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Umar Namadi, the Governor of Jigawa State, has congratulated the government and people of Nigeria on the occasion of the nation’s 65th Independence Anniversary, describing the day as a reminder of the unity, resilience, and sacrifices that built the country.

In his goodwill message, Governor Namadi said the anniversary is not only a time to reflect on the struggles of the nation’s founding fathers but also an opportunity to renew collective commitment to peace, progress, and prosperity. ‘Today, we celebrate Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary with pride and gratitude. This day reminds us of the sacrifices of our heroes past, whose vision and courage laid the foundation of our beloved country. As a people, we must continue to uphold the ideals of unity, justice, and service to humanity,’ the governor said.

This is contained in a statement by Hamisu Mohammed Gumel, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor and made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Duste.

He noted that despite challenges, Nigeria continues to make progress under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose policies are geared towards strengthening the economy, improving security, and providing better opportunities for citizens. ‘Here in Jigawa, our administration is committed to complementing the efforts of the Federal Government by prioritising the welfare of our people, investing in agriculture, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and creating opportunities for our youth and women. Together, we will build a stronger state and contribute to the greatness of Nigeria,’ he added.

According to the statement, Governor Namadi urged Nigerians to remain united and hopeful, stressing that the diversity of the nation is a source of strength rather than division.

He called on citizens to continue supporting government policies and programmes for sustainable development. ‘As we hoist our green and white flag today, let us be reminded that the responsibility of building a prosperous Nigeria rests on all of us. With unity, faith, and determination, we shall overcome our challenges and fulfill the dream of a greater nation,’ he concluded.

Canada’s has formally ceased its permanent residency (PR) pathway for foreign nationals through its flagship Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots (HCWP).

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) confirmed the permanent closure of the pathway intended for caregivers applying from outside the country, ending a long period of uncertainty for prospective applicants.

The HCWP, which launched with separate options for Home Support and Child Care, was initially presented as including streams for workers abroad. However, despite early assurances, the international intake component never opened for applications and has now been officially discontinued. Backlog blamed for sudden closure

While IRCC has not provided a formal explanation for the decision, available data strongly suggests the closure is a direct result of the immense backlog in caregiver applications.

As of September 11, 2025, IRCC’s inventory of caregiver applications, which includes both the current and older pilot programs, stood at a staggering 34,400.

The department has stated its intention to process only 14 per cent of this figure, equating to 4,816 applications by the end of the year.

With Canada having already admitted 4,200 new permanent residents under caregiver pilots between January 1 and September 11, 2025, only approximately 600 spaces remain for the rest of the year.

This allocation falls significantly short of the 2,750 new permanent residents originally planned for the in-Canada stream of the HCWP alone. The closure therefore aligns with a broader governmental policy shift to prioritise the transition of temporary residents already within Canada to permanent status.

This strategy is reflected in recent category-based Express Entry draws favouring the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and federal instructions requiring provinces to dedicate 75 per cent of their nomination allocations to candidates already residing domestically.

Alternative immigration options remain

Despite the end of the international HCWP stream, foreign caregivers still retain several avenues to immigrate. They are:

Express entry: Workers whose roles fall under National Occupational Classification (NOC) 33102 (nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates) remain eligible to apply through the federal Express Entry system.

They may benefit from the popular category-based selection draws for healthcare and social services roles, although it is highly competitive.

The most recent healthcare-specific draw required applicants to achieve a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 470. Provincial Nominee Programmes (PNPs): Several provincial governments continue to actively invite caregivers through their respective nomination streams. These include:

Manitoba: Skilled worker overseas stream.

Ontario: Employer job offer: Foreign worker stream (through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program).

New Brunswick: Priority occupations stream

Newfoundland and Labrador: Skilled Worker category.

Canada has set an overall limit of 10,920 permanent residents for 2025 across all economic federal pilots, a number that encompasses the Caregiver Pilots alongside programmes such as the Agri-Food Pilot and Start-up Visa Program.

The Federal Housing Authority (FHA) Mortgage Bank has announced a growth plan aimed at deepening access to housing finance in Nigeria, with targets to grow its loan portfolio to N100 billion and expand mortgage services to 100,000 families within the next three years.

Hayatudeen Auwal, the bank’s Managing Director, disclosed this on Tuesday at the commissioning of its new head office in Abuja, noting that the expansion drive will include the establishment of 20 new branches nationwide.

He explained that the strategy is aimed at expanding access to mortgage financing while sustaining the bank’s record of financial discipline. ‘We intend to establish at least 20 branches nationwide in the next three years, grow our active customer base to 100,000 families, and scale our loan portfolio to N100bn. With the support of our Chairman, the entire housing development financing window has been opened to support the FHA Mortgage Bank.

