From Adeko Ukpa

The French Government has selected Manji Wilson, an aide to Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, for the prestigious 2026 Future Leaders Invitation Programme.

It is a programme of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.

Wilson is the Chief Technical Adviser on Development Partnerships, Strategic Linkages and Diaspora Engagements to the governor.

He has emerged as Nigeria’s sole representative for the 2026 edition of the Programme, also known as Programme d’Invitation des Personnalités d’Avenir (PIPA) – a flagship leadership initiative organised under the patronage of the Government of France.

The programme, facilitated through the Embassy of France, is designed to strengthen strategic engagement between France and a new generation of influential African leaders driving governance reforms, diplomacy, innovation, enterprise and sustainable development across the continent.

Wilson’s selection is being viewed as a major boost to Plateau State’s growing international profile.

The choice is also an endorsement of the state government’s efforts to deepen global partnerships and attract development opportunities under the leadership of the governor.

The Future Leaders Invitation Programme brings together outstanding policymakers, entrepreneurs, academics, reformers and public sector leaders from Africa and France who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, institutional impact and commitment to international cooperation.

Over the years, the initiative has become an important platform for strengthening Franco-African relations, promoting cross-border collaboration and building a network of emerging leaders positioned to shape future policy, investment and development conversations globally.

Wilson’s emergence for the programme reflects his growing influence in international development cooperation, strategic partnerships, public policy advisory and subnational diplomacy.

As Chief Technical Adviser to the Plateau State Governor, he currently coordinates high-level engagements aimed at mobilising strategic partnerships, attracting development investments, expanding diaspora participation and advancing institutional collaborations aligned with Plateau State’s economic transformation agenda.

He has also played key advisory and coordination roles in facilitating engagements between the Plateau State Government and several bilateral, multilateral and international development institutions across Europe, Africa and other parts of the world.

His contributions have reportedly strengthened cooperation frameworks in governance reform, innovation ecosystems, youth development, enterprise support, digital economy initiatives, agriculture, education and sustainable development.

Before his appointment in Plateau State Government House, Wilson had accumulated more than a decade of professional experience supporting democratic governance and institutional strengthening programmes, including assignments under European Union-backed governance initiatives in Nigeria and Kenya.

His experience spans programme management, development communications, stakeholder engagement, policy coordination, civic participation and international cooperation frameworks.

According to the statement, participation in the French programme is expected to provide opportunities for deeper engagement within European diplomatic, policy and investment circles, while also opening new windows for strategic partnerships in innovation, agriculture, education, technology, culture and enterprise development.

The programme is also expected to enhance Plateau State’s international visibility and investment positioning, while contributing to broader conversations around subnational diplomacy, international cooperation and inclusive economic transformation.

Observers say the development further reinforces the Plateau State Government’s ongoing drive to expand credible international partnerships capable of unlocking economic growth, institutional development, youth empowerment and sustainable prosperity for the state.

By Adeko Ukpa, Abuja

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, on Tuesday, took a swipe at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the President’s planned state visit to the United Kingdom on the heels of renewed bombings in Maiduguri, as “callous, indefensible and morally bankrupt.”

In a detailed statement on Tuesday, Frank said the coordinated explosions that ripped through Maiduguri on Monday evening – including near the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, the main market and the post office – exposing civilians to mass casualties – are “a tragic, blood-soaked verdict on a failing security architecture.”

Quoting official figures, he said no fewer than 23 Nigerians were killed and over 100 injured in the attacks blamed on suspected suicide bombers, warning that the country is “bleeding while its leadership is distracted.”

“This is not just another attack – it is a national emergency,” Frank declared. “Our people are being slaughtered, our soldiers are under relentless assault, yet the President is preparing for a ceremonial outing in UK. That is not leadership; that is abdication of responsibility.”

He demanded the immediate cancellation of the UK trip, insisting that any departure from Nigeria at such a moment would amount to “a cruel abandonment of grieving citizens.”

“No responsible leader boards a plane to wine, dine and dance when his country is burying its dead,” he said. “A President with empathy goes to Maiduguri, not London. He stands with victims, not with banquet hosts.”

Frank widened his attack to the British government, accusing it of “staggering hypocrisy and moral blindness” for extending the invitation in the first place.

“The UK is not ignorant of Nigeria’s reality,” he said. “It knows about the escalating insecurity, the mass unemployment strangling millions, and the catastrophic electricity crisis that has crippled industries. It is also aware of deepening concerns over democratic backsliding – a National Assembly and judiciary many believe have been weakened and silenced, and a political system tilting dangerously towards a one-party state.”

“Yet, in the face of all this, Britain rolls out the red carpet. That is not diplomacy – it is complicity. It is a celebration in the face of tragedy.

“It is also aware of growing concerns about the state of democracy, including allegations that Nigeria is drifting towards a one-party system under Tinubu, with both the National Assembly and judiciary weakened and silenced.”

