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Barring any last-minute changes, the Senate will on Tuesday debate a motion aimed at correcting what it described as ‘dangerous misrepresentations’ of Nigeria’s security challenges being portrayed internationally as a campaign of ‘Christian genocide.’

The motion, titled ‘Urgent Need to Correct Misconceptions Regarding the Purported ‘Christian Genocide’ Narrative in Nigeria and International Communities,’ is sponsored by Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (Borno South) and co-sponsored by Senators Sani Musa (Niger East), Magatakarda Wamako (Sokoto North), Ibrahim Bomai (Yobe South), and Ahmed Aliyu Wadada (Nasarawa West), among others.

According to a draft copy of the motion sighted in Abuja, the lawmakers expressed concern over the ‘increasing circulation of misleading narratives’ in local and international media, suggesting a systematic extermination of Christians in Nigeria.

While acknowledging the tragic and unacceptable attacks suffered by Christian communities in parts of the country, the senators noted that the ongoing violence has affected citizens of all faiths – Christians, Muslims, and adherents of other religions alike.

They warned that portraying the nation’s security crisis in purely religious terms could inflame sectarian tensions, distort global understanding of Nigeria’s challenges, and undermine national unity.

The motion reads, ‘The Senate: Aware that Nigeria is a multi-ethnic, multi-religious nation whose unity and stability depend on mutual understanding, responsible communication, and accurate representation of facts;

‘Concerned about the increasing circulation of narratives-both within and outside Nigeria-alleging an ongoing ‘Christian genocide’ in the country, which have been amplified by certain foreign media outlets, advocacy groups, and religious networks;

‘Further concerned that these narratives, though emotive, often fail to reflect the complex realities of Nigeria’s security challenges and may fuel sectarian mistrust, distort international perceptions, and undermine national cohesion and Nigeria’s diplomatic relations;

‘Notes that Nigeria has in recent years faced serious security challenges, including terrorism, insurgency, banditry, communal conflicts, and targeted attacks, which have affected citizens across various religious, ethnic, and regional backgrounds, resulting in loss of lives and property among both Christian and Muslim communities;

‘Notes that the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) guarantees freedom of religion, equal protection of the law, and obliges the government to secure the lives and property of all citizens, irrespective of faith or ethnicity;

‘Recognises the critical role of accurate information and responsible leadership in preventing sectarian division and countering extremist narratives;

‘Worried about the recent events in the US Senate and Congress, where they have taken initiatives to designate Nigeria as a ‘Country of Particular Concern,’ which is a foreign policy tool to target human rights or religious freedom violations.’

The lawmakers would be praying the Senate to: ‘Reject the blanket characterisation of Nigeria’s security crises as a ‘Christian genocide,’ and affirm that the ongoing conflicts are rooted in complex socio-economic, ethnic, criminal, and terrorist dynamics which cut across religious lines.

‘Urge the federal government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Security agencies, and relevant stakeholders, to intensify data-driven public communication by providing accurate casualty figures, context, and investigative outcomes to counter misinformation.

‘Call on religious leaders, civil society organisations, and the Nigerian media to exercise restraint and responsibility in their public statements and reporting, avoiding language that could inflame sectarian tensions or misrepresent the national situation.

‘Encourage diplomatic missions, especially the US Embassy, International organisations, and foreign media to rely on verified, balanced, and credible sources-including Security agencies, local communities, and independent observers-when reporting on religiously sensitive issues in Nigeria.

‘Mandate the Senate Committees on Foreign Affairs, Information, National Security, and Intelligence; and any relevant committee as may be deemed appropriate) to:

‘Work with the Executive to develop a coordinated national communications strategy to clarify misinformation on religious violence;

‘Engage the US Senate and Congress; International partners and Diaspora networks through official briefings and fact-based publications to correct misconceptions;

‘Support interfaith peacebuilding programmes that emphasise shared victimhood and national unity.

‘Urge the Federal Government to ensure justice and accountability for all victims of violent attacks-whether Christian, Muslim, or otherwise-to address impunity and rebuild public confidence in state institutions.’

