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Out-of-school children, fertile ground for B’Haram recruitment – Obasanjo

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Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called for urgent action on the country’s out-of-school children crisis, warning that they risk being recruited by Boko Haram terrorists.

Speaking on Tuesday at the inauguration of the Bakhita ICT Centre in Sokoto, Obasanjo described the neglect of the country’s estimated 24 million out-of-school children as a “time bomb” waiting to explode.

“You don’t need an oracle to know they will become the recruiting ground for the Boko Haram of tomorrow,” the former president declared, urging leaders to prioritise “human development, empowerment, and employment.”

The warning comes against a backdrop of grim statistics that place northern Nigeria at the epicentre of the nation’s education and poverty challenges.

UNICEF estimates that more than 10 million of the country’s out-of-school children are in the North, many of them in the Almajiri system.

The region also bears the brunt of violent extremism, banditry, and mass abductions of schoolchildren, which have disrupted education for years.

“If we fail to prepare now, the Boko Haram of today will be child’s play compared with what we may face in the future,” Obasanjo warned.

The newly inaugurated Bakhita ICT Centre, equipped with 250 laptops and 50 tablets, was built by the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, with support from philanthropist Aare Afe Babalola.

It is designed to equip young people with digital skills and vocational training.

Unveiling the facility, Bishop Kukah urged northern leaders and communities to reject the fatalistic acceptance of poverty as destiny.

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“Among the almajiri on our streets, there could be an Albert Einstein,” he said. “Our duty as leaders, parents, pastors, and imams is to shine the light on their potential.”

Kukah also emphasised the importance of unity across faith lines: “Christians and Muslims may quarrel, but mosquitoes don’t discriminate. They bite everyone in the mosque and in the church. We all catch malaria. That is God’s way of reminding us to work together.”

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, also addressed the gathering, warning against narratives that exaggerate Nigeria’s divisions, particularly on religion.

“If we can sit here in Sokoto, just five minutes from the Sultan’s palace, to commission a Bakhita ICT Centre with Christians and Muslims praying side by side, why does nobody talk about that?” he asked.

He stressed that diversity must be seen as strength, not weakness: “When you are sick, sickness doesn’t ask whether you are a Muslim or a Christian. Hunger doesn’t know your tribe. Problems affect us all, and solutions must come from us working together.”

The event, attended by traditional rulers, clerics, politicians, and youths, featured cultural performances celebrating Nigeria’s shared heritage.

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How I Escaped Being Caught In Benin Republic Following Coup Attempt – Dele Momodu Reveals

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December 7, 2025

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He also revealed that a Beninese friend, Alex Dalmeida, had already arrived to accompany them across the French speaking borders, but was subsequently informed that the road trip had been cancelled.

Media personality Dele Momodu has recounted how a change of travel plans helped him narrowly avoid being caught in the unfolding coup attempt in Benin Republic, describing the experience as a moment of divine intervention.

In a detailed post shared on Saturday, December 6, Momodu explained that he and his travel companion, Rotimi Obey, son of legendary Nigerian musician Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey, had planned to travel by road to Accra, Ghana, through Benin early that morning, but a delay caused by missing car documents forced a last minute change to air travel.

In his words, Momodu wrote, “OUR GOD DID THIS FOR US… My friend ROTIMI OBEY, the second son of legendary musician, CHIEF COMMANDER EBENEZER OBEY and I were to head out to Accra, Ghana, by road, this morning. All was set and ROTIMI went to bed early so that we can set out at 5am. But something went wrong. Before going to bed, I asked my driver for the originals of my car documents. He said he had only the copies with him. I searched the Home Office in Victoria Island but I couldn’t find it. I then went to the Penthouse in Ikoyi to check my other office. Still no luck. So, I called ROTIMI at 10:38 PM to give him the decision to fly instead of driving. He agreed.”

He also revealed that a Beninese friend, Alex Dalmeida, had already arrived to accompany them across the French speaking borders, but was subsequently informed that the road trip had been cancelled.

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“Meanwhile, my Beninese friend and mentee, ALEX DALMEIDA, was already in town waiting to accompany us through the French speaking borders. So I called him at 23:02 last night to abort our road trip,” Momodu added.

