₦airaland Forum

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will today depart Abuja, for a two-nation trip to Japan and Brazil, Daily Trust learnt yesterday. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said in a statement that while in Japan, President Tinubu will attend the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in the City of Yokohama from August 20 to 22. From there, he will proceed to Brazil, a country he has visited three times in the last nine months.

Daily Trust reports that there are whispers in some quarters over Tinubu’s alleged recent “obsession” with Brazil, akin to his numerous visits to France since he took over as president.

On his first leg of today’s visit starting with Japan, Tinubu will take part in a conference themed: “Co-create Innovative Solutions with Africa,” TICAD9, which will focus on Africa’s economic transformation and improvements in the business environment and institutions through private investment and innovation.

It will also promote a resilient and sustainable African society for human security, peace, and stability, he said.

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The president, however, is leaving Abuja, six days before the Tokyo engagement, with the presidential aide saying that he would stop over in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, before proceeding to Japan.

Part of the statement issued yesterday, said in addition to attending plenary sessions on themes linked to the conference, the president will hold bilateral meetings and meet the chief executive officers of some Japanese companies with investments in Nigeria.

Initiated in 1993 by the Japanese government and co-hosted by the United Nations (UNDP) the African Union Commission, and the World Bank, TICAD is a triennial conference held alternately in Japan and Africa. The last one took place in August, 2022, in Tunisia. The forum fosters high-level policy dialogue between African leaders and development partners, Daily trust gathered.

Brazil

The statement further disclosed that at the end of the TICAD9, President Tinubu will leave for Brasilia, the capital of the Federative Republic of Brazil, on a two-day state visit from Sunday, August 24, to Monday, August 25. The visit, according to the Presidency, followed an invitation by the Brazilian President, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

While in Brazil, President Tinubu will hold a bilateral meeting with his host and attend a business forum with Brazilian investors, it added. Daily Trust learnt that the president’s delegation—comprising key ministers and senior officials will also explore opportunities to strengthen cooperation and sign agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the Brazilian government. It is worthy of note that this trip will be the third time the president will be visiting Brazil in the past nine months.

In November last year, President Tinubu travelled to Brazil to attend the 19th G20 Leaders Summit on November 18 and 19, 2024.

The two-day event brought together leaders from the world’s 20 biggest economies, plus representatives from the African Union, European Union, and major financial institutions. Onanuga, who announced the trip, said it was at the behest of Brazil’s president Lula da Silva, who chairs the G20.

Onanuga also said last year’s summit focused on “Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet,” and that the gathering was expected to tackle major challenges like global poverty, hunger, energy transition, and sustainable development. During the summit, Tinubu advocated for changing how global institutions are governed, something Nigeria had long supported, he said.

“Nigeria has always strongly advocated for a reform of the global governing institutions, and often presented its impressive credentials as a strong contender for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council,” Onanuga explained.

He added that the meetings focused on boosting Nigeria’s social and economic progress, especially in farming, energy, and infrastructure.

And in July this year, barely a month ago, President Tinubu also visited Brazil after a state visit to Saint Lucia. It was reported that the president attended the BRICS summit, which held in the country.

Just like the fresh visit where the president is expected to move from Japan to Brazil, the last time, he proceeded to the country after a two day visit to Saint Lucia. During the visit to Saint Lucia, President Tinubu paid a courtesy call on the Governor-General, Cyril Errol Melchiades Charles and Prime Minister Philip Pierre. Following his engagements in Saint Lucia, the president proceeded to Brazil, where he participated in the 2025 BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro from July 6-7, 2025. However, it would be recalled that after his engagement in Saint Lucia, for a few days, his whereabouts were unknown until he appeared in Brazil for the BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro.

It was gathered that the president attended the summit on the strength of Nigeria’s status as a “partner country”- a membership category short of full status.

The Partner status is higher than that of a guest country, but South Africa, Egypt and Ethiopia are African members of the BRICS.

The 17th BRICS Summit focused on “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance”. Discussions were on Global South Cooperation and BRICS partnerships for social, economic, and environmental development. By the time the president travels to Brazil, after Dubai, (United Arab Emirates) and Japan, it would be his third time of traveling to the country since November last year.


Country’s status

Brazil’s population is estimated to be around 212. 6 million people. It is said to be the most populous country in South America and the population has been steadily increasing, The South American country is known for its export of football stars.

Recently, the country has expanded its agriculture sector. Its key products include Soybean, sugar, coffee and beef with the country being a leading exporter of these commodities. Nigeria and Brazil share strong, historical and cultural ties, with focus on strengthening bilateral relations through strategic dialogue and economic cooperation.

A source at the University of Abuja told the Daily Trust, last night, that as president, Tinubu has the window to decide which country to relate with.

“Presidents all over the world have their priorities and Tinubu is not an exception. It is about diplomacy. However, such relationships should have deliverables that can be measured.

“And instead of asking why the president is frequenting Brazil and France, Nigerians should quantify the benefits that come with the visits; and in the event that they could not see anything tangible, they have the right to raise the red flag and the president is expected to listen,” he said.

Speculation about ill health

Meanwhile, the president is traveling amidst speculation about his health. Last week, the president did not attend any public event, but was represented by Vice president Kashim Shettima in many of his engagements. But, following enquiries from Daily Trust, the Presidency dispelled rumour of illness.

This was after the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) had quoted sources as saying that preparations were underway by the president’s medical team to potentially fly him abroad for urgent medical attention. The medium also quoted an Aso Rock insider as saying that several of Tinubu’s scheduled activities had been cancelled since the beginning of the week. Daily Trust independently contacted Onanuga who dismissed the rumour of the president’s illness. On why the president did not attend any public function since last week, Onanuga replied that the president could choose to work from home.