If adopted, the Senate’s resolutions are expected to form the basis of a coordinated diplomatic and public information effort aimed at correcting international opinions about religious violence in Nigeria.

The United States recently expressed ‘deep concern’ over the persistent violence targeting Christians and other vulnerable groups in Nigeria, urging the government in Abuja to take stronger measures to protect its citizens from terrorist attacks.

The statement followed remarks by American comedian Bill Maher, who highlighted the growing number of Christians killed by extremist groups, including Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa.

In a statement to Newsweek, the US State Department confirmed it had repeatedly raised the issue with the Nigerian government at the highest levels.

Maher recently cautioned Western media for ignoring what he described as the ongoing genocide against Christians in Nigeria.

Speaking on his HBO show Real Time with Bill Maher on Friday, September 26, Maher accused news outlets and political elites of deliberately staying silent while Boko Haram, Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP), and Fulani militias slaughter Christians and raze churches across Nigeria.

‘Nigeria, the fact that this issue has not gotten on people’s radar, it’s pretty amazing,’ Maher said. ‘If you don’t know what’s going on in Nigeria, your media sources suck. You are in a bubble.’

The comedian, who is an outspoken critic of religion but often uses his platform to highlight uncomfortable truths, compared the violence to a full-scale genocide.

‘I’m not a Christian, but they are systematically killing the Christians in Nigeria. They’ve killed over a hundred thousand since 2009. They’ve burned 18,000 churches. These are the Islamists, Boko Haram. This is so much more of a genocide attempt than what is going on in Gaza. They are literally attempting to wipe out the Christian population of an entire country,’ he said.

During the show, U.S. Congresswoman Nancy Mace (Republican, South Carolina) thanked Maher for raising the alarm, stressing that the media had failed to cover the crisis with the urgency it deserves.

Nigerian Govt Debunks ‘Christian Genocide’ Reports

However, the Nigerian Government has dismissed reports suggesting that terrorists in Nigeria are carrying out a systematic genocide against Christians, describing such claims as ‘false, baseless, despicable, and divisive.’

In a statement, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described portraying Nigeria’s security challenges as a targeted campaign against a single religious group as ‘a gross misrepresentation of reality.’

The minister stressed that terrorist groups target people of all faiths.

‘The violent activities of terrorist groups are not confined to any particular religious or ethnic community. These criminals target all who reject their murderous ideology, regardless of faith. Muslims, Christians, and even those who do not identify with any religion have suffered at their hands,’ he said.

The immediate past Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) and distinguished Mathematics scholar at the University of Ibadan, Prof. Ezekiel Olusola Ayoola, has urged the Federal Government to invest in mathematical sciences.

He said mathematical science remains foundation for emerging technologies.

Speaking at his retirement valedictory and birthday lecture, Ayoola urged Nigeria to make long-term investments in mathematics and education if the country hopes to compete with developed nations globally.

Delivering a lecture titled: ‘The closing and the opening doors: An account of my experience of my academics, administrative and spiritual experiences’ at the Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan,’ Ayoola lamented widespread ignorance among some top ruling elites and technocrats about the value of mathematical knowledge in national development, which according to him has contributed to the poor recognition and funding of basic mathematical research in Nigeria.

Pointing to the complete omission of mathematical sciences from direct funding in the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) thematic research priorities, Ayola contrasted Nigeria’s approach with that of the US National Science Foundation and leading European and Asian agencies, which invest heavily in mathematics.

He said: ‘Mathematical principles are foundational to the development and application of countless existing and emerging technologies. Mathematics underpins algorithms, data analysis, artificial intelligence, quantum information science, quantum computing, optimization, modeling, and simulation, all essential for innovation and efficiency across various sectors.’

The former Head of the Department of Mathematics emphasised that mathematical tools are not just supplementary but are the very foundation upon which modern technologies are built.

Ayoola also challenged young scholars to explore cutting-edge interdisciplinary fields such as quantum information science and quantum computing, describing these areas as revolutionary and rapidly advancing.

He expressed deep concerns over Nigeria and Africa’s, lag in developing robust capacities in these critical fields.

