society
Canada Owes an Apology: Visa Denial of Nigeria’s Defence Chief, Military Leaders Sparks Diplomatic Row By Olayemi Esan
Canada Owes an Apology: Visa Denial of Nigeria’s Defence Chief, Military Leaders Sparks Diplomatic Row By Olayemi Esan
The Canadian government’s denial of visas to Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, and other senior military officials has sparked controversy, and such a decision would be a significant diplomatic misstep.
It would be a breach of diplomatic protocol and courtesy if the Canadian government denied visas to General Musa and other officials without valid reasons, As a representative of Nigeria’s military, General Musa who has met with international counterparts, such as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr to discuss security cooperation and regional stability, it is disappointing to receive the news of the visa deny.
General Musa revealed this on Thursday during a maiden annual lecture of the National Association of the Institute for Security Studies (AANISS) in Abuja, describing the visa denial as both embarrassing and disappointing, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) emphasized the need for Nigeria to strengthen its self-reliance
In his words, “Every disappointment is a blessing. Yesterday, I was meant to be in Canada for an event honoring our veterans—those injured in battle. We were invited alongside our team, but while half of the delegation was granted visas, the other half was denied. It’s very disappointing,” Musa stated.
He further remarked that the incident serves as a reminder for Nigeria to “stand on its own, stand strong as a nation, and ensure it is no longer taken for granted.”No official reason for the visa denial has been provided by the Canadian government at this time.
Olayemi Esan, SpyeTV News Managing Director in her displeasure remarks noted that a visa denial without explanation or justification would undermine the trust and cooperation between Nigeria and Canada. The Canadian government needs to provide clear reasons for its decision and apologize if it was an error or an oversight.
She said the Canadian government should consider the potential consequences of their actions on bilateral relations and regional security cooperation. Apologizing for any mistakes made would be a step towards repairing the relationship and maintaining a positive diplomatic partnership.
Jamie Christoff the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria who recently visited Nigeria to promote trade and economic ties between the two countries as a matter of urgency wrote an apology letter to the office of the Chief of Defence Staff, Nigeria Armed Forces for this costly error by its embassy here in Nigeria.
It should be noted that, the Chief of Defence Staff. General Musa stressed that strengthening self-reliance in Nigeria requires a multi-faceted approach. By doing so, Nigeria will achieve the aim of diversifying the economy and reducing dependence on oil exports by developing other sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and services. It would promote local production and encourage local industries to produce goods and services, reducing reliance on imports.
By strengthening self-reliance in Nigeria to invest in infrastructure, and develop roads, railways, airports, and seaports to facilitate trade and commerce. It will foster entrepreneurship and support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through training, funding, and mentorship programs. It will develop human capital. Invest in education, healthcare, and skills development to build a competent and productive workforce. It would enhance food security*: Promote agricultural development, irrigation, and rural infrastructure to ensure food self-sufficiency.
It encourages innovation and supports research and development, science, and technology to drive innovation and competitiveness. Strengthen institutions and ensure good governance, transparency, and accountability in institutions to attract investment and promote economic growth. Foster regional cooperation and collaborate with neighbouring countries to promote trade, investment, and economic integration.
This will develop a national strategy and create a comprehensive plan to achieve self-reliance, with clear goals, objectives, and timelines. By implementing these measures, Nigeria can strengthen its self-reliance, reduce dependence on external factors, and achieve sustainable economic growth and development.
*OLAYEMI ESAN IS AN AWARD-WINNING BROADCAST JOURNALIST AND A PUBLIC RELATIONS PRACTITIONER. SHE IS A MEMBER OF NIPR AND THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF SPYE TV [SPYE COMMUNICATIONS LIMITED]. SHE CAN BE REACHED VIA 08035132961 OR [email protected]*
society
Epe Premier Club Meets Obasa Ahead of Baba Bamu’s Immortalisation
Epe Premier Club Meets Obasa Ahead of Baba Bamu’s Immortalisation
The leadership of the prestigious Epe Premier Club on Wednesday, January 28, paid a courtesy visit to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, as part of preparations for the Club’s inaugural immortalisation ceremony in honour of their founding fathers.