‘The dream of bridging Nigeria’s housing finance gap and supporting the Federal Government’s housing delivery agenda is alive. Today, I’m proud to say we have not only sustained that dream but expanded it, turning vision into measurable progress. Our key achievement is being the number one collaborator with the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria,’

According to Auwal, the bank has already achieved significant milestones, including facilitating over N27bn in mortgages for 3,427 Nigerians across the federation and enabling more than 6,000 citizens to access mortgage loans through the PENCOM retirement savings window. He stressed that the bank’s credibility rests on its consistency in meeting obligations, a factor that has earned it trust within the financial sector.

‘From the National Housing Fund, despite accessing a huge loan portfolio, we have never defaulted. We have never defaulted in making repayments, and we have never defaulted in meeting our objectives,’ he said.

The FHA Mortgage Bank boss further emphasised that housing finance remains central to achieving the government’s broader economic vision.

‘Thanks to Mr President, who has challenged Nigerians to envision a $1 trillion economy, we believe the housing sector is well-positioned to contribute to that goal. With the effort and commitment of our Chairman, FHA Mortgage Bank will play its part in achieving it,’

As part of its growth agenda, the bank is also preparing to launch a Diaspora Mortgage Project to help Nigerians abroad own homes back home, while exploring partnerships with pension funds, insurers, and international development agencies. Auwal added that efforts are ongoing to secure a national banking licence.

‘We are aiming to become a national bank. The Central Bank of Nigeria has already been informed and has given us a checklist of outstanding requirements. With our commitment, we are confident that before long, FHA Mortgage Bank will attain national bank status.’

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has confirmed that Somtochukwu Maduagwu, a correspondent with Arise News jumped from the third floor of her Katampe apartment during an armed robbery attack on Monday, September 29.

Ajao Adewale, Police Commissioner, disclosed the details on Wednesday during a live appearance on Arise Television, where he described the incident as ‘tragic and very unfortunate.’

According to eyewitnesses and vigilantes within the compound, Maduagwu jumped from the third storey of the three-floor residential building, identified as Unique Apartments, while trying to escape the attackers.

‘She landed on the concrete pavement and was found unconscious in critical condition before being rushed to Maitama General Hospital.

Confirming the events that led to her tragic death, Adewale said police officers arrived at the scene to find the journalist unconscious.

‘Policemen moved to the scene and found her lying unconscious. She was immediately taken to Maitama General Hospital, where doctors tried to resuscitate her using CPR, but sadly, she could not make it,’ he said.

The police commissioner explained that the armed robbers had gained access to the apartment complex, a twin three-storey building with 18 flats located around the Gishiri axis of Katampe, under the Mabushi Division. Two private security guards were on duty at the time of the attack. One of them reportedly attempted to resist the robbers but sustained a gunshot injury in the process.

‘In the panic that followed, Sommie, who lived on the topmost floor of the building, jumped down from the third storey. The consequences were tragic and very unfortunate,’ Adewale said.

He further revealed that a special investigation team, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Investigation), had been constituted to track down the perpetrators.

‘We have set up a specific investigation team headed by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Investigation, with all tactical units involved to track down the culprits.

‘The leads we are getting are already being worked on, and no stone will be left unturned until the perpetrators are brought to justice,’ he assured.

The commissioner extended condolences on behalf of the command to Maduagwu’s family, her colleagues at Arise News, and Nigerians who have been deeply shaken by the incident.

‘The FCT Command once again commiserates with the family of Sommie, the Arise News family, and Nigerians deeply touched by this ugly and disturbing incident,’ Adewale said.

Yemi Kale, former statistician-general, has urged the federal government to remain committed to ongoing structural reforms despite the short-term hardships they impose on households, warning that abandoning the process could trap the country in another cycle of low growth, high inequality, and fiscal stress.

Delivering his speech entitled ‘Reform and Resilience: Strengthening Nigeria’s Economic Foundations’ at The Platform in Lagos on Wednesday, Kale, who currently serves chief economist at Afrenexim bank, said the government’s reforms since 2023 – subsidy removal, exchange rate unification, and tighter monetary policy – have begun stabilising the macroeconomy but stressed that the reforms would be incomplete without strong social protection and structural transformation.

‘Reform is like curing a fever,’ Kale said. ‘You must endure some discomfort as the medicine takes effect. But the alternative of letting the fever run just because the pill is bitter, or the injection is too painful, is far worse.’