Citing corruption, under-investment and poor treatment of scholars, Ayoola lamented that such setbacks have hindered progress.

He also faulted the lack of visionary leadership passionate about science and mathematical research.

‘No nation can achieve technological development without a solid foundation in mathematics,’ he warned, urging that ‘long-term planning and investment’ are essential to reap the benefits of emerging advanced technologies.

A former Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Abel Idowu Olayinka lauded Prof. Ayoola as a hardworking and dedicated scholar, congratulating him on his retirement and wishing him a peaceful post-academic life.

In her remarks, the immediate past Deputy Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Baiyeroju described Ayoola as honest, open, and trusted, noting his tireless efforts in both administration and academics, as well as his mentorship in showcasing the beauty of mathematics to younger generations.

Reality TV star and former Big Brother Naija winner, Phyna, has congratulated Imisi, the newly crowned winner of BBNaija Season 10, which concluded on Sunday, October 5, 2025.

Taking to her X (formerly Twitter) account, Phyna revealed she had been supporting Imisi throughout the season, describing her as her ‘top pick.’

‘In the midst of all, Imisi has been my top pick!!!! Congratulations, my authentic winner. The street has made another queen,’ Phyna wrote.

Phyna, who gained fame for her vibrant and outspoken personality, won BBNaija Season 7: Level Up in 2022, becoming one of the most talked-about contestants in the show’s history. Despite mixed reactions to her win, she has since built a devoted fan base.

Imisi’s victory in the BBNaija Season 10 finale has continued to generate excitement across social media, with fans and former housemates celebrating her success.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima have waded directly into the ongoing dispute between the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, warning that nothing must be allowed to disrupt the operations of the $20 billion facility.

Representing President Tinubu at the opening of the 31st Nigerian Economic Summit (NES #31) in Abuja on Monday, Vice President Shettima described Alhaji Aliko Dangote as ‘not just an individual, but an institution,’ and urged labour unions to exercise restraint and seek peaceful dialogue in addressing industrial issues involving the refinery.

According to Shettima, ‘Aliko Dangote is not just an individual. He’s an institution and the leading light in Nigeria’s economic development. How we treat this gentleman will determine how outsiders will judge us.’

He explained that the refinery – financed through a mix of equity, debt, and local and foreign bank loans – must remain operational to meet its financial obligations and sustain national economic stability.

‘The refinery has to function to service the debt,’ Shettima said. ‘We cannot hold the whole nation to ransom because of issues that we can amicably settle across the table.’

The Vice President stressed that Dangote’s decision to invest massively in Nigeria, rather than abroad, was an act of faith in the country’s future.

‘If he had invested $10 billion in Microsoft, Amazon, or Google, he might be worth $70 to $80 billion today. But he chose to invest in Nigeria, and we owe it to future generations to promote, preserve, and protect the interests of this very Nigerian,’ Shettima stated.

He called for ‘caution, introspection, and a sense of accountability from all the organized and independent private sector players’ to maintain industrial peace and a sustainable investment climate.

‘It’s not about holding the gold medal for ransom,’ he said. ‘Nigeria is greater than PENGASSAN; Nigeria is greater than every one of us. I’m not speaking as a partisan but as a Nigerian in search of solutions to our national challenges.’

The Vice President disclosed that the Federal Government has tasked the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) with providing policy recommendations to help resolve the issue and prevent future disruptions to strategic industries.

‘This is off-the-cuff,’ Shettima clarified, ‘but it reflects the true position of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Nigerian people.’

Turning to broader economic issues, Vice President Shettima said the government remains confident that Nigeria will overcome its current economic challenges through industrialization, infrastructure development, and human-centered policies.

‘As Nigerians, we are not condemned to low growth, high costs, and low trust,’ he said. ‘We will stabilize. We will industrialize. We will humanize our economy. We will stabilize prices and currency, and we will industrialize through power, logistics, and technology.’

He added that the administration is determined to ensure that governance serves every citizen.

‘We will humanize governance so that every citizen feels respected and served,’ he said. ‘Our priority remains restoring hope to the unemployed, the poor, the excluded, and the vulnerable.’

