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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Federal High Court in Abuja has rescheduled the planned arraignment of Senator Andy Uba and Benjamin Etu in the alleged N400 million fraud case for November 6.

Uba and Etu were to be arraigned yesterday but for the absence of the judge, Justice Mohammed Umar, who was said to be sitting at another division of the court outside Abuja.

With the agreement of lawyers in the case, officials of the court rescheduled the arrangement for November 6.

The judge, on September 24, threatened to issue a bench warrant for the arrest of Uba, the former Senator representing Anambra South, should he fail to appear in court on October 28.

The threat to issue bench warrant was informed by an application by the prosecuting lawyer, Aminu Abdullahi, that the court should compel UBA to attend court.

Uba’s lawyer, C.F. Odiniru pleaded with the judge to reject the prosecution’a request for a bench warrant.

Odiniru attributed Uba’s continued absence to ill health.

In count one of the two-count charge, Uba, Etu and Hajiya Fatima now at large, are alleged to have, sometimes in 2022 conspired amongst themselves to commit the offence.

Uba and others were accused of obtaining by false pretence, by making a presentation to Mr George Uboh that they had perfected ways for the appointment of the Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to any interested persons who could afford N400 million.

Uboh, in a letter dated April 5, 2023, and addressed to the I-G, said the petition was based on documentary and voice recording.

According to Uboh, the evidence is overwhelming and irrefutable.

No fewer than six witnesses had been listed to testify against the ex-lawmaker and Etu.

Over 250,000 Nigerian women have so far registered for the newly launched EmpowerHER Financial Literacy Programme.

It is an initiative of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs aimed at enhancing women’s financial, digital, and entrepreneurial capacity across the country.

The programme, launched under the leadership of the Minister of Women Affairs, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, is a landmark step in the federal government’s commitment to advancing women’s economic empowerment and inclusive participation in national development.

The initiative is being implemented in partnership with Kudimata Nig. Ltd, a leading financial literacy and empowerment organisation providing the digital framework, technical content, and nationwide delivery infrastructure for the programme.

Speaking at the launch in Abuja, Sulaiman-Ibrahim described the initiative as a cornerstone of national transformation that places knowledge and financial capability at the centre of empowerment.

She said the programme is designed to train and empower millions of Nigerian women through financial and digital literacy, as well as entrepreneurship development, thereby establishing a sustainable and inclusive foundation for women’s economic advancement across the country.

The minister noted that empowerment must start with understanding, adding that financial literacy gives women the confidence to take control of their resources, opportunities, and future.

‘With EmpowerHER, we are laying the foundation for a financially literate and economically empowered generation of Nigerian women, one that will strengthen families, communities, and our nation,’ she stated.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim also affirmed that financial and digital literacy will now form the first layer of every empowerment initiative under the Ministry to ensure sustainability, transparency, and measurable impact, aligning with the Renewed Hope Social Impact Interventions 774 of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Kathleen Erhimu, Founder of Kudimata Nig. Ltd, described EmpowerHER as more than a project but a national movement to ensure that every Nigerian woman, whether behind a desk, in a market, on a farm, or leading an enterprise, has the knowledge, access, and confidence to grow wealth, build businesses, and shape her own destiny.

The EmpowerHER Programme is accessible through the Happy Woman Platform, where women can benefit from Nigeria’s most comprehensive empowerment framework that includes financial and digital literacy, entrepreneurship development, access to finance, mentorship and peer learning, and linkages to empowerment and opportunity networks.

Anchored on the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu, the programme targets 10 million Nigerian women by 2030 to become financially literate and economically empowered, reaching both digital and community-based participants nationwide.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim emphasised that from the classroom to the marketplace, from the civil service to entrepreneurship, every Nigerian woman deserves to be equipped and empowered to move from survival to thriving, as the nation builds a generation of women who are informed, equipped, and unstoppable.

Spokesman of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), in the Southwest Hon. Comr. Kilamuwaye Badmus Oladayo – popularly known as BAKO – has dumped the party and resigned from his position.

Badmus, in two separate letters to the Ward 3 Chairman, Abeokuta South Local Government and the National Chairman of NNPP, tendered his resignation on October 29, 2025, citing personal reasons..