Monetary and fiscal reforms restoring stability

Kale argued that Nigeria’s monetary policy had regained credibility after years of inconsistency and quasi-fiscal interventions by the Central Bank. He pointed to the sharp increase in the monetary policy rate to 27.5%, one of the steepest in history which was recently reduced to 27%, as well as efforts to mop up excess liquidity through streamlined open market operations.

‘Importantly, these actions were accompanied by clearer communication, regular policy reports, forward guidance, and transparent explanations of the inflation outlook,’ he said. ‘The results are now visible. Headline inflation, which averaged 25-30% in 2023 and 2024, has begun to ease towards the low 20s. Every percentage point reduction protects the real value of salaries, pensions, and savings, and reduces uncertainty for investors who must plan projects years in advance.’

He projected that inflation could fall to about 14% by the end of 2026 if reforms are sustained. But he cautioned that households would continue to feel the strain.

‘Between now and then, the hardship will continue. The lesson here is clear, reforms must be matched with targeted and effective social cushions to protect the most vulnerable.’

Energy and power: The backbone of growth

The former statistics chief emphasised that no reform agenda could succeed without addressing Nigeria’s chronic energy and electricity challenges.

He praised the launch of the Dangote refinery, which exported its first gasoline cargoes in 2025, as a step toward reducing dependence on imported refined products. But he listed unresolved issues, reliable feedstock supply, transparent pricing formulas, labour disputes, and clear currency settlement mechanisms, that could hinder its impact on domestic supply.

‘The broader challenge is to achieve energy security without reverting to hidden subsidies or encouraging monopolistic practices,’ Kale said. ‘This underscores the need for complementary policies such as strong antitrust oversight, transparent pricing, and incentives for new entrants.’

On electricity, he called the 2023 Electricity Act a ‘bold structural shift’ that decentralises regulation to the states. ‘In essence, it breaks the old centralised monopoly and opens the door for states to partner with private investors to generate, transmit, and distribute power locally,’ he said. ‘Decentralise, liberalise, and let there be light.’

Kale, however, warned that not all states have the capacity to regulate electricity effectively, urging federal support and regional cooperation to prevent the rise of ’36 mini-monopolies.’

Infrastructure, trade, and the business environment

Kale identified infrastructure investment as both an economic necessity and a macroeconomic stabiliser. Citing World Bank projections, he said Nigeria requires $3 trillion by 2050 to meet infrastructure needs, including $575 billion for the transport sector between 2020 and 2043.

‘To put this into context, Nigeria’s entire 2025 budget is about $36 billion, and its rebased 2024 GDP was about $275 billion,’ he said. ‘Government alone cannot meet these vast needs. Public-private partnerships are therefore key.’

He urged that part of the savings from subsidy removal should be legislated and earmarked for transport, logistics, and energy infrastructure.

‘Embedding this commitment into the national budgeting process and potentially into legislation would help rebuild trust with citizens who have borne the immediate burden of subsidy removal,’ he said.

Kale highlighted Nigeria’s telecoms liberalisation as a model for reform. ‘In 1960, we had fewer than 20,000 telephone lines for 40 million people. By 2001, after four decades of monopoly under NITEL, there were only 400,000 lines. Liberalisation in 2001 changed everything. Within five years, lines rose to over 10 million. Today, Nigeria has over 220 million active subscriptions, contributing 16% of GDP. That is what well-designed reforms can do,’ he said.

On trade, he warned that restrictive policies such as export bans, high tariffs, and border closures undermine competitiveness and integration into global value chains.

‘While such measures are often justified as protecting local industries, in practice they encourage smuggling, raise consumer prices, and limit efficiency,’ he said.

He urged Nigeria to position itself as a continental hub under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Kale acknowledged that while macroeconomic stabilisation was visible in the data, millions of Nigerians still measure progress in ‘the price of food, the reality of electricity, and their children’s job prospects.’

He praised initiatives like the Student Loan Act and state-level fuel relief packages but called for deeper reforms in education, healthcare, and social protection.

‘Without shared opportunities, inequality and unrest will erode stability. Power and fiscal reforms should empower states, while federal economic and agro-processing zones can lift lagging regions,’ he said.

The Lagos State Government has faulted comments made by former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over the demolition of structures at the Trade Fair Complex, insisting that the affected buildings had no valid approvals.

In a statement issued by Gbenga Omotoso, the commissioner for information and strategy, the government dismissed Obi’s remarks as ‘misinformation and disinformation.’

The commissioner accused Obi of attempting to ‘mislead the public by misinformation and disinformation’ after the former governor visited the complex and described the demolitions as ‘a test of impunity, justice and compassion.’ Omotoso insisted that the state’s Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development had followed due process.

