The Federal Government has rejected a recent security advisory from the U.S. Embassy warning its personnel and their families against non-essential travel to military and government facilities in Abuja.
In a statement on Monday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, acknowledged the right of foreign missions to issue advisories but insisted that Nigeria’s capital remains secure for residents and visitors.
“Nigeria’s security agencies are working tirelessly to ensure the safety of all citizens and foreigners in the FCT and beyond,” the statement read. “Abuja’s security framework is proactive and has successfully detected, prevented, and neutralized threats.”
The government clarified that the U.S. advisory appeared to stem from general global security trends rather than any immediate danger in Abuja.
“We assure diplomatic missions, investors, and the public that there is no cause for alarm,” the statement emphasized. “Abuja remains one of the safest capitals in the world, and our security forces are on high alert to address any emerging risks.”
The minister urged citizens to go about their daily activities without fear but encouraged vigilance and prompt reporting of suspicious incidents to authorities.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining security and upholding Abuja’s reputation as a stable and protected city.
Dele Fashomi, seasoned journalist and communication teacher, is a holder of Master of Arts degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1992/93.
Earlier, he had bagged a Bachelor degree from the same university in 1984, after which he proceeded to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, in 1990, for a postgraduate diploma in Journalism.
He had done many courses in communication, including the EU-BBC Editing Course in 2002.
Mr. Fashomi combines effectively the practice, research and teaching of communication. And to date, he has published two academic works in communication: Issues in Communication Technology and Policy (2010) and Economic and Social Issues in Advertising and PR (2013).
He had his first break in the Nigerian media in Concord Newspapers in 1990 and today, he has over two and half decades experience earned in several newspapers.
He has been part of many start-ups, such as The Republic (1987), The Comet (1999), The Anchor 2001 – 2002; Sun Newspapers (2003); Westerner newsmagazine (2005 – 2010) as Editor; National Life (2011) as Sunday Editor, and Newswatch Newspapers (2012- 2016) as Daily Editor.
Dele Fashomi is now the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Newstide247.com newspaper online, which he started in July 2015. He is also into biography writing, with many books in his trail, some of which he wrote alone and one he co- authored with his mentor, Mr Dare Babarinsa, entitled: Olabiyi Durojaiye – DARE TO BE DiFFERENT. He also guided and collaborated with Pa Olatunji Odusanya in writing his autobiography – AGAINST ALL ODDS. There are many other books in the works under his pen.
