The former Defence Minister General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (retd) has lamented the rising security issues in Nigeria, saying the country is now a war front and a disgrace to the world.

According to him, Nigeria has become a laughing stock globally and the citizens must stop killing themselves and make the roads and homes safe for development to thrive.

“As we are today as Nigeria we are a disgrace to the whole world. The country is a war front; our people are against our own people. We must put our own house in order because right now we are a laughing stock to the whole world,” the former minister told a gathering at the Nwonyo International Fishing and Cultural Festival in the Ibi Local Government Area of Taraba State on Friday.

“We must stop killing each other. We must make our roads safe, our homes safe, must stop kidnappings. There is no sane foreign person that will come to our country to celebrate with us if we continue to kill each other and make our roads unsafe for people to move around.”

After a 14-year hiatus, the Nwonyo International Fishing and Cultural Festival was reactivated today, to the pleasure of Tarabans. The opening ceremony was well attended by people from all walks of life.

The event was chaired by our own Gen. TY Danjuma (Rtd.) and my brother,… pic.twitter.com/Ik4LAtC0CA

— Agbu Kefas ⏩ (@GovAgbuKefas) April 19, 2024

The former minister was the chairman of the occasion and said that the festival not only showcases the state’s traditional values but also serves as a platform for fostering unity and understanding among diverse communities.

Other dignitaries who graced the event were the Adamawa State governor Ahmadu Fintiri; the deputy governor of Benue State Samuel Ode; a former governor of Taraba State Jolly Nyame, members of the National Assembly, and traditional rulers among others.

The International Nwonyo Fishing and Cultural Festival is an avenue to showcase the over 80 ethnic groups resident in Taraba and it was held 14 years after it last took place in 2012 during the previous administration of late Danbaba Suntai.

…Pushes For 60-Hour

Nigerian chess master, Tunde Onakoya, on Saturday set a new Guinness World Record for the longest marathon chess.

The chestmaster confirmed this in a post on his official X account.

He wrote, “We have done it.

“We’re pushing to 60 hours guys. We’re not stopping yet. Let’s keep going.


“We have a fundraising goal to meet for the education of African children around the world. This is our why – the reason we are doing this.

“Let’s demonstrate to the world the incredible power of love. Together, we can make this happen.

Onakoya broke the record of Norwegian players Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad, who played for 56-hour, 9-minute in 2018 and aimed at reaching 58 hours target.


The challenge, which is underway at New York City’s iconic Times Square, has currently exceeded 56 hours and a few minutes and already set him adrift the previous record holders.

The new record holder said his attempt was to raise funds and awareness for providing educational opportunities to underprivileged children across Africa.

In a statement by his foundation, Chess in Slums Africa, Onakoya said he will be joined by his US counterpart, Shawn Martinez.

It read in part, “This record attempt requires a team of two players. Tunde Onakoya (NG) will be facing off against Shawn Martinez (US) for the challenge. Both players hold the title of National Masters.

“Shawn Martinez, a US National Master, renowned New York City chess legend, and chess coach, poses as a formidable adversary. Both Tunde Onakoya and Shawn Martinez will hold the record title.”

“This record is for the longest time to continuously play chess. This record is to be mentioned in hours, minutes, and seconds. This record is to be attempted by a team of two players,” it added.

After about 23 hours into the game, Martinez joined to make the new world record.


Meanwhile, Nigerians, including President Bola Tinubu, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Singer Davido, and Adekunle Gold, have all shown support for Onakoya to break the new record

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of the Board of the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC.


Presidential spokesperson Ajuri Ngelale, who disclosed this in a statement on Friday, said the President urged all members of the board of the commission to bring to bear their wealth of experience and competence in regulating the country’s capital market.

Names of the newly appointed members of the SEC Board:


Mr. Mairiga Aliyu Katuka – Chairman

Mr. Emomotimi Agama – Director-General

Frana Chukwuogor – Executive Commissioner (Legal and Enforcement)


Mr. Bola Ajomale – Executive Commissioner (Operations)

Mrs. Samiya Hassan Usman – Executive Commissioner (Corporate Services)

Mr. Lekan Bello – Non-Executive Commissioner


Mr Kasimu Garba Kurfi – Non-Executive Commissioner