General News
UNGA: Tinubu calls for radical shake-up of UN, restructuring of security council
Our Reporter
Bola Tinubu, on Thursday in New York, renewed his call for a radical shake-up of the United Nations (UN).
Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, made the call in his address during the General Debate at the ongoing 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
The Nigerian leader insisted that reforms must start with reconstituting the Security Council to grant Africa permanent seats.
Tinubu warned that the continent could no longer afford to fill the council’s agenda from the margins.
He pointed out that the world of 2026 could not remain captive to the distribution of power in 1945.
Tinubu, therefore, demanded at least two permanent seats for the continent, including full rights, responsibilities and veto power, along with a total of five non-permanent seats.
“The reform of this institution must begin with the reconstitution of the Security Council, for the world of 2026 cannot remain captive to the distribution of power in 1945.
“Africa cannot continue to fill the Council’s agenda while remaining absent from its permanent membership.
“Nigeria demands, in accordance with the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration, at least two permanent seats for Africa, with all the rights and responsibilities of permanent membership.
“This include the veto for as long as it exists, and five non-permanent seats in total. The authority to speak for humanity carries an obligation to represent it,” he stated.
Tinubu also issued a wake-up call to world leaders, demanding an immediate end to global warfare and a total rejection of the rising tide of nationalism.
He warned that the global order hangs in the balance, while fiercely rallying the international community to dismantle unilateral aggression and resurrect the foundational principles of the United Nations Charter.
The Nigerian leader categorically told global leaders not to pretend that distant or domestic conflicts do not exact a price from other nations.
He underscored the UN’s urgent duty to restore trust in institutions built to reconcile differences and advance global common interests.
“The persistence of conflict across the world recalls the purpose for which the United Nations was founded: to spare succeeding generations the devastation of war.
“We must therefore return to the founding principles of dialogue, mutual respect and collective responsibility.
“Nigeria stands by the Charter and its promise of a world in which diplomacy prevails over coercion, cooperation over isolation and international law over the arbitrary exercise of power,” he said.
The President framed Nigeria’s peacekeeping efforts in Africa as a model.
He noted that the nation stands ready to take on greater responsibility and sacrifice to restore peace across the continent.
“Through ECOWAS, the African Union and our Gulf of Guinea partnerships, we continue to advance mediation, democratic governance, counter-terrorism and maritime security.
“This is just as the Union did in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Darfur, Mali, and The Gambia, where it committed personnel and resources when global solidarity demanded action,” he said.
President Tinubu added that Nigeria’s foreign policy depends on the same conviction that guides its economic reforms.
He said that Nigeria was actioning its sustainable development commitments through disciplined macroeconomic management, robust institutions, private-sector growth and strategic public investment.
He emphasised that the mission directly links Nigeria’s national advancement to Africa’s progress and a global duty to foster peace, equity and prosperity.
The President observed that internal achievements mean nothing if the nation ignores gathering external threats.
He declared that geography offers no exemption from the consequences of a fractured world.
According to him, government trust is earned only when decisions improve lives.
He, however, stressed that since no nation was insulated from global conflicts, leaders must face security and climate realities head-on rather than pretending borders offer safety.
The President urged global action on climate change, rejecting the false choice between development and climate action.
Tinubu emphasised that developing countries must industrialise, eradicate poverty and expand energy access using low-carbon pathways backed by technology transfer and climate finance.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and a fair energy transition, stressing that Africa bears a heavy climate burden despite contributing under four per cent of global emissions.
Under the Energy Transition Plan, he hinted that the nation was working towards net-zero emissions by 2060 while expanding access to affordable, reliable and sustainable energy.
Tinubu declared that Nigeria would not let fear dictate its technological future.
He affirmed that Artificial Intelligence (AI) was a tool driven by human intent, to harness the tool for human advancement.
He said Nigeria was aggressively expanding its digital public infrastructure, accelerating broadband deployment and driving tech entrepreneurship.
The President reiterated Nigeria’s call for reform of the international financial architecture, wider access to concessional financing and debt sustainability structures that recognise developmental needs.
He pointed out that “one of the greatest obstacles to sustainable development was inadequate financing.”
He said most developing nations spend a good part of their resources on debt servicing at the expense of education, healthcare and infrastructure.
The President said “no nation, however formidable its defences, can secure itself completely against dangers sustained beyond its borders.”
He noted that modern threats like terrorism and cyberattacks exploit gaps in global action.
“Lasting military victory requires a foundation of education, economic opportunity, accountable governance, and human rights.”
Tinubu said Nigeria remains ready to uphold regional solidarity and African leadership in resolving security challenges, “reinforced by principled international partnerships.”
The Nigerian leader maintained that Nigeria was committed to the peaceful settlement of disputes under the United Nations Charter.
“As the conflicts in Sudan and other war-torn countries demand urgent diplomacy to address their humanitarian, economic and geopolitical consequences, we should all be afraid of a world in which we can no longer tell the victim from the aggressor.
“When our investment in propaganda shields perpetrators from justice to the point that telling the truth becomes a crime, the promise of this institution stands betrayed,” he stated.
On the expectations from the UN General Debate, Tinubu said “a reformed, inclusive and effective United Nations was indispensable to the peaceful, just and sustainable world that future generations deserve.
“Whatever our differences, we must remember that humanity is our oldest citizenship, and peace is the inheritance we owe every child,” he further stated. (NAN).
By Omoniye Ahire
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Delta State Command, has charged private security practitioners under ALPSPN across Delta State to uphold high standards of professionalism and strict adherence to regulatory standards in the discharge of their duties.
