Benjamin Samson
Verified
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Benjamin Samson
Matawalle hails military medical university’s JAMB listingÂ
The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has hailed the listing of the Armed Forces College of Medicine and Health Sciences on the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board portal, paving the way for the institution’s pioneer intake of 100 cadets for the 2026/2027 academic session. The development brings the tri-service military medical institution into Nigeria’s tertiary admissions system, with plans to train doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals for the Armed Forces.
EU to boost Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts with £20m support
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd), has said the armed forces of Nigeria is expecting 10 attack helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and other major enablers with the effort of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Musa disclosed this when he received the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot and his delegation at his office Ship House Abuja.
Poverty Nigeria’s biggest problem not religion – Makinde
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde Saturday said Nigeria’s biggest problem is not religion but poverty, urging Christians across the country to participate in politics. Makinde who is also the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) stated while addressing journalists in Abuja after receiving a Christian Icon Award as part of activities marking Christian Association of Nigeria‚Äôs (CAN) 50th anniversary celebration.
Insecurity: FG inaugurates task team to harmonise disarmament, reintegration efforts nationwide
The federal government on Friday inaugurated a task team on Disarmament Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) to coordinate and come up with nationally owned approach to DDR as part efforts to address terrorism, banditry and other forms of armed violence in Nigeria. Inaugurating the committee on behalf of the National Security Adviser, the national coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Major General Adamu Laka, said the establishment of the Task Team is timely.
NCDMB trains public, private sector staff on leadership, management
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has trained participants from public and private organisations on smart leadership, staff management and effective service delivery. The Five-Day Smart Leadership and Staff Management Training, sponsored by NCDMB and powered by Pages Spot Construction Limited, was held from Oct. 12 to Oct. 16, 2026, at Dalice Hotels and Suites, Mabushi, Abuja. The co-ordinator of the programme, Engr.
Why regulators must enforce¬†compensations¬†for¬†flight¬†delays,¬†cancellations¬†–¬†Experts¬†
…Air travellers‚Äôre entitled to refunds within 14 days for cancellations ‚Äď Kadiri ‚Äė‚ĶOne can claim from 25% of the ticket price upwards as damages‚Äô …Nigeria recorded 4,765 flight delays, 36 terminations in August – NCAA Flight delays and cancellations have remained most of the major challenges confronting Nigeria‚Äôs domestic aviation sector. In this report, BENJAMIN SAMSON speaks with experts on how passengers can get compensation.
2027 polls: DLA governorship candidates collapse structures for Tinubu
…Vow mobilisation for Asiwaju …Accord Party okays Gov. Adeleke’s support for president …His reforms laying foundation for nation’s prosperity РIdris As the 2027 general elections approach, a forum of governorship candidates of the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) across the country have endorsed President Bola Tinubu for re-election, pledging to mobilise their grassroots political structures to secure his victory.
Idris warns against vote buying, violence at  NOA grassroots mobilisation flag-off
 … Weâll deploy 36 states directorates, FCT – Issa-Onilu The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, Thursday, called on Nigerians to reject voter apathy, vote buying and electoral violence, saying that every eligible citizen has a responsibility to protect democracy and help shape the countryâs future through peaceful participation in the 2027 general election.
Niger state: Lambata-Kontagora road will boosts trade, agriculture – Idris
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said the federal government’s ₦1.8 trillion reconstruction and dualisation of the Lambata–Bida–Mokwa–Makera–Kontagora Road will boost trade, agriculture and job creation by connecting communities to markets and opening up economic opportunities across Niger State and beyond.
N1.5trn federal highway: Magaji hails Bago, Idris for working towards development of Niger
The North Central zonal youth coordinator of the City Boy Movement (CBM), Hon. Suleiman Abubakar Magaji, has commended Niger State Governor, Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago, and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, for working together towards the development of the state.
Saraki, Kwara chief judge, associates, celebrate Adelodun on elevation to SAN
Family members, friends and associates Monday gathered in Abuja to celebrate Mohammed Adelodun on his elevation to the enviable rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), one of the country’s highest professional distinctions for legal practitioners. They described the achievement as a reward for hard work, dedication to duties and excellence in the service of the cause of justice in the nation’s legal profession.
