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

The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has upheld the continued detention of a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

Justice Babangida Hassan dismissed Malami’s application seeking bail from the custody of the anti-graft agency, ruling that his detention was lawful.

The decision was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale.

According to the statement, Malami, through his counsel, Mr Sulaiman Hassan (SAN), had approached the court to challenge his detention by the EFCC, arguing that it was illegal as it arose from an ongoing investigation.

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However, counsel for the EFCC, Mr J.S. Okutepa (SAN), told the court that the former minister was being held pursuant to a valid remand order issued by the FCT High Court and granted by Justice S. C. Oriji.

“In his ruling, Justice Hassan held, quoting Section 35 of the Constitution, that since there was a provision in the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, ACJA, for detention, Malami was lawfully detained by the Remand Order of the court.

“Asking this court to grant this application is tantamount to inviting the court to sit as an appellate court over an application made by a court of coordinate jurisdiction, which the court has no power to do,” Oyewale quoted the judge as saying.

Malami has been in EFCC custody since December 8, after he reportedly failed to meet the bail conditions set by the commission.

The former Attorney-General is being investigated over 18 alleged offences, including abuse of office and terrorism financing.