The State Commandant, Chibedu Igbo delivered this charge during an interactive stakeholders’ meeting with the leadership and members of the Association of Licensed Private Security Practitioners of Nigeria (ALPSPN), Delta State Chapter, at the Command Headquarters in Asaba.
Addressing the security practitioners, Commandant Chinedu emphasized that private guard companies play a vital role in complementing the efforts of conventional security agencies in maintaining law and order, safeguarding life and property, and protecting critical national assets across the state.
To ensure effective operational synergy and maintain industry standards, the Commandant highlighted several key mandates and operational guidelines which includes but not limited to the following:
He said that all private guard companies (PGCs) operating within Delta State must ensure full renewal of operational licenses, complete registration, and regular audit of their personnel database, and warmed that any unlicensed PGC operating under invalid permits will not be tolerated.
He used the occasion to inform security operators on the plans to conduct thorough background checks and biometric profiling of all managers, guards and prospective guards prior to mitigate internal security breaches.
On intelligence sharing, Commander Igbo urged ALPSPN members to use communication channels for timely intelligence reporting to the NSCDC, enabling swift proactive measures against criminal activities.
He advised private security firms to prioritize regular training programs in conflict resolution, crowd control, and emergency response for their field personnel.
He also clarified all matters on branch operations of PGCs, applicable fees and issues on Notification of Change of Directors.
Commandant Igbo reiterated the Command’s zero-tolerance stance for unregistered and illegal private security outfits, warning that intelligence operations will commence soonest to identify, seal off, and prosecute defaulting operators in accordance with the Private Guard Companies Act.
In response, the Chairman of ALPSPN Delta State Chapter, Prof. Emmanus Odikaesieme expressed appreciation to the NSCDC for its continuous oversight, guidance, and support, assuring the State Commandant of their unwavering commitment to professionalism, regulatory adherence, and strategic partnership to ensure maximum security across Delta State.
In his remarks, the head of PGC Department (Domestic Security Services) DCC E.E Peters urged the practitioners to look into the general welfare of their guards especially Remuneration which is not expected to be less than minimum wage and uniforms. He hinted that, having been briefed by the regulator (NSCDC) Enforcement drive will commence soonest.
The family of retired Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Frederick Ichako Omunu has announced that he will be laid to rest on Thursday, December 17, 2026, in Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State, following his death at the age of 83.
The burial programme, jointly announced by the Omunu family of Uruto Quarters and the Omoba family of Urude Quarters, will feature a vigil Mass on December 16 and a funeral Mass on December 17 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Ozoro.
Retired ACP Frederick Ichako Omunu died in 2026 at the age of 83.
His burial is scheduled for December 17 in Ozoro, Delta State.
A vigil Mass will hold on December 16 at 4:00 p.m.
The funeral Mass is scheduled for December 17 at 10:00 a.m.
The deceased will be buried at his residence on Uruto Road, Ozoro.
The family has invited relatives, friends and well-wishers to the funeral ceremonies.
According to the funeral announcement, the vigil Mass will take place at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 16, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, NDC Road, Ozoro.
On Thursday, December 17, the deceased’s body will leave General Hospital, Ozoro, at 7:30 a.m., with a brief stopover at his family compound.
The funeral Mass will follow at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, along NDC Road, Ozoro.
Omunu to Be Buried at His Ozoro Residence
Following the funeral Mass, Omunu will be laid to rest at his residence at No. 80 Uruto Road, Uruto Quarters, Ozoro. The family stated that the interment ceremony would be restricted to family members.
A reception for guests will subsequently hold at the field of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, along NDC Road, Ozoro.
The family described the deceased as a father, grandfather, brother and uncle, inviting relatives, friends and well-wishers to join them in honouring his memory.
The burial announcement was signed by family representatives Henry Omunu, Editor, Trumpet Newspaper and Benedict Omunu.
By Our Reporter
Veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru has died at the age of 57 following a brief illness, his family has announced.
The family disclosed his death in a statement published on the actor’s official Instagram page in the early hours of Friday.
“We, the family of Francis Duru, regret to announce his passing following a brief illness,” the post reads.
“We appreciate your prayers, love, and understanding. May his soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.”
Duru’s death comes months after he dismissed reports circulating on social media that he was battling a life-threatening illness.
The rumours intensified in June after a video showing the actor looking frail went viral, prompting concerns among fans and colleagues in the entertainment industry.
Responding to the speculation at the time, Duru released a video on Instagram in which he described the footage as “fabricated and malicious”.
Born on July 27, 1969, in Cameroon to Nigerian parents from Imo State, Duru completed his primary and secondary education in the Central African country before moving to Nigeria for university education.
He gained admission to the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he studied Theatre Arts and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1996.
Duru began his acting career in 1989 when he featured in Missing Mark, a film directed by the late Ndubuisi Oko. However, the role did not immediately establish him as a prominent figure in the Nigerian movie industry.
His breakthrough came in 1995 following his appearance in Rattlesnake, an action-comedy produced by the late filmmaker Amaka Igwe. In the film, he played the character Ahanna, a role that helped raise his profile in Nollywood.
Throughout his career, Duru earned several awards and honours in recognition of his contributions to the entertainment industry.
He was named a United Nations ambassador of peace for his positive influence on young people.
In 2020, he won the Best Actor in a Leading Role (Igbo) award at the Best of Nollywood Awards for his performance in Mboputa.
Beyond his acting career, Duru was married to Adokiye, whom he wed in 2003. Their union produced four children.
The family suffered a major loss in August 2024 when one of their children, Ifeanyi, died.
Duru’s death marks the loss of an actor whose career spanned several decades in Nigeria’s film industry.
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