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Five teenagers have died in a boat mishap on the Nafada River in Nafada Local Government Area of Gombe State.

The tragic incident occurred on Saturday when a boat ferrying passengers across the river to a village market capsized, throwing the passengers into the water.

The victims were identified as Najib Ibrahim (18), Hauwa’u Jidda Adamu Siddi Dogal (15), Ummati Haruna Baraya (16), Umaira Gidado (16), and Amina Jaliya (15).

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, describing it as heartbreaking and painful, particularly given the young ages of the victims.

The governor, in a statement by his spokesperson, Ismaila Uba Misilli, extended his condolences to the bereaved families and the entire Nafada community, praying for the repose of the deceased and comfort for their loved ones.

He also emphasised the need for strict adherence to safety standards in water transportation, calling on local government councils, community leaders, boat operators, and regulatory agencies to intensify efforts towards ensuring that all safety protocols are observed to prevent future tragedies.

He directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the Nafada local government council to provide every possible support to the affected families and work closely with relevant agencies to enhance safety and awareness in riverine communities.

The Indoor Sports Hall of Agege Stadium came to life over the weekend as 20 boxers competed in 10 bouts at the revived Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame (LBHF) Championships.

The final results of the 10 bouts showed that the clash between Fawaz Sharafadeen of Star Boxing Club, Ajegunle Apapa versus Olamilekan Badiru of Lion Star BC, Ikorodu-West in the men’s 70kg category ended in a technical knockout (TKO).

Sharafadeen knocked out his opponent in less than two minutes of the first round.

In the men’s 50kg division, Bolarinwa Michael of Next Page BC, Mushin, edged out Daramola Daniel of Brightest BC, Otto Awori, with a 3-2 decision. Lateed Qudus of Kamlat BC, Oyingbo, replicated the result in the men’s 55kg, defeating Quadri Oyebamiji of Fighter BC, Ojo.

Samuel Talabi of Risadep BC, Abule Egba, secured a 4-1 win over Innocent Prosper of Always BC, Bariga in the men’s 60kg, while Adeyemi Adebayo of Olore BC, Alimosho, dominated Muftau Abdulahi of Oluomo BC, Surulere, with a 5-0 victory in the men’s 63kg.

In the women’s 48kg category, the referee stopped the contest in favor of Sofia Yakubu of Cico BC, Oshodi, against Nurat Sulaimon of Dangote BC, Badagry, in the third round.

Other standout performances included Ibrahim Olayiwola of Segun Body BC, Surulere, who overwhelmed Azeez Ishola of Lion BC, Ikorodu West, 5-0 in the men’s 63kg.

Hammed Adegoke of Confidence BC, Kosofe, defeated Dolapo Ajayi of AMK BC, Ifako Ijaiye, 4-1 in the men’s 75kg.

The final bout of the day saw Michael Olomitutu of Ashimota BC, Odi-Olowo, claim victory over Segun Aboseh of Badagry BC after the referee stopped the contest in the third round.

LBHF Director David Mohamed commended the boxers for their performances and shared plans for the tournament’s future.

A former governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido, has declared his intention to join the race for the national chairmanship of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The development is coming after some PDP leaders, including governors, endorsed former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki, as their consensus chairmanship candidate ahead of the party’s convention, slated for November.

However, Adamawa State Governor and Chairman of the National Convention Organising Committee, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, had clarified that the endorsement did not preclude other aspirants from contesting the seat.

The arrangement did not go down well with some party members in the North West, Turaki’s home zone, who rejected the endorsement by the governors.

Led by the party’s National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, and joined by stakeholders such as Mustapha Sule Lamido, the dissenting group argued that the governors did not consult the North West stakeholders before adopting Turaki as their candidate.

Similarly, the PDP in Katsina State had also rejected Turaki’s endorsement, citing lack of consultation with stakeholders in the North West Zone.

Addressing journalists in Birnin Kebbi over the weekend, the PDP Publicity Secretary in the State, Sani Dododo, stressed that the zone should be allowed to select its own candidate in line with the party’s zoning arrangement.

While defending the choice of Turaki as their consensus candidate, Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, argued that the decision was in line with the party’s constitution, which, according to him, provides for consensus as a legitimate means of selecting leaders.

Speaking on Friday during the inauguration of the accreditation sub-committee for the forthcoming national convention, Lawal described the disagreement that trailed the endorsement as part of normal political dynamics.

