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Sir: Nigeria’s agricultural sector is poised for significant investment and growth, with shrewd entrepreneurs already reaping profits despite long-standing challenges like security concerns and multi-faceted production problems. The prevailing narrative of difficulty, while real, masks a vibrant market where opportunity is abundant, particularly for investors willing to back new technology to fast-track development.

For decades, the agricultural community has grappled with formidable obstacles. Security challenges, including banditry and farmer-herder conflicts, threaten farm operations and disrupt supply chains. Furthermore, the ‘multi-faceted problems of producing’ often refer to issues like low-quality inputs, reliance on rain-fed farming, minimal mechanisation, and significant post-harvest losses. Up to 45% of fresh produce can be lost due to poor storage and logistics.

However, a closer look reveals that many Nigerian citizens are making money. This success highlights the immense demand-supply gap in the nation of over 200 million people, making almost any successful agricultural venture highly profitable.

The potential returns in Nigerian agriculture are among the highest in the world because of the sheer size of the market and the current low productivity. Where others see problems, smart investors see a vast, untapped market.

The critical need now is to introduce and scale new technology to propel the sector from subsistence to modern, high-yield agribusiness. Investment in the following areas presents the most significant opportunity for fast-tracking development:

Currently, a large proportion of farming is done with rudimentary hand tools. Agri-tech start-ups are disrupting this by offering cloud-based platforms for shared access to tractors and machinery, making mechanisation affordable for smallholder farmers.

Investing in cold chain logistics and solar-powered cold storage hubs is essential to drastically reduce the estimated $9 billion annual loss in post-harvest waste. Technologies that extend the shelf life of perishable crops like tomatoes and vegetables promise high returns.

High-quality seeds, seedlings, and tailored fertilizers are in short supply. Technology can aid in developing better inputs and using precision agriculture tools like AI and satellite-based monitoring to give farmers real-time advice on resource use, leading to dramatically improved yields.

Instead of exporting raw commodities, investment in local processing facilities-for crops like cassava (into flour, starch), cocoa, palm oil, and dairy-adds value, creates local jobs, and meets the massive domestic demand for processed foods.

For prospective investors, several value chains stand out due to robust local demand and clear opportunities for technological intervention. Nigeria is at a pivot point where technology and smart capital can transform challenges into wealth. By focusing on technological gaps and value addition, investors can not only secure high returns but also contribute meaningfully to the nation’s food security and economic diversification.

Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria says it has expanded its operations to include oil and gas in close proximity to Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP), free of charge.

The company, primarily in the Eastern Corridor of Trans Niger Pipeline said it is doing this in the interest of national development.

Head of Community Relations and Stakeholder Engagement, Dr Akpos Mezeh, addressed stakeholders from host communities of TNP in Bayelsa, urging them to scale up real time information around critical assets for optimum protection.

‘We wish to restate that PINL has taken on the responsibility of providing security for all oil and gas assets in close proximity to the TNP ‘Pro Bono’ even though they are not under its current mandate. To this extent, we urge stakeholders to scale up vigilance and real time community intelligence around these assets in the interest of national security, ‘ Mezeh said.

He also disclosed that following from previous meetings, Biseni community has been included in its operations while plans are on to include other communities from Sagbama LGA.

‘Acting on recommendations from our last meeting, PINL has granted the inclusion of Biseni and other deserving communities in its surveillance engagements.

‘Furthermore, recommendations have been submitted to the appropriate authorities for inclusion of more communities that host critical oil and gas assets in the eastern corridor, ‘ Mezeh stated.

Giving a rundown of its successes for the month under review, the PINL official stated that there was no case of pipeline vandalism in the state and on the entire TNP, attributing the feat to the collaboration between the company, security agents and community stakeholders.

He emphasized that there has been sustained oil and gas production in the eastern corridor, increased host community development trust funding and peace in the communities.

Mezeh informed the stakeholders that the company’empowerment for 2000 women and girls from the host communities under the PINL Women Entrepreneurs and Empowerment Initiative has completed data capturing for host communities in Abia, Imo, Rivers and Bayelsa communities.

He explained that the program focuses on small business development, financial literacy, and skills training for women and girls, adding ‘Verification of data is ongoing, and beneficiaries will be contacted shortly’.

On scholarship and youth development, he said it is currently being processed for payment, with beneficiaries expected to receive disbursements by November while new entries from underrepresented communities have also been added.