According to him, the government has created pathways for young Nigerians to access grants, loans, and equity investments of up to $100,000 to grow their enterprises, innovate, and build sustainable livelihoods.

He also announced a N200 billion intervention fund to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and manufacturers in overcoming structural challenges and enhancing competitiveness.

‘Our expansion of digital micro-loan access has improved financial inclusion, empowered small businesses, and stimulated community-level productivity,’ Shettima said.

On fiscal policy, the Vice President said the newly signed Tax Reform Act-which introduced the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Act, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Act-marks a major recalibration of the nation’s tax architecture.

‘These reforms will boost domestic revenue mobilization, reduce dependence on oil, and simplify compliance,’ he said. ‘They protect low-income earners, ensure fairness in corporate taxation, and strengthen digital innovation in tax administration.’

Shettima noted that infrastructure development remains central to the government’s growth agenda, with more than 440 road projects covering over 2,700 kilometres of highways and bridges currently under construction nationwide.

‘These investments are the address of national prosperity,’ he said. ‘They facilitate commerce and strengthen national unity.’

He also announced the launch of the Renewed Hope Ward-Based Development Programme, a grassroots initiative designed to empower citizens across all 8,809 wards in the 774 local government areas of Nigeria.

‘The programme seeks to map local economic activities, human capital, infrastructure, and resource endowment, ensuring no community is left behind,’ Shettima said. ‘Communities will directly influence planning and budgeting to ensure inclusivity and transparency.’

He called on state governments to align their development agendas with the Renewed Hope framework to ensure coordinated progress.

‘Our challenges are daunting but not insurmountable,’ he stated. ‘Our ticket to achieving inclusive and lasting prosperity is sound policies, strong partnerships, and the commitment of the private sector.’

Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, said Nigeria’s next National Development Plan (NDP 2026-2030), guided by the Nigeria Agenda 2050, targets a $1 trillion GDP by 2030.

He said achieving this goal would require an average annual GDP growth rate of 8.78 percent, a 17.18 percent manufacturing contribution to GDP, and a 24.78 percent manufactured export share by 2030.

‘The process of developing the NDP 2026-2030 will be consultative, participatory, and inclusive,’ Bagudu said. ‘We will involve the private sector, state and local governments, political parties, civil society organizations, labour unions, and other key stakeholders.’

He explained that the Renewed Hope Ward-Based Development Programme would be one of the key focus areas of the summit, describing it as ‘an ambitious, people-centred initiative designed to uplift economically active citizens and ensure that ordinary Nigerians, particularly those at the grassroots, directly feel the positive impact of government reforms.’

In his remarks, NESG Chairman, Mr. Olaniyi Yusuf, said Nigeria must now move from economic stabilization to sustained transformation, embedding reforms that drive jobs, growth, and inclusion.

‘The challenge before us is to move decisively into the consolidation phase-turning fragile recovery into resilient, inclusive growth,’ Yusuf said.

He outlined seven priorities for consolidation: industrialization and enterprise growth; infrastructure development; investment attraction; fiscal sustainability; inclusion; institutional strengthening; and security.

‘Regulators, pseudo-regulators, and labour unions must all focus on promoting a positive investment climate that will attract and retain investors,’ he said. ‘A narrow focus on internally generated revenue at the expense of business growth will kill the goose that lays the golden eggs. Dead businesses don’t employ workers, they don’t pay salaries, and they don’t pay taxes.’

Yusuf urged the government to ensure that reforms translate into real improvements in the lives of ordinary Nigerians, saying, ‘If these priorities are achieved, consolidation will deliver broad-based growth and opportunity. Nigerians will then begin to feel that reforms are not just statistics, but real improvements in daily life.’

Reality TV star Mercy Eke has said her Big Brother Naija Season 4 victory represented a major triumph for young women everywhere.

In a recent interview with BellaNaija, Mercy explained that her win not only boosted her confidence but also inspired many women within and outside the reality TV space.

‘I came into the show prepared. I was ready. And when I won the show, I did it for all the young women who have been told that they can’t. I did it for all of us,’ she said.