“There is nothing wrong with the president, he is okay. He can choose to work from home. He can choose to work from anywhere. I tell you nothing is wrong with the president,” the presidential spokesman told Daily Trust.

Shortly after the denial photographs emerged of the president meeting with some persons, including the governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, who said the president was in high spirit, hale and hearty. Apart from Soludo, Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, the senator representing Nasarawa West Aliyu Wadada, and the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun were also at the Villa to see the president.

At his first official outing after over a week, President Bola Tinubu, yesterday presided over the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Present at the meeting which took place at the Council Chambers were Vice President Kashim Shettima, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu. Also in attendance where majority of the ministers.

Just before the commencement of the FEC meeting, President Tinubu inaugurated Professor Dakas C.J Dakas as Chairman and Dr Uchenna Eugene as Commissioner, of the Nigerian Law Reform Commission. The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Akume, also announced to council members, the demise of Chief Audu Ogbeh. Ogbeh, who died last week was at one time the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) and a minister of Agriculture during the administration of late President Muhammadu Buhari.

Some of Tinubu’s foreign trips

Since taking office in 2023, President Tinubu has made frequent trips to France, sparking ongoing concerns about the transparency surrounding his health. He had reportedly spent over 50 days in France across several visits, often described as private or working trips.

June 2023: Attended the New Global Financial Pact Summit in Paris, spending around 4–5 days.

January 2024: Tinubu took a 14-day private trip to France, returning to Nigeria in early February.

August 2024: He took another brief trip to France, returning after four days.

October 2024: In early October, Tinubu travelled to the UK for a two-week working vacation as part of his annual leave. Reports indicate that during this time, he also travelled to France.

November 2024: Three‑day state visit to France following an invitation by President Emmanuel Macron, during which business and infrastructure agreements were signed; total stay about 5 days.

February 2025: Official visit to France which was described as a private visit en route to Addis Ababa for AU meetings; stayed around 7–8 days

April 2025: Two‑week working visit to France with time also spent in London; stayed around 14 -19 days.

Barely two weeks after being sworn in as Councillor representing Ward C1, Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area of Lagos State, Oluwakemi Rufai has died.

Rufai, the only female councillor in the legislative council, reportedly passed away in the early hours of Wednesday, August 13, 2025, after a brief illness.

Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki LGA, Sesan Olowa, and Chairman of Lekki Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Rasaki Kasali, confirmed the death in separate statements, describing it as a rude shock to the council and the community.

The Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), through its spokesman Seye Oladejo, expressed deep sadness over her passing.

Oladejo described Rufai as a “rising star within the APC” who embodied “commitment, grassroots service, and gender inclusion,” adding that her short time in office reflected her dedication to community development and loyalty to the party’s ideals.

He extended condolences to Rufai’s family, the Ibeju-Lekki community, and her constituents, noting that “her legacy of service, courage, and vision will not be forgotten.”

The Federal Government has announced plans to engage Fuji star, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol, after the recent controversy over his conduct at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
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‎This was disclosed on Wednesday by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, in a statement outlining resolutions to recent cases of unruly behaviour at Nigerian airports.
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‎Keyamo said the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority had agreed to reduce KWAM 1’s flight ban to one month and would work with the musician to promote awareness on acceptable conduct within the aviation space.
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‎The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria will lead the engagement process.
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‎”The NCAA is to reduce his flight ban to a one-month period. FAAN will also work with the music star with a view to engaging him as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol going forward.
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‎”Having publicly demonstrated penitence, the NCAA is also to withdraw its criminal complaints against KWAM 1 earlier lodged with the police,” the statement read.
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‎The minister added that the decision followed appeals from well-meaning individuals, as well as KWAM 1’s public show of penitence over the August 5 incident in which he allegedly obstructed a ValueJet aircraft’s movement.
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‎Keyamo also revealed that the NCAA would withdraw its criminal complaints against the artiste.
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‎The development comes days after the musician apologised to the public, insisting the flask he carried on the day of the incident contained water for medical reasons and not alcohol, as was alleged by security personnel.
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‎The minister emphasised that the clemency was granted on “compassionate grounds” , warning that the government remained committed to enforcing safety and security laws in the aviation sector.
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‎On August 5, KWAM 1 was involved in a confrontation with airline staff and security officials at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, while attempting to board a ValueJet flight to Lagos.
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He was accused of carrying a prohibited flask believed to contain alcohol, spilling its contents on personnel, and later walking onto the aircraft’s tarmac, allegedly blocking the plane from taxiing.
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The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority described the act as a breach of aviation safety regulations and initially placed him on a six-month no-fly list while filing a criminal complaint with the police.

yinchar:
I shake my head for sectionalization

There are many date formats that can be used, in this regards 8/11/2025 is interpreted as August 11 2025 and not 8th October 2025, as per the October written, that is simply an error that could be rectified.

What do we stand to gain by looking for comma full stop - all meant to deceive the gullible followers. If the culprit was from other tribe will he come out to say all this

A whole Odinkalu

Pity

lebienconnu:
…..: to receive him into your custody, and keep him until 6th of October, 2025


Take him now. Keep him until then.

This is the warrant on the basis of which this young woman in the @ibomairlines saga is held at the Kirikiri Prisons. Note that it is dated 11 October 2025.

A post-dated committal warrant is not lawful on its face. In any case, what is the justification for remand until 6 Oct?!