The Centre for Humanitarian and Homeland Advancement has defended President Bola Tinubu’s appointment of Major General Adeyinka Famadewa (Rtd) as Special Adviser on Homeland Security, describing criticisms trailing the decision as misguided, intellectually narrow, and disconnected from the realities of modern security governance.

The group was reacting to comments by Prof. Femi Otubanjo, a research professor at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, who described the appointment as wrong and an admission of failure by the administration in addressing insecurity.

In a statement issued on Friday and signed by its executive director, Dr. Maurice Ayobami, the Centre said the creation of the office reflects strategic adaptation to Nigeria’s evolving security landscape rather than institutional weakness.

Ayobami argued that modern security threats have become increasingly decentralised, asymmetric, and technologically sophisticated, requiring governments across the world to continuously redesign their coordination structures and policy responses.

According to him, President Tinubu’s decision demonstrates foresight and responsiveness in the face of emerging threats ranging from terrorism and banditry to cybercrime, transnational organised crime, sabotage of critical infrastructure, and internal intelligence coordination challenges.

“To interpret the appointment of a Special Adviser on Homeland Security as an admission of failure is to fundamentally misunderstand the nature of contemporary security management,” Ayobami said.

“Serious governments evolve. Serious administrations review their structures, identify emerging gaps, and create mechanisms capable of improving coordination, intelligence integration, and rapid strategic response. That is exactly what this administration has done.”

The Centre noted that homeland security architecture in many advanced democracies continues to evolve due to the changing nature of threats confronting nation-states, adding that Nigeria cannot afford to remain rigid in its institutional approach while security risks continue to mutate.

Ayobami said criticisms suggesting that the office duplicates existing security structures ignore the distinct coordinating and advisory role expected of the appointee.

He explained that the office is designed to strengthen inter-agency collaboration and improve strategic policy coherence, not to replace military command structures or usurp statutory responsibilities of existing security institutions.

“The attempt to frame this appointment as a power struggle within the security architecture is both inaccurate and unnecessarily alarmist,” he said.

“The Special Adviser on Homeland Security is not being appointed to command military formations or override existing agencies. The role is strategic and advisory, aimed at deepening intelligence coordination, improving homeland risk assessment, and strengthening synergy among critical institutions.”

The Centre also described Major General Famadewa’s appointment as one rooted in competence, experience, and institutional knowledge.

It noted that the retired general played a central role in developing Nigeria’s intelligence coordination framework during his years at the Office of the National Security Adviser, particularly through the establishment of the Intelligence Fusion Centre.

According to Ayobami, Famadewa’s experience across military operations, intelligence coordination, security diplomacy, and research makes him uniquely qualified for the role.

“Major General Famadewa is not an experimental choice. He is a tested security professional with decades of operational and strategic experience,” he said.

“At a time when security threats are becoming more interconnected and multidimensional, it is only logical for the administration to bring in individuals with deep institutional memory and proven coordination expertise.”

The Centre further argued that reducing Nigeria’s security challenges to the appointment of the National Security Adviser oversimplifies a deeply complex national problem rooted in decades of structural weaknesses, porous borders, arms proliferation, socio-economic pressures, and regional instability.

Ayobami said the Tinubu administration deserves credit for seeking innovative approaches instead of remaining trapped in outdated security models.

“No responsible government confronted with evolving threats would continue operating with static frameworks. What the President has done is demonstrate strategic flexibility and administrative courage by strengthening the homeland security coordination process.”

The Centre urged Nigerians to view the appointment through the broader lens of national security reform rather than partisan or personalised interpretations.

It added that the country’s security challenges require constructive engagement, institutional strengthening, and continuous policy innovation rather than attempts to politicise every reform initiative undertaken by government.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Oluwaseun Faleye, has underscored the role of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS) in restoring hope and dignity to Nigerian workers who suffer injuries in the line of duty.

He made the remarks in Abuja during the presentation of prosthetic limbs to 10 beneficiaries of the scheme.

Represented by the General Manager, Claims and Compensation, Mrs. Nkiru Ogunnike, the MD said the initiative continues to put smiles on the faces of injured workers by supporting their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

According to him, the ECS goes beyond statutory compensation, reflecting a humane commitment to restoring confidence and preserving the dignity of workers affected by occupational hazards.