Mercy, who became the first female winner of the BBNaija series in 2019, paved the way for other women such as Phyna (2022), Ilebaye (2023), and the recently crowned Imisi (2025).

She credited her confidence and preparation as key factors behind her historic victory.

Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, Prophetic Ministry will hold its physical and virtual 2025 annual prophetic fire conference on Saturday October 11, 2025 with the theme ‘ Prophets and the secret of prophetic mantles’ at MFM International Headquarters , Main Auditorium, Onike, Lagos State.

The conference will feature Seminars/ workshops on prophetic ministration, Equipping end tine prophets, prophetic workshop and charting a prophetic destiny for our land.

The General Overseer of MFM Worldwide, Dr Daniel Kolawole Olukoya will be ministering live during the conference.

The conference, which is a gathering of prophets, prophetesses as well as other ministers of God worldwide, will unfold mysteries of the prophetic as led by the Holy Spirit through anointed men/women of God.

Members of the public especially children of God with prophetic gifts or those that desire office of the prophets , irrespective of their denomination are expected o attend.

Special prayers will be offered for a rebirth of Nigeria as well as Nations of the world .

Olukoya started the conference to raise Prophets that will be God’s mouth pieces and battle axes.

The Rector School of Prophets is the International Leader of the group.

Fire has engulfed a section of the Rivers State Secretariat Complex in Port Harcourt destroying some property.

It was gathered that the inferno started at the ground floor of one of the tall buildings popularly called the Podium after the close of work and spread to the office of the newly constituted Rivers State Pension Board.

Sources said the fire started around 4pm and was reportedly caused by an electrical fault, though there was no casualty.

Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Information, Dr Honour Sirawoo, confirmed the incident saying fire fighters intervened immediately to stop the inferno.

Sirawoo said: ‘It was at the Podium Block of the State Secretariat, on the right side where the fire started from. But we are fortunate to have the State and the Federal Fire Service would intervened and did what they know best to arrest the situation.

Rivers Head of Service, Dr Inyinge Brown, confirmed that no life was lost saying she was happy that the recently rehabilitated State Fire Service was on ground to quench the fire.

She said: ‘We were informed that there was a fire incident at the right wing, ground floor of Podium Block and we immediately made calls to the River State Fire Service and they responded promptly.

‘We also called other partners of the state, such as the Renaissance, Federal Fire Service and the military who promptly sent their fire trucks. It’s a combined effort, and as we speak, you can see that the fire has been contained.

‘We thank God, and we thank His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara for being proactive in rehabilitating the fire service before this time. If not for his investment in the Fire Service, this situation would have been worse’.

She added: ‘We urge all civil servants to take responsibility in safety. Put off our sockets and our lights. Not just putting off the sockets, but unplug to ensure

there is no residual charge because these buildings are heritage buildings and

we don’t want anything to happen to them’.

No fewer than 850 Nigerian students are currently enrolled in various universities across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, The Nation has learnt.

Vice President for Educational and Academic Affairs at King Khalid University, Prof. Saad M. Bin Dajem, disclosed this on Monday during the opening of the Forum of Saudi Arabia Universities Alumni in Nigeria and Neighboring Countries, held in Abuja.

According to Dajem, more than 3,200 Nigerians have graduated from Saudi Arabian universities over the past decade.

‘In Saudi Arabia, there are more than 850 students from this country (Nigeria) studying in Saudi universities. Already, for decades, there are more than 3,200 graduates from Nigeria,’ he said.

He added that Saudi Arabia remains open to admitting more Nigerians into its higher institutions, assuring that prospective students from Nigeria would continue to enjoy favorable admission terms and study conditions.

‘We are actually proud to accept more Nigerian students in our university in different disciplines, education, engineering, science, Arabic language, religious studies, and the medical sector. Hopefully, we will arrange a good acceptance rate for this country because it contributes a huge population to the African continent,’ he added.

He also revealed that his country has a scholarship scheme which is available to all, irrespective of religion.

The Khalid University Don said scholarships are for both Muslims and non-Muslims

He said, ‘According to our regulation, admission will be accessible to all, even with scholarships.

