IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

In a significant stride toward modernizing military public relations, the Nigerian Army School of Public Relations and Information (NASPRI) has introduced Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a key component of its Strategic Communication Course. This development was announced by the Acting Commandant of NASPRI, Lieutenant Colonel Adamu Ngulde, during the inauguration ceremony of the Second Quarter 2025 Courses held at the Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja Auditorium, Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment, Giri-Abuja.

Lt. Col Ngulde revealed that participants will undergo training in AI-driven information management and fact-checking, aligning with the evolving demands of modern communication and warfare. He emphasized the importance of Strategic Communication in shaping military narratives, countering misinformation, and supporting national interests both in times of peace and conflict. To enrich the curriculum, NASPRI is collaborating with the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, University of Abuja, and Prof. Ishaq Oyebisi Oyefolahan, a Research Professor at the Africa Centre of Excellence on Technology Enhanced Learning (ACETEL). These partnerships aim to provide cutting-edge insights and research-backed techniques in the field.

In addition to Strategic Communication, the Acting Commandant addressed participants of the A1 Photojournalism Course, highlighting the power of visual storytelling in military reporting. He noted that high-quality photojournalism and effective graphic design are crucial tools for public engagement and morale boosting.

Lt Col Ngulde extended his appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Olufemi Oluyede, for his steadfast support to NASPRI and the Directorate of Army Public Relations. He also acknowledged the guidance of Commander TRADOC NA, Maj Gen Kelvin Aligbe, and the Chief of Training (Army), Maj Gen AS Ndalolo, whose roles have been pivotal in maintaining the school's high training standards.

Earlier in the event, NASPRI's Acting Chief Instructor, Major Tonye Wenke, briefed participants on course expectations, emphasizing the relevance of the training to career progression and operational effectiveness in the era of 5th Generation Warfare. He urged students to quickly adapt, remain disciplined, and immerse themselves in the rigorous academic and practical sessions. A total of 76 students are enrolled in the second quarter courses, including 16 senior officers undertaking the Strategic Communication Course, and participants in the A1 Photojournalism and X3 Graphic Design and Printing courses. 

Deputy Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has called on world leaders to prioritize the development of strong post-war recovery frameworks, describing it as both a moral duty and a strategic necessity for global peace.

Kalu made the call while presenting a proposal titled “The Imperative for Strengthened Post-War Management” at the 150th General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), currently taking place in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Speaking in his capacity as co-rapporteur for the IPU’s Standing Committee on Peace and International Security, Kalu emphasized the urgent need for nations to shift focus from short-term peacekeeping to long-term stability. He shared this responsibility with Jordan’s A. Al-Zu'bi and the Netherlands’ Ms. F. Belhirch.

Citing the prolonged conflicts in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Deputy Speaker warned that fragile peace deals, if not backed by solid governance and reconstruction strategies, often lead to renewed violence. “Despite multiple peace agreements, sporadic violence persists due to inadequate post-conflict reconstruction and weak governance structures,” Kalu said.

He pointed to Sudan’s vulnerability to renewed conflict and the DRC’s long history of instability dating back to the First and Second Congo Wars, which claimed over 5 million lives as prime examples of what happens when post-war recovery efforts fall short. “Weak institutions, economic marginalization, and the failure to integrate conflict resolution strategies continue to undermine peace efforts. The international community must do better,” he stressed.

Kalu, who also leads the Peace in South East Project (PISE-P) in Nigeria a non-violent initiative aimed at restoring calm in the South East argued that peace does not end with ceasefires or political settlements. Instead, he proposed a multi-pronged approach to peacebuilding:

Institutional Strengthening: Develop resilient governance capable of managing post-conflict transitions. 

Economic Reconstruction: Prioritize infrastructure, job creation, and reducing inequality.

Social Reconciliation: Promote dialogue among conflicting parties to heal divisions.

Political Integration: Ensure former combatants are part of inclusive governance.

International Support: Leverage global institutions for oversight and accountability.

“Victory in war is only the beginning. True peace requires rebuilding lives, restoring trust, and including all voices in governance,” Kalu concluded. 

UN Official commends National Assembly’s Leadership, Welcomes Partnership on Reforms

In the wake of the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) withdrawal of healthcare funding in Nigeria, the United Nations has lauded the Nigerian government for stepping up with a $200 million funding commitment. Speaking during a high-level engagement in Lagos on Friday, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Regional Director of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for Africa, Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa, commended the move, describing it as a continental leadership example.