Some stakeholders at the meeting noted that PINL’s impact was being felt in the host communities.

President of Ijaw National Congress (INC), Professor Benjamin Okaba in his speech thanked PINL for recognising the roles of the host communities and the traditional institution in its operations.

The INC leader appreciated the company for its corporate social responsibility packages for the communities and for the regular stakeholders engagement towards finding solutions to pipeline vandalism in the the area.

‘I thank PINL for bringing us here and we urge all of us to support them because as INC and IYC, we have agreed amongst ourselves that we won’t go on violent struggles anymore, we’ll go on civil engagements, ‘ he said.

On his part, President of Ijaw Youths Council, IYC, Jonathan Lokpobiri, commended PINL for nipping in the bud most of the problems that have bedeviled communities in the region.

He praised the collaboration between the company and security agencies in addressing issues of environmental devastation.

‘ I’m happy to acknowledge that PINL has been able to help our communities nip the issues of environmental devastation in the bud through, collaboration and the effort they are putting in by working with security agencies; and other people of goodwill that genuinely care for the Niger Delta environment, ‘ Lokpobiri said.

The IYC leader lauded stakeholders who have been supportive of the company’s activities in ensuring a vandalism-free region.

Also speaking, Chairman of Yenagoa Local Government Area, Mr Bulodisiye Ndiwari acknowledged that in the last two months, the area has not recorded any case of oil theft or pipeline vandalism.

He also appreciated the company for building the capacity of the region through its skills and empowerment programme for youths and women.

‘We want to appreciate you for this women empowerment and for the scholarship scheme that will take off very soon. You are building the capacity of Bayelsans, Niger Delta and Ijaw nation’ Odiwari said.

Meanwhile, the Project Monitoring Office (PMO) of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) in a goodwill message assured the company that it is in support of their stakeholders’ collaboration in combating pipeline vandalism.

Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, and his deputy, Mrs. Monisade Afuye, will lead other dignitaries to the annual celebration of Uponna Olosi in Osi-Ekiti on Saturday.

Activities to mark the weeklong event began on Monday with a football competition among quarters in the ancient town. A sum will be won. It is sponsored by the late Chief Dayo Ogboja family and others.

A symposium with the theme: ‘Osi-Ekiti Community Development and Economic Growth’, will hold tomorrow. It will feature Olosi of Osi-Ekiti, Oba Steve Adegboyega Alabi, who will declare the talk open, with Prof. Dele Ilesanmi and Prince Sunday Robinson as speakers.

On Friday, the Osi-Ekiti monarch will visit quarters in the town.

Chief host, ACM Oludare Fadogba, who is the president of Osi Progressive Union (OPU), enjoined indigenes to attend the event.

President/CEO, Garbykem Global Resources, Kolawole Ajiboye, is the chairman of the day, while the National President, Construction and Civil Engineering Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, Dr. Ayodeji Adeyemo, is the co-chairman.

Abike Dabiri first made her name as one of the shining stars of Broadcast Journalism in the 90s with NTA Network Service. Her knack for breathing life into what might have otherwise passed as nondescript features made her stories for Newsline, the popular human angle Sunday night programme on NTA, unforgettable.

She became the natural choice to take over as Anchor of the programme after the departure of the effervescent Frank Olize.

Abike had a heart for people, her strong sense of empathy evident in the stories she took on. She had a passion for the underprivileged and she demonstrated that not just in the stories she brought to our screens, but the humanitarian interventions she championed.

It wasn’t just the stories though, it was her way of telling them, leaving no one in doubt about the kindness of her heart and the genuineness of her connection with the people involved in the stories was never in doubt.

She wrapped her heart around the subjects of her stories, which were often ‘ordinary’ people that viewers often found themselves emotionally entangled thirsting for more. I was only just cutting my teeth in broadcast journalism at the time, and she was one of the people I paid close attention to and looked up to.

Even though I would eventually step aside only a few years after, it just happened that I didn’t fully disengage from the industry. Soon after, I was back, moonlighting as Producer of MEE and YOU Show for MEE Mofe-Damijo, even with a full-time job with a Bank.

It was in the course of producing the TV programme that our paths formally crossed.