‘The owners of the building have no approval. They got ample time to regularise their papers when the state government declared last year a general amnesty, which was extended several times. The owners shunned the offer,’ he said.

According to the commissioner, attempts by government officials to enforce planning laws at the complex were met with resistance. ‘When Physical Planning officials visited the complex, the gates were locked against them; they were beaten up. The police rescued them. When the government called the owners for talks, they said they would not come; they did not come,’ Omotoso noted.

He stressed that while the Trade Fair Management Board, a federal body, can administer leases and commercial activities within the complex, it lacks the legal authority to approve building projects.

‘The board. does not have powers to approve or regulate building developments within the complex independent of Lagos State Government,’ he said.

Citing the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Act (1992) and a 2003 Supreme Court judgment, the commissioner reaffirmed that states have the authority to regulate development control within their territories, including federal lands, except for core areas such as military formations.

Omotoso concluded by framing the issue as a choice between the rule of law and political grandstanding.

‘We must decide the kind of society we want, one governed by law or one run by emotions, fueled by political interests,’ he stated.

Men from various sectors have stepped forward to take an active role in the fight against gender-based violence, as the Male Feminist Nigeria (MFN) Project was launched in Pankshin, Plateau State, on Tuesday.

The event, organised by the Kozaki Transformation and Development Foundation, brought together stakeholders including traditional rulers, religious leaders, transport union executives, barbers, and other key actors united in the mission of promoting male engagement in ending gender-based violence.

The stakeholders’ engagement meeting, which marks the advancement of the MFN Project across North Central Nigeria, focused on engaging men as allies in promoting gender justice and challenging harmful societal norms.

In his address, Akighir Caleb Akighir, Communication Officer of the MFN Project, emphasised the need to confront entrenched patriarchal ideologies.

He warned that negative masculinity is damaging not only to women and girls but also to men, who are often confined by unrealistic and harmful gender expectations. Expanding on this, Manfred Akpen, Program Officer of the MFN Project, delivered a keynote presentation titled ‘Becoming a Male Ally: From Conviction to Consistency.’ He called on men to go beyond symbolic gestures and instead demonstrate consistent action in advancing gender equity within their communities.

The participants embraced the message, expressing readiness to become ambassadors of male feminism in their communities. Representatives from transport unions, barbers, local academic institutions, religious and traditional councils, and community-based groups pledged to actively promote positive masculinity and help dismantle violence-supportive norms.

Kashim Basil, a Catholic priest and the Coordinator of JDPC Caritas, welcomed participants on behalf of Isaiah Ter, also a Catholic priest and a lawyer who is the Executive Director of the Kozaki Foundation, while prayers were offered by Fr. Gogwim to open the session.

The engagement marks a significant milestone for the MFN Project in Plateau State, North Central Nigeria and sets the tone for further expansion across the region. As the initiative gains ground, Pankshin now serves as a critical hub in a growing movement for male-led advocacy against gender-based violence.

Shabana Mahmood, the United Kingdom’s (UK) Home Secretary, has confirmed that the path to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) will soon be doubled to a ten-year qualifying period and subject to new ‘contribution-based’ requirements.

In her inaugural conference speech as home secretary, the Labour MP confirmed the significant policy shift, arguing that the public’s loss of faith in the immigration system was creating an environment where Britain could no longer afford to be ‘open, tolerant and generous’. End of automatic settlement

Mahmood further outlined plans to introduce a series of new, stringent ‘good citizen’ tests which migrants must pass to earn permanent residency.

‘We will soon increase the time in which someone must have lived in this country to earn indefinite leave to remain from five years to ten,’ she said.

‘And as part of that consultation, I will be proposing a series of new tests.’

These new conditions will reportedly include:

Being at work and making National Insurance contributions.

Not claiming a penny in benefits.

Attaining a high standard of English.

Having no criminal record. Demonstrating that they have truly given back to their community, such as through volunteering. Mahmood stated that those who fail to meet these new conditions should not be automatically granted ILR. The new system will allow high contributors to qualify for settlement in less than ten years, but others could face a longer wait or be barred from ILR entirely.

‘Time spent in this country alone is not enough,’ she asserted. ‘Just like my parents, you must earn the right to live in this country for good.’

The announcement was immediately followed by confusion over whether the stricter rules would apply to migrants who have recently arrived in the UK.

While sources initially indicate that the policy would not apply retrospectively to those already in the country, reports later suggested the government is wrestling with how to prevent a large cohort of recent arrivals from securing automatic ILR under current rules.

Mahmod is considering an emergency retrospective law, changes that could affect around one million migrants, including Nigerians who entered the UK after 2021 under the post-Brexit immigration system.