‘And we have King Abdullah University for Science and Technology, most of the scholarships for students are for Muslims and non-Muslims as well. And King Fahd University for Mineral and Petroleum also employs and accepts students from all cultures, all religions, all continents,’ he added.

Speaking on the forum, the Don said it is to open communication with alumni from Saudi Universities and see how they are impacting their environment.

He said, ‘We found them very active and we expect that when they come back to their country, they will contribute to sustainable development, either for personal living or in the country.’

On the prospect of Nigerian graduates in Saudi Arabia, Dajem said graduates who wish to pursue higher degrees after their first degree are allowed to continue, and also those whose skills are needed stand the chance to be employed.

‘Actually, when they graduated from Saudi University, they could continue their higher studies in a Master’s or PhD. And if they are well qualified, they will be hired by the university as a professor.

Minister of State for Education, Dr. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, in her opening remarks, commended the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its long-standing commitment to educational cooperation and cultural institutions with Nigeria.

Ahmad said, ‘Such partnerships enrich our human capital and strengthen bilateral ties for mutual good. As we celebrate this gathering, I urge the alumni to continue to serve as ambassadors of knowledge, peace, and development.

She said, ‘Your role in mentoring young Nigerians, advancing intercultural understanding, and contributing to national development cannot be overstated. The Federal Ministry of Education will continue to support initiatives that harness alumni networks for national advancement, for educational advancement, and sustainable nation building.’

She also recognised the invaluable contributions of Nigerian alumni of Saudi universities to the national growth, peace, education, culture, and development of the country.

She added, ‘Beyond academic achievement, you embody the bridge of friendship, cooperation, and shared values between Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Education, as we know, is the bedrock of progress.

‘The training and exposure you acquired in Saudi institutions have not only equipped you with knowledge but also instilled in you discipline, global perspective, and a strong sense of science. These qualities are critical to advancing Nigeria’s quest for inclusive and sustainable development. Indeed, many of you have become respected scholars, professionals, entrepreneurs, community leaders, and public servants whose influence continues to shape our society positively.’

On his part, Dr. Mohamed Munir Ilyas, Secretary of the Alumni, who was a graduate of the Islamic University of Medina, said since returning home, he has been contributing towards peaceful co-existence between the two major religious groups in Nigeria.

He stressed, ‘Of course, when you look at development, where there is no peace, it’s very hard to have development. We have been encouraging our members to be law-abiding citizens and peacemakers, peace builders, and peace keepers also. And also to make an impact as far as academics is concerned, as far as morals is concerned, as far as even earning a livelihood is concerned.’

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), has charged all stakeholders involved in the ongoing development of the next National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP 2026-2030) to ensure that the strategy document addresses new and emerging threats that sustain the illicit drug trade in Nigeria.

Marwa gave the admonition on Monday in Niger state in his opening remarks at a five-day workshop to develop the fifth National Drug Control Master Plan for the country, according to a statement by the Agency’s Spokesman, Femi Babafemi.

The residential retreat is funded by the ECOWAS Commission and supported by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

The NDLEA boss, ‘The task before us over the next few days is both strategic and historic. The drug problem continues to evolve, and so must our response. The NDCMP 2026-2030 must be visionary yet practical; comprehensive yet targeted; and nationally owned yet regionally and globally aligned.

It must build on the achievements of the past while boldly addressing new and emerging threats, from synthetic drugs to dark-web trafficking, from poly-substance use to the illicit financial flows that sustain the drug trade.’

He reminded all the stakeholders that the workshop offers the rare opportunity to deliberate, analyse, and agree on strategic priorities that will shape the trajectory of Nigeria’s response for the next five years.

‘It is here that we will identify what has worked, acknowledge the gaps, and design innovative pathways for the future’, he added.

He urged all participants to bring to bear their expertise, experience, and commitment, adding that the workshop is not just about producing another document but about charting a collective vision to safeguard the health, security, and well-being of Nigerians.

He reaffirmed the Agency’s readiness to provide leadership, coordination, and technical support to ensure that the new Master Plan is not only developed but also effectively implemented.