She had only just launched the story of the ‘miracle baby’. An intriguing story that would capture the imagination of all for almost a decade, a story that would define her sterling career as a Broadcast Journalist, cementing her place in the history of Journalism in Nigeria.

It was the story of the 65 year-old Mama Wuraola Abayomi, who claimed to have miraculously given birth to a baby. When that story broke, it sent quite a few tongues wagging, including that of the Nigerian Medical and Dental Council.

I remember accompanying Abike Dabiri along with officials of the NMDC, led by Dr Nwokoro, to her home in Ojota, where the Doctors conducted a check on her in our presence, which didn’t suggest that Mama could have been the mother of the baby.

But Mama insisted she was the mother of the baby, even when she, along with the proprietress of the clinic, Mrs. Esther Kobari, appeared on our programme, despite the pointed questions by Doctors from the

Nigerian Medical and Dental Council who were also present.

The story would eventually become a full-blown saga, with 3 women – Mama, Folashade Adeyemi and Kikelomo Obikoya laying claim to the ‘miracle baby’. It took years and a forensic test for the matter to be eventually. The baby was found to belong to Kikelomo. Mrs Kobari ended up in jail.

For Abike Dabiri, it wasn’t just a story that ran for years, it was a commitment to the child caught up in the saga. She took up responsibility for the education of Mary, the miracle baby, seeing her through graduation from school.

It was no surprise to see Abike Dabiri take to politics, seeing the ease with which she connected with people at the grassroots. Three terms in the House of Representatives. She had distinguished herself as Chair of the Committee on Information and Spokesperson of the House, and it was a surprise when she was assigned to the Committee on Diaspora Affairs, which, at the time, looked more like a posting to Siberia.

But Abike Dabiri would make lemonade of the lemon handed to her. She deserves credit for virtually single-handedly taking diaspora affairs mainstream. Perhaps on account of her record in the House, she was appointed in 2019 by President Buhari as Senior Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Matters, and in 2019, as Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission.

The passion and dedication she brought to the assignment was such that many erroneously assumed her as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, passing onto her responsibilities that were not directly hers.

In many instances, she rose to the occasion, taking on an often enhanced mandate to the best of her ability despite the limitations and challenges that inevitably come with that. Also, often in the face of criticism from people with limited or inverted understanding of foreign affairs and her mandate.

But she has largely taken the pressure and criticisms that have come in her stride, occasionally responding to traducers who often argue that the public official is only allowed to receive, and not hit back. For someone who has been in the public space for a long time, it is to her credit how she has been able to maintain her steeze, delivering on the different assignments she has undertaken.

It is also interesting to see that many of those who troll her on social media know next to nothing of her journey and record, with their frame of reference often limited to post-2015. Yet, by all standards, Dabiri’s record as a Journalist, Politician and public official has been exemplary.

As I have always argued, the media doesn’t celebrate its own enough, which might be the reason why there is not in the public space enough about her to let some of the new-age cynics better know her. Glad that Afe Babalola University deemed it fit to honour Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa with Doctor of Letters, D.Lit (Honoris Causa).

National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Circuits, Africa’s virtual cinema and audiovisual distribution platform, to digitise its educational and culinary content.

The partnership aims to accelerate the digital transformation of Nigeria’s hospitality and tourism industry by providing online access to NIHOTOUR’s training, capacity development programmes, and culinary showcases.

Established under NIHOTOUR Act, the institute serves as Nigeria’s top agency for training, regulation, and capacity building in the hospitality, travel, and tourism sectors.

Through Circuits’ advanced digital platform, NIHOTOUR will deliver its courses and initiatives to a wider audience, allowing Nigerians, particularly those in hotels, restaurants, catering, travel, and related sectors to access high-quality training.

As part of the collaboration, they will produce and stream culinary shows that highlight Nigeria’s diverse food culture and creative gastronomy. The initiative is expected to set standards for African culinary excellence and promote Nigeria’s reputation as a hub of hospitality innovation.

NIHOTOUR’s Director-General, Dr. Abisoye Fagade, described the agreement as a milestone for the sector.

‘This partnership with Circuits aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which prioritises innovation, youth empowerment, and economic growth.

‘By embracing digital dissemination, we are extending our mandate to Nigerians, providing them with knowledge and skills to compete globally.’

