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The Agege Legislative Arm in Lagos State has announced the receipt of a resignation letter from the incumbent Executive Chairman of the Council, Alhaji Tunde Azeez, saying the correspondence would be communicated to the State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

It was earlier reported on Wednesday that Hon. Azeez resigned on failing health grounds after transferring power to his Vice Chairman, Hon.AbdulGaniyu Vinod Obasa about two months ago to embark on medical leave.

Speaking to newsmen at a press briefing attended by all the seven councillors, the leader of the legislative arm, Hon. Haruna Adeshina, acknowledged the receipt of Azeez’s letter on behalf of his fellow councillors.

Adeshina declared that the councillors unanimously commended the Council Chairman’s decision to turn in his resignation letter to enable him, attend to his health.

‘We commend Hon. Tunde Azeez profoundly for this decision to relinquish his chairmanship position and not hold on to power at the detriment of the development of our community,’ the leader said.

He added that the final decision on the matter lied with the State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

‘While AbdulGaniyu Vinod Obasa still remains as the Acting Chairman of the Council, we are in the process of sending Hon Azeez’s resignation letter to our supervising ministry, the Ministery of Local Government for onward transmission to Governor Sanwo-Olu for his consideration, in line with the provision of the constitution’ the Council leader stated.

In attendance at the media briefing were immediate-past Council Chairmen of Agege Local Government and Orile Agege Local Council Development Area, Chief Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi and Pastor JS Babatunde.

The Federal Government has signed an agreement with Training Service Providers(TSPs) to train over 30, 000 youths on market-relevant skills under the Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) initiative.

The government explained that the youths will undergo a six month hands-on training and receive starter – packs at the end of the training.

National Project Coordinator, IDEAS Project, Blessing Ogwu disclosed this during the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with 217 Training Service Providers(TSPs) under the IDEAS – TVET initiative two.

According to her, the Federal Government is focusing on skills acquisition, especially TVET education in order to improve the economy, gross domestic product (GDP) and reduce unemployment.

The government, through the Federal Ministry of Education, obtained a credit to finance a World Bank-supported IDEAS project aimed at improving the country’s TVET system.

According to the government, the objective of the IDEAS project is to improve skills acquisition in Nigeria using a comprehensive approach and addressing key aspects of the skills development delivery system.

It leverages industry involvement for better labour market fit and crowding in of private resources in the formal training system.

The national project coordinator said: ‘The objective of the project is to reduce unemployment. We have so many Nigerian youths that are roaming the streets and the government is worried about the state of Nigerian youths being unemployed. That is why the federal government is focusing on skills acquisition, especially TVET education in order to improve our economy, our gross domestic product (GDP) and to reduce unemployment.

‘This present TSPs will train over 25, 000 youths in six months. They will undergo hands – on training. At the end of the training, our youths will have something to do. The ones that will not get government jobs will be able to work on their own because the government will equally give them a starter pack that they can start with.

‘The trainees will also be exposed to soft loans which the government is also working on for those who will need it to start on their own.

‘The government will also give them stipends to enable the trainees to go to the training centres. The government is giving them N22,500 monthly to enable the trainees to move to the centres.’

World Bank Co – Task Team Leader of IDEAS Project, Dr Mistura Rufai, said the TVET 2 sub-component aims to address gaps in the skills ecosystem and youth unemployment by providing market-relevant skills and facilitating job placement, especially for disadvantaged youth with some secondary education but without regular employment.

According to her, the bank has earmarked $70 million for the TVET 2 sub-component.

Rufai said: ‘The creation of the TVET 2 sub-component under IDEAS responded to the Federal Government’s request to increase the focus on results-based contracting (RBC) for skills training targeted at literate and numerate youth seeking employment.

The sub-component aims to address gaps in the skills ecosystem and youth unemployment by providing market-relevant skills and facilitating job placement, especially for disadvantaged youth with some secondary education but without regular employment. The objective is to provide approximately 75,000 Nigerian youth with market-relevant skills that enhance their employability, including self-employment opportunities.