NAF constitutes 12-member board to investigate Ondo aircraft crash
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has constituted a 12-member specialist Aircraft Accident Investigation Board to investigate its aircraft crash at Ogbokoda in Ondo state. This is contained in a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, on Tuesday in Abuja. Ejodame said that the board was saddled with the responsibility of establishing the circumstances surrounding the Oct.
How we arrived at 30-day reduction of petroleum prices ‚Äď FG
…Says NNPCL fully involved Following the backlash that greeted the 30-day price reduction of petrol across the outlets of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), the federal government Monday gave some insights into how the decision was arrived at, saying it was done mainly by the NNPCL firstly as part of the nation’s 66th independence anniversary.
$1bn arms procurement funds released to defence ministry, not military, Buratai clarifies
… Security challenges can’t be addressed by only the military – Idris  Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has said the $1billion approved for defence procurement during his tenure as Army Chief was released to the Ministry of Defence. He said the funds approved by the National Economic Council (NEC) did not pass through his hands or the accounts of the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force.
I’ve never been declared wanted – Ex- Navy accounts director
Former director Nigerian Navy Accoutnts, Rear Admiral Tahir Yusuf (rtd) has dismissed a report by an online newspaper, SaharaReporters, that he was declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged N2 billion fraud. The report claimed that Admiral Yusuf was sighted moving freely in Nigeria, after the anti-graft agency told a Federal High Court in Abuja that he was on the run and could not be reached.
Fuel price relief not return to subsidy - Idris  - Blueprint Newspapers Limited
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has clarified that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.)’s 30-day petrol discount initiative does not amount to a return to fuel subsidy, saying it is designed to provide temporary relief to Nigerians amid rising international energy costs.  Idris gave the clarification on Monday in Abuja during an interactive media engagement with senior editors and...
Idris hails APC mobilisation in North-central, calls for issue-based campaign
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has commended the mobilisation and solidarity demonstrated at the All Progressives Congress (APC) North Central campaign flag-off in Lafia, Nasarawa state, urging political actors to prioritise peaceful, issue-based campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Foundation graduates Suleja youths in digital, leadership skills
By Benjamin Samson Abuja The Foundation for Human Capacity Development and Innovation has graduated 88 youths from Suleja, in Niger state trained in leadership and digital skills from its institute.
Idris commends Bago’s development drive, hails FG’s ₦1.5tn road project in Niger state
The Minister of Information and National Orientation and Chairman of the Niger State Development Forum (NSDF), Mohammed Idris, has commended Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago for his administration’s investments in agriculture, infrastructure and economic development, while describing the federal government’s approximately N1.5 trillion Lambata–Bida–Mokwa–Makera–Kontagora highway project as a major boost to the state’s development.
FG directs reduction of fuel prices at NNPC stations, targets N1,350/litre
Minister of Finance in warm handshake with President Tinubu The federal government Thursday announced a 30-day plan to crash fuel prices through a discount arrangement at all filling stations operated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). The move, it said, is to provide temporary relief to households and transport operators contending with high energy and living costs.
Gains of Tinubu’s reforms clear for all to see – Idris
The minister of information and national orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has said the results of reforms being undertaken by the administratiin of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Agenda in the past three years are evident for all the see. Idris stated this Thursday at a joint press briefing held at the Ministry of Finance in Abuja.
FG strengthening judiciary, promoting alternative dispute resolution
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said the Federal Government is taking deliberate steps to strengthen Nigeria’s judiciary and improve access to justice, while supporting greater public awareness and use of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
Air crash: NAF intensifies search, recovery operations in Igbokoda
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), under the direction of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, continues to lead and coordinate search and recovery efforts following the accident involving NAF ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
Military air crash: NOA urges Nigerians to honour fallen NAF officersÂ
 The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has urged Nigerians to honour the fallen personnel of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) by observing the three-day national mourning declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with dignity and respect. The agency also said it would intensify efforts to ensure proper observance of the national flag, following the president’s directive that the flag be flown at half-mast during the mourning period.