Chief Operating Officer of Circuits, Imade Bibowei-Osuobeni, said the collaboration reflects their commitment to connecting African creativity with global audiences. ‘Partnering NIHOTOUR allows us to merge education, entertainment, and tech to redefine how hospitality expertise and indigenous culinary excellence are shared and celebrated,’ she said.

The MoU reinforces NIHOTOUR’s leadership in hospitality capacity building while leveraging Circuits’ digital infrastructure to expand Nigeria’s global footprint in tourism and gastronomy.

By combining innovation with accessibility, both organisations are paving the way for a new era in Nigeria’s hospitality and tourism education.

If you’ve ever wanted to buy a new phone but couldn’t pay the full price upfront, here’s some good news. You can now walk into a store, pick up the new VIVO Y21d smartphone, and take it home after paying only 20% of the price through a new partnership between VIVO and Credit Direct Checkout.

The offer is the first of its kind from Credit Direct, giving more Nigerians the chance to upgrade their devices without financial strain.

Meet the New VIVO Y21d

The VIVO Y21d is one of the most impressive new phones in Nigeria’s mid-range category. It combines style, power, and affordability.

Key features include:

A 6.68-inch 120Hz display with dual stereo speakers for smooth visuals and clear sound

A 50MP Ultra HD AI camera for detailed and vibrant photos

A 6500mAh battery with 44W FlashCharge, offering fast charging and long battery life

Two colors, Coral Red and Jade Green, both sleek and eye-catching

The phone is available in three variants to fit different budgets:

4GB RAM + 128GB storage – ?199,800

6GB RAM + 128GB storage – ?219,800

6GB RAM + 256GB storage – ?239,800

With these options, you can find the perfect balance between performance and price.

How to Get Your VIVO Y21d with Just 20% Downpayment

Credit Direct Checkout has made the process straightforward and stress-free. Here’s how to get started:

Check Your Credit Limit: Visit the Credit Direct Checkout website to see how much financing you qualify for.

Shop Your Way: You can either

Visit an authorized store such as SLOT, POINTEK, FINET, or 3C HUB, or

Go directly to a partner vendor’s website and select Credit Direct Checkout as your payment option at checkout.

Choose Your Device: Pick your preferred VIVO Y21d model and color.

Complete Your Payment:

In stores or via social media pages, you’ll receive a secure payment link to pay your 20 percent downpayment and select your repayment plan.

On partner websites, you simply choose Credit Direct at checkout and pay directly – no link required.

Get Your Phone: Take home your brand-new device or have it delivered and pay the balance in convenient monthly installments.

For example, the VIVO Y21d (4GB RAM + 128GB) priced at ?199,800 can be yours with just ?39,960 upfront. The remaining ?159,840 is spread across flexible repayment options.

Why Nigerians Are Excited About This Offer

The biggest advantage of this offer is flexibility. Instead of saving for months or borrowing at high interest rates, you can now buy your phone immediately and pay gradually.

There is no collateral, no hidden fees, and no complicated paperwork. Everything happens digitally, right at the point of purchase.

For many working Nigerians who manage tight monthly budgets, this offer makes owning a modern smartphone easier and more realistic.

A Smarter Way to Buy Tech

Beyond affordability, the partnership between VIVO and Credit Direct shows how technology and finance can work together to improve lives. By lowering the downpayment requirement to 20%, Credit Direct is helping people access the latest devices while encouraging disciplined, structured payment habits.

This approach, often called Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL), is becoming more common in Nigeria. It is especially useful for young professionals and entrepreneurs who rely on smartphones for work, education, and communication.

Final Word

The VIVO × Credit Direct Checkout offer is not just about buying a phone. It’s about giving people the freedom to own the technology they need without financial stress.

If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your device, this is a great opportunity. Visit the Credit Direct Checkout website to check your eligibility and locate a participating store.

With only 20% downpayment, you can walk away with a new, powerful VIVO Y21d and pay the rest over time – simply and affordably.

The Global Director of BudgIT, Oluseun Onigbinde, has called on state governments to deepen fiscal reforms and build stronger local economies that can sustain their ambitions without overdependence on federal allocations.

Speaking in Abuja at the 10th anniversary of the State of States report, Onigbinde said the initiative was conceived from a simple belief that every public kobo meant for citizens should be traceable, justified, and used to improve lives.

He said the State of States report, which began a decade ago as a modest effort to promote fiscal transparency, had become a national benchmark for assessing governance at the subnational level.

