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Arrangements have been concluded by the Joint in Kinship Anthropology (JIKA) Cultural and Development Association to hold unity cultural festival involving a coalition of over 25 ethnic nationalities across Nigeria.

Addressing newsmen in Jos, Plateau State, the the Chairman Media and Publicity Committee of the festival, Atang D. Izang explained that JIKA is an anthropological, historical and socio-cultural organisation founded over 60 years ago.

According to him, the festival which would be held in Kagoro Town in Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State from 7th to 8th November 2025, will enhance the link of kinship that they represent.

‘Our membership reaches across Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, FCT, Gombe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Nasarawa and Niger State.

‘Others are Plateau, Rivers, Tarabà, Yobe, as well as international communities in Cameroun, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Gambia, Mali, Gabon, Kenya, South Africa, France, India and the West Indies.

‘For over six decades, our shared cultural heritage and linguistic similarities have fostered unity among our people, now numbering over fifty-six (56) million individuals constituting different ethnic blocs across the locations mentioned earlier.

‘The two-day festival tagged ‘Kagoro 2025’, will serve as a momentous occasion to celebrate and showcase the richness of our shared cultural heritage, and it will also provide an opportunity for historical reflection and gratitude for the blessings we have received, despite the challenges we have faced.

‘This festival is also significant in the sense that it will promote tourism development in Nigeria. The coming together of our brothers, sisters and friends from around the world to celebrate this cultural heritage would be a beauty to behold, ‘ he said.

The event will also feature Public Lectures on ‘The Role of JIKA in Nigerian Unity and Socio-Cultural Development’ by Prof. Musa Ashom Maisamari of the Yakubu Gowon University (formerly University of Abuja) and ‘JIKA in the Context of African Talent Discovery’ by Engr. Noah Dallaji

‘There will also be Unity Cup Football Competition in honour of the late Rt. Honourable Ada Azi Nyako’ Izang (Asoyir of Izereland), the visionary pioneer of JI??, Miss JIKA Beauty Pageant, launch of a historic JIKA calendar, cultural performances, and exhibition of historical artefacts.

‘Also, there would be educational appeal fund N600, 000, 000 (six hundred million Naira) for the establishment of the JIKA Comprehensive High School,’ Izang added.

The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) on Thursday presented education materials to secondary schools students across the eleven local government areas in Ibadanland.

The materials include English and mathematics textbooks, mathematical sets and notebooks that were presented to secondary school students chosen from six schools in each of the local government areas that made up Ibadanland.

The President General of the CCII, Chief Sulaimon Ajewole, at the presentation of the materials held at the Asiwaju Bode Amoo hall, Ibadan house, Ibadan house, Oke-Aremo, said the move was to ensure that the secondary schools students that are the ‘raw materials’ for higher institutions are well prepared before being admitted.

He explained that the gesture was put in place was to ensure that the council contribute to the education development of the city.

According to him, the CCII had mapped out other strategies to further bring education to the front burner and make students from the city to perform excellently in terminal examinations.

Ajewole said the council had also planned to meet with the Local Inspectors of Education (LIE) across the eleven local government areas to map out how to develop education in Ibadanland.

He however said 132 students, comprising Junior Secondary School (JSS3) and Senior Secondary School (SSS3) students have benefitted from the scheme, adding that another set would soon be picked and will make the total beneficiaries to be 264.

The CCII PG lauded the state governor, Seyi Makinde, for his commitment to the development of education across the state, promising that the organization would continue to complement the efforts of the state government.

The Oyo state Commissioner for Education, Hon Segun Olayiwola, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ibadan zone 1 Inspectorate, lauded the CCII for supporting government to make learning and teaching more conducive.

He also charged the beneficiaries to make good use of materials and have it in mind to also engage in such gestures in the future and contribute their quotas in the development of others.

Olayiwola also tasked the teachers to use the opportunity to adopt and mentor the students to make them more useful to the society after their education.

Also, former Oyo state first lady, Mrs Mutiat Ladoja, who spoke through the member representing Ibadan North constituency 1, Hon Olufunke Comforter Olajide, commended the leadership of CCII for the scheme and pledged to continue to support its efforts at advancing the course of Ibadanland.

Former Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, has urged the new Chief of Defence Staff, Lt- General Olufemi Oluyede and the Service Chiefs to push for better remuneration for the Nigerian Armed Forces personnel to boost their motivation.