‘I, Hon. Comr. Kilamuwaye Badmus Oladayo aka BAKO, hereby formally tender my resignation as a member of the New Nigeria People’s Party in Ward 3 of Abeokuta South Constituency 1 area of Ogun State and at the same time as the Party’s Southwest PRO,’ he wrote.

The Abeokuta-born politician, who has been an active and vocal representative of the NNPP in the Southwest, expressed appreciation to God and members of the party for the opportunity to serve.

‘I am very grateful to Almighty God and to all the Southwest states of the New Nigeria People’s Party, especially the Ogun State NNPP, for giving me the opportunity to serve at the zonal national level of the party,’ he stated.

Badmus, known for grassroots mobilisation and media engagements within the NNPP structure, described his resignation as a ‘purely personal decision,’ adding the time in the party afforded him the platform to demonstrate his ‘political dexterity and sagacity.’

While he did not disclose his next move, sources close to the former NNPP spokesman hinted that he may be taking time to reassess his political direction.

BAKO, a seasoned political communicator and activist, played significant roles in advancing NNPP’s visibility across the Southwest geopolitical zone.

He was instrumental in coordinating several public engagements that enhanced the party’s image during the last election cycle.

His political style, often described as dynamic and strategic, earned him recognition from key stakeholders, including Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, who had publicly commended Badmus in previous events for his ‘unrelenting energy in mobilizing the youth and defending the party’s ideals.’

His resignation letters were copied to top NNPP leaders, including Senator Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, His Excellency, Engineer Abba Kabir Yusuf (Governor of Kano State), and His Excellency, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, the 2023 NNPP governorship candidate in Ogun State.

Political observers in Ogun and across the Southwest have begun to speculate on the implications of his exit, given his influence among NNPP youth structures and his visible role during the 2023 general elections.

Party insiders, however, described the move as ‘unexpected but respected,’ with one official stating that Badmus’ resignation ‘marks the end of an era of vibrant publicity and passionate advocacy for the party in the region.’

As of press time, NNPP leadership at the state and national levels were yet to issue an official response.

Grammy-nominated singer Davido has added an Abuja show to his 5ive Alive Tour lineup, scheduled for December 14, 2025, at Eagle Square.

The concert promises an ‘unforgettable night of music and energy’.

He wrote: ‘You asked for it. now it’s official!

ABUJA – DEC 14TH. The #5iveAliveTour finally lands in the capital’.

This addition comes after the tour’s successful kickoff in Uyo, where Davido sold out the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium with 30,000 fans.

The 5ive Alive Tour celebrates Davido’s fifth studio album and will feature performances across major Nigerian cities, including Yola, Enugu, Ibadan, and Lagos, where the grand finale is set to take place on Christmas Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rapper Erigga has expressed reservations about polygamy, citing the harm it can cause to women and children.

Drawing from personal experience growing up in a polygamous home, he noted that such arrangements often lead to conflict and hurt feelings, with women and kids typically bearing the brunt.

In an interview with Yanga FM Lagos, he said: ‘I am trying not to be like my father. I don’t like polygamy; one person gets hurt, which is the woman. There’s never a polygamous situation where the man gets hurt; it’s always the woman and the kids.’

Erigga stated that he is making a conscious effort to avoid polygamy, opting instead for monogamy, which he believes is a more straightforward and fulfilling choice.

In his view, polygamy can be complex and painful, particularly for the women and children involved.

The North-Central All Progressives Congress (NC APC) Forum has rejected the resolution by Plateau State APC leaders opposing the possible defection of Governor Caleb Mutfwang to the ruling party, describing the move as selfish and detrimental to the party’s broader interests.

Plateau APC leaders had, during a stakeholders’ meeting in Jos on October 17, 2025, unanimously endorsed a motion opposing Mutfwang’s entry into the APC.

However, reacting to the decision in a statement on Tuesday, Saleh Zazzaga, Chairman of the NC APC Forum, stated that the position of the Plateau leaders did not represent the views of the wider APC family in the region.

Zazzaga, who was a member of the party’s 2023 presidential campaign council, maintained that Mutfwang’s defection would strengthen the APC in Plateau State and consolidate its support base in the North-Central.

According to the Forum, the Plateau meeting was exclusive and politically motivated, as several committed members were not invited.

