (Delta State)

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32. FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE, YOLA

READ ALSO: Tinubu’s Govt Exacerbated Nigeria’s Woes – APC Chieftain Laments

Bashir Gumel, Chairman (Jigawa State)

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33. DAVID UMAHI FEDERAL UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL, UBUHU, EBONYI STATE

Dr Ijeoma Arodiogbu, Chairman (Imo State)

34. NATIONAL OIL SPILL DETECTION AND RESPONSE AGENCY

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Edward Omo-Erewa, Chairman (Edo State)

35. NIGERIAN MARITIME ADMINISTRATION AND SAFETY AGENCY (NIMASA)

Yusuf Abubakar, Chairman (Kaduna State)

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36. NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL, NNEWI, ANAMBRA STATE

Ali Dalori, Chairman (Borno State)

37. AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL, SHIKA, ZARIA,

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KADUNA STATE

Lawal Liman (Chairman)

38. FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE KATSINA

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Dr Abubakar Maiha (Chairman)

39. RAW MATERIALS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

Isa Achida, Chairman (Sokoto State)

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40. FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE BIRNIN KUDU

Dr Mohammed Hassan, Chairman, (Zamfara State)

41. NATIONAL BUILDING AND ROAD RESEARCH INSTITUTE

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Yahuza Inuwa, Chairman (Nasarawa State)

42. SOKOTO-RIMA RIVER BASIN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

Abubakar Wurno, Chairman (Sokoto State)

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43. AMINU KANO TEACHING HOSPITAL

Augustine Umahi, Chairman (Ebonyi State)

44. FEDERAL SCHOLARSHIP BOARD

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Babatunde Fakoyede, Chairman (Ekiti State)

45. NIGERIAN SOCIAL INSURANCE TRUST FUND

Shola Olofin, Chairman (Ekiti State)

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PHOTOS: Xi, Putin, Kim At Beijing Parade As China Flaunts Military Might

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In a spectacle of military might, China commemorated the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II with a grand parade on Wednesday, leaving observers worldwide questioning the balance of global power.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, flanked by Russia’s Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, oversaw the event at Tiananmen Square in Beijing.

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The event showcased an array of cutting-edge weapons, including nuclear, artificial intelligence-powered, laser, and robotic weapons, that highlighted China’s rapid advancements in defence technology, a development heavily scrutinised by Western defence officials, according to the BBC.

The parade, dubbed Victory Day, featured over 10,000 troops, hundreds of vehicles, and aircraft flyovers, drawing at least 50,000 spectators and leaders from more than 25 nations, including allies like Iran.

READ ALSO:Xi, Putin Discuss Immortality, Organ Transplants At Beijing Parade

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But BBC reported it was notably boycotted by Western countries. According to Al Jazeera, only two European leaders, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, were present.

Xi’s address emphasised China’s “unstoppable” rise and that “the Chinese nation is never intimidated by any bullies and always forges ahead.”

He insisted the country “should stay firmly on the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics.”

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China unveils new weapons even Trump can’t overlook

Central to the parade was the unveiling of groundbreaking weapons systems that tell China’s leap in military strength.

READ ALSO:Russia Hits Out At Macron For Calling Putin ‘Ogre’

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Beijing’s power is not just in its numbers, backed by its huge economy, but also by increasing innovation and self-reliance.

Its hypersonic glide and cruise missiles, for example—weapons that travel at above Mach 5—are largely unmatched by anything the US or its allies have in their arsenal.

Its J20 ‘Mighty Dragon’ fighter jet employs 5th generation stealth technology, while its LY-1 directed-energy laser system (DEW), mounted on an eight-wheeled truck and described as the “world’s most powerful” for intercepting missiles and drones.

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The JL-1 air-launched ballistic missile also made its first appearance, alongside giant underwater submarine drones, drone boats, unmanned helicopters, and multiple new unmanned aerial vehicles.

READ ALSO:Putin Says Will Speak With Trump On Phone Today

Trump, who was notably missing from the grand parade, berated Xi in a post on Truth Social on Wednesday for not recognising US’s contribution to China’s emancipation.

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The big question to be answered is whether or not President Xi of China will mention the massive amount of support and ‘blood’ that the United States of America gave to China to help it to secure its FREEDOM from a very unfriendly foreign invader,” Trump posted.

Many Americans died in China’s quest for Victory and Glory. I hope that they are rightfully Honoured and Remembered for their Bravery and Sacrifice!”

Trump also criticised Putin and Kim for conspiring against his country.

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READ ALSO:Turkish President, Erdogan Calls Putin, Accused Israel Of Threatening Regional Security

Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against the United States of America.

“May President Xi and the wonderful people of China have a great and lasting day of celebration.”

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World’s mightiest arsenal: US or China?