The lawmaker gave the advice on Thursday in a statement he issued in Abuja on the heels of the decoration of the officers with their new ranks by President Bola Tinubu.

Checks revealed that General Oluyede and three others were screened and confirmed for their appointment by the Senate on Wednesday.

Aside the new Chief of Defence Staff, others confirmed by the Red Chamber were Major General Waidi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Rear Admiral Ibrahim Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff, and Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke as Chief of Air Staff.

The Senator representing Borno South, who incidentally was the former Chairman Senate Committee on Army in the Ninth Senate, maintained that better remuneration was key in boosting the morale of the military in the fight against insurgency, banditry and other threats, inimical to security of lives and property of Nigerians.

He said: ‘I have identified four pillars that would make our military formidable at all times and keep security threats at abeyance. This is what I have tagged as TEAM. The first is Training, second is Equipment, Ammunition and Motivations- in that order.’

The lawmaker also advocated that the present administration should ensure that the military budget be accorded priority by being placed in the First Line Charge.

‘The annual budget of the Armed Forces and Other Security forces should be in the First Line Charge and it shouldn’t be discretionary. They should be front loaded.’

Arguing further for better remuneration, the former Senate Leader noted that the salary and allowances of officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces are nothing to write home about compared with their counterparts in neighbouring West African states.

‘In Ghana, the entry-level pay for a private soldier is equivalent to about ?180,000 per month; in South Africa, the basic pay for enlisted personnel starts at about ?250,000 monthly (converted).

‘In Egypt, junior enlisted officers earn the equivalent of ?230,000-?280,000 monthly; and in Kenya, a private earns about ?200,000, excluding operational allowances.

‘In Nigeria, the average private soldier earns significantly less despite higher deployment frequency and operational demands.

‘The current remuneration and minimum entry-level wage for many personnel across these services have been outpaced by rising living costs, with knock-on effects on morale, recruitment, retention, and operational effectiveness-particularly for personnel deployed in high-risk theatres and remote locations.’

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has announced plans to hold a special prayer session for unmarried youths, waiting mothers, and their families.

The announcement of the prayer session, themed From Waiting to Winning, was made in a video released by Pastor Oladele Balogun, the Special Assistant to the General Overseer (Administration), RCCG.

The special prayer session, inspired by divine direction, will focus on singles and mature singles, as well as waiting and expectant mothers, alongside their families.

‘It’s your moment of answered prayers. Your turn to testify Daddy G O. Pastor E A Adeboye will be praying specially for singles and matured singles. For waiting and expectant mothers. Single fathers, single mothers, and their families. No matter how long the wait has been, your time of divine visitation has come.’

The special prayer session will take place during the November 2025 Thanksgiving Service on November 2 at The Throne of Grace, RCCG National Headquarters, Ebute-Metta, Lagos, starting at 8:00 a.m.

According to the announcement video, free buses will also be available at designated locations for those interested in attending the prayer session.

Fifteen workers from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) have taken legal action against the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN). They filed a suit in the National Industrial Court regarding their suspension and the appointment of a caretaker committee for the NMDPRA branch in Abuja.

The workers are suing both for themselves and as concerned members of the NMDPRA branch of PENGASSAN. They have brought the case to the Abuja Judicial Division of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) under suit number NICN/ABJ/307/2025.

This legal dispute has highlighted new issues within the NMDPRA branch of PENGASSAN, particularly concerning the suspension of some members by the association’s leadership. This is the latest development in an ongoing controversy between PENGASSAN and several of its branches, which also includes disputes with staff from Shell, Chevron, and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).

Previously, the NICN in Lagos had instructed all parties involved in a leadership conflict at the Chevron branch of PENGASSAN to maintain peace and cooperate with the court.

Joyce Onugba-Damachi, the presiding judge, issued this directive while adjudicating a case filed by seven Chevron senior staff members who challenged the union’s national leadership over the disbanding of the branch’s executive committees and the installation of a caretaker committee.

It is important to note that several staff members have rejected the caretaker committee appointed by PENGASSAN’s National Secretariat. The decision, announced on June 27, has been criticized as unconstitutional, undemocratic, and a violation of the union’s internal rules.

In a statement issued in Abuja, the NMDPRA Congress emphasized that the branch is peaceful and maintained that there is no justification for the dissolution of its existing leadership structure.