‘Many of those who gathered to reject Mutfwang are individuals who could not even deliver their polling units in the last election,’ the statement read.

‘They are only positioning themselves for federal appointments, not thinking about the future of the APC in Plateau State.’

The group alleged that the APC governorship running mate in the 2023 election, who also opposed Mutfwang’s defection, lost both his polling unit and ward to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

‘He got 2,800 votes in his ward while PDP got 10,600. These are the people now claiming to defend the APC,’ the Forum said.

The statement also emphasized that performance at the polls, not personal interest, should determine appointments and recognition within the party.

‘Those rushing to Abuja for federal appointments should show results from their polling units. We promise President Bola Tinubu that after the next election, we will publish polling unit results so he will know who truly worked for the party,’ it added.

Reiterating its support for Mutfwang’s possible defection, the Forum said the PDP had become a ‘drowning party’ and urged the governor to take the ‘bold step’ to align with the APC.

‘We are still agitating for Governor Mutfwang to join the APC because of the crisis in the PDP. We want to work together to win Plateau for President Tinubu,’ the statement noted.

The Forum affirmed Gov Mutfwang’s claims that he was under pressure to join the APC, stating that the pressure was real.

‘It is true that Governor Mutfwang has been under pressure to join the APC. We can confirm that some influential figures in the Villa are behind our efforts. We will not relent until he joins the party in the best interest of Plateau State and his own political future,’ Zazzaga said in the statement.

Lifecard Group, the parent company of Lagos-based real estate development firm, Lifecard International Limited, has reaffirmed its commitment to making homeownership a reality for aspiring buyers.

In a statement signed by the company’s media consultant, Dr. Princes Oghene, on Wednesday, the firm announced that it would officially hand over keys to a new set of homeowners at its Prime Stay Apartments on Thursday, October 30, 2025.

According to the statement, the highly anticipated Allocation and Key Handover Ceremony will take place at Prime Estate, Sangotedo, Ajah, Lagos.

The event, it noted, will mark another major milestone in Lifecard Group’s mission to empower individuals and families to own quality homes that blend comfort, class, and convenience.

Mrs. Grace Ibhakhomu, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Lifecard Group, expressed excitement over the achievement, describing the Prime Stay Apartments as a testament to the company’s dedication to excellence in real estate development.

‘At Lifecard, we are passionate about transforming dreams into addresses. The Prime Stay Apartments are more than just homes; they symbolise trust, innovation, and our promise to deliver value to our clients,’ she said.

Ibhakhomu added that the ceremony will feature the official handover of property documents and keys to new homeowners, guided tours of the estate, and networking sessions with real estate professionals, investors, and stakeholders.

She emphasised that the event represents not only a corporate achievement but also the beginning of new chapters for many families realizing their dream of homeownership.

‘To our new homeowners, your dream has become an address. To our investors, your commitment has transformed into tangible value and generational impact,’ she said.

Ibhakhomu also noted that the Prime Stay Project began as a vision to create purpose-built homes and accessible investment opportunities that offer real, lasting value.

The chairman said that despite challenges during the development phase, Adebola credited clients’ trust and patience for making the project a success.

she emphasized the company’s commitment to transparency, excellence, and the goal of making world-class real estate attainable for everyday people.

‘We remain dedicated to building purpose and prosperity for families and communities across Africa,’ she added.

‘With the successful delivery of Prime Stay Apartments, Lifecard Group continues to strengthen its reputation as one of Nigeria’s most reliable real estate brands; providing modern, secure, and affordable housing solutions for a broad range of clients.

The development underscores the company’s vision to create sustainable communities and bridge Nigeria’s housing gap.

‘So, this property, they bought it off-plan and you know what happened to Dollar and Naira.

‘With all the challenges, I didn’t respond, now that the house is ready, I want to respond. If not, I won’t even call media, I won’t do anything, I’ll just give people their keys and go.

‘I want to respond to her, you know. No developer will go through this challenge I went through that they will even have a house. No developer in Lagos will go through this challenge and they will be able to produce the house.

‘One, challenges of repurchase of this land, two, challenge of the access road, government was doing road and for more than one year, we are not allowed to enter this site.

‘Three, they bought these houses for over N20million when cement was N2,000. Today, cement is now sold at N10,000.

