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Ondo State Government has expressed delight about what it described as the rapid transformation taking place across the 18 local governments.

Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, said this in Akure while briefing reporters after an inspection tour of local governments.

He said councils under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration had recorded ‘phenomenal progress’ with the provision of basic amenities such as improved road networks, rural road expansion, market upgrades and empowerment programmes for farmers and youths.

He hailed the council chairmen for aligning with the governor’s Our Ease Mantra and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, citing achievements in infrastructure, health care, education and economic development.

‘We are glad that the local governments are alive to their responsibilities. Some have built markets, provided solar power, potable water, fixed bridges and graded rural roads. They have also engaged our youths in agriculture to ensure food security and create employment,’ Takuro said.

He added that the councils were collaborating with security agencies to safeguard lives and property at the grassroots, while also prioritising upgrading of primary health care facilities across the state.

According to him, ”the councils have invested in critical infrastructure, including dredging waterways, clearing drainages and grading roads, to prevent flooding.”

Takuro said council chairmen had been working with the Ministry of Environment, with a technical adviser appointed by the governor to address perennial flooding.

He said 18 local governments had jointly saved about N15 billion to fund capital projects in their domains.

He recalled that the government had partnered with anti-graft and anti-corruption agencies to train council bosses and senior officials in transparency and accountability in revenue generations in the local governments.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered an immediate reduction in the 2026 Hajj fare to reflect the recent appreciation of the naira against the dollar, a major determinant of pilgrimage costs.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, who conveyed the President’s directive yesterday during a meeting with the management and board members of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, gave the commission two days to produce a new and affordable fare structure.

In a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, VP Shettima said the directive was necessary to ensure that Nigerian pilgrims benefit directly from the positive effects of the ongoing economic reforms, particularly the strengthened value of the naira.

Shettima called for closer collaboration among NAHCON, state governments, and other relevant agencies to harmonise the revised fares and ensure smooth coordination of the 2026 pilgrimage.

He also emphasised the need for prompt payments and remittances to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to guarantee a seamless Hajj operation.

Addressing reporters after the meeting, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hadeija, said the meeting was convened to finalise preparations for the 2026 Hajj and review the cost structure in light of the improved exchange rate.

‘Rates have continued to improve steadily with the appreciation of the naira, based on the effects of government reforms. If pilgrims paid N8.5 million to N8.6 million last year due to a weaker exchange rate, the improvement in the economy should now reflect in the new fares. The Vice President made it clear that the benefits of the stronger naira must be passed on to the pilgrims,’ Hadeija explained.

NAHCON’s Secretary, Dr. Mustapha Mohammad, welcomed the President’s directive, saying it would make the spiritual journey more accessible to Nigerian Muslims.

‘It is a welcome development. The lower the Hajj fare, the better for Muslim faithful intending to perform Hajj. As directed by the Vice President, we will work tirelessly between today and tomorrow to reduce the cost to the barest minimum and make it affordable for every Muslim,’ he said.

Also, the Chairman of the Kebbi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board and Deputy Chairman of the Forum of Chief Executives of Pilgrims Boards, Alhaji Faruk Aliyu Yaro, praised the President and the Vice President for their intervention.

‘We are very happy because the President and the Vice President have already intervened. We thank God for what they have done, which will bring down the cost of Hajj fare. We are delighted’, Yaro said.

Chair of Badagry Local Government in Lagos State, Babatunde Hunpe, has facilitated release of five inmates from Badagry Correctional Centre.

His Chief Press Secretary, Augustine Kriko, said this in a statement yesterday.

He said the release was part of the council celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence.

The chairman noted their freedom followed recommendations of a committee set up by him, after receiving reports about their predicament.

‘The committee comprises Chief Security Adviser, Johnson Adagba; council’s Legal Officer, Olubode Savage; and my Private Secretary, Dr. Sewedo Samuel.

‘The five – three from Badagry council and two from elsewhere, were sentenced for offences with options of fine; N200,000 to N250,000, which they were unable to meet.

‘Acting on the report, I mandated a committee to conduct background checks and visit to assess their conduct.

‘After monitoring, the committee confirmed the inmates had reformed, supported by evidence of good behaviour.

‘One inmate, a barber, was especially commended for cutting the hair of fellow inmates and teaching others the skill,’ he said.

Kriko said Hunpe’s intervention not only covered the settlement of their discharge conditions, but also provided resources to support their return home and ensure their smooth reintegration into the society.

‘This gesture, in the spirit of independence, reflects the chairman’s commitment to justice, mercy and giving the reformed citizens a fresh start,’ he said.

Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has highlighted the importance of addressing constraints militating against export of sesame seeds in order to boost the country’s non-oil exports.

Nigeria’s non-oil export had risen to $1.791 billion in the first quarter of 2025. The non-oil export value represented 24.75 per cent increase compared to 19.59 per cent for the first quarter 2024.

Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Nonye Ayeni, said the non-oil performance report for 2024 indicated that sesame seed ranked number three out of the top 20 export products, amounting to 337.8258 metric tonnes with 4.63 per cent of the quantity exported.

Ayeni spoke at a one-day sensitisation exercise organised by the Council for Sesame Seed Farmers in Dutse, Jigawa State. The theme of the workshop was: ‘A Tactical Involvement for Enhancing the Production Capacity of Sesame Seed in Jigawa State.

‘Nigeria can obtain a significant share in the enormous forex from sesame seed export in the global market,’ Ayeni, who was represented by Okany Sylvia, Chief Trade Promotion Officer at NEPC, said.

She stressed the need to enhance the nation’s sesame yields and production, to maximise the export potentials along the value chain.

She said export of Nigeria’s sesame seed to Japan between 2019 and 2021, was allegedly threatened due to the discovery of excess pesticide residue and salmonella.

‘The offshoot this discovery was raised by Japan Oil and Fat Importers and Exporters Association (JOFIEA) on 5th August, 2022. Relatively, the Japanese Authorities allegedly confirmed that a high dose of pesticide residue found in Sesame Seed exported to Japan between 2019-2021 was 1.9 times in excess of Maximum Residue Limit (MRL),’ Ayeni said.

She highlighted that some of the challenges related to sesame seed export include poor compliance with sanitary and phytosanitary requirements, cross contamination during handling process, and lack of proper documentation by exporters.

Ayeni highlighted some of the solutions to include addressing contaminant issue from the farm gate to the market, comprehensive approach and leveraging training of farmers on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)

She said: ‘The introduction of technology-driven traceability system, tackling logistic hurdles, packaging and product differentiation will also curtail the situation. Quality testing, deployment of modern technology, awareness campaign as well as establishment of good storage system is vital’.

She advocated for the establishment of clusters within medium term frame, stressing that the council would engage relevant stakeholders to ensure zero rejection of agricultural exports, especially sesame seed.

NEPC Coordinator in Jigawa State, Mr Abdulkadir Aliyu, said the council believed that through strategic engagement and partnerships, Nigeria’s sesame seed export would be boosted and competitively repositioned across major destination markets.

He said the overall objective was to help the country tap into the growing opportunities in the global market, particularly in foreign exchange earnings.

He said: ‘This is a valuable opportunity to gain insights and contribute meaningfully to the development of this important sector’.

One of the participants, Balaraba Ibrahim also called for the establishment of aggregation centres for sesame seed processing in Jigawa.

Ibrahim expressed concern over the level of exploitation being faced by sesame farmers, who lack the capacity to process the produce, adding the trend forced them to dispose it at cheaper prices.

Another participant, Magaji Rabi’u advised farmers and residents of the state to explore export opportunities through the NEPC.

The Bureau of Public Defender (BPD) has celebrated its 25th anniversary with a call from stakeholders to the agency to embrace digital justice and innovation as the next phase of its service to the people of Lagos.

The advice was given at the BPD’s Silver Jubilee ceremony held at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island.

The event brought together judges, senior advocates, government officials, and civil society partners under the theme ‘Honouring the Past, Defending the Future.’

In his keynote address, Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), described the OPD as a ‘legacy institution’ that has provided free legal aid to vulnerable citizens since its establishment in 2000.

He highlighted the agency’s achievements, noting that it had handled over 200,000 petitions, recovered N815 million and $52,000 in compensation, and transformed countless lives.

‘The future must be about reforms and digitalisation. We cannot remain static in a rapidly-changing justice world,’ Pedro said.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented at the event by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Bolaji Dada, lauded the bureau’s evolution and upgrade earlier this year.

She revealed that within just six years, the OPD had handled 50,000 court cases with an 86 per cent success rate and resolved 14,000 petitions through mediation.

‘Our next chapter must leverage technology to expand access and efficiency in justice delivery,’ she said.

The Ex-Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, hailed the OPD as ‘a pillar of hope for the indigent and marginalised.’

‘With a single click, people should access justice. Digitalisation is no longer optional,’ he declared.

Professor Iyabode Oguniran, an expert in child and gender law, stressed the need for a stronger digital presence.

She urged improvements in the bureau’s website, data transparency, and online case reporting, warning that failure to modernise could hinder OPD’s ability to tackle emerging crimes such as cyber fraud.