‘No matter what we do, some people will still be aggrieved. It is part of politics,’ he said.

But in a statement on his Facebook handle on Monday, Sule Lamido, also a former Minister of Foreign Affairs, declared that he would run for the office of the national Chairman of the PDP.

He stated that he would be at the national headquarters of the party on Monday to pick the nomination form, reiterating his resolve to repositioning the party.

He wrote: ‘By the grace of God, I shall today Monday 27th October 2025 by 11am be at Wadata Plaza, the National Headquarters of our very party, PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY to purchase the nomination form to run for the office of the National Chairman of the Party.

‘My commitment to Democracy and resolve to restore our dear Party to its old glory is unstoppable!’

Nigeria’s recent removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List is a development worth paying attention to. It might not sound exciting to the average citizen, but for anyone who follows economic reform or investor confidence, it’s a big deal. This moment says something about where the country stands and where it could be heading, especially if we manage to build on it rather than let it fade like many other wins.

For context, the FATF Grey List includes countries placed under increased monitoring’ because of weaknesses in their systems for fighting money laundering and the financing of terrorism. Being on that list is not just a technical matter. It affects how other countries, banks, and investors view us. It increases scrutiny on international transactions, discourages foreign investors, and makes it harder for Nigerian banks to operate freely with their global counterparts.

When Nigeria was grey-listed in 2023, it was a worrying sign. It placed us alongside nations with deep financial governance problems. But this month, FATF officially announced that Nigeria, along with South Africa, has been removed after showing significant progress. The country improved its regulatory oversight, strengthened coordination among key agencies, and began recording visible results in the fight against illicit financial flows.

For many Nigerians, this might feel distant from the daily struggle with inflation, insecurity, and unemployment. But in the world of finance, perception matters. This delisting signals that Nigeria is becoming a safer and more credible place to do business. That shift, if sustained, can make a real difference.

Investor confidence is often described as the unseen lifeblood of a modern economy. When it fades, even the best policies can stall. Being on the grey list created a cloud of uncertainty around Nigeria. Foreign investors saw us as a higher-risk environment, while international banks were forced to carry out extra checks on Nigerian transactions. All of this made business slower and more expensive.

Now that we are off the list, that cloud begins to lift. The decision tells the world that Nigeria is reforming and serious about financial integrity. It could help strengthen investor confidence, encourage foreign direct investment, and even make borrowing cheaper. When a country looks less risky on paper, the cost of credit naturally drops. It could also ease the flow of diaspora remittances and trade payments, which often get caught in the web of global compliance checks.

For a government trying to stabilize the economy and attract foreign capital, this is welcome news. Nigeria is already planning to raise funds through a $500 million global sukuk and other international borrowing arrangements. A better international reputation helps those efforts.

Still, it’s important to be realistic. Getting off the grey list doesn’t mean Nigeria’s economic troubles are over. Inflation remains high, the naira is still unstable, and unemployment among young people is deeply concerning. The real challenge is whether this progress can be sustained and translated into tangible improvements for ordinary Nigerians.

The fight against financial crime is ongoing. Our economy remains heavily informal, with millions of cash transactions happening every day outside regulated systems. That makes it easier for illicit money to circulate and harder for the state to collect revenue. Unless the government continues to expand financial inclusion and bring more people into the formal system, these weaknesses will remain.

Institutions also need to keep working consistently. It’s one thing to pass international assessments, but it’s another to maintain the same standards year after year. Nigeria’s problem has never been the lack of policies; it’s been the lack of continuity. Reform must outlive political cycles and personalities if it is to truly transform the system.

Despite these cautions, this is a moment worth recognizing. Nigeria has spent decades under a cloud of negative headlines – corruption, insecurity, and economic instability. This development gives us a chance to change that narrative, even slightly. It’s a moment to show that reform can work when it is taken seriously. In global finance, perception drives reality. Investors move capital not only based on what is happening, but on what they believe could happen. If Nigeria can use this as a foundation for broader reforms, it could help reposition the country as a credible, reform-minded economy that can be trusted again.

To make that happen, communication and follow-through are key. The next budget should reflect transparency and discipline. The Central Bank of Nigeria must keep pushing for clarity in monetary policy. And the private sector must strengthen its compliance culture. This is not just about avoiding sanctions but about building trust and credibility that attracts serious partners.