Momodu said flight arrangements were secured shortly before midnight, and it was only when they arrived at the airport that they became aware of the political crisis unfolding in Benin Republic.

“I called PRECIOUS, my travel consultant, to check available flights. She got us tickets at 11:15PM. It was at the airport we received the news of the coup in Benin Republic… We barely missed it by the whiskers…,” he wrote.

Quoting early reports on the takeover, Momodu added, “Soldiers led by Lieutenant Pascal Tigri announce that they have taken over the country. They have suspended all political parties and announced the closure of land, sea and air borders. Benin is one of West Africa’s most peaceful countries.”

He further noted the political backdrop to the upheaval, stating, “The Benin’s President changed the constitution just last month to allow him extend his presidential term, this morning the military has overthrown him.”

He wrote: “OUR GOD DID THIS FOR US…

My friend ROTIMI OBEY, the second son of legendary musician, CHIEF COMMANDER EBENEZER OBEY and I were to head out to Accra, Ghana, by road, this morning. All was set and ROTIMI went to bed early so that we can set out at 5am. But something went wrong. Before going to bed, I asked my driver for the originals of my car documents. He said he had only the copies with him. I searched the Home Office in Victoria Island but I couldn’t find it. I then went to the Penthouse in Ikoyi to check my other office. Still no luck. So , I called ROTIMI at 10:38 PM to give him the decision to fly instead of driving. He agreed.

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Meanwhile, my Beninese friend and mentee, ALEX DALMEIDA, was already in town waiting to accompany us through the French-speaking borders. So I called him at 23:02 last night to abort our road trip.

I called PRECIOUS, my travel consultant, to check available flights. She got us tickets at 11:15PM. It was at the airport we received the news of the coup in Benin Republic… We barely missed it by the whiskers..

“Soldiers led by Lieutenant Pascal Tigri announce that they have taken over the country. They have suspended all political parties and announced the closure of land, sea and air borders. Benin is one of West Africa’s most peaceful countries.”

“The Benin’s President changed the constitution just last month to allow him extend his presidential term, this morning the military has overthrown him.”

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Benin Republic Govt Provides Fresh Update On Attempted Coup, Says Plotters On Run, Some Arrested

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December 7, 2025

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He added that some members of the group have already been arrested after security forces stopped the attempted takeover.

According to a new update from Nigeria’s Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, authorities in Benin Republic have confirmed that Colonel Pascal Tigri, the leader of Sunday’s attempted mutiny, is now on the run.

According to him, “The latest report from the Benin Republic said Colonel Pascal Tigri, the leader of the mutineers who seized the country’s National TV on Sunday, is on the run.”

He added that some members of the group have already been arrested after security forces stopped the attempted takeover.

Benin’s Interior Minister, Alassane Seidou, appeared on national television to announce that the situation had been brought under control.

He explained what happened on Sunday morning.

He said, “Early on Sunday morning, 7 December 2025, a small group of soldiers launched a mutiny aimed at destabilising the state and its institutions.

“Faced with this situation, the Beninese armed forces and their leadership, true to their oath, remained committed to the republic. Their response allowed them to retain control of the situation and foil the attempt.

“The government therefore urges the population to go about their activities as normal.”

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Terrorism: French President, Emmanuel Macron Reveals Details Of His Phone Call With Tinubu

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December 7, 2025

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The French President, Emmanuel Macron revealed that he spoke with Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu.

France’s President, Emmanuel Macron, has disclosed that he has spoken with Nigerian President Bola Tinubu.

According to Macron, the conversation centered around the threat of terrorism in Northern Nigeria.

He affirmed to Tinubu that the French people stand in solidarity with the African nation.

Macron also made it clear “no one can remain a spectator” in the fight against terrorists.

He wrote on X: “I spoke with President Tinubu of Nigeria, @officialABAT.

“I conveyed France’s solidarity in the face of the various security challenges, particularly the terrorist threat in the North.

“At his request, we will strengthen our partnership with the authorities and our support for the affected populations. We call on all our partners to step up their engagement.

“No one can remain a spectator.”

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