‘Every year, we gather not just to present numbers, charts, or fiscal rankings,’ he said. ‘We gather to hold up a mirror – a mirror that reflects the choices our state governments are making, the paths they are taking, and the opportunities they are either seizing or leaving on the table.’

Onigbinde noted that when the project began, only five states in the federation published their budgets, but today, transparency has become a competitive advantage among governors who now await the report’s rankings with keen interest.

He acknowledged the progress made over the years, crediting it to citizens’ growing demand for accountability and the emergence of reform-minded leaders who understand the power of data in governance.

‘Governors now wait eagerly – sometimes nervously – to see where they stand. Citizens have stronger voices. Data has become a lever for accountability. We celebrate that progress sincerely,’ he said.

However, the BudgIT chief warned that despite the gains, Nigeria remains at a fiscal crossroads. He pointed to the widening gap between potential and performance in many states, adding that inflation and debt obligations were rising faster than household earnings and revenue reforms.

‘We must be honest with ourselves,’ Onigbinde said. ‘Many states still rely excessively on federal allocations rather than building resilient local economies. The gap between potential and performance remains wide.’

He said the essence of this year’s report was not to name winners or losers, but to encourage collective responsibility toward building sustainable governance structures that prioritize human development and economic opportunity.

‘Today’s conversations are therefore not about winners and losers. They are about ensuring that children can learn in safe classrooms, that small businesses can thrive without being strangled by taxes or power costs, and that basic healthcare is not a privilege but a guarantee,’ he added.

Onigbinde emphasized that the State of States report is not merely BudgIT’s publication, but a public resource and a call to action for leaders and citizens alike.

‘Nigeria’s future is not shaped only in Abuja,’ he said. ‘The engine of national prosperity must fire in Kano, Enugu, Bauchi, Oyo, Rivers, Sokoto, and across every corner of this federation.’

He thanked BudgIT’s partners and reform advocates in government who, despite challenges, continue to push for improved governance and accountability.

As the report marks its 10th anniversary, Onigbinde urged state governments to move beyond transparency checklists and adopt innovation-driven policies that prioritize education, healthcare, and infrastructure as the pillars of sustainable development.

‘Let us build states that can fund their ambitions through innovation – states that see transparency not as a box to tick but as a foundation for trust,’ he said.

Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, urged subnational governments to use the current surge in federal allocations to build sustainable, people-centered economies rather than expand recurrent expenditures that do little to improve citizens’ lives.

Speaking on the theme ‘A Decade of Subnational Fiscal Evolution,’ Oyedele commended BudgIT for sustaining ten years of evidence-based fiscal analysis, describing the report as ‘a consistent, unblinking light on the financial health of Nigeria’s states.’

‘Today, we are not merely launching another report,’ Oyedele said. ‘We are marking ten years of fiscal X-rays-ten years of holding a mirror to our subnational governments and asking a profound question: what have we done with the resources entrusted to us?’

Oyedele observed that the 2025 edition of the report comes at a defining moment for Nigeria’s fiscal landscape. Since May 2023, he noted, the country has witnessed sweeping economic reforms including the removal of fuel subsidy, floating of the naira, and tax restructuring – measures that, despite their pains, helped to avert a potential economic collapse.

He revealed that the total Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) transfers nearly doubled within a year, from ?5.4 trillion in 2023 to ?11.4 trillion in 2024, as a result of these reforms.

‘States are receiving more money than ever before,’ he said. ‘But there is a paradox – while governments have more naira, ordinary Nigerians have less disposable income in their pockets. Fiscal abundance does not automatically translate into social prosperity.’

According to Oyedele, the report shows that 21 states now rely on federal allocations for at least 70% of their total revenue, an indication that FAAC dependency has worsened over the past year.

Nonetheless, he highlighted several bright spots in revenue generation, noting that Enugu grew its internally generated revenue (IGR) by 381%, Bayelsa by 174%, and Abia by 129%. Lagos, Ogun, Kwara, Anambra, and Edo, he said, continued to display resilience through steady IGR performance.

Oyedele urged states to convert their current windfalls into sustainable fiscal capacity, taking advantage of new tax laws that expand VAT shares, assign the electronic money transfer levy entirely to states, and offer tax exemptions for government bonds to reduce borrowing costs.