This achievement also has meaning beyond Nigeria. Africa often struggles with the perception of weak institutions and opaque financial systems. Seeing both Nigeria and South Africa removed from the FATF grey list in the same review cycle sends a strong message. It shows that African countries can reform and meet global standards when there is political will.

For regional bodies like the African Union, ECOWAS, and the African Development Bank, this is a good time to push for stronger cooperation on cross-border financial regulation. Shared systems and information can help track illicit financial flows that cost the continent billions every year.

A close friend of mine who is an economist once said that ‘countries don’t grow because they pass reforms; they grow because they sustain them.’ That statement fits perfectly here. The real test for Nigeria is whether we can turn compliance into competitiveness. Can we build a financial system where transparency becomes an advantage rather than an obligation?

That will require genuine institutional reform. Procurement systems need to be more open. Law enforcement must pursue financial crimes without fear or favour. And we must keep building the capacity of our regulators to detect and prevent illegal financial flows that drain resources meant for development.

If we stay the course, this progress could translate into real growth, one that reaches beyond GDP numbers and touches lives through jobs, stability, and opportunities. Nigeria’s removal from the FATF Grey List is not the end of a story but the beginning of a new chapter. It gives the government, the private sector, and even citizens a reason to take reform seriously. It shows that when we fix our systems, the world notices.

We now have a window to rebuild confidence and attract the kind of investment that creates jobs and reduces poverty. But to keep that momentum, reforms must go deeper. Institutions must stay independent, and transparency must become part of our national culture.

If Nigeria can hold on to this sense of purpose, we might finally move from just being a country full of potential to one that actually fulfills it.

The Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama, has disclosed that over $50 billion worth of cryptocurrency transactions flowed through Nigeria between July 2023 and June 2024, underscoring the sophistication and risk tolerance of investors that the traditional market has yet to capture.

Agama in a lead paper titled Evaluating the Nigerian Capital Market Masterplan 2015-2025 presented at the annual conference of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, however raised concern over the alarmingly low participation of Nigerians in the traditional capital market

He revealed that fewer than four percent of the country’s adult population are active investors.

He described the low participation rate as a major impediment to economic growth and capital formation.

He noted that while fewer than three million Nigerians invest in the capital market, more than 60 million engage daily in gambling activities, spending an estimated $5.5 million every day.

‘This reveals a paradox, an appetite for risk clearly exists, but not the trust or access to channel that energy into productive investment.’

Agama also lamented that Nigeria’s market capitalization-to-GDP ratio stands at about 30 per cent, far below South Africa’s 320 per cent, Malaysia’s 123 per cent, and India’s 92 per cent, a disparity he said highlights the urgent need to deepen financial inclusion and rebuild investor confidence.

Recalling the vision of the ten-year CMMP launched in 2015, the SEC boss said it was designed to reposition Nigeria’s capital market as the engine of economic transformation by mobilizing long-term finance for infrastructure and enterprise development.

‘Today, as we stand at the sunset of that ten-year plan, our task is not ceremonial; it is reflective and diagnostic. We must ask: what did we achieve, where did we fall short, and what lessons must anchor our next decade of reforms?’ he stated.

Agama disclosed that less than half of the 108 initiatives under the CMMP were fully achieved, blaming limited alignment with national development plans, inadequate tracking metrics, and weak stakeholder ownership for the shortfall.

Despite progress in areas such as Green Bonds, Sukuk, fintech integration, and non-interest finance, he said market liquidity remains concentrated in a few large-cap stocks like Airtel Africa, Dangote Cement, and MTN Nigeria.

Agama, who listed six key challenges for the next phase of reforms, pointed at low retail participation, market concentration, falling foreign inflows, underutilized pension assets, untapped diaspora capital, and a widening infrastructure financing gap.

‘Nigeria’s $150 billion annual infrastructure deficit far exceeds the market’s contribution, with only N1.5 trillion approved in PPP bonds. This shows a misalignment between financial innovation and national priorities,’ he observed.

The DG called for a ‘reimagined SEC’ that serves as both regulator and enabler of private-sector-driven growth, and added the next decade must focus on trust-building, transparency, and inclusion.

‘Vision without execution is inertia – and reform without measurement is aspiration without accountability,’ he declared.

