Atiku
Atiku Hails Nigerian Student, Nafisa Aminu, for Emerging World’s Best in English
Former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has congratulated Nafisa Aminu, a student of Nigerian Tulip International College in Yobe State, for clinching the title of world’s best in English at the 2025 TeenEagle Global Finals.
In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday, Atiku praised Nafisa’s exceptional achievement, describing it as proof of the Nigerian girl-child’s potential when given access to quality education and a nurturing environment.
“Nafisa’s remarkable success is a powerful reminder of what Nigerian girls can accomplish with the right opportunities,” Atiku stated.
He emphasized that investing in girls’ education is not just about fairness but a “strategic necessity for national development.”
The 17-year-old from Yobe State made history by emerging as the best in English Language Skills at the prestigious competition held in London, United Kingdom.
The TeenEagle contest evaluates participants’ English proficiency, critical thinking, and communication skills, drawing students from both English-speaking and non-English-speaking countries.
Nafisa’s victory was confirmed by her family head, Hassan Salifu, who credited her success to “hard work, discipline, and the support of the Yobe State government.”
Representing Nigeria, she outperformed more than 20,000 contestants from 69 nations, earning global recognition and bringing pride to the country.
Atiku urged Nigerians to continue breaking barriers that hinder the girl-child’s progress, stating, “Let us commit to creating an environment where every girl can achieve her dreams.”
Nafisa’s triumph has been widely celebrated as a testament to Nigeria’s academic excellence on the world stage.
Nigerian Coast Guard Condemns Navy’s Arrest of Members, Says It’s Rights Violation
The Nigerian Coast Guard has strongly criticized the recent arrest of its members by the Nigerian Navy in Akwa Ibom State, labeling the action as unlawful and a violation of their rights.
The arrests were made by the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Jubilee in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area, where nine individuals were detained over allegations of illegal maritime activities. The Coast Guard, however, insists that the Navy’s actions undermine government efforts to enhance security along the nation’s waterways.
In a petition addressed to the Director of Navy Affairs at the Federal Ministry of Defence, the Coast Guard, represented by Capt. O.E. Adeniran, highlighted that the bill for its official establishment has already passed the second reading in the Senate and awaits final approval. The group demanded the immediate and unconditional release of its members, urging the Navy—as a disciplined force—to respect constitutional provisions and cease further interference.
Copies of the petition were also sent to the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the Chief of Defence Staff, and relevant Senate committees. The Coast Guard called for an investigation into the Navy’s actions, stressing that such conduct disregards due process and the rule of law.
The group emphasized that the proposed Nigerian Coast Guard is a legitimate initiative aimed at bolstering maritime security and protecting national waters. It urged all security agencies to collaborate in ensuring the smooth establishment of the organization, which it said would strengthen safety and economic growth.
In response, the Nigerian Navy defended its actions, citing a 2013 Federal Government Gazette and the Criminal Code Act as legal grounds for the arrests. Commodore Abubakar Umar, Commander of NNS Jubilee, stated that the operation targeted an unauthorized group posing as the “Nigerian Coast Guard.” He reiterated the Navy’s mandate to combat illegal maritime activities under the directives of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.
The Navy also warned the public against engaging with unapproved organizations and encouraged citizens to report suspicious groups to authorities. Additionally, it issued a stern warning to illegal bunkerers, oil thieves, and other maritime criminals to desist from activities threatening national economic security.
The Coast Guard, however, maintains that its operations are lawful and essential for national development, calling for unity among security agencies to uphold citizens’ rights and foster a secure maritime environment.
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