He noted that workplace accidents often result not only in physical injuries but also emotional trauma and uncertainty about the future.

Faleye explained that for many Nigerian workers, a single workplace incident can permanently alter the course of their lives.

He however said the intervention of the NSITF through the ECS provides a second chance for victims to rebuild their lives and regain independence.

Highlighting specific cases, he cited the experiences of two beneficiaries, Daniel Etim, a staff of University of Uyo Printing Press and Festus Opkara of Tower Aluminium Laos, as evidence of the scheme’s impact.

Daniel lost his arm in May 2024 after it was trapped in an industrial machine during a routine workday, an injury which led to amputation.

“However, through the intervention of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund as administrators of the ECS, Daniel received medical support, with his treatment expenses fully covered under the Scheme.

“Beyond the payment of medical bills, the Fund extended further rehabilitative support by providing him with a prosthetic arm, reaffirming its commitment not only to compensation but also to restoring dignity, confidence, and functionality to injured workers.

“Daniel’s story underscores the broader mandate of the Employee Compensation Scheme, a social protection mechanism designed to ensure that Nigerian workers who suffer workplace injuries, disabilities, occupational diseases, or death are not abandoned in moments of vulnerability,” the NSITF MD explained.

“Similar to Daniel’s is the story of Festus, whose workplace accident dates back to 2015. Having lost his hand in a workplace incident, Festus lived for years with the emotional burden that accompanied his physical condition.

“Beyond the trauma of the accident itself was the constant public attention, the quizzical looks, and the pitying stares that made social interactions difficult,” he stated, adding that “NSITF provided Festus with a silicone prosthetic hand, helping him regain not only physical confidence but also a renewed sense of inclusion and self-worth”.

Highlighting the significance of the ECS, the MD restated that “For beneficiaries like Daniel and Festus, the interventions of the NSITF have become more than institutional obligations; they represent hope, restoration, and reassurance that injured workers are not left to navigate tragedy alone”.

To the MD, these examples speak to a frequently overlooked dimension of workplace injuries: the psychological and emotional scars that persist long after physical wounds may have healed.

“These interventions highlight the critical role of the NSITF in implementing the Employee Compensation Scheme, which continues to serve as a vital safety net for Nigerian workers in both the public and private sectors”, he concluded.

While reflecting on how his life was transformed, one of the beneficiaries, Festus Okpara enthused: ‘I thank NSITF for coming all this way to help. At least with this (a silicone artificial hand), I can go out in public and feel free. NSITF has reduced the level of trauma'”.

It would be recalled that the ten beneficiaries were among the 78 who recently got fitted with artificial limbs in the ongoing rehabilitation and reintegration program of the NSITF.”

Former Vice President of Nigeria, His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, yesterday chaired the wedding ceremony of Cherina and Muna Okey Ezeibe in the enchanting city of Marrakech, Morocco, in what was a remarkable celebration of love, friendship, family, and African unity.

The wedding, which took place on Saturday, 9th May 2026, brought together dignitaries, family members, and close associates from across the continent in a ceremony marked by elegance and profound symbolism.

At the heart of the celebration were the proud parents of the groom, Mr. and Mrs. Okey Ezeibe, who watched with immense joy as their son began a new chapter of life.

The occasion held special significance given the longstanding friendship and enduring relationship between Mr. Okey Ezeibe and His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, a bond built over many years of mutual respect and camaraderie.

Also present were the bride’s proud parents, including her father, Mr. Lassina Zerbo, former Prime Minister of Burkina Faso, whose distinguished presence underscored the significance of the union as a beautiful convergence of respected families and shared African heritage.

Chairing the occasion, His Excellency, Atiku Abubakar described marriage as a sacred institution built on love, sacrifice, patience, and mutual respect, while offering prayers for the enduring happiness, peace, and prosperity of the newly wedded couple.

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Marrakech, the ceremony was not merely the union of two individuals, but a celebration of friendship across borders, cultural harmony, and the timeless values that bind families together.