The recent reports of a thwarted coup plot within the Nigerian military, which have resulted in the reported arrest of several officers, are a source of worry. The threat posed by these reports to our hard-earned democracy should not be taken lightly. Daily Trust categorically condemns any notions of a coup, or plots, ideation, or any attempts to subvert the democratically elected government of the country.

We are not unaware of our history of military interventions in the governance of the country and the concomitant effects of such intrusions in civil society. While such interventions have often been celebrated by the masses, who are frequently disappointed by the performance of the ousted governments, the long-term implications of decades of military rule in the country are still evident in the stunted political and infrastructural development we are experiencing today.

While violent overthrows of constitutional governments are often disguised under the semblance of patriotism and altruism, or grandiose claims of saving the country from corruption, tribalism, and other such vices hampering our development, we have frequently seen these vices quietly but firmly take their place at the table of the new military regimes. The January 15, 1966, coup was supposed to pave the way for a strong and united Nigeria free from internal strife; it ended up achieving quite the opposite.

In the years and subsequent coups that have followed, issues such as corruption and incompetence, which various officers have accused both the politicians and their military predecessors of, have continued to remain firmly entrenched even in the new regimes.

These interventions have weakened our national institutions and our resolve as a nation, and fostered a culture of instability that continues to plague us today.

The last 26 years of stable democracy might not have provided Nigerians with the much-anticipated ‘dividends of democracy,’ but they have given us a semblance of stability and political order. There is no price to place on that. Nigerians have had a reasonable say in who they choose to govern them and for how long. Electoral disputes have been adjudicated in courts of law, as they should be, and we are gradually building a political culture that will continue to evolve and grow as we progress. Any military intervention now would erase whatever little progress we have made over the last two and a half decades, taking us back at least a generation. We simply cannot afford that.

That said, we must note the poor management of information about the alleged coup plot. The administration and the top military hierarchy must be forthright in communicating the truth about the situation so as to earn public trust and confidence.

These actions do not demonstrate that the government has a firm grip of the situation; they reflect a government acting to consolidate power and to manage internal discontent within the armed forces.

Internal discontent has always been a reason for soldiers to resort to violent actions to interfere in the country’s democratic journey. Soldiers too, like most Nigerians, have the right to feel aggrieved by unfavourable government policies and workplace discontent. Most Nigerians are, of course, dissatisfied with the difficult economic situation in the country, the high level of corruption, poor infrastructure, and significant insecurity. This does not justify any call, plot, or action to incite public disorder. Neither should the military’s discontent warrant the usurpation of the mandate to govern which Nigerians entrusted to this democratically elected government. There are legal recourses available within military service rules or the courts of law, as Nigerians have the option to use the ballot should their discontent persist.

The manner in which the government handles this discontent is crucial. It must be approached with tact and firmness in a way that will inspire public confidence in the government.

Yet, four weeks after speculations that a plot was foiled and following the arrest of about 16 or more officers, the government has still not deemed it necessary to inform Nigerians of any preliminary findings on the investigations. This is a major failure to acknowledge Nigerians as crucial partners in the journey towards democratic sustainability and public order, and as essential allies in the civilian administration of the country.

We must not fail to remind the government that under no circumstances should this reported coup plot be used as a prop to intimidate, incriminate, harass, or witch-hunt dissenting voices. The investigations must be thorough, fair, and transparent. Ultimately, the government must view this as an opportunity to address its own failings and the discontent of Nigerians, both within and outside the armed forces. The preservation of democracy and good governance must take precedence over fear and tyranny.

A foundation laying ceremony for a Heritage Centre for Abuja’s original inhabitants was launched over the weekend at the University of Abuja main campus, along Airport Road, Abuja.

Dr. Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, the Executive Director of the Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civil Education (CHRICED), inaugurated the centre on Saturday, declaring it a ‘living monument to justice.’

‘The centre is a sanctuary of memory, a lighthouse for dignity, and a bold declaration that our future must be built on truth, inclusion, and respect for those who first called this land home,’ he said.

He continued: ‘Today, we do not merely break ground, we break silence, cycles of exclusion, and we break through the walls of invisibility that have long obscured the stories of Abuja’s original inhabitants.’

He commended the President of the MacArthur Foundation, Prof. John Palfrey, and the Foundation’s Africa Director, Dr. Kole A. Shettima, for their steadfastness in allying with communities striving for justice and inclusion.

Dr. Zikirullahi said the project is a bridge between tradition and modernity, ancestral wisdom and civic innovation, and will serve as a hub for research, dialogue, and engagement.

The Luggere herding community in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State has decried the killing of their cattle and burning of their houses by soldiers.

This followed the death of a soldier, whose body was found around Maraban Kantoma, a community bordering Barkin Ladi and Mangu local government areas.

Daily Trust reports that the soldier was killed and his rifle stolen by the perpetrators at a checkpoint located in the area.

The herders said soldiers stormed their community around 3am, opened fire on animals, and burned down several of their houses while they were asleep.

The leader of the herders in the area, Abdullahi Umar, who confirmed the incident to journalists in Jos, claimed the soldiers demanded they vacate the community if those who killed the soldier were not produced.

He added that despite the killings and destruction of their property, the soldiers insisted they must provide the perpetrators for an offence they knew nothing about.

The Fulani leader claimed that the Fulani community is far away from where the incident occurred, adding that there are other communities closer to the checkpoint than theirs.

‘We are calling on the soldiers to investigate those who perpetrated the crime and bring them to book. We are also appealing to them to ensure justice. We have been facing different kinds of harassment,’ Abdullahi said.

Major Samson Zhakom, the military spokesperson, had not responded to the inquiry by our correspondent on the incident at press time.

The abducted principal of the Junior Secondary School (JSS), Naharati in Abaji Area Council of the FCT, Zakari Abdulkadir Yelwa, and his daughter, Hafsat Dauda, have regained their freedom.

Abuja Metro had reported that kidnappers on Tuesday night invaded the victims’ residence, opposite the Government Science Technical College (GSTC), Abaji, and whisked away the principal, his wife, and his daughter.

The principal’s wife, Mrs. Rakiya Zakari Yelwa, was ordered to return home by the kidnappers when she could not walk fast.

The principal, while narrating his experience to our reporter at his residence on Sunday, said he and his daughter were freed on Saturday night after paying a N3.1 million ransom.

He said life in the kidnappers’ den was like ‘hell,’ and he prayed that no one experiences such trauma.

The principal said he and his daughter trekked through the forest throughout the night until they arrived at the kidnappers’ camp.

He said, ‘On that very night, we walked throughout the night till dawn. As the morning set in, they kept us in a valley until it was getting dark again before we continued trekking until we arrived at their camp.’

According to him, his abductors fed him and his daughter with garri and yam, which, he said, they harvested from some people’s farms near the camp.

He said the kidnappers used pieces of cloth to cover their faces until they were freed around 6:45 pm on Saturday at a forest that borders Toto LGA of Nasarawa and Kogi states.

He added that apart from the N3.1 million cash ransom, the kidnappers also collected two cartons of malt, one carton of milk, bread, and some packets of cigarettes.

The principal thanked his colleagues, friends, and family members for their support and prayers.

He also commended the vigilantes for their swift response during the attack at his residence.

Nigeria has agreed to host the maiden meeting of the African bloc of the National Committees of the International Press Institute (IPI).

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made this known during a meeting over the weekend in Vienna, Austria, with IPI Executive Board Chairman, Mr. Marton Gergely; Executive Director, Mr. Scott Griffen; and Nigerian and African representative on the IPI Executive Board, Mr. Raheem Adedoyin.

The IPI Board had earlier approved the creation of regional blocs of national committees to address region-specific interests within the global IPI community.

‘Nigeria agrees to host the maiden meeting of the African bloc. It is a great honour for us to lead as we always do,’ the minister said.

He recalled that Nigeria successfully hosted the IPI World Congress and General Assembly in Abuja in 2018, affirming the country’s readiness to deliver another world-class event.

Although no date has been fixed, Griffen said the IPI Secretariat in Vienna would work out the details with Adedoyin and the IPI Nigeria National Committee.

Gergely commended Nigeria for its leadership in democratic governance and commitment to press freedom, while Griffen lauded the Nigerian National Committee for its strong engagement in promoting media freedom.

During the meeting, Idris also discussed IPI Nigeria’s ongoing request for IPI’s support for the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Ogba, Lagos. The NIJ was established by the IPI in 1971 during the presidency of the late Alhaji Lateef Jakande, and its governing board is currently chaired by former Ogun State governor and IPI leader, Aremo Olusegun Osoba.