Echoing the same concern, Mrs. Uchenna Akingbade, Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Lagos Branch, highlighted the need for digital platforms to strengthen pro bono collaborations and ease the agency’s workload.

‘Our colleagues in OPD face overwhelming files daily. Technology can make private-public legal partnerships seamless,’ she said.

The OPD was established in July 2000 by the then-Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) as Attorney-General.

Conceived as a bold response to the urgent need to provide free legal services to indigent Lagosians, the agency had since grown from a modest unit under the Directorate for Citizens’ Rights to a full-fledged bureau with headquarters in Surulere and nine offices across the state, including Ikorodu, Ajah, Epe, and Badagry.

As stakeholders reflected on OPD’s legacy, they agreed that while the past 25 years had been marked by courage and success, the next quarter-century should be defined by technology-driven reforms, strategic partnerships, and continuous innovation to ensure that justice in Lagos remained accessible to all.

The Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN), organisers of the Africa International Housing Show (AIHS), has called for renewed vigour in addressing Nigeria’s housing challenges, urging government and stakeholders to build on the foundations laid by pioneers of the sector.

HDAN’s Executive Director, Festus Adebayo, in a conversation with The Nation, paid tribute to eminent figures such as the late Prof. Akin Mabogunje, Chief Samuel Olatunde Fadahunsi, Fortune Ebie and others whose work established the backbone of the country’s housing industry. He noted that institutions such as the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) and the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) were products of their foresight.

While commending current initiatives, Adebayo urged President Bola Tinubu to remain committed to his housing and urban development reform agenda.

He warned that challenges such as inflation, the soaring cost of building materials, limited land access and outdated legislation remain major obstacles to the delivery of affordable homes.

His comments come at a time when the Tinubu administration has rolled out bold measures under the Renewed Hope Housing Programme, spearheaded by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa. The programme targets 50,000 new homes nationwide, with projects ranging from Renewed Hope Cities and Estates to Social Housing schemes designed to serve all income levels.

So far, over 10,000 units are under construction across 14 states and the FCT. Notable projects include 3,112 units in Karsana, Abuja, 2,000 units in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, and 1,500 units in Kano, alongside 250-unit estates in states such as Katsina, Gombe, Yobe and Osun. In northern states, these efforts have created over 152,000 jobs, while more than 150 informal communities have been upgraded with basic infrastructure such as roads, drainage, water supply and solar lighting.

The ministry has also digitised key operations, including the introduction of an electronic Certificate of Occupancy to fast-track land titling and reduce bureaucracy. Similarly, a National Artisan Skills Acquisition Programme (NASAP) has been launched through a partnership with Polaris Capital to train and certify 100,000 artisans in construction trades, improve workforce capacity and strengthen local supply chains.

Nigeria’s housing finance institutions have recorded notable progress. The Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria has doubled its impact in mortgage lending, approving ?71.5 billion in 2024 compared to ?39.7 billion the previous year. For the first time in three decades, the bank also posted an operational surplus of ?11.58 billion, while recovering ?10.9 billion in non-performing loans. It further introduced a ?100 billion Off-taker Guarantee Scheme to support the Renewed Hope projects and mobilise over ?40 billion in private capital.

The FHA has embarked on a wide-ranging digitalisation drive to secure property records, eliminate fraud and accelerate services. It has also intensified land acquisition using drone technology, completed abandoned projects in Ibadan and Abuja, and grown its land bank to boost internally generated revenue.

Family Homes Funds Limited (FHFL) is complementing these efforts with new affordable housing projects in states including Delta, Kano, Kaduna and Ogun. At the same time, the Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company (NMRC) has expanded liquidity in the housing finance market, while pushing for the adoption of the Model Mortgage and Foreclosure Law across states to make home loans more accessible.

The Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) has also entered the fray with the launch of a ?250 billion Real Estate Investment Fund designed to streamline mortgage processes and expand affordable housing access through partnerships with FMBN, NMRC and FHFL.

Despite this progress, Adebayo cautioned that Nigeria’s housing sector still faces formidable challenges. He stressed that corruption, weak implementation of policies and the absence of strong political will remain the greatest threats. He urged the legislature to enact the right reforms and for government to introduce incentives and subsidies that would ease access to homes, especially for low-income earners.

‘With inflation soaring and rents rising daily, it is time to demonstrate political will. ‘If urgent measures are not taken, as has been successfully done in countries like Morocco, Nigeria may be sitting on a keg of gunpowder,’ Adebayo said.

He appealed to stakeholders to place national interest above personal or political considerations, insisting that only accountability and sustained reform will make the dream of affordable, dignified housing for all Nigerians a reality.