‘The budget for this sub-component is about $70 million, and this is the second batch of training service providers engaged. The project currently has a total of about 325 training service providers and about 40,000 trainees under the sub-component.

Grammy-winning Afrobeats artist Burna Boy has shed light on the story behind his collaboration with rock legend Mick Jagger.

In a recent appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show, Burna Boy credited British supermodel Naomi Campbell for making the unlikely partnership possible.

According to Burna Boy, Campbell played a pivotal role in initiating the collaboration.

‘It’s actually crazy because it was initiated by Naomi Campbell, she made it happen. Before I knew it, I was talking to Mick Jagger, and it felt like we’d known each other forever.’

The seamless chemistry between the two artists is evident in their song ‘Empty Chairs,’ which blends Afrobeats rhythms with classic rock influences.

The song is featured on Burna Boy’s latest album, ‘No Sign of Weakness’, released on July 11, 2025.

Global automation giant, FEDLOCKS Automation, has strengthened its presence in Nigeria with the announcement of its second official training programme for the year, scheduled to hold from November 3 to 5, 2025, in Lagos.

Founded in the United States and now operating across North America, Asia, Europe, and Africa, the company continues to deepen its commitment to Nigeria through innovation, skill development and technological empowerment.

The upcoming programme follows the success of the firm’s first training earlier in the year, which recorded strong participation from engineers, technicians and industry partners nationwide.

With Lagos serving as a major technology and enterprise hub in West Africa, demand for FEDLOCKS’ technical training has grown significantly, positioning the city as a key centre for the company’s capacity-building efforts in Nigeria.

Managing Director, Mr. John Aondoakaa Akerenyi, said plans are underway to expand the training to more cities across the country.

‘Our brand is not just about automation; we are about people, progress and partnerships,’ Akerenyi said. ‘We are committed to supporting Nigeria’s growing interest in smart home and security technology through quality products and impactful training programmes.’

He added that a third phase of the training is already being planned for next year, with target expansion to Abuja, Warri, Port Harcourt and Imo, as part of the company’s drive to build a skilled workforce in automation and security systems nationwide.

The firm also reiterated its openness to partnerships and distributorships with individuals, businesses and organisations committed to advancing smart automation solutions in Africa.

Through sustained investment in local talent and industry development, the company continues to position itself as a major player in Nigeria’s rapidly growing automation and smart technology sector.

National Commandant, Peace Corps of Nigeria (PCN), Dickson Akoh on Wednesday urged United State President, Donald Trump to shun unilateral action that carries enormous risk over his threat to deploy military force to Nigeria.

Trump recently designated Nigeria as a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ and threatened the use of military might over perceived genocide against Christians in Nigeria.

Reacting to the development, Akoh while speaking to journalists at the PCN headquarters in Abuja acknowledged the gravity of insecurity affecting citizens of all faiths and ethnic backgrounds, including foreign nationals.

Akoh said the PCN appeal to Trump, in the interest of global peace and security, is to rather than resorting to the threats of deploying military force, choose diplomacy and a peaceful approach as the best option in the interest of the vulnerable and peaceful Nigerians and foreigners alike.

He said: ‘The Peace Corps of Nigeria is greatly concern by the recent remarks by the American President, Mr Donald Trump, wherein he recently designated Nigeria as a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ and threatened the use of military might over the perceived genocide against Christians in Nigeria.

‘Military intervention, especially unilateral action, carries an inherent and enormous risk. It complicates an already complex environment, threatens to escalate violence, and risks destabilizing the very communities it seeks to protect, potentially creating a humanitarian crisis far worse than the original problem. We must avoid this tragic playbook.

‘Nigeria requires collaborative, strategic support, not confrontation. This is where the non-kinetic approach is vital. We stand ready to partner with international bodies and the US government through peaceful and developmental means. The deployment of resources for job creation, education, and peace-building programs represents a far more sustainable and effective path to peace than the deployment of troops. We urge the United States to respect our territorial integrity and engage through established diplomatic channels.