‘I also pledge that we will continue to strengthen collaboration with our partners, both within Nigeria and across the ECOWAS sub-region, for we know that the drug challenge recognises no borders’, he stated.

He thanked ECOWAS Commission ‘for sponsoring this workshop, and all our partners – the European Union, UNODC, civil society organisations, professional bodies and the private sector – for their continued collaboration. Together, we are shaping a future where Nigeria and West Africa will be safer, healthier, and more secure.’

Speaking at the workshop, UNODC Country Representative, Cheikh Ousmane, who was represented by Dr. Akanidomo Ibanga, commended Nigeria’s drug control efforts so far.

‘Yet, we are all aware that the drug situation continues to evolve. Global and regional dynamics – whether related to new psychoactive substances, organized crime networks, or the impact of conflict and economic pressures – all shape local realities. Our response must therefore be adaptive, coordinated, and inclusive. The Master Plan is the instrument through which this can happen.

‘This workshop offers a unique opportunity to review the draft chapters, harmonize perspectives, and ensure that the priorities identified reflect both national realities and international standards, including those enshrined in the three international drug control conventions, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the African Union Plan of Action on Drug Control’, he stated.

While commending the leadership of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Federal Ministry of Health, as well as all members of the inter-agency working groups, for the dedication and expertise they bring to the process, he said that their work will serve as a compass for coordinated action over the coming years.

Also speaking during the opening ceremony of the workshop, ECOWAS Commission Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, Prof Fatou Sow Sarr, represented by Dr. Daniel Amankwaah, noted that Nigeria, as a key stakeholder in regional drug control efforts, has taken proactive steps to develop national strategies aligned with international best practices.

‘Nigeria’s current National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP) will expire this year, and a new plan needs to be developed to address the emerging drug threats, trafficking patterns, and the increasing burden of substance use disorders. The new NDCMP will effectively respond to current and future drug-related challenges.

‘The ECOWAS Commission, in line with its mandate to support Member States in addressing drug-related issues, is providing technical and financial assistance to Nigeria in the elaboration of the new NDCMP. This initiative aligns with the objectives of the ECOWAS Drug Prevention and Control Programme and the broader regional efforts to strengthen drug demand and supply reduction mechanisms.

‘This support is a strategic step toward strengthening Nigeria’s drug control framework and aligning it with regional and international best practices. The ECOWAS Commission remains committed to supporting Nigeria in this effort, ensuring that the new National Drug Control Master Plan is robust, evidence-based, and effectively addresses the country’s drug-related challenges’, the ECOWAS Commission chief assured.

Other stakeholders who spoke at the ceremony include representatives of the Federal Ministries of Education, Health, Agriculture, Budget and Planning as well as NACA, NAFDAC, EFCC, and NFIU.

Imisi, the Big Brother Naija Season 10 champion, has joined the ranks of winners by securing the N150 million grand prize on October 5, 2025.

The 72-day season came to a thrilling conclusion as Imisi emerged victorious among the nine finalists, including Kola, Isabella, Sultana, Jason Jae, Mensan, Koyin, Kaybobo, Dede, and herself.

Imisi’s win marked another milestone in the history of the reality show, which has consistently delivered drama, strategy, music, and cultural moments since its inception in 2006.

With her charismatic personality, creativity, and authenticity, Imisi won the hearts of fans and earned her place among the show’s esteemed winners.

She also joined an elite list of Big Brother Naija winners who have shaped the entertainment industry.

1. Katung Aduwak – Season 1 (2006)

2. Michael Efe Ejeba – Season 2 (2017)

3. Miracle Igbokwe – Season 3 (2018)

4. Mercy Eke – Season 4 (2019)

5. Olamilekan ‘Laycon’ Agbeleshe – Season 5 (2020)

6. Hazel ‘Whitemoney’ Onou – Season 6 (2021)

7. Ijeoma ‘Phyna’ Otabor – Season 7 (2022)

8. Ilebaye Odiniya – Season 8 All Stars (2023)

9. Kingsley ‘Kellyrae’ Sule – Season 9 (2024)

10. Imisioluwa ‘Imisi’ Ayanwale – Season 10 (2025)