On August 18, 2025, the PENGASSAN suspended the members for 10 years over ‘allegations of misconduct, constitutional violations and actions prejudicial to the interest of the union.’

The suspension letter communicated to each of the affected members was signed by the General Secretary, Comrade Lumumba Ighotemu Okugbawa.

‘The CWC met on Monday the 18th August, 2025 and deliberated on the report. At the end of the deliberations, we hereby wish to inform you that your membership of the Association is suspended for Ten (10) years with immediate effect,’ the letter addressed to one of the members read.

Dissatisfied with their suspension, 15 members approached the NICN, claiming their suspension and the constitution of the caretaker committee and failure to conduct the NMDPRA-Branch elections is a violation and breach of the PENGASSAN.

Defendants in the case are PENGASSAN, its National President, Comrade Festus Osifo; General Secretary, Comrade Lumumba Ighotemu Okugbawa; Comrade Tony Izogba; Comrade Gbolahan Akinyo; Comrade Okechuwku Nwanko, Comrade Abba Safana and Comrade Polycarp Ihejirika who are all members of the caretaker committee.

In the originating summons brought pursuant to section 254 (C) of the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended and order rule 3 of the NICN (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2017, the claimants raised 16 issues for determination and sought 18 reliefs.

They sought a declaration that by the provision of the PENGASSAN Constitution 2022; the affairs of a branch of the association cannot be administered with a caretaker committee for more than three months within which a branch election shall be conducted.

Other reliefs, among others are: ‘A DECLARATION that by the provision of the PENGASSAN Constitution 2022; the affairs of a Branch of the Association cannot be administered with a Caretaker Committee for more than three (3) months within which a branch election shall be conducted.

‘A DECLARATION that the act of running any branch of the PENGASSAN with a Caretaker Committee for over a period of three (3) months is unconstitutional, illegal and unknown to the PENGASSAN Constitution.

‘A DECLARATION that the suspension of the Claimants by the Central Working Committee (CWC) of the 1st defendant on 18th August, 2025, pursuant to the recommendation of an Ethical, Grievance and Disciplinary Committee (EG C) not constituted by the branch executive committee (BECOM) is unconstitutional, illegal, null and void.

‘A DECLARATION that the constitution of a Caretaker Committee (CTC) by the Central Working Committee (CWC) after the expiration of the Branch Executive Committee’s tenure, in the absence of either a merger or disciplinary dissolution of BECOM, instead of conducting elections, as mandated by the constitution is unconstitutional, illegal, null and void.’

A chieftain of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, Mr. Dare Owolabi, has commended the leadership and members of the party for the endorsement of the incumbent Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji as the APC governorship candidate for the 2026 governorship election.

Owolabi, a senatorial hopeful for the Ekiti North Senatorial District, gave the commendation when he hosted leaders and members of the APC to a grand reception at his residence in Odo Oro Ekiti, Ikole Local Government Area of the state, to celebrate Governor Oyebanji’s affirmation as the APC standard-bearer for the forthcoming election

The reception attended by over a thousand APC members and supporters in Ikole Local Government Area, was canivalesque as party members and supporters made merriments and were treated to victory dances.

Speaking at the reception, Owolabi, a philanthropist and community leader, said that with the way and manner the APC laid to rest the stormy issue of the party’s governorship nomination, the APC had demonstrated that ‘it is on a good stead to win the coming governorship election convincingly.’

While commending the leadership of the APC in Ekiti State and at the national levels for the uncommon ability to weather stormy times, Owolabi reiterated that the sterling performances of Governor Oyebanji were testimonies that the governorship had taken the state to a higher level, hence the decision by the party to support him for a second term.

Owolabi commended the party’s leadership for their wisdom and consensus-building efforts, describing Governor Oyebanji’s emergence as a testament to his outstanding performance and exemplary leadership style.

He urged all members of the party in the state to continue to support the governor’s efforts at transforming the state, adding that the collective loyalty and cooperation of the members ‘are vital for the sustained growth and development of Ekiti State.’

This was just as he urged Governor Oyebanji not to spare any effort at bringing all members of the party together, saying that ‘more than anytime before now, this is the time for His Excellency, Governor Oyebanji to show that he remains the quintessential father of all and extend his usual open hands to all and sundry.’

Owolabi, who appealed to those who earlier showed interest in the ticket before the consensus to remain loyal to the APC, counsel led that ‘this is the time everyone must show commitment and values that the APC is first before individual ambitions.’

