Security Service, Statesmanship: OurNigeria News Names Musa Man of the Year

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

Our Nigeria News Magazine has named the Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), as its 2025 Man of the Year, citing his exceptional leadership, patriotic commitment and far-reaching contributions to Nigeria’s security and humanitarian efforts.

The magazine said the honour followed extensive consultations and feedback from readers and correspondents across the country, as well as the endorsement of its board, management and award planning committee.

According to the organisers, General Musa stood out for his “distinctive performance,” strategic leadership, statesmanlike dispositions, unwavering loyalty, and selfless service to the nation.

In a letter dated December 22, 2025, and signed by the Chairman of the Award Planning Committee, Sir AK Peters, OurNigeria News formally notified the Defence Minister of his selection. The letter described the award as a recognition of his impact in public service and his role in shaping national leadership at a critical time.

The 2025 award ceremony, themed “Providing a Podium for Unsung Heroes”, is part of the magazine’s annual initiative to spotlight Nigerians whose contributions to national development and humanity often go uncelebrated. The event is expected to attract top government officials, policymakers, and other prominent personalities.

The Ministry of Defence has since acknowledged the honour. In a response dated December 23, 2025, the Ministry confirmed that the Minister had been duly informed and that arrangements were being coordinated with the organisers.

The organisers have scheduled the award ceremony for January 31, 2026, in Abuja, where General Musa will receive formal recognition alongside other distinguished Nigerians.

A former Chief of Defence Staff, General Musa, has earned widespread respect for his efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s defence and security architecture, promote national unity, and advance professional service delivery—qualities OurNigeria News said were central to its decision to name him Man of the Year 2025.

IPC Condemns Arrest of Journalist’s Wife and Baby, Warns of Growing Threat to Press Freedom

IPC Condemns Arrest of Journalist’s Wife and Baby, Warns of Growing Threat to Press Freedom

Arrest Sparks Fresh Concerns Over Media Safety

The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos, has condemned the arrest of Mrs Adenike Atanda, wife of investigative journalist Sodeeq Atanda, alongside her nine-month-old baby by officers of the Nigeria Police Force.

According to IPC, the incident occurred on Monday, December 22, 2025, in the Owutu area of Ikorodu, Lagos State. At the time, police officers tracked the family to their neighbourhood and arrested the mother and child.

As a result, IPC described the action as unlawful and alarming. Consequently, the organisation warned that such conduct poses a serious threat to press freedom in Nigeria.

Police Allegedly Used Family to Lure Journalists.

According to information from IPC’s Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) Hub, police officers allegedly used the journalist’s family as bait.

Specifically, officers detained Mrs Atanda and her baby for more than five hours at the Owutu Police Station. During the detention, officers allegedly forced her to place a call to her husband.

Furthermore, IPC stated that the officers instructed her to falsely claim that her baby was critically ill and hospitalised. According to the organisation, the police intended to use the call to lure and arrest the journalist.

Journalist Previously Detained in Ekiti

Notably, IPC said this was not the first time Sodeeq Atanda had faced police harassment.

Earlier, on September 9, 2025, the Ekiti State Police Command detained the journalist for more than eight hours after he honoured a police invitation to Ado-Ekiti.

According to IPC, the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Joseph Eribo, ordered the detention. Therefore, the organisation said the pattern raises serious concerns.

IPC Warns of Growing Pattern of Intimidation

Meanwhile, IPC warned that repeated actions against Atanda reflect a growing pattern of intimidation against journalists.

In addition, the organisation stated that targeting journalists’ families places innocent lives at risk. More importantly, it stressed that democracy cannot thrive where journalists work under fear and pressure.

IPC Director Recalls Dark Military Era

Reacting to the incident, IPC Executive Director Mr Lanre Arogundade compared the development to abuses during Nigeria’s military era.

For instance, he recalled how security agents under the Abacha regime arrested Mrs Ladi Olorunyomi and her infant son while placing a bounty on her husband, journalist Dapo Olorunyomi.

According to him, the latest incident mirrors that dark chapter in Nigeria’s history. Therefore, he said such actions have no place in a democratic society.

Police Urged to Uphold Constitutional Duties

Finally, the SPJ Hub reminded the Nigeria Police Force of its constitutional duty to protect lives and property.

In contrast, IPC stated that arresting journalists’ family members violates that responsibility. Accordingly, the organisation urged police authorities to end all forms of harassment against journalists and their families.

In conclusion, IPC also called for accountability for officers involved in the incident.

Dangote Hails Nigerian Youths as Nation’s Driving Force for Development

Nigeria’s foremost industrialist and President of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, has described Nigerian youths as the country’s greatest asset, praising their creativity, resilience and exceptional ingenuity.

Dangote made the remarks at the weekend after being conferred with an honorary Doctorate Degree in Management Technology (D.MT) by the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO). He was represented at the ceremony by his Special Adviser, Engr. Mansur Ahmed.

According to Dangote, Nigerian youths possess an innovative spirit strong enough to compete globally. He commended FUTO and other higher institutions for their crucial role in unlocking and nurturing these potentials.

“At FUTO, knowledge is not only acquired but applied to real societal challenges, from unemployment to infrastructure gaps,” he said.

“This blend of learning and problem-solving is exactly what our nation needs at this defining moment.”

The business magnate noted that despite economic and social challenges, Nigeria is blessed with boundless opportunities a vibrant youthful population, rich natural resources, and an entrepreneurial energy unmatched across Africa.

“In my journey through business, entrepreneurship has proven to be a powerful tool for transforming challenges into opportunities,” he said.

“When young people have technical skills, mentorship and access to capital, they don’t just seek jobs  they create them. They build enterprises that diversify our economy and drive sustainable development.”

Dangote reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening partnerships between the private sector and institutions like FUTO.

He said the Dangote Group is ready to support research, nurture startups and drive innovations that directly address Nigeria’s most urgent needs.

“Together, we can build an ecosystem that supports creativity, rewards hard work and positions Nigeria as a hub for Africa’s economic resurgence,” he added.

Addressing the graduating students, he emphasized three essential values for success  integrity, hard work and discipline.

He urged them to guard their names and reputations jealously, describing them as their most valuable assets.

“Talent opens the door, but consistency takes you across the finish line,” he advised.

“True wealth is not measured by what you accumulate but by the lives you touch.”

Dangote expressed gratitude to FUTO’s Council, Senate and Management for the honour, noting that it reinforces his commitment to supporting education and driving initiatives that will help build a more prosperous, self-reliant Africa.