“When I learned from New York that the National Assembly filled the healthcare funding gap left by USAID with $200 million, I felt proud. That’s what real governance looks like you can’t outsource the health of your people,” Eziakonwa said. “While other countries panicked, Nigeria took charge. That’s leadership.” The UN official made the remarks during a meeting with a delegation of the House of Representatives led by Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu.

Eziakonwa emphasized that Nigeria’s decision sends a strong message across Africa about domestic responsibility and prioritizing citizen welfare. “Nigeria is leading by example. Every country on this continent should follow suit and say: our people’s lives matter.” The meeting also focused on deepening collaboration between Nigeria’s legislature and the UNDP, particularly in the areas of constitutional reform, gender equity, and political inclusion.

Eziakonwa, joined by UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Elsie G. Attafuah, pledged the organization’s full support for Nigeria’s reform efforts—including the gender equality agenda championed by Deputy Speaker Kalu.

“This is the first time the leadership of the National Assembly is reaching out directly to us like this. It shows vision,” she noted, praising Kalu’s advocacy for gender-focused legislation, including a bill currently before the House seeking seat reservations for women in Parliament. “You’re a true He-for-She champion. Nigeria can’t afford to ignore women’s voices in leadership not if it wants to weather the global challenges we face today,” Eziakonwa added, pointing to UNDP initiatives that align with Nigeria’s gender reform goals. She also urged the National Assembly to consider investments in emerging technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), as part of the country’s development strategy. “The future of development includes AI. Legislators must recognize and support this shift, starting from our schools.” 

Responding, Deputy Speaker Kalu highlighted key aspects of the ongoing constitutional review and reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to inclusive governance. “Our democracy can’t thrive without meaningful participation from women, youth, and marginalized groups,” Kalu stated. “The constitutional amendment process offers us a rare chance to enshrine gender equity into our governance structure.” He outlined the House’s proposals, which include legislative quotas for women, removal of gender-biased legal provisions, and targeted frameworks for inclusive governance.

Kalu also called for UNDP’s continued technical and advisory support, particularly in upcoming initiatives like a Summit on Security Architecture and a peacebuilding intervention for Nigeria’s South East, modeled on similar efforts in the North East. “We value UNDP’s partnership and look forward to stronger collaboration in promoting peace, development, and equality across Nigeria,” the Deputy Speaker said. 

Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has been left out of Sunday's Premier League game at Newcastle. Onana was at fault for both Lyon goals in his side's 2-2 draw in the Europa League on Thursday - a day after he had been called "one of the worst goalkeepers" in United's history by former Red Devils player Nemanja Matic.

Sources confirmed Onana has been omitted from Ruben Amorim's squad for the game at St James' Park to allow the Cameroon international to "rest and disconnect".

It is expected he will be in contention to face Lyon in the return leg of the quarter-final tie at Old Trafford on Thursday and has been assured the change is not regarded as permanent.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe will miss Sunday's match after he was admitted to hospital having "felt unwell for a number of days", the club has said. 

Effective April 21, 2025, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has approved comprehensive reforms in land administration to improve transparency, revenue, and development.

Key Highlights:

- Area Council Allocations Regularised:

  Over 250,000 pending land documents from Area Councils to be vetted; valid ones will get statutory titles. Allottees will have 60 days to complete payments or forfeit the offer.

- Mass Housing Titles for Buyers:

  Properties in Mass Housing estates to be titled directly in favour of buyers, not just developers. New framework begins April 21, 2025.

- Development Deadline Set:

  All land allottees must develop plots within 2 years of receiving the Right of Occupancy (R-of-O), or risk revocation.

- 21-Day Payment Window for New R-of-Os:

  Allottees must pay all required fees and submit acceptance within 21 days of offer. Late payments will be invalid.

These reforms aim to curb land speculation, eliminate racketeering, and fast-track infrastructure and housing delivery in the FCT. 

CONMEBOL President Alejandro Dominguez has proposed expanding the 2030 FIFA World Cup to 64 teams, highlighting the tournament’s centennial significance.

Speaking at CONMEBOL’s 80th Ordinary Congress, Dominguez said the expanded format would honor the 100-year anniversary of the World Cup, which will be hosted across six countries on three continents: Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay, Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.

The 2026 edition will already see an increase from 32 to 48 teams.