The 2025 report ranked Anambra as the best-performing state, followed by Lagos, Kwara, Abia, and Edo. Akwa Ibom and Zamfara were also commended for significant improvements.

The Director-General of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Dr. AbdulLateef Shittu, commended BudgIT for sustaining the State of States report for a decade, describing it as a credible tool for promoting fiscal transparency and accountability across Nigeria’s 36 states.

Shittu said the theme, ‘A Decade of Subnational Fiscal Analysis: Growth, Decline and Middling Performance,’ presents an opportunity for honest reflection on the progress made and areas requiring deeper reforms.

He said BudgIT has remained a vital civic partner in improving citizen access to public finance information, while the NGF continues to use such independent assessments to drive evidence-based dialogue on state performance.

According to him, the World Bank-supported States Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability (SFTAS) programme helped institutionalise budget credibility, debt transparency, and audit integrity, creating the data foundations that make such reports possible.

He added that the ongoing State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) programme is extending the reform frontier beyond fiscal transparency to improving the business climate at the subnational level.

Shittu said both programmes demonstrate what can be achieved when incentives, data, and collaboration align between government, civil society, and development partners.

He emphasized that transparency is not an end in itself but a continuous journey. ‘Each state faces unique fiscal realities. What matters is refining data, improving dialogue, and strengthening mutual accountability,’ he said.

The NGF, he added, will continue to provide a platform for peer learning and engagement among states, while partnering with civil society to sustain fiscal reforms.

He congratulated BudgIT on the 10th anniversary of the State of States report and commended development partners for their consistent support to subnational governance reforms.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to supporting fiscal transparency and governance reforms in Nigeria, describing sound fiscal management as a cornerstone of effective service delivery and inclusive growth.

Speaking on behalf of the Foundation’s Country Director, Mr. Uche Amaonwu, at the launch of BudgIT’s 2025 State of States report in Abuja, Deputy Director for Program Advocacy and Communications, Ekenem Isichei, commended BudgIT for a decade of promoting accountability in public finance.

Amaonwu praised the State of States report as one of Nigeria’s most credible measures of subnational fiscal health, noting that it has evolved beyond rankings to highlight how governance decisions directly impact citizens.

He said the 2025 edition, themed ‘Growth, Decline, and Middling Performance,’ reflects the uneven progress across Nigeria’s 36 states and underscores that fiscal performance is ultimately a question of governance – about how decisions are made, resources are managed, and people are served.

He linked the Foundation’s partnership with BudgIT to its broader goal of improving health outcomes through stronger fiscal discipline. Good governance and sound fiscal systems, he said, ensure that budgeted health funds reach the frontline, that facilities are staffed, medicines are available, and mothers and children receive quality care.

According to him, subnational fiscal management directly influences the success of public health campaigns against diseases such as polio, malaria, and measles, and determines the effectiveness of healthcare delivery at the primary level.

Amaonwu urged states to strengthen public financial management practices such as budget profiling, cash forecasting, and post-mortem budget reviews to ensure better fiscal outcomes.

He cited Kaduna State’s coordination between its budget and health ministries as evidence that governance-centered transparency delivers results.

Closing his remarks, he emphasized that fiscal transparency is not an end in itself but a means to ensure every naira allocated to health, education, and human capital delivers real impact. ‘Fiscal health is human health,’ he said. ‘When governance is transparent and accountable, it becomes the bridge that connects both.’

A wave of defection appears imminent in Cross River North Senatorial District of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as key stakeholders of the party have indicated plans to dump it for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in solidarity with Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe.

On October 22, 2025, Senator Jarigbe, who represents the district in the National Assembly, visited Aso Rock Villa to inform President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of his defection to APC.

He also paid a similar courtesy visit to the APC Chairman, Alphonsus Eba in Calabar, where he pledged readiness to work with the party leadership to consolidate its strength in the northern senatorial zone.

Jarigbe, on Tuesday, in continuation of his consultations, convened a strategic meeting in Abuja with top PDP figures from the zone to review the evolving political landscape and chart a new course.

Special Assistant on Media to the Senator, John Agom Agom, in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday, confirmed the development.

Agom stated that the meeting which held at Rockview Hotel, Abuja – focused on aligning with what participants described as ‘the progressive direction of the state under Governor Bassey Otu and the reform-driven agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.’

The statement quoted Jarigbe while addressing the gathering to have said that his defection was driven by a desire to contribute meaningfully to the President’s vision of national renewal.