The University of Ibadan (UI) has urged candidates undergoing screening or planinng to apply directly for the institution’s undergraduate programmes through its special admission window (Open, Distance, and e-Learning ODeL) to complete their application before October 10, 2025.

A statement by the Director of UI DLC, Prof. Babatunde Omobowale, said UI-ODeL model provides a flexible pathway to a reputable University of Ibadan degree.

According to him, ODeL provides the opportunity for qualified candidates whose placement is restricted by JAMB/UTME limits related to traditional classroom settings.

He noted that ODeL also served those who need flexible study arrangements due to work or personal reasons, or those looking for a reputable, alternative pathway.

He stated that matriculation for the new intake would hold on Saturday, 30th of October, 2025 at UI International Conference Centre (ICC), adding that the event is a compulsory, landmark ceremony that formally inducts new students into the prestigious University of Ibadan.

According to him: ‘The Matriculation will feature a special highlight: the Matriculation Lectures. This addresses will be delivered by the distinguished alumni who achieved First-Class degree in Computer Science, Psychology and Political Science via the UI-ODeL mode.

‘Three First-Class graduates from the inaugural ODeL program will share their expertise, Olalekan Akolade Abass (Computer Science) will offer firsthand insights into mastering the flexible learning environment; he will be joined by Mr. Akindubi Jelili Babatunde (Psychology) who will explore models for achieving academic excellence at UI; and finally Mr. Okoye Mark (Political Science) will discuss the unique opportunities for UI-ODeL students and graduates’.

‘The centre welcomes applicants with five relevant O’ Level credits in one sitting or six in two sittings to apply to programmes including: Sciences: Computer Science, Statistics; Social Sciences: Economics, Sociology, Psychology, Political Science; Humanities and Education: Philosophy and Public Affairs, Communication and Language Arts, English, Social Work, Educational Management, Guidance and Counselling, and Library and Information Studies.

Ekiti State Government has intensified security measures across its boundary communities, to prevent infiltration by bandits and kidnappers.

The development followed the recent attacks in some communities in Kwara State.

The Chairman of Ajoni Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Mr. Michael Ogungbemi, spoke in a phone chat with our reporter.

He said security operations and surveillance had been reinforced along communities linking Ekiti with Kwara and Kogi states.

Ogungbemi said the council had launched a local security initiative called ‘Operation Eborac’, to combat banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities around boundary communities in the LCDA.

He said ‘Operation Eborac’, comprising local hunters and vigilance groups, carried out 24-hour surveillance, intelligence gathering and patrol duties, to ensure safety of lives and property.

Ogungbemi added that Ajoni LCDA had also extended its security collaboration beyond Ekiti boundaries, partnering with conventional and non-state actors in neighbouring Kogi and Kwara states.

The interstate patrols, he said, covered strategic boundary communities such as Ilemosho, Obbo-Ayegunle, Eruku, Koro, Ogbe and Koyan.

‘With these measures in place, we have fortified our boundaries and territories against criminal incursion.

”Our joint patrols with the military, police, civil defence and local security networks have ensured a strong security presence across vulnerable points,’ he said.

Ogungbemi lauded Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his support in improving security architecture in the area, particularly through establishment of military bases at Oke Ako, Iyemero and Itapaji to forestall possible attacks.

He said troops and security personnel deployed in ”these bases have been equipped with patrol vehicles and motorbikes to enable regular surveillance and efficient monitoring of boundary routes, forests and rural settlement.”

He said: ”This intervention has contributed to the prevailing peace and stability in Ekiti’s boundary communities.”

Assuring residents of safety, the chairman urged farmers, travellers, teachers and other residents in boundary communities such as Iyemero, Odo Owa, Irele and Ipao to go about their activities without fear.

He said there was no cause for alarm, as boundary areas and forest routes had been fortified to prevent infiltration by bandits or kidnappers, adding that Governor Oyebanji remained committed to protecting lives and property.

Marketing strategist, Oghogho Harriet Osemwegie, in this interview, shares her experience in entertainment media, tech marketing, and consumer engagement.

What led you to entertainment media marketing and brand positioning?

My name is Oghogho Harriet Osemwegie. My background is in entertainment media marketing and strategic communication, focusing on helping brands refine their visibility, perception, and audience engagement in highly competitive industries. I’ve always been drawn to how brands influence culture, especially in entertainment, where marketing isn’t just about selling a product, but shaping how people experience these products. That’s what led me to focus on building marketing strategies that don’t just generate short-term engagement but create long-term industry relevance. Much of my experience comes from working in both creative and technical marketing spaces, where I’ve learned how to merge data-driven strategy with execution that resonates with audiences.