‘By virtue of its Special Consultative Status granted in 2013, the Peace Corps of Nigeria is part of the UN system and shares its core ideal: a commitment to global peace and security. Since any regional threat risks global stability, we call on the United Nations to urgently leverage consultative dialogue, integrated negotiation, and high-level diplomacy to mediate the rising tensions between its member states, America and Nigeria.

‘Nigeria is a proud and sovereign nation committed to fundamental freedoms. For the sake of all innocent lives, the peace of diplomacy must always be chosen over the trauma of military deployment. Therefore, the UN must act decisively to intervene before this current tension spirals into any form of confrontation. By urgently bringing both nations together under its neutral auspices, the United Nations can secure a path of mutual respect and sustainable, non-kinetic solutions that truly benefit the vulnerable people of Nigeria’.

Akoh commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing new Service Chiefs and urged them to tackle insecurity headlong.

The House of Representatives, on Wednesday, referred President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s request to establish a ?1.15 trillion domestic borrowing programme to the relevant committee for further legislative action.

The request, contained in a letter titled: ‘Request for the Approval of the National Assembly for a Borrowing Programme to Fund the 2025 Budget Deficit’ and dated October 31, 2025, was addressed to Speaker Abbas Tajudeen.

Presiding over the plenary, the Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu, explained that the President’s request followed an upward review of the 2025 Appropriation Act by the National Assembly, which created an unfunded deficit gap.

According to the President’s letter, the National Assembly approved a total budget of ?59.99 trillion-an increase of ?5.25 trillion over the ?49.74 trillion earlier proposed by the Executive.

The adjustment, he noted, resulted in a total deficit of ?14.10 trillion.

However, the borrowing amount initially approved in the budget stood at ?12.95 trillion, leaving an unfunded deficit of ?1,147,462,863,321.39 (approximately ?1.15 trillion).

Tinubu stressed that the request was in line with Section 44 (1-2) of the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA), 2007, which requires National Assembly approval for all new borrowings by the Federal Government.

In keeping with its oversight responsibility to promote fiscal discipline and transparency, the House referred the request to the Committee on Aids, Loans and Debt Management for detailed scrutiny. The committee is expected to examine the proposal and report back to the House for further consideration.

The referral reflects the House’s commitment to upholding fiscal responsibility, debt sustainability, and accountability in the implementation of the 2025 Budget.

During two closed-door sessions held on Wednesday, lawmakers demanded the full implementation of the capital component of the 2024 Appropriation Act.

They expressed displeasure over the protest by indigenous contractors who blocked the main entrance of the National Assembly complex in Abuja on Tuesday and Wednesday, calling for the immediate release of funds for completed projects.

The lawmakers also urged the Executive to ensure the prompt commencement of capital implementation for the 2025 Appropriation Act once approved, to prevent project delays and stalled development initiatives.

Following the deliberations, the House adjourned plenary until next Tuesday.

1. HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Olumo Rock served as a natural fortress for the Egba people during the inter-tribal wars of the 19th century. It provided them with safety and a strategic view of approaching enemies.

2. MEANING OF THE NAME: The name ‘Olumo’ comes from two Yoruba words, ‘Olu’ (God or deity) and ‘Mo’ (molded), meaning ‘God has molded’ or ‘the rock that God molded.’

3. LOCATION: It is located in the Ikija area of Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, Nigeria. The city itself, Abeokuta, means ‘under the rock,’ which reflects its close relationship with Olumo Rock.

4. HEIGHT AND STRUCTURE: Olumo Rock stands about 137 meters (450 feet) above sea level. It has natural tunnels, caves, and platforms, which make climbing both adventurous and educational.

5. REFUGE DURING WARS: During the Egba wars (around the 1800s), the rock sheltered the Egba people for over two decades. They lived, cooked, and even raised families within the rock’s natural protection.