‘Then number four, we are no longer offering off-plan in Nigeria again because we don’t want our name to be tainted.

‘So, we have decided to finish and give it to people at a premium. So, what we are using this one to do was to give people affordability.

‘We don’t want to do affordability again. So, we are publicly announcing that anything off-plan in Nigeria from Lifecard, beware, we don’t offer it again. So, we will need to use this publicity to the Lifecard’s favour.’

An indigenous tech firm, AbaaTech Solutions Limited, has unveiled the first app that performs three functions, Abaaly.

The app works for socialisation, communication, and financial transactions.

At the unveiling of the app yesterday in Lagos, its Founder/CEO, Mr. Power Aden, said the innovation strongly aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the National Digital Economy Policy, which emphasise unity, inclusion, and digital empowerment as pathways to national prosperity.

Aden said by promoting communication, entrepreneurship, and creative expression, the initiative supports the President’s goal of building a diversified, innovative, and people-centred economy.

‘It complements government’s efforts while remaining independent, citizen-driven, and innovation-led, showing that private sector leadership can work hand-in-hand with public vision to build the Nigeria we all desire,’ he said.

The AbaaTech Solutions chief executive assured users that Abaaly would propel Nigeria to enter a new era of digital transformation and national pride with technology transformation.

According to him, the app is a groundbreaking innovation proudly built in Nigeria by Nigerians for Nigerians and the world.

Aden said: ‘This revolutionary secure platform represents far more than technology; it is a movement of unity, inclusion, and creativity, designed to connect every citizen, strengthen trust, and project Nigeria’s true image to the world. It is the only platform that comes with its security platform.

‘Abaaly brings together the essential elements of daily life, social interaction, communication, and financial transactions into one secure and accessible platform.

‘It allows citizens to chat, share, buy, sell, and pay effortlessly, enabling communities, businesses, and institutions to thrive together.

‘Whether you are in Lagos or Lafia, Sokoto or Port Harcourt, this technology works for everyone. It works both online and offline, ensuring Nigerians can connect, communicate, and transact even in areas with limited internet access across every social and economic class.’

The company chief executive described the platform as a unifying space that gives all Nigerians equal access to tools that simplify life, foster connection, and create opportunity.

He said the launch was a national call to action to all Nigerians who create, build, and inspire.

‘We call on content creators and artistes to develop and share authentic Nigerian stories, music, films and cultural content that reflect our identity and values.

‘Entrepreneurs and brand leaders to build and promote local products, fashion, food, and technologies that strengthen Nigeria’s economy and global reputation; writers, film makers, and musician to project our unique voices and reclaim our national narrative; innovators and technologies to design homegrown solutions that solve local challenges and show the world what Nigerian intelligence can achieve.

‘We all have a shared responsibility to promote our culture, our creativity, and our collective pride.

‘By building and sharing local content, we are not just telling our story, we are reshaping how the world sees Nigeria,’ he said.

According to him, the app is a bridge of trust between people and the nation, stressing that it enables easier communication, greater transparency, and stronger connection between people, government, and institutions.

Aden said it represents a future where every Nigerian can participate fully in the nation’s digital economy and social progress where technology strengthens unity and restores faith in our shared potential.

‘We are not just launching an app, we are launching a national vision. A vision where Nigerians connect, create, and thrive together. This is how we tell our story, this is how we build our future,’ he said.

Also, the Head of Atlanta Georgia, U.S.A office, Dr. Kazeem Bello, said the app has brought transformation to the world in the digital space.

According to him, the Mayor of Atlanta, Andre Dickens, is excited about the new innovation.

Bell said the app would prove to the world that there is nothing that can be done in the U.S., Canada or even India, reputed to be global tech capital, that young tech-savvy Nigerians cannot do. ‘There is no app anywhere in the world that can match the Abaaly super app,’ he said.

The Chief Operating Officer at AbaaTech Solutions Limited, Dr. Ola Raheem, described the app as a wholly Nigerian technology developed for the global tech ecosystem which is a mega export product for the country.

He said the app is the first of its type with its unique features, projecting that very soon, it will provide jobs for about 10,000 Nigerians.

Raheem said the company is working hard to ensure that content creators are paid in US dollars.