He further appealed to those who are yet to participate in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration Exercise to do so promptly and ensure they collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), which he described as an important tool for civic engagement and political empowerment.

Owolabi also expressed heartfelt appreciation to all supporters of the Irawo Owuro Project for their unwavering commitment and assured them of continued progress and success as the movement advances.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Imo State chapter, has expressed concern that the State’s Environmental Transformation Commission (ENTRACO) has become a terrorist organisation under Gov. Hope Uzodimma’s regime.

The party also expressed fears that if nothing is done urgently to address their alarming drift, it may snowball into something more dangerous and untoward.

In a statement issued in Owerri on Thursday by the PDP State Publicity Secretary, Lancelot Obiaku, the party clarifies that while people hear the word ‘terrorism’ and quickly associate it with armed groups living in forests and disturbing the peace of the people, yet terrorism is not always found in the forest.

He said: ‘It could also wear reflective vests, drive government-branded trucks, and move about in the city, sowing fear in the hearts of innocent people’.

The opposition party regretted that what happened along Toronto/MCC Road a few days ago, as captured by a CCTV camera, is nothing short of terror, adding that they watched as men armed with cutlasses, bottles, and other dangerous weapons pounced on motorists and traders.

Describing it as not enforcement but violence, the party observed with dismay the way and manner armed group unleashes fear and bodily harm on citizens, no matter the name it bears.

According to the party, the action fits the description of a terrorist organisation, adding that they fear that these men operate under the protection of the government.

He said: ‘While condemning these excesses, the PDP asserts, instructively, that ENTRACO was never designed to operate in this manner. The commission was established in 2008 for beautifying and maintaining a clean, green and healthy environment in the State, and this includes overseeing sanitation, cleaning of gutters, planting of flower and trees, and other efforts targeted at the creation of an environment healthy for human habitation.’

Obiaku recalled that during the administration of former Gov. Ikedi Ohakim who established the commission, ENTRACO achieved this mandate by making the city clean, while the people were at peace with the agency’s activities.

He observed that lately, particularly since the appointment of one Mr. Anyahie as Chairman, ENTRACO has drifted from its founding purpose, adding that instead of cleaning and beautifying the State, it has become a source of daily torment to motorists, traders, and small business owners.

He said: ‘Imo PDP wonders how the Imo State Traffic Management Agency (ISTMA) which already exists and which is empowered by law to handle traffic and parking violations, will be in operation, while ENTRACO takes up the business of wielding cutlasses and chasing drivers across the city and State’.

Operatives of the Nigeria Police, Kano State Command, have arrested two suspected armed robbers and recovered a stolen Ford Escape belonging to an Air Force officer.

Police spokesperson, Abdullahi Kiyawa, who disclosed this in a statement, said operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad intercepted the vehicle along the Kano-Zaria Expressway on Thursday after receiving intelligence that the suspects were heading to Kano.

He explained that the suspects, Adamu Adam Abubakar and Umar Bello, were arrested after a brief exchange of gunfire. According to the Police PRO, an accomplice, identified as Dan Malam, escaped with a pistol and some stolen items.

Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, praised the Intelligence Unit of the Force Headquarters, Abuja, and the command’s operatives for their coordinated response.

He also called on residents to continue providing useful information to help combat crime and assured that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect.

The All Progressives Congress (APC), on Thursday, flagged off the Northwest E-Registration Train-the-Trainers Refresher Training in Kaduna, marking a major step in the party’s digital transformation agenda.

Declaring the event open, APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, represented by the Deputy National Chairman (North), Dr. Ali Bukar Dalori, said the initiative would modernise membership management and strengthen internal democracy.

‘This training is key to preparing our structures for the next political cycle through innovation, discipline, and unity,’ Yilwatda stated.

The Coordinating Governor of the APC Northwest Zone and Governor of Kaduna State, Sen. Uba Sani, commended the effort, describing it as timely and strategic, ‘This training reflects our collective commitment to innovation, accountability, and inclusion. Accurate and inclusive registration will enhance our party’s legitimacy and grassroots strength,’ Uba Sani said.

The Governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Abdulkadir Meyare at the event, highlighted Kaduna’s progress in digital governance through initiatives such as the Smart City Project and Open Government Partnership, urging participants to uphold transparency and integrity.