6. THE ANCIENT PRIESTESS: A remarkable woman named Iya Orisa Olumo (believed to be over 130 years old before her passing) was the chief custodian of the rock, serving as a spiritual guardian for decades.

7. CULTURAL AND SPIRITUAL SYMBOLISM: Olumo Rock is considered sacred. It is believed to be the abode of protective spirits, and annual sacrifices are made to honor the deities that dwell there.

8. TOURIST ATTRACTION AND MONUMENT: It is one of Nigeria’s most visited tourist destinations, attracting both local and international visitors. The Ogun State government has developed it with walkways, elevators, and viewing platforms.

9. BREATHTAKING VIEW: From the summit, visitors can see a panoramic view of Abeokuta, including landmarks like the First Church in Nigeria, the Ake Palace, and the Ogun River.

10. HISTORICAL ARTIFACTS AND INSCRIPTIONS: Within its caves and walls are ancient carvings, symbols, and relics that tell stories of the Egba people and their ancestors’ survival and ingenuity.

11. EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL CENTER: Olumo Rock serves as a learning site for students, historians, and researchers interested in Yoruba culture, ancient architecture, and Nigeria’s precolonial history.

12. ANNUAL FESTIVALS: Every year, the Lisabi Festival is celebrated in Abeokuta, and Olumo Rock plays a central role in the festivities, celebrating Egba heritage, unity, and resilience.

The Zambian government has indicated interest in understudying the operation of the National Values charter, the cornerstone of the proposed Nigerian Identity Project which was earlier approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

This was the outcome of the second meeting between NOA officials led by the Director General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu and the Zambian High Commission officials in Nigeria led by Jenipher Mutembo, Deputy High Commissioner at the NOA headquarters in Abuja.

Addressing the team from the Zambian High Commission, the Director General of the NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, gave an overview of the operational structure of the agency saying, ‘It is my pleasure to welcome you to the premises of the National Orientation Agency. The Agency is one of the largest in Nigeria, with 818 offices across all 774 local government areas, 36 states, and the Federal Capital Territory. We are deeply rooted at the grassroots level and remain a vital communication channel between the government and the people.’

Issa-Onilu explained that the Agency communicates government policies, programmes, and projects to citizens and collates grassroots feedback to inform decision-making, adding that the feedback is regularly submitted to the relevant government institutions and the parliament.

The DG, who said the NOA promotes patriotism, civic responsibility, and unity among Nigerians, also shared his experience at a recent programme in the United Kingdom, where he met the Gambian High Commissioner in London, whose took interest in the work of the NOA, indicating potentials for broader African collaboration. He expressed hope that Zambia might similarly engage in such partnerships.

Speaking further, he also commented on the narrow perception of leadership in Africa, typically limited to political figures, instead of encompassing civil, traditional, and moral leaders as influencers of national values.

In her remarks, the Zambian Deputy High Commisioner, Mrs Jenipher Mutembo, expressed sincere gratitude for the hospitality and openness extended by the Director General and his team, recognising the institutional strength and nationwide structure of the NOA.

Mrs Mutembo said, ‘I must commend your presence in all local government areas. This grassroots model is powerful, and we see its potential as a framework other African countries, Zambia included, can learn from.’

She applauded the Agency’s commitment in providing an opportunity for Zambia to observe, learn, and possibly adopt aspects of NOA’s operational methodology for national reorientation and civic education, stressing the shared African values, youth influence, and the role of media, particularly touching on cultural perceptions exported through Nigeria’s creative industry.

‘Our young people are watching these films. They are learning, forming ideas, and creating perceptions, sometimes misinformed, about success, morality, and identity. What we portray shapes national values and international image. As leaders, we have a duty to ensure that the content reaching the public inspires unity, innovation, dignity, and pride in African heritage.