‘My people should be assured that defecting to the ruling party will not stop me from empowering constituents or embarking on people-oriented projects to alleviate the sufferings in our zone,’ he said ‘Our regular consultations will continue; there are better days ahead.’

Cross River PDP Chairman, Venatius Ikem, Esq, commended Jarigbe for his bold political move and pledged to brief the state executive members for further consultations on the next line of action.

The stakeholders reportedly agreed to formally join the APC with Senator Jarigbe after wider consultations, describing the anticipated mass defection as a ‘strategic realignment to give Cross River North a stronger voice in both state and national politics.’

Prominent figures at the meeting included Hon. Godwin Offiono, member representing Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency; Chief Austin Edibe, former Secretary to the State Government; Prof. Tom Ogar, Mike Aniah, Esq, Dr. Dorn-Klamz Enamhe, Dr. Paul Ibiala, and Hon. Peter Ignodor, among others.

Acting Vice Chancellor of University of Abuja, Prof. Matthew Adamu, has called for collective action to address low women participation in decision-making.

He spoke in Abuja at the induction of over 50 postgraduate students of Centre for Gender Security Studies and Youth Advancement.

Prof. Adamu, represented by Senior Special Assistant on Academic Matters, Prof. Rhoda Mundi, noted that women constitute about 49.5 per cent of Nigeria’s population while men make up 50.5 per cent, yet men continue to dominate leadership and governance.

He described the situation as a challenge that requires collective action, adding gender imbalance continues to limit Nigeria’s development potential.

‘When you look at decision-makers and those in decision-making, it is largely men. Yet, our population is almost evenly split between men and women, he said.

‘No society can attain its full potential if half its population is held back by unequal access to opportunities’.

He urged the inductees to see their admission as a call to action. ‘This represents a commitment to learning, enquiry, and advancing ideals of gender equality and social justice’.

Prof. Adamu noted that gender studies is a vital field that broadens understanding of how gender intersects with class, ethnicity, religion, and other social identities.

‘As students who will graduate from this institution, we expect that when you go out, you will make an impact. Upon graduation, there will be a difference between you who have graduated here, not just from University of Abuja, but specifically from Centre for Gender Security Studies and Youth Advancement’.

Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, Binta Bello, urged the students to uphold discipline, integrity, and service as they prepare to contribute to development.

Bello, represented by Hadiza Chiroma, said: ‘You represent the next generation of leaders and change agents that our nation looks up to. Let this induction mark the beginning of a journey to not only advance your academic pursuit but also position you to contribute to national development and global human security.’

She lauded the centre for promoting gender equality, security, and youth empowerment, noting these ideals align with NAPTIP’s mandate to protect dignity and rights of women and others vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.

The Director of the Centre, Dr. Theresa Akpan, while congratulating the inductees, reminded the students that they are ambassadors of the Centre and urged them to put their knowledge into practice.

She said: ‘Gender is not a women’s issue but a shared social concern. Gender is not a woman thing; it’s for men and women. We want society to be balanced. So, if we all put our hands together, the society will be balanced, and all the injustices we are talking about will be done away with’.

The Kebbi Government, has dismissed as false and malicious a video circulating on social media platforms alleging the existence of a hidden Airport in Argungu forest purportedly used for cocaine smuggling.

The dismissal is contained in a statement issued on Wednesday in Birnin Kebbi by Malam Yahaya Sarki, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Gov. Nasir Idris.

Sarki described the viral video as fabricated and baseless, aimed at discrediting the State Government and tarnishing its image.

‘The entire content of the video is false and misleading.

‘There has never been any incident of drug trafficking or illegal airport operations in Argungu Local Government Area or any part of Kebbi,’ he maintained.

He clarified that the only functional airport in the state remains the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport in Birnin Kebbi, adding that Argungu has never had an airport, airstrip, or any related facility.

Sarki further explained that all the names and characters mentioned in the viral clip were fictitious,

He also stressed that no investigation had been carried out by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), or any other security agency to support such claims.

Sarki urged members of the public to disregard the falsehood, describing it as a deliberate attempt to mislead citizens and create unnecessary tension.

‘The Kebbi government under the leadership of Gov. Idris remains committed to transparency, good governance, and collaboration with all federal security and anti-drug agencies,’ the special adviser assured.