By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Senate has, on Thursday, approved the nomination of 64 career and non-career ambassadorial nominees after reviewing a report from its Committee on Foreign Affairs. The committee’s findings, presented by Chairman Senator Sani Bello, were adopted by lawmakers. The confirmed nominees are expected to represent Nigeria in various countries, strengthening diplomatic relations and promoting national interests.

Career ambassadors confirmed include Arewa Esther (Oyo), Adeola-Ibrahim Mopelola (Ogun), Ramat Omonbolale (Lagos), Monica Okechukwu Enebechi (Anambra), Adams Jane Basset (Cross River), Mohammed Lele (Bauchi), and Muhammad Dahiru (Kaduna), among others.

Non-career ambassadors include Ajimobi Florence (Oyo), Sulola Akande (Oyo), Uguwanyi Ifeanyi (Enugu), Ita Enang (Akwa Ibom), Femi Fani-Kayode (Osun), Jerry Manwe (Taraba), Reno Omokri (Delta), Ibas Ibok-Ette (Cross River), Abdulrahman Dambazzau (Kano), and Abas Braimah (Edo), among others.

Senator Sahabi Yau raised concern over the absence of nominees from Zamfara State, urging the Senate to alert the President. The Senate President acknowledged the issue, noting the list was not exhaustive, and assured that more appointments are expected, with Zamfara State included in the next round.

The confirmation of these 64 ambassadors is a key step in filling Nigeria’s diplomatic positions, reflecting efforts to balance merit and equitable state representation. The newly approved ambassadors are expected to assume their posts soon, enhancing Nigeria’s diplomatic presence worldwide.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Federal Government has announced the reopening of all 47 Federal Unity Colleges, which were temporarily closed in November 2025 due to heightened security concerns across multiple regions.

The closures were enacted following a series of distressing incidents, including abductions and violent attacks targeting schools in the North-West, North-East, North-Central, and parts of the Southern regions.

In an official statement released on Thursday by the Federal Ministry of Education, the Director of Press & Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to student safety. “The protection, welfare, and well-being of our students remain our utmost priority,” the statement read.

Academic activities are now resuming across the institutions. Many students are concluding their December academic schedules, while others have already finished their examinations for the term.

The Ministry has assured parents, guardians, and the public that comprehensive security measures have been reinforced to safeguard all school communities.

The reopening comes amid sustained collaboration with relevant security agencies to guarantee a safe and conducive learning environment nationwide.

The statement read, “The Federal Government has reaffirmed its responsibility to protect every Nigerian child and to uphold their constitutional right to education in a secure setting. The decision to reopen the Unity Colleges reflects the administration’s determination to ensure that no child is denied access to education due to security concerns.

“Education remains a central pillar of this administration’s human capital development agenda and a key driver of national growth. Accordingly, the government remains committed to safeguarding the academic calendar.

“The successful return of students and the smooth conduct of examinations in several Unity Colleges underscore this commitment.”

The ministry expressed appreciation to parents, school administrators, and students for their cooperation and patience, and reiterated its resolve to sustain a secure, stable, and uninterrupted education system across the nation.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the reconstitution of the Board of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), following the Senate’s confirmation of its members on December 16.

This was disclosed on Thursday in a press statement released by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

Members of the reconstituted Board are:

Mulisiu Olalekan Oseni, PhD. — Chairman

Yusuf Ali, PhD. — Vice Chairman

Mr Nathan Rogers Shatti — Commissioner

Mr Dafe Akpeneye — Commissioner

Aisha Mahmud Kanti Bello — Commissioner

Dr Chidi Ike — Commissioner

Dr Fouad Animashaun — Commissioner

The newly appointed Chairman of the Board, Dr Oseni, started his service as a Commissioner in January 2017. He was subsequently appointed Vice Chairman of the Commission.

His appointment as Chairman took effect from 1 December 2025 and shall subsist until the completion of his ten-year tenure at the Commission, in accordance with the provisions of the Electricity Act, 2023.

The President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has charged the newly appointed board members of NERC to deepen and consolidate the ongoing transformation of Nigeria’s power sector, in strict alignment with the letter and spirit of the Electricity Act, 2023.