APC National Organizing Secretary, Muhammad Sulaiman Argungu, said the exercise is part of the party’s drive for innovation and data-driven leadership.

‘With the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we are building a smart, transparent, and accessible party. Every APC member must be visible, verifiable, and valuable,’ Argungu noted.

Chairman of the E-Registration Organising Committee, Lord Mayor Emma Eneukwu, explained that the digital process covers the seven Northwest states – Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, and Jigawa – and requires members to present their NIN and INEC registration numbers for verification.

He said the initiative would replace manual registration and promote the inclusion of youth, women, and persons with disabilities.

The training featured technical sessions on digital tools, data protection, and grassroots mobilization, as part of APC’s broader plan to digitize membership records and enhance planning ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced a collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to track and freeze illicit digital wallets used for money laundering and other financial crimes.

The Director-General of the Commission, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, disclosed this in Abuja while addressing participants at the Abuja Journalists Academy during a lecture on ‘The Regulation of Digital Assets and Virtual Asset Service Providers in Nigeria.’

Represented by the Head External Relations Department of the SEC, Mrs. Efe Ebelo, Agama said the partnership marked a major step in protecting investors and strengthening integrity in Nigeria’s fast-growing digital finance ecosystem.

‘To strengthen enforcement, the SEC is working closely with the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to freeze illicit digital wallets and recover criminal proceeds. Our goal is to ensure that innovation serves progress, not predation,’ he said.

The SEC boss noted that Nigeria ranks among the world’s top adopters of digital assets, with more than one-third of the population involved in crypto-related activities.

This, he said, reflects the creativity of Nigerian youth, the spread of mobile technology, and the drive for financial inclusion.

However, he warned that the rapid growth of digital assets has also opened opportunities for abuse.

He listed common threats such as crypto scams, fake wallet applications, phishing attacks, and ransomware schemes, which have defrauded many unsuspecting citizens.

‘Without strong regulation, innovation can quickly become vulnerability,’ he cautioned.

‘Regulation is not about restriction; it is about building trust and ensuring that innovation strengthens our economy rather than weakens it.’

To address these challenges, the SEC has established a detailed regulatory framework for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) under its 2022 Rules on the Issuance, Offering, and Custody of Digital Assets.

The framework rests on three pillars of licensing, compliance and transparency.

Agama said these measures were part of the Commission’s broader commitment to build a transparent and trustworthy digital asset market that protects investors and discourages criminal activities.

Beyond issuing regulations, he said the SEC is also deploying modern technology to monitor transactions in the digital space.

Agama said the Commission now uses blockchain analytics tools and artificial intelligence (AI) to trace transactions, detect fraud, and improve cybersecurity.

‘We are leveraging blockchain analytics, AI, and advanced monitoring systems to strengthen our supervisory capacity,’ he explained. ‘This will help us respond faster to suspicious transactions and protect market integrity.’

He added that the Commission’s collaboration with the CBN and EFCC would enhance coordination between financial regulators and law enforcement agencies, allowing them to act swiftly against cross-border financial crimes.

Dr. Agama also placed Nigeria’s regulatory approach within a global context. He said the FATF, through its Recommendation 15, now requires all VASPs worldwide to implement AML and CFT controls.

He cited other jurisdictions such as the European Union, with its MiCA framework, and the United States, where enforcement against unregistered exchanges has intensified.

‘The message globally is clear- digital finance must be as transparent, accountable, and investor-friendly as traditional finance,’ the SEC DG stated.

According to Agama, the SEC is committed to maintaining a regulatory balance that supports innovation while safeguarding the financial system from abuse.

‘If regulators clamp down too hard, innovation migrates offshore; if they regulate too softly, risks multiply,’ he noted. ‘Our task is to find the right balance, one that encourages creativity while protecting Nigerians from exploitation.’

He stressed that digital assets were no longer a fringe concept but a structural pillar of modern finance, reshaping markets and redefining trust, ownership, and value exchange globally.

Agama concluded by reaffirming the SEC’s commitment to building a digital finance ecosystem grounded in ethics and transparency.

‘The future of finance is digital, but its foundation must remain ethical, transparent, and trustworthy,’ he said. ‘Trust is the ultimate currency, and as regulators, our highest duty is to preserve it.’

He urged Nigerian innovators, fintech firms, and investors to embrace responsible innovation, assuring them that the SEC’s goal is to create a secure environment that promotes financial inclusion, investor protection, and national development.