‘Nigeria is the cultural giant of Africa, and Nollywood is one of your most powerful exports. However, as a sister country, I must mention, with respect, that there is growing concern in Zambia, particularly among our youth, about the dominant themes of rituals, occultism, and superstitions in many Nollywood productions,’ she stated.

While raising the importance of inter-agency collaboration and South-South knowledge exchange,she proposed a more formal mechanism for technical cooperation between Zambia and Nigeria on civic education and grassroots mobilisation, cultural diplomacy and media content exchange.

She further reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and expressed appreciation for NOA’s strategic leadership, adding that Zambia is actively seeking models that foster behavioural change and civic responsibility to support sustainable development.

Mrs Mutembo concluded by acknowledging that Nigeria’s investment in structured national orientation can serve as a reference for Zambia’s own national development strategy, particularly in promoting public participation in governance and responsible citizenship.

The Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr Emomotimi Agama, said Nigeria’s non-interest capital market has reached a valuation of over N1.6 trillion, reflecting its increasing importance in promoting financial inclusion and driving infrastructure development.

A statement from the SEC on Wednesday said Agama spoke at the 7th African International Conference on Islamic Finance (AICIF) 2025 held in Lagos. He noted the market’s rapid expansion was a testament to investor confidence and the impact of regulatory reforms under the Investments and Securities Act (ISA) 2025.

‘The remarkable growth of the non-interest segment in Nigeria – a market now valued at over N1.6 trillion – is clear evidence that when there is an enabling regulatory environment, the market responds with vigour,’ he said.

According to the SEC boss, the Federal Government’s sovereign Sukuk programme has so far raised over N1.4 trillion through seven issuances since 2017.

The funds, he noted, have been used to finance the construction and rehabilitation of 124 critical road projects covering more than 5,820 kilometres across the country.

Agama added that the recent approval of a $500 million international Sukuk would usher in the next phase of Nigeria’s strategy to attract ethical financing for infrastructure expansion and broader economic growth.

He also observed that the growing adoption of Islamic finance across Africa demonstrates the continent’s readiness to embrace non-interest instruments as a sustainable funding alternative. ‘From Egypt to Kenya, Tanzania, Senegal, and Ghana, we are seeing governments strengthen legal and policy frameworks to attract Shariah-compliant investments,’ he noted.

The SEC Director-General commended Metropolitan Skills, the conference organizers, for their contribution to deepening Islamic finance knowledge in Africa. He disclosed that the outcomes of the 2025 AICIF would feed into the Second Nigerian Capital Market Masterplan (2026-2035), which will take effect after the current plan concludes this year.

Agama urged stakeholders to continue leveraging Islamic finance to promote ethical investment, financial inclusion, and infrastructure renewal. ‘Prosperity without inclusion is not sustainable,’ he said.

Troops of Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have rescued a military personnel and nine others from kidnappers in Benue State.

This is contained in a statement by Lt. Ahmad Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer, Head Quarters OPWS, in Makurdi on Wednesday.

According to him, on Nov. 3, troops deployed at Kyado, Ukum LG while on patrol along Zaki-Biam-Wukari Road received an intelligence report about kidnapping activities at a checkpoint.

Zubairu said that the kidnappers disguised themselves in police uniforms to deceive unsuspecting road users.

‘Upon receiving the information, the troops mobilised swiftly to the scene. On sighting the approaching soldiers, the kidnappers fled in disarray into nearby bushes.

‘The troops immediately pursued the fleeing suspects, following their tracks deep into the forest. During the search operations, 10 kidnapped victims were successfully rescued.

‘Among those rescued was Warrant Officer John Richard, personnel of 6 Brigade Band, Jalingo, while two other victims are still unaccounted for as search operations continue.’

He said rescued individuals were handed over to appropriate authorities for further action.

Zubairu stated that Force Commander, OPWS, Maj.-Gen. Moses Gara, has commended the troops for their gallantry, swift response, and commitment to protecting innocent citizens.

‘He particularly lauded the tactical commander for his exemplary leadership and proactive measures in combating criminal activities within the general area’.