Frank said the timing of the visit sends “a dangerous and insulting signal” that Nigerian lives are expendable and governance failures can be overlooked for the sake of ceremonial photo opportunity.

He added: “We challenge the UK to provide ten reasons that justify this honour at a time like this. To many Nigerians, this invitation appears to be a subtle endorsement of a second term, despite widespread concerns about governance and the credibility of the last election.”

Drawing comparisons, he noted that if a similar level of violence occurred in the UK, its leaders would very much suspend ceremonial engagements and focus on national security.

He also condemned what he described as an “obscene and indefensible convoy of power” accompanying the President, calling it proof of a government “detached from pain and addicted to excess.”

According to him, the delegation includes Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu.

Also listed are Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole; Minister of Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani; and Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd).

He added that National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed, are equally part of the entourage.

“At a time of mass burials and national grief, what possible justification exists for ferrying such a large retinue of officials abroad?” Frank queried. “This is not governance — it is extravagance in the face of suffering.”

Frank further alleged that Nigeria’s anti-terror war has been fatally weakened by corruption and internal sabotage, claiming that resources and military hardware meant to defeat insurgents are being diverted.

“It is an open secret that mismanagement and corruption have crippled our security response. There are disturbing reports of weapons meant for our troops finding their way into the hands of terrorists. Yet, the government continues to act as though all is well,” he said.

He urged the international community to fundamentally rethink its engagement with Nigeria, warning that uncritical support risks emboldening failure rather than solving the crisis.

In sharp contrast, Frank reserved rare praise for U.S. President Donald Trump, commending what he described as a “clear-eyed and decisive posture” toward Nigeria’s security challenges.

“While some global actors prefer ceremonies and silence, Trump has demonstrated a willingness to stand firmly with Nigeria in confronting terrorism. That is the kind of principled support Nigerians respect,” he said.

Frank told the Presidency: “that Nigeria is in mourning. This is a moment for leadership, compassion and decisive action – not foreign trips, not pageantry, not political theatre. Any President who chooses celebration over solidarity at a time like this has lost the moral right to lead.”

From Adeko Ukpa, Abuja

More than 20 women gathered in Broadstairs, Kent in the United Kingdom for a two-day community training on hair styling and makeup artistry to celebrate International Women’s Day.
The event was also meant to empower women through practical skills and creative expression.
The initiative was organised by Slique Beauty Bar, House of Comfort CIC founded by community advocate and beauty professional Ijeoma Glory-Emeh, in collaboration with Lilian Opara (Éclarya Hair and Beauty Ltd).
The event, which was professionally covered by SlickPhotography Ltd, who spent two days capturing the inspiring moments, learning sessions and transformation of the participants.
The programme brought together women from across the community in a welcoming and supportive environment where they could learn new skills, build confidence, and connect with others.
The first day of the event focused on hair styling techniques, while the second day was dedicated to makeup artistry.
All products and tools were provided for participants, allowing every student to gain hands-on experience and practical knowledge throughout the sessions.
The training was organised in recognition of International Women’s Day 2026, whose global theme, “Give to Gain,” highlights the idea that when communities invest in women through education, skills, mentorship and opportunities.
The benefits extend far beyond individuals to families and society as a whole.

L-R: The Founder, House of Comfort CIC and Slique beauty Bar Ltd, United Kingdom, Ijeoma Glory-Emeh; Mayor Mike Garner (Broadstairs, Kent) United Kingdom and and his wife Mayoress Carole Martin; and the Founder Éclarya hair and beauty Ltd. Lilian Opara at the International Women’s Day event in Broadstairs, Kent in the UK.

Tbe Founder, Ijeoma Glory-Emeh said the initiative was rooted in a lifelong passion for community service.
“I have always been passionate about supporting people in my community. “From a young age, I found joy in helping others grow and that passion has stayed with me. Creating spaces where women can learn new skills, feel confident and support each other is something that means a lot to me.”
Participants described the training as inspiring and empowering, with many saying they left feeling more confident and empowered.
“The transformation over the two days was truly beautiful to see.
“The women walked in curious and eager to learn, and they left feeling inspired, empowered and happy with new knowledge they can use personally or professionally,” Ijeoma added.
The event also received special support from the local community, with the Mayor of Broadstairs attending the first day of the programme alongside his wife to show encouragement for the initiative and the women participating.
For the organisers, the training represents more than just a beauty class, it is part of a broader vision to create opportunities that empower women and strengthen the community.
The project first launched in 2025 and continues to grow as more people become aware of its impact. Organisers hope to expand the initiative in the future, reaching even more women through similar empowerment programmes.

“This is just the beginning,” Ijeoma said. “Our goal is to continue creating opportunities that help people in our community grow, become more confident, and feel empowered to pursue their dreams.”