Led by Hon. Abiodun Mustainu Tobun, the delegation briefed Speaker Obasa on the Club’s resolve to inaugurate a new era of recognising and immortalising iconic figures who contributed significantly to the socio-political and cultural development of Epe Division while they are still alive. He explained that the Club had unanimously selected Alhaji Akanni Seriki Bamu—a respected member of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) and political leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Epe Division—as the first honouree.
Hon. Tobun emphasised that Baba Bamu embodies leadership, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the growth of Epe, describing him as a mentor and pillar whose contributions have shaped the region’s political trajectory.
Responding, Speaker Obasa commended the Epe Premier Club for its foresight in institutionalising a programme to honour the legacies of distinguished individuals. He applauded the choice of Alhaji Seriki Bamu, noting that his impact, political maturity, and statesmanship continue to resonate across Lagos State.
Obasa expressed gratitude for the invitation and assured the delegation of his support and presence at the celebration, stressing the importance of recognising leaders who have given immensely to community and state development.
The courtesy visit also provided a platform for broader conversations on civic engagement, community empowerment, and collaborations aimed at further advancing Epe Division.
The immortalisation ceremony for Alhaji Akanni Seriki Bamu will take place in the coming weeks and is expected to draw dignitaries, community stakeholders, and residents in large numbers.
society
Africa Gospel Film Project Launched to Train a New Generation of Christian Filmmakers Across Africa
Africa Gospel Film Project Launched to Train a New Generation of Christian Filmmakers Across Africa
Abuja, Nigeria – January 2026 — Gospel Cinema International has officially announced the launch of the Africa Gospel Film Project (AGFP), a bold, multi-year capacity-building and film production initiative designed to equip African Christian filmmakers with professional skills, spiritual depth, and global distribution pathways.
Africa is home to over 600 million Christians, yet African faith-based films remain significantly underrepresented in global catalogues. AGFP was created to address this gap by training filmmakers, producing premium-quality faith-based content, and strategically connecting Africa’s Christian film ecosystem to the global market.
The project will launch its first phase with a 6-Day Immersive Filmmaking & Spiritual Formation Program, scheduled to hold April 13–18, 2026, in Nigeria, followed by the production of an 8-episode faith-based series later in the year.
“Film is one of the most powerful tools shaping culture and belief today,” said Bright Wonder Obasi, president of Gospel Cinema International. “Africa Gospel Film Project is not just about making films—it is about shaping storytellers who understand both excellence and spiritual responsibility.”
AGFP will focus on:
Professional training in screenwriting, directing, cinematography, editing, producing, and acting
Deep spiritual formation and mentorship
Collaborative production and international distribution pathways.
Gospel Cinema International is a faith-driven film development organization committed to training, producing, and distributing impactful Christian films that shape culture and inspire faith globally.
Applications and partnership discussions are now open.
For applications and information:
visit www.gospelcinemaint.com
Email [email protected]
Follow @gosplecinemtrybe across social media for updates.
society
2027: Group Urges Information Minister Mohammed Idris Malagi to Contest Niger Governorship
2027: Group Urges Information Minister Mohammed Idris Malagi to Contest Niger Governorship
A group known as the Niger Progressives & Prosperity Promoters (NPPP) has issued a strong public appeal urging Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, to contest the 2027 governorship election in Niger State.
In a statement dated January 27, 2026, signed by Dr. Ibrahim K. Mohammed as convener, the group criticized the current administration under Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago for what it described as excessive international travels, unfulfilled agreements, and lack of tangible development in areas like water supply, jobs, agriculture, security, and infrastructure, despite the state’s abundant resources.
The statement described Malagi—a former governorship aspirant in 2023, media entrepreneur, and federal minister—as the ideal candidate, highlighting his calm, strategic, results-oriented leadership style, national experience, and ability to deliver without theatrics or corruption.
It emphasized that the call transcends party lines and urged youths, elders, professionals, farmers, and community leaders to rally behind competence for Niger State’s progress, describing the moment as a critical crossroads where delay risks further decline.
Full Press Statement:
Enough Is Enough: A Clarion Call on Mohammed Idris Malagi to Step Forward in 2027.
There comes a moment in the life of a people when patience expires and silence becomes betrayal. Niger State has reached that moment.
Our state stands at a dangerous crossroads rich in land, water, and people, yet poor in outcomes; blessed with opportunity, yet trapped in underperformance. What we suffer today is not a lack of promises, but a surplus of them. Not a lack of travels, agreements, or signatures, but a tragic absence of results.
For three years, Niger State has been subjected to a governance style that prioritizes junketing over delivery leaders hopping from the USA to the UAE, from Russia to China, Brazil to South Africa, Egypt to Singapore. From Lagos State to Dangote multi billion agreements, signing glossy Memoranda of Understanding that never translate into water in our taps, food on our tables, jobs for our youths, or dignity for our people.
Agreements without impact are not achievements. Frequent flights without measurable outcomes are not leadership. Sophisticated paperwork masking systemic corruption is not governance. Niger State does not need a globe-trotting signatory-in-chief. Niger State needs a governor.
Why the Call Is Now Unavoidable:
This is why the call across Niger State is no longer cautious or quiet. It is bold, collective, and unmistakable:
Mohammed Idris Malagi must hear the cry of the masses, the unpaid pensioners, the poor farmers that have not seen fertilizer for their farms, and the teeming unemployed youths to contest for the Governorship of Niger State in 2027.
This is no longer a suggestion. It is a call to duty. The people are tired of leadership that manages decline instead of driving development. Tired of carefully crafted speeches that produce no schools, no hospitals, no security, no water, and no agricultural value chain. Tired of a system that looks sophisticated on paper but is rotten in practice.
Niger State must break free from this cycle.
What Niger State Needs Now Is Calm, Astute, and Results-Driven Leadership.
Mohammed Idris Malagi represents a fundamentally different leadership model one rooted in calm authority, strategic thinking, and execution, not noise, lousiness or theatrics.
His leadership style is not impulsive or erratic. It is measured, deliberate, and intelligent. He listens, analyzes, decides, and delivers. He does not confuse activity with productivity or visibility with value. He share responsibility and respect views and dialogues.
At the national level, Malagi has demonstrated a deep understanding of how power, policy, and institutions truly function not in theory, but in reality. He has mastered the ability to articulate vision clearly and earn public confidence without intimidation or propaganda.
He has the discipline to operate under intense pressure while maintaining clarity, composure, and direction. With the capacity to move complex systems from decision to implementation, not endless committees, fraudulent entities and excuses. This is executive leadership, this is governor-level competence. Niger State does not need a power monger who monopolizes authority at the expense of good governance. It needs a leader already tested by complexity.
Niger State cannot afford anymore four years of experimental governance. Another cycle of foreign trips with no domestic impact. Another administration that signs agreements while communities remain abandoned. Another sophisticated corruption network dressed up as reform of “New Niger” an agenda of multiple corruption must not be allowed to continue, to be governed by a system that looks modern but delivers poverty.
A Leadership Moment That Cannot Be Deferred is now.
At crossroads, delay equals decline.
Insecurity deepens while opportunities slip away. Public trust erodes while governance becomes increasingly disconnected from lived realities. Incrementalism is no longer an option.
Niger State see in Malagi as the next governor that will be Prepared, not rehearsing; Decisive, not tentative; Calm, not chaotic; Nationally respected, yet deeply rooted in local realities; Bold enough to reform systems, not merely administer decay.
Mohammed Idris Malagi fits this moment not by coincidence, but by competence.
Beyond Party Lines, For Niger State
This clarion call is not anchored on any political party. It is anchored on capacity, courage, and commitment.
Political parties are vehicles. Leadership is the engine.
On whatever platform the people choose, Mohammed Idris Malagi represents a unifying option one capable of bridging zones, generations, faiths, and political divides. This is not about comfort or convention; it is about survival, progress, and dignity.
To Mohammed Idris Malagi: History Is Knocking
History does not knock endlessly. When it does, it demands a response.
This is not about personal ambition. It is about responsibility to a state at risk of prolonged stagnation. The people are watching. The moment is ripe. The call is clear.
Mohammed Idris Malagi, Niger State calls on you to contest for Governor in 2027.
Step forward. Offer your service. Accept the burden of leadership.
The Movement Starts Now
This is a call to youths and elders, professionals and farmers, traders, artisans, traditional rulers, and religious leaders across Niger State:
Rally around competence, not convenience.
Choose results over rhetoric.
Demand leadership, not excuses.
Let it be said that when Niger State stood at a crossroads, its people chose direction over drift, courage over comfort, and leadership over illusion.
2027 must be the year Niger State takes its future back.
And that future must begin with decisive, calm, and competent leadership.
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