You mentioned working in both creative and technical marketing. Where did you gain that experience, and how did it shape your approach to branding?

One of the most formative experiences was working at NVIDIA, where I was involved in campaign, product, and partner marketing. NVIDIA sits at the intersection of technology, media, and consumer engagement, and my role required me to translate highly technical concepts into messaging that resonated with mass audiences. This experience shaped how I approach entertainment branding, where the challenge is similar, you need to simplify complex ideas while keeping the strategy strong. I learned how to use market positioning, strategic partnerships, and audience insights to create marketing that feels both authentic and backed by data.

NVIDIA is known for being highly technical. How did you transition from working in that space to focusing on entertainment marketing?

The transition was actually seamless because so much of entertainment marketing today is deeply technical and brands rely on data, audience analytics, and digital-first strategies just as much as the tech industry does. That’s also something I’ve explored further in my Entertainment Marketing Analysis Research at Carnegie Mellon, where I’m working with Maximum Effort, founded by Ryan Reynolds, to analyze how celebrity and influencer-driven campaigns shape consumer engagement.

Celebrity marketing has always been a major part of entertainment, but do you think it still holds the same influence today? What patterns are you seeing in your research?

It’s definitely evolving. Celebrity influence isn’t just about star power anymore, it’s about authenticity and audience alignment. Our research shows that brands prioritizing authentic partnerships over traditional endorsements see higher engagement and consumer trust. If a celebrity or influencer doesn’t align with the brand’s audience, the impact is minimal and people can see when a partnership doesn’t feel real. Another major shift is the rise of real-time engagement and personality-driven branding. Companies like Maximum Effort, Duolingo, and Netflix are proving that humor, interactive content, and digital-first strategies are redefining entertainment marketing. Marketing today isn’t just about visibility, it’s about cultural influence.

You’ve talked about how brands need to create experiences rather than just traditional advertising, I know you’ve also explored this through your own work so, can you tell us about your content projects and how they tie into your approach to brand marketing?

My content is an extension of my work in brand positioning and marketing strategy. With Apple and Google, I wanted to explore how brands can visually communicate their identity in ways that feel engaging, fresh, and beyond traditional advertising. Branding today isn’t just about logos and campaigns, it’s about creating a brand experience. My projects demonstrate how fashion, visual marketing, and digital execution can be used as marketing tools to make a brand feel more tangible to consumers.

How do you stay ahead in an entertainment and marketing industry that’s constantly evolving?

I stay engaged in real-world industry conversations. Attending conferences like Harvard Business School’s Africa Business Conference, the American Marketing Association’s virtual conferences, conferences hosted by the National Black MBA Association, and GTC has given me a front-row seat to how brands navigate digital transformation, audience behavior shifts, and evolving marketing strategies. Beyond that, my work at Maximum Effort allows me to analyze how brands sustain relevance in a fast-changing media landscape, while my own content projects serve as real-world applications of strategic marketing execution. By merging analytical marketing with creative execution, I ensure my approach remains practical, adaptable, and aligned with the future of entertainment branding.

Marketing today is more competitive than ever. What advice would you give to brands or even professionals looking to stand out in the entertainment industry?

Entertainment marketing moves fast, so staying ahead means being curious, adaptable, and willing to experiment. The best advice? Know your audience and meet them where they are. People connect with brands that feel real, intentional, and engaging, not ones that are just trying to go viral. Trends change, but strong brand positioning lasts. Instead of chasing what’s popular now, focus on what makes a brand unique and how to amplify that in ways that feel fresh and relevant. And most importantly, don’t be afraid to take risks. The brands that stand out are the ones that push creative boundaries and understand that marketing is more about making an impact, rather than just selling.

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has appealed to Nigerians to raise awareness, support survivors, and encourage proactive health habits in the ongoing fight against breast cancer.

In her message to mark this year’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the First Lady emphasised the importance of solidarity, early detection, and regular medical screening among women.

She described health consciousness as an essential part of national well-being.

‘This month, let us raise awareness, support survivors, and encourage one another to take proactive steps for better health,’ Senator Tinubu said.

The First Lady noted that women, mothers, sisters, and daughters must prioritise their health and wellness.

‘Early detection saves lives; regular self-examination and timely medical screening are key in the fight against breast cancer,’ se added.

The First Lady also called for collective responsibility in promoting women’s health, stressing the need for continuous education and preventive care.

‘Let us work together to stay healthy,’ she said, extending her good wishes to all Nigerian women and families observing the month.