Insiders suggested the government was prepared to defend the expected legal challenges

However, it has been confirmed that the new ‘good citizen’ tests themselves would be too complex to impose on those already here.

Instead, ministers will seek a separate, faster mechanism to prevent migrants who arrived after 2021 from securing settlement after five years, though this mechanism is expected to be less demanding than the planned new ILR system.

‘Across this country, people feel like things are spinning out of control,’ she said, pointing to the arrivals of small boats and widespread illegal working as key drivers of this distrust.

The proposed changes are subject to a public consultation, following which the government is expected to make its final legislative decisions.

Seyi Amao’s Emotional Appetite Therapy has ignited a powerful movement for women’s health, as demonstrated at an inspiring pre-launch dinner in Lagos.

The intimate event, themed ‘Come Hungry, Leave Whole,’ brought together award-winning author and PCOS Conquerors founder, Seyi Amao with advocates, medical experts, and community partners to champion holistic wellness, particularly for women navigating Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and other health challenges, blending storytelling, science, and faith in an unforgettable evening.

Hosted by Deborah Oguike, known as ‘Debbie The Media Girl,’ the evening was a collaboration between One Wellness Clinic and PCOS Conquerors, with support from ProSkin Aesthetic Clinic, Adam Scents, Sissy Remi, Tsemaye Binitie, BB Artistry, and Orange Mic. Together, they crafted an experience that mirrored the heart of Amao’s book, a call to move beyond feeding emotional cravings to nourishing lives holistically. Amao described Emotional Appetite Therapy, as more than a book, as it is a pathway to wholeness. Her vision came alive through a carefully curated evening that combined expert insights, personal stories, and experiential elements. Guests were treated to a stirring reflection from Dr. Elizabeth ‘Dr. Fabulous’ Falabi, medical director of Feet2Fit Integrative Health and Wellness, who shared her own wellness journey.

A panel moderated by Sophia O. Emifoniye, CEO of Brunch Avenue, featured Dr. Jean Nassar, Pamela Bazi of One Wellness, and Hala El Hachem of ProSkin, diving into critical topics like fertility, nutrition, and holistic health.

The event also highlighted the intersection of financial and physical resilience, with Mrs. Joke Adu of Standard Chartered Bank emphasizing how financial empowerment supports overall well-being.

Pastor Moses Ida-Michaels of EcclesiaHills closed the evening with a blessing, framing the night as the start of a broader movement for women’s health.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised the Imo State governor, Hope Uzodinma’s impactful governance during the launch of Governor Uzodinma’s book, ‘A Decade of Impactful Progressive Governance in Nigeria’, held in Owerri, Imo State, on Tuesday, September 30, 2025.

President Tinubu commended Uzodinma for his initiatives on the three signature projects of his administration that were commissioned, which include a 52km Owerri-Mbaise-Umuahia road, the Assumpta Cathedral Twin Flyover and Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre and above all, for authoring a book that chronicles the achievements of the party in the past 10 years.

‘With this book, Governor Uzodinma has given Nigeria a gift. No nation will forget its own journey and no leader will forget the beauty of stewardship,’ he stated.

President Tinubu expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, pointing out that the nation has recorded great improvement since the leadership of the APC. ‘Nigeria is no longer where it was 10 years ago,’ he noted.

He recalled that APC as a Party began the work of stabilising the economy under the leadership of former President Muhammadu Buhari (late), stating that since then, the country has continued to move for the better. Tinubu said that his administration has in the second quarter of 2025, grown the Nigerian economy by 4.23% with the inflation rate falling to 20.12% in 2025, indicating a relief to the people.

He therefore appealed to Nigerians to remain patient, resilient and assured that the nation is changing for the better with the external reserve standing at 42.03%, the highest since 2019.

In his remarks, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, commended Governor Uzodinma for transforming Imo State with critical infrastructure, conveying his admiration for the governor’s efforts in putting together a book that chronicles the APC’s achievements and generally, for his vision for Imo State.

Governor Uzodinma, in his address at the book launch, reflected on Nigeria’s journey under the APC from 2015 to 2025, highlighting milestones, challenges, and lessons learned, and emphasised that the book is not just a personal achievement but belongs to the APC family and the Nigerian people.

Governor Uzodinma stated that the book is a product of deep reflection and explained ‘progressivism’ in the Nigerian context, focusing on community solidarity, inclusion, and service.

He praised President Tinubu’s visionary leadership and role in forming the APC, and commended the President for economic progress, especially for recording trade surpluses for six consecutive quarters, with non-oil exports contributing significantly.