Tinubu creating environment for investment, enterprise - Idris   - Blueprint Newspapers Limited
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is focused on creating a more stable environment for investment, enterprise and long-term economic growth while expanding opportunities for Nigerians to participate in the economy.  A statement by Special Assistant on Media to the Minister, Rabiu Ibrahim, noted that Idris stated this on Tuesday in Abuja at the New Nigeria...
Shaibu tasks army lawyers on civilian protection, military justice
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked legal officers of the Nigerian Army with ensuring the protection of civilians and other protected persons while strengthening the administration of military justice. Shaibu gave the charge on Tuesday in Abuja while speaking at a specialised training workshop organised by the Directorate of Legal Services, Army, for its lawyers. The Army chief, who was represented by the Chief of Administration, Army, Maj. Gen.
Breaking: NAF releases names of personnel killed in Ondo air crash
The Nigerian Air Force has released the names of the 25 personnel and passengers on board the ill-fated NAF 931 ATR-42 aircraft that crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State, confirming that no survivors have been found following the accident. The aircraft, which had five crew members and 20 passengers, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.
Tinubu receives defence minister, evaluates progress of counter-insurgency, anti-banditry operations Â
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Monday received the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), in a high-level strategic meeting at the Presidential Residence in Lagos. This was contained in a statement by special assistant on media to the minister Leah Katung-Babatunde.
How Lagos-bound NAF aircraft crashed with 32 on boardÂ
All the 32 persons on board a Nigerian military aircraft that crashed on Monday are feared dead. The indication to this effect was contained in a statement by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga. The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has activated an immediate search and rescue operation following the crash of the ATR-42 aircraft in Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje local government area of Ondo state. The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.
Nigeria Air Force confirms aircraft crash in Ondo, begins search, rescue
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has activated an immediate Search and Rescue operation following an ATR-42 aircraft accident in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on 5 October 2026. This was contained in a statement Monday by Director of Public Relations and Information Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame. He said the aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.
COAS, Agwai, others pay tributes to late Lt.-Gen. Obiakor
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has described the late retired Lt.-Gen. Chikadibia Obiakor, as professional soldiers whose career and impact transcended Nigeria to Africa and global community. According to the COAS, Obiakor’s successes as an international peacekeeper elevated Nigeria as force to reckon with in Africa and on the global stage.
My ancestral home, public utilities, over 500 other houses razed in 2 months, Ukura cries out
An environmental consultant, Architect Patrick Ukura, has said that his ancestral home, public utilities, and other houses have been razed in two months due to communal clashes. He lamented that the Benue state government had failed in its statutory responsibility of protecting the lives and property of the rural dwellers.
Defence minister charges staff on professionalism, productivity
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd.), has called on staff of the Ministry to embrace unity, professionalism, mutual respect and constructive dialogue as essential ingredients for improved productivity and effective service delivery.
Nigeria, U.S tighten partnership against terrorism   - Blueprint Newspapers Limited
 The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd) , has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening military relations with the United States, particularly in counter-terrorism operations. ...
CSOs urges senate to withdraw Foreign Aid Bill, decry harsh sanctions
No fewer than 30 civil society organisations have urged the Senate to withdraw the proposed Foreign Aid (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill, 2026, describing its sanctions against non-governmental organisations as excessive. The groups which include Yiaga Africa, Accountability Lab Nigeria, Gatefield, BudgIT, SERAP, CLEEN Foundation and Enough is Enough Nigeria, made the demand at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday.
Military neutralised 554 terrorists, rescued 1,736 kidnapped victims in Q3 – DHQ
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) neutralised 554 terrorists and criminals, arrested 1,333 suspects and rescued 1,736 kidnapped civilians during military operations across the country in the third quarter of 2026. The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this at the Defence Headquarters Combined Monthly and Third Quarter Media Briefing in Abuja on Thursday.
Nigeria @ 66: NOA calls for renewed commitment to unity, development
As Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has called for renewed commitment to national unity and development, while urging citizens to support the government’s efforts to sustain the progress recorded since independence.
Nigeria @66: FG urges consolidation of reforms for shared prosperity
The Federal Government has called for sustained efforts to consolidate the reforms of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Administration and translate emerging economic stability into stronger growth, expanded opportunities and improved quality of life for Nigerians.