Observers view the parade as a direct message to Washington, especially amid trade disputes and regional flashpoints in regions like Taiwan and the South China Sea.

An analyst, famously known as Trademan on X, said on Wednesday, “While the West debates, Beijing fires photons,” adding that the event is a message that China isn’t just playing catch-up but rewriting the rules of engagement.

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READ ALSO:Putin Rolls Out Conditions To End Russia-Ukraine War

However, experts believe that while China is fast catching up, the US still maintains an edge in terms of operations.

Speaking with BBC, assistant professor in the military transformations programme at the Nanyang Technological University of Singapore, Michael Raska, argued the US military has a culture that gives more leeway for units on the ground to make decisions and innovate, “whereas China is top-down.”

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“You can have flashy platforms and systems, but they will not move a finger until they receive an order from the top.”

“The US military excels because there’s a bottom-up mission type of culture, where units can make decisions as the situation evolves,” he said.

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Xi, Putin Discuss Immortality, Organ Transplants At Beijing Parade

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Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed life-prolonging organ transplants and immortality as they conversed before Beijing’s massive military parade this week, according to comments picked up by state media microphones.

Historic images showed Xi shaking hands and speaking with Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as they walked down a red carpet by Tiananmen Square, in scenes viewed as a challenge to US President Donald Trump.

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“These days… 70 years old,” Xi said in Mandarin as he walked beside Putin and Kim, footage from state broadcaster CCTV showed.

Xi’s translator, conveying his remarks to Putin, is then heard in Russian quoting a line from a Tang dynasty poem: “In the past, it used to be rare for someone to be older than 70 and these days they say that at 70 one’s still a child.”

READ ALSO:Trump, Putin Make No Breakthrough On Ukraine Deal, End Summit

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Putin then turned towards Xi, speaking while gesturing with his hands, though this is inaudible on the CCTV feed.

The same Chinese translator then relayed Putin’s remarks to Xi.

With the… development of biotechnology, human organs can be continuously transplanted, people could get younger as they grow older, and may even become immortal,” Putin said, according to the translator.

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Xi then spoke again in Mandarin as the camera cut away: “Predictions are, in this century, it may be… possible to live to 150 years old.”

Putin confirmed the exchange during a press briefing on Wednesday.

READ ALSO:‘He Wants To Keep Killing People,’ Trump ‘Very Unhappy’ After Phone Discussion With Putin On Ukraine

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“Ah, I think it was when we were going to the parade that the Chairman spoke about this,” he told reporters, referring to Xi.

Modern means — both health improvement and medical means, and then even all kinds of surgical ones related to organ replacement — allow humanity to hope that active life will continue not as it does today,” Putin added.

The Chinese and Russian leaders, both 72, have not expressed any intention of stepping down.

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While Xi’s predecessors, Jiang Zemin and Hu Jintao, relinquished power after 10 years in office, he abolished term limits in 2018, and in 2023, he was handed a third term as Chinese president.

AFP

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US Commits $32.5m To Support Food Security In Nigeria

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The United States Government has committed $32.5m to the United Nations World Food Programme to support food and nutrition assistance for hundreds of thousands of people affected by conflict in Nigeria.

According to a statement released by the US Embassy in Abuja on Wednesday, the funding will enable WFP Nigeria to reach approximately 764,205 vulnerable individuals in the Northeast and Northwest regions of the country.

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These areas have been severely impacted by ongoing insecurity and displacement, with millions struggling to access necessities.

The assistance package includes general food distributions as well as targeted nutritional support.

READ ALSO:Ghana’s President Sacks Chief Justice Over Corruption Allegations

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Among the beneficiaries are 41,569 pregnant and breastfeeding women and girls, and 43,235 children who will receive specialised nutrition support through electronic food vouchers, according to the statement.

World Food Program Nigeria, with US Government’s contribution of $32.5m, will provide food assistance and nutrition support to internally displaced persons across conflict-affected areas.

“With the US Government’s donation, the World Food Programme Nigeria will provide food and nutrition assistance to 764,205 beneficiaries across Northeast and Northwest Nigeria.

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“This includes complementary nutrition top-ups for 41,569 pregnant and breastfeeding women and girls and 43,235 children through electronic food vouchers,” the statement read.

READ ALSO:Nigerian Man Pleads Guilty In US To $405,000 Romance Scam Against American Women

On December 18, 2024, PUNCH Online reported that the United States Agency for International Development has denounced recent media reports misrepresenting US agricultural initiatives in Nigeria, stating that its programmes operate transparently and align with the country’s laws.

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In a statement issued by the US Mission in Nigeria, USAID highlighted the significant achievements of its agricultural collaboration with Nigeria, which it claimed has supported over five million Nigerian farmers since 2019.

The agency maintained it has boosted food production and strengthened rural economies across the country through its efforts.

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