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The Chairman of the NEPAD Business Group Nigeria (NBGN), Bashorun J. K. Randle, has reaffirmed the pivotal role of the private sector in driving Africa’s transformation under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), ahead of a high-level business forum scheduled for Thursday, October 30, 2025, at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Themed: ‘Mobilising Africa’s Private Sector for AfCFTA towards Africa’s Economic Development Amid Global Uncertainty,’ the event will bring together leading voices from government, business, and development circles to explore how private sector innovation and investment can accelerate intra-African trade and industrial competitiveness.

Speaking ahead of the Forum, Randle emphasised that unlocking the continent’s full economic potential hinges on the active participation of private enterprises.

He said: ‘The private sector remains the engine of Africa’s transformation. Through this Forum, we aim to build actionable strategies that will strengthen Africa’s economic resilience, promote cross-border trade, and ensure inclusive prosperity for all.’

According to NBGN, the Forum will serve as a platform to promote partnerships and facilitate practical dialogue on the private sector’s role in achieving sustainable and inclusive economic growth across Africa. Discussions will focus on ‘policy alignment, trade facilitation, investment promotion, value-chain development, and industrial cooperation’ among African economies.

The event is expected to attract participants from federal and subnational government ministries, departments, and agencies, as well as financial institutions, regional economic communities, chambers of commerce, business associations, development partners, and captains of industry from across the continent.

Organisers said the outcomes of the Forum would inform policy formulation and implementation frameworks designed to enhance regional trade integration and support Nigeria’s long-term development goals. The deliberations are also expected to contribute to the realization of Nigeria’s Agenda 2050, the African Union’s Agenda 2063 (The Africa We Want), and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The NEPAD Business Group Nigeria (NBGN) is a private sector-led platform dedicated to advancing the objectives of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD).

The Group works to promote sustainable economic growth, regional integration, and public-private partnerships across Africa. It serves as a bridge between government, business, and development partners, driving investment, trade, and industrialisation initiatives that align with Africa’s long-term development agenda.

The Kebbi Government, has dismissed as false and malicious a video circulating on social media platforms alleging the existence of a hidden Airport in Argungu forest purportedly used for cocaine smuggling.

The dismissal is contained in a statement issued on Wednesday in Birnin Kebbi by Malam Yahaya Sarki, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Gov. Nasir Idris.

Sarki described the viral video as fabricated and baseless, aimed at discrediting the State Government and tarnishing its image.

‘The entire content of the video is false and misleading.

‘There has never been any incident of drug trafficking or illegal airport operations in Argungu Local Government Area or any part of Kebbi,’ he maintained.

He clarified that the only functional airport in the state remains the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport in Birnin Kebbi, adding that Argungu has never had an airport, airstrip, or any related facility.

Sarki further explained that all the names and characters mentioned in the viral clip were fictitious,

He also stressed that no investigation had been carried out by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), or any other security agency to support such claims.

Sarki urged members of the public to disregard the falsehood, describing it as a deliberate attempt to mislead citizens and create unnecessary tension.

‘The Kebbi government under the leadership of Gov. Idris remains committed to transparency, good governance, and collaboration with all federal security and anti-drug agencies,’ the special adviser assured.

The Nigerian Institute of Animal Science (NIAS) has formally inducted 252 Registered Animal Scientists (RAS) and five Associate Animal Scientists (AAS), urging them to maintain ethical standards, integrity, and innovation in driving growth and sustainability within Nigeria’s livestock industry.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Animal Science Meeting and Industry Exposition yesterday in Abuja, with the theme, ‘Transforming Nigeria’s Livestock Sector For Economic Growth and Economic Competitiveness,’ the President of NIAS, Chief Simeon A. Ohwofa, said the induction marked a new chapter in the country’s drive to strengthen professionalism and quality standards within the livestock industry.

Ohwofa stated that the newly inducted members had undergone rigorous training and were found worthy in both character and learning to uphold and represent the animal science profession.

‘Today, you do not just earn recognition; you inherit a mandate,’ he told the inductees. ‘Your oath will not only license your practice but bind you to excellence, discipline, and national development. The badge you are about to receive is not for decoration, but for duty.’

He revealed that with the latest additions, the Institute now has 2,936 Registered Animal Scientists and 154 Associate Animal Scientists, including 127 Fellows.

The NIAS president commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, describing it as a milestone that aligns Nigeria’s livestock sector with global best practices and opens new opportunities for professionals in the field.

Ohwofa revealed that the Institute has an ongoing partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Feed Industry Federation (IFIF) through the Feed Industry Practitioners Association of Nigeria (FIPAN) to promote safe, nutritious, and sustainable livestock production.

He called on the newly inducted scientists to contribute to food security, economic diversification, and sustainable agricultural development through research, innovation, and ethical practice.

‘You are stepping into a profession guided by science, structured by ethics, and driven by service to humanity,’ Ohwofa added.

Also speaking, the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, called on animal scientists and industry experts to lead Nigeria’s transition to modern livestock production, stressing the need to develop Nigerian cattle breed that meets global standards.

Maiha said the creation of the new ministry marks a turning point in Nigeria’s agricultural history, after years of advocacy by stakeholders.

‘For the first time since independence, we have a government that recognizes the importance of livestock and has established this ministry,’ he said.

He tasked researchers and professionals to work towards producing local breeds capable of gaining two kilograms per day with efficient feed conversion rates.

‘Our vision is to move beyond inefficient traditional systems and make our livestock sector legitimate, competitive, and globally recognized,’ he said.

The minister also highlighted Nigeria’s untapped potential in the $300 billion meat market, urging stakeholders to position the country for export opportunities in the Gulf region.

He maintained that President Tinubu’s administration remains committed to achieving food security and self-sufficiency, ensuring that ‘Nigerians drink fresh milk from Nigerian cows and eat quality meat from Nigerian farms.’

The minister alongside former Independent National Electoral Commission Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega were conferred with honorary fellowship awards in recognition of their contributions to national development.

Professor Jega, while receiving the award, expressed appreciation for the honour, describing it as a call to further support knowledge-based development in agriculture and food security.

The event brought together stakeholders from government, academia, and the private sector to explore strategies for strengthening Nigeria’s livestock value chain, featuring presentations on sustainable livestock practices and the role of science-based innovations in driving food systems transformation.

The Chairman and Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), has said the agency recorded 45,853 arrests of drug traffickers and users, secured 9,263 convictions, and seized over 8.5 million kilograms of assorted illicit drugs in the past 30 months.

He added that 26,613 drug users were counselled and rehabilitated in the agency’s treatment facilities nationwide.

Marwa said that the agency’s unwavering commitment to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda has yielded remarkable results in the ongoing war against drug abuse and trafficking.

He said said this on Wednesday, when he presented commendation letters and awards to 220 personnel for outstanding performance in the discharge of their duties while 15 senior officers were decorated with their new ranks.

Marwa further revealed that the agency carried out 9,848 sensitisation activities under its flagship War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, reaching schools, workplaces, markets, motor parks, worship centres, and communities across Nigeria.

‘These figures are not just numbers; they reflect the growing impact of our renewed intelligence-driven operations and the collective national resolve to make Nigeria a drug-free nation,’ Marwa stated.

He reaffirmed the NDLEA’s resolve to sustain the momentum, noting that the agency’s efforts are aligned with the Tinubu administration’s drive for a more secure, productive, and healthy society.

‘The fight against drugs is a fight for the soul of our nation,’ he said. ‘Our commitment remains total, and our results so far show that Nigeria is winning this battle, one community at a time.’

He commended operatives of the NDLEA for raising the momentum of the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking across the country in the past two and a half years of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Ondo State on Public Enlightenment, Comrade Olufemi Lawson, has lauded Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his visionary leadership and commitment to positioning the state as a trailblazer in technological innovation through the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Lawson in a statement following the recent Ondo State Artificial Intelligence Adoption Summit, described the Governor’s foresight in embracing AI as ‘a defining moment in the state’s march toward a smarter, more inclusive, and digitally driven governance model.’

The two-day summit, organized by the State Information Technology Agency (SITA), is being hosted under the theme of responsible and inclusive AI adoption, with participants drawn from government institutions, academia, private sector innovators, and youth-led tech initiatives.

Lawson particularly commended the Executive Chairman of SITA, Hon. Tomide Akinribido, for his ‘exceptional leadership, dedication, and vision,’ noting that his stewardship is turning SITA into a hub of innovation and a key driver of Ondo State’s digital transformation agenda.

Quoting from Akinribido’s welcome address at the event, the SSA said: ‘This summit is more than an event; it is a movement, a call to action for governments, industries, academia, and citizens to embrace artificial intelligence not as a threat, but as an enabler of progress, innovation, and inclusive growth.’

Lawson praised the emphasis on ethical, transparent, and inclusive AI deployment, stressing that the summit underscores the Governor’s broader commitment to using technology to enhance public service delivery, drive economic growth, and improve the quality of life of citizens.

He further noted that under Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration, Ondo State has made remarkable strides in digital governance, automation of public services, and capacity building among civil servants and youths, which have collectively laid the groundwork for this new AI initiative.

‘Governor Aiyedatiwa’s decision to champion AI adoption demonstrates courage and clarity of purpose. It reflects a leadership that is not afraid of the future but is determined to shape it responsibly,’ Lawson said.

He added that the government’s partnership with innovators and technology stakeholders through SITA represents a sustainable model of public-private collaboration in advancing the state’s digital ecosystem.

As deliberations continue at the summit, the SSA expressed optimism that the outcome would define Ondo State’s strategic roadmap for AI integration in critical sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, security, and governance, making the Sunshine State a reference point in Nigeria and beyond.

‘The Aiyedatiwa administration is not just building infrastructure; it is building intelligence, transforming governance through knowledge, data, and innovation,’ Lawson said.

Fast-rising Nigerian comedian, Leakingmouth, has reached another milestone in his career after selling out the biggest hall in Jos with his much-anticipated comedy show tagged ‘JOS LIKE DAT.’

The event, held on Sunday, October 26, attracted a massive crowd of comedy lovers, celebrities, and entertainment enthusiasts from across Plateau State and beyond.

The record-breaking performance comes just months after Leakingmouth thrilled audiences at the prestigious Transcorp Hilton in Abuja with his debut show – a feat that cemented his place among Nigeria’s top-tier comedians.

Speaking after the Jos show, Leakingmouth described the experience as both emotional and fulfilling.

‘After doing my show for the first time at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, taking the comedy show to Jos is such a fulfilling experience for me and my team,’ he said. ‘Jos has always been special to me – the energy, the love, and the people are simply amazing.’

Fans at the event were full of praise for the comedian’s creativity, relatable jokes, and captivating stage presence.

A fan, Gloria Bitrus, said, ‘Leakingmouth is different. His jokes connect with everyday life, and that’s why we love him. The show was totally worth it.’

Another attendee, Samuel Danjuma, added, ‘It’s not every day you see a comedian fill a hall of this size in Jos. He made history tonight.’

With ‘JOS LIKE DAT’ now a resounding success, Leakingmouth has once again affirmed his growing influence in Nigeria’s entertainment scene.

His team hinted that the comedian plans to take the show to more cities across the country in 2026, continuing his mission to spread laughter and joy nationwide.

Gunmen believed to be kidnappers have abducted 15 passengers between Obarenren Community and Idunwongie Community along the Benin-Akure highway.

The passengers were travelling in Hummer Bus marked KJA 119 XF.

All the 15 passengers were taken into the bush by the kidnappers.

But Deputy spokesman for the Edo Police Command, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said eight of the passengers including three children have been rescued unhurt.

Ikoedem said policemen from Ekiadolor Division were swiftly deployed to the scene.

She said the operatives pursued the kidnappers into the forest and successfully rescued eight victims, including three children, adding that the operatives were still in the bush to rescue the remaining eight passengers.

ASP Ikoedem said: ‘However, seven other passengers are still unaccounted for as efforts are intensely ongoing to locate and rescue them. An aggressive manhunt for the perpetrators is currently in progress, with a full complement of technological support to ensure the safe return of the remaining victims while the driver of the vehicle is assisting the police with investigation.

‘The Edo State Police Command assures the public that no effort will be spared in ensuring the safety of all residents and commuters within the state. Members of the public are encouraged to remain calm, vigilant, and to promptly report any suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police formation.

‘Anyone with useful information is encouraged to kindly contact our emergency Control Room Numbers 08077773721, 08037646272.’

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed instruments of clemency and pardon, completing the formal process of exercising his constitutional power of prerogative of mercy to grant relief to selected individuals convicted of various offences.

According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the move follows consultations with the Council of State and wide public opinion on the subject.

However, the President ordered a comprehensive review of the earlier approved list, invoking his discretionary powers under Section 175 (1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The review led to the deletion of persons convicted of serious crimes such as kidnapping, drug-related offences, human trafficking, fraud, and unlawful possession or dealing in firearms.

Others, previously listed for full pardon, had their sentences reduced or commuted.

‘The decision was guided by the seriousness and security implications of some of the offences, the need to respect the rights and feelings of victims, boost the morale of law enforcement agencies, and uphold Nigeria’s bilateral obligations,’ the statement said.

It added that the principle of justice as a ‘three-way traffic’ – balancing the rights of the accused, the victim, and society – also informed the President’s careful approach.

The approved list of eligible beneficiaries has been transmitted to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation in line with the duly signed instruments of release.

In a structural reform accompanying the exercise, President Tinubu ordered the immediate relocation of the Secretariat of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy from the Federal Ministry of Special Duties to the Federal Ministry of Justice.

He further directed the Attorney-General of the Federation to issue new guidelines for future exercises, mandating compulsory consultation with relevant prosecuting agencies to ensure that only deserving persons benefit.

Tinubu appreciated public engagement on the matter and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to comprehensive judicial reforms and improved administration of justice in Nigeria.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas have reaffirmed the commitment of the National Assembly to strengthening democracy through education, research, and institutional development.

The National Assembly leaders spoke at the ninth convocation of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS).

They underscored the role of education, particularly legislative and democratic studies, in fostering accountable governance, improving public service delivery, and sustaining democratic development in Nigeria.

Akpabio, who is the Chairman of the Governing Board of the institute, noted that it was imperative to strengthen the nation’s legal frameworks and oversight mechanisms to ensure effective governance and equitable distribution of public resources.

He promised that the National Assembly would continue to deploy its legislative and oversight instruments to enhance transparency, revenue generation, and service delivery.

Akpabio said: ‘As members of the 10th Senate, we will continue to strengthen existing legal frameworks and enhance our oversight of public institutions to ensure they deliver effective public service.

‘Our efforts have already contributed to increased revenue accruing to the Consolidated Revenue Fund, leading to higher allocations to the states and the federal government.’

The Senate President urged state legislatures to complement the efforts of the National Assembly by holding governors accountable to ensure the prudent and equitable use of the additional funds now available to subnational governments.

Abbas lauded the partnership between NILDS and the University of Benin (UNIBEN) for their sustained collaboration in promoting academic excellence in legislative studies.

The Speaker, who was represented by the House Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvnere, said the NILDS/UNIBEN programmes has produced professionals who are better equipped to confront Nigeria’s governance and institutional challenges.

He expressed delight about the reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, saying key economic indicators were beginning to improve.

Abbas said: ‘Though we may have different experiences, what is clear is that our economy is on a better growth trajectory today than it would have been under a business-as-usual scenario.’

The Speaker noted that inflation had dropped below 20 per cent, while the value of the naira was appreciating against major currencies.

He attributed these developments to the government’s fiscal and tax reforms.

‘The 10th House of Representatives is committed to reforming the budget process to ensure strict adherence to timelines for preparation, enactment, implementation, and oversight,’ Abbas stated.

The NILDS Director-General, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, said the Institute’s academic programmes were designed to bridge knowledge and capacity gaps in democratic institutions across the country.

He said the NILDS/UNIBEN partnership continued to produce graduates with the skills necessary to strengthen governance, policy-making, and legislative practices.

Sulaiman said a total of 79 students graduated from various programmes, including 19 from the Higher National Diploma (HND) courses, nine from Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) programmes, and 51 from Master’s degree programmes in Legislative and Democratic Studies.

The NILDS director general urged the Federal and state governments to prioritise the funding of the education sector in the 2026 fiscal year.

He stressed that inadequate funding would continue to undermine the quality of human capital development across the country.

‘The funding of higher institutions has a direct relationship with human capacity development. Low funding translates to poor-quality graduates,’ Sulaiman said.

‘I also urge the government to find a lasting solution to the incessant ASUU strikes that have bedeviled and distorted our university system.’

The NILDS director general hailed the UNIBEN management and workers, led by its Vice Chancellor Prof. Edoba Bright Omoregie (SAN), and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) for their partnership and accreditation support, which have helped the institute to sustain high academic standards.

Sulaiman announced that admissions for the 2025/2026 academic session had begun.

The director general said the institute had been receiving applications for its programmes, such as Master’s degrees in Elections and Party Politics, Legislative Studies, Parliamentary Administration, and Constitutional Law and Development.

The event enabled stakeholders to reflect on the role of legislative institutions in consolidating Nigeria’s democracy.

Speakers agreed that education and capacity building were key to improving governance outcomes and strengthening public confidence in democratic institutions.

Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, said the Federal Government has released ?2.3 billion, representing Batch 8 salary and promotion arrears to universities across the country.

The fund is expected to be used to clear the salary backlogs as well as promotion arrears of teaching and non-academic staff in public universities.

The Minister explained that the disbursements, processed through the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF), reflected President Bola Tinubu Administration’s resolve to clear inherited backlogs and enhance the welfare of academic and non-academic staff in the tertiary education sector.

In a statement on Wednesday by Director, Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo the Minister said: ‘A total of ?2.311 billion, representing Batch 8 salary and promotion arrears, has been released through the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation to universities. Benefiting institutions should begin to receive payment alerts anytime from now.’

Alausa said that the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Finance and the OAGF, is finalising the release of third-party non-statutory deductions and pension remittances to Nigerian University Pension Management (NUPEMCO), expected to be completed in the coming days.

The Minister added that the government has approved the full mainstreaming of the Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) into university staff salaries beginning from 2026.

He noted that this will ensure prompt, predictable, and sustainable payments going forward. In addition, funds have been released under the Needs Assessment of Nigerian Universities, with corresponding budgetary provisions made to sustain the initiative.

According to Alausa, these measures demonstrated the government’s strong commitment to improving academic staff welfare and addressing long-standing challenges that have persisted for decades.

‘Within the last twenty-six months, the Federal Government has paid a significant portion of outstanding obligations while maintaining open communication with all academic and non-academic unions of tertiary institutions.

‘The Federal Ministry of Education assures that these engagements are being conducted truthfully and in good faith. However, while the government remains committed to improving staff welfare, it will only enter into agreements that are realistic and financially sustainable,’ Alausa stated.

He explained that the Yayale Ahmed Negotiating Committee continues to serve as a bridge between the Federal Government and the tertiary institutions’ unions, ensuring that all pending welfare-related issues are addressed through honest and mutually respectful dialogue.

‘Negotiations are being conducted sincerely, mutually, and respectfully,’ he added.

Alausa noted that the federal government will not engage in unsustainable fiscal practices.

‘Our priority is to ensure that all matters are addressed responsibly and in the best interest of our education system,’ he said.

The Minister stressed that all commitments must align with approved budgetary provisions to guarantee long-term stability.

He commended President Tinubu for his unwavering dedication to the education sector, noting that several challenges that had persisted for decades are now being tackled decisively under his administration.

Alausa expressed optimism that the current wave of reforms and fiscal interventions will usher in lasting industrial harmony, restore confidence in Nigeria’s tertiary education system, and strengthen institutional capacity for national development.