Dangote sponsors Abuja Trade Fair, features refinery IPO
Dangote Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), one of the sponsors of the 21st Abuja International Trade Fair, will spotlight the on-going Initial Public Offering (IPO) of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals (DPRP) during the company’s Special Day.
NPF-NCC operatives arrest 2 Indians over N6.17bn fraud, suspect wanted in U.SÂ
The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) has arrested several suspects in connection with alleged cyber-enabled crimes involving the diversion of about N6.174 billion, electronic banking fraud, armed robbery and the theft of mobile devices valued at $144,440. The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the NPF-NCCC, AIG Akaninyene Ezima, disclosed this Thursday in Abuja while briefing journalists on recent investigations by the Centre.
Idris calls for stronger action to prevent heart disease Â
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has called for stronger action to prevent cardiovascular disease, promote early detection and expand access to treatment, stressing the importance of credible public information in saving lives.
2027 polls: Idris calls for responsible broadcasting to protect democracy
By Benjamin Samson Abuja The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has called on broadcasters to uphold accuracy, fairness and professional ethics in reporting as Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, stressing that responsible broadcasting is critical to protecting democracy.
APM will reset Nigeria, fix security architecture in 4 years – Makinde
The Presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and the Governor of Oyo state, Seyi Makinde, has promised to fix Nigeria and reset the security architecture of Nigeria in four years if elected president. He added that the reset agenda can be completed in four years. “After all, we had someone who was head of state in this country for 10 months, and he was able to end military rule and usher in the democracy that we now enjoy in Nigeria.
Nigeria @66: Defence minister charges on unity, security Â
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd.), on Sunday joined Christian faithful, top government officials, and members of the diplomatic corps for an inter-denominational church service at the National Christian Centre in Abuja to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
Army raids terrorists’ enclave, neutralises suspect, recovers arms
Troops of Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA have raided a suspected terrorists’ hideout where they neutralised a suspected terrorist and recovered weapon and motorcycle in Gudu local government area. This was contained in a statement issued by the spokesperson of the 8 Division, Nigerian Army, Olaniyi Osoba, Sunday in Sokoto. Osoba, a Lt. Col., said the troops acted on credible intelligence and advanced toward a suspected terrorists’ camp in the vicinity of Karani village.
COAS tasks inaugurated 183 DSSC officers on leadership, professionalism Â
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has charged newly inaugurated officers of the Nigerian Army to demonstrate courage, competence, discipline and sound judgment in their duties. Shaibu gave the charge on Friday at the passing-out parade of 183 cadets of the Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) Course 29/2026 at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry (NASI), Jaji Military Cantonment, Kaduna state.
Nigerians to govs: What have you done with subsidy windfall? Â
‘Mr. President has done his part by freeing the funds’ …There’ve been little or no investments in infrastructure, social amenities – Expert …Many govs, LG chairs have treated the windfall like free cash – Agbor Governors of the 36 states are the biggest beneficiaries of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s petrol subsidy removal, with unprecedented federation account allocations ushering in an era of multi-billion-naira monthly revenues.
UNGA: Nigeria seeks whole-of – society approach, international partnerships to end insecurity
The Ministry of Defence of has convened a high-level discussion on the margins of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81) High-Level Week in New York, calling for a comprehensive, partnership-based, and whole-of-society approach to address Nigeria‚Äôs and the wider Sahel region’s evolving security landscape.
Nigeria at 66: FG consolidating gains of economic reforms to benefit all Nigerians - Akume, Idris  - Blueprint Newspapers Limited
…Reforms¬†designed¬†to¬†build¬†larger,¬†¬†inclusive¬†economy¬†–¬†Bagudu The federal government Thursday said it is consolidating on the gains of reforms being undertaken by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Agenda to ensure that it benefits the majority of Nigerians.
Group condemns glorification, financing of terrorism
A non-partisan advocacy group, Safe and Secured Nigeria Group has condemned the glorification, financing and harbouring of terrorists, bandits, criminals and violent groups. The Convener of the group Musa Mohammed, stated this on Wednesday at a Peace and Development Rally organised by the group in Orozo, Federal Capital Territory.
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Benjamin
Contact Benjamin, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack