Author: user user

The European Union has restated its commitment to deepening cultural cooperation with Africa, supporting creative industries, and fostering people-to-people connections through art, music, and education.

EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, said this during the Afrobeat Rebellion Exhibition hosted at the Ecobank Pan African Centre in Lagos to commemorate the birthday of Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti.

Members of Team Europe, led by Mignot, joined the Afrobeat Rebellion Exhibition in Lagos, alongside several European ambassadors and senior diplomats representing Poland, Finland, Belgium, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Portugal.

Supported by the French Embassy, the exhibition continues its inspiring journey from Paris as a bridge of rhythm, art, and memory connecting continents.

The exhibition celebrates the power of music and visual art to inspire change, amplify identity, and build dialogue across generations and borders.

A collaboration between African and European artists, the exhibition brings together photography, sound, and multimedia installations that trace the legacy of Fela’s music-from his political consciousness and creative defiance to the global rise of Afrobeat as a symbol of resistance and cultural pride.

Speaking at the event, Mignot described the exhibition as a testament to the enduring power of cultural diplomacy in connecting people and promoting mutual understanding.

The ambassador said: ‘Art and music transcend boundaries. Through exhibitions like Afrobeat Rebellion, we celebrate not just artistic expression but shared values of freedom, creativity, and dialogue. Fela’s legacy reminds us that culture is a powerful tool for unity, for questioning the world, and for inspiring positive change.

‘From Paris to Lagos, Afrobeat Rebellion embodies the spirit of partnership between Africa and Europe, a partnership rooted in respect, creativity, and shared humanity.’

‘The exhibition’s arrival in Lagos, a city often described as the heartbeat of Afrobeat, symbolises a homecoming for the movement and its founder, whose music continues to inspire artists and activists worldwide.

‘As visitors walk through immersive installations and archival images, they encounter a living history of resistance and rhythm, a reminder that the beat of Afrobeat still echoes with the timeless message of justice, identity, and freedom,’ he added.

The Lagos State Government has commenced the payment of compensation to affected residents of Oworonshoki in Kosofe Local Government Area, whose houses were demolished in the ongoing urban renewal and regeneration programme in the area.

The exercise, which began on Thursday was described as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to humane and inclusive urban development.

A total of 79 beneficiaries were verified for compensation, to be paid in two batches with the first group receiving their cheques on Thursday, while the second batch were attended to on Friday at the same venue.

Speaking during the ceremony at the palace of the traditional ruler of Oworonshoki, the General Manager, Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA), Olajide Animashaun, said the payment followed a series of verification, engagement, and enumeration exercises carried out in collaboration with community stakeholders.

Animashaun said the regeneration initiative became necessary due to the proliferation of illegal and dilapidated structures within Oworonshoki, many of which were built on drainage channels and waterways, posing serious environmental and safety risks.

‘Oworonshoki is one of the communities earmarked under the state’s comprehensive urban renewal and regeneration plan. Many of the affected structures were unsafe for habitation and constituted environmental hazards. However, in line with the inclusive governance policy of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, the state made a commitment to compensate verified affected residents and today, that promise is being fulfilled,’ Animashaun said.

He commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Lagosians, noting that the compensation reflected the government’s sincerity and accountability in implementing its urban renewal policies.

Animashaun also commended the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development and the Permanent Secretary, Office of Urban Development, Arc. Gbolahan Oki, for their dedication and tireless efforts toward the realization of the initiative.

The event was attended by representatives of the Oworonshoki traditional council, Community Development Associations (CDAs), Community Development Council (CDC) members, civil society organizations, security agencies, and the media.

The Lagos State Government had, in recent months, cleared several illegal and substandard structures across Oworonshoki as part of efforts to reclaim right-of-way for drainage systems, improve environmental conditions, and enhance public safety.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Ajimoh Oyenuga, said: ‘The government gave us this money as compensation for the houses demolished on Precious Street, Oworonshoki. We are grateful because it shows that the government cares about our wellbeing.’

Another beneficiary, Mrs. Olaide Fatima, added: ‘My house was close to the water, and it wasn’t safe. The government promised to compensate us, and today they have done it. I really appreciate this gesture promise made, promise kept.’

The Federal Government is set to begin a nationwide remapping of Nigeria.

This is the first time in over five decades the government has made such a move, which it said would strengthen national planning, improve infrastructure delivery, and enhance good governance.

The Surveyor-General of the Federation (SGOF), Abduganiyu Adeyemi Adebomehin, announced this in an exclusive interview with The Nation in Abuja.

He said the initiative is one of his top priorities as he continues to lead the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation (OSGOF).

The surveyor-general said the new mapping would bring Nigeria in line with the United Nations’ recommendation that all cities of the world should be periodically remapped to reflect development changes and population growth.

Adebomehin explained that the mapping project would directly support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by providing accurate, data-driven insights to guide investment decisions, urban development, and infrastructure planning.

The surveyor-general described an up-to-date geospatial data as the foundation of sustainable development and that the project would reposition OSGOF as a central player in Nigeria’s development process.

According to him, the National Geospatial Data Infrastructure (NGDI) will serve as the backbone of the remapping effort.

The NGDI, he said, would act as a central digital repository where information on the location of schools, hospitals, markets, farms, and industrial sites across the country would be stored and accessed easily by government agencies, private sector players, and researchers.

The surveyor-general recalled that Nigeria’s last comprehensive mapping was carried out in the 1970s and that the country’s physical landscape has changed drastically since then due to rapid urbanisation, population expansion, and new infrastructure development.

Adebomehin maintained that remapping would not only capture these changes but also help define national and international boundaries more accurately, particularly with neighbouring countries, such as Cameroon, Benin Republic, and Niger.

He emphasized that the mapping project would rely on modern geospatial technologies and digital systems to ensure accuracy and accessibility. According to him, mapping remains the foundation of every form of development because it informs policy design, infrastructure delivery, environmental management, and security operations.

ýThe surveyor-general described surveying as an indispensable discipline that cuts across virtually all sectors of the economy and plays a key role in achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

He stressed that while technology continues to shape the profession, geodesy – the science of measuring and understanding the earth’s size, shape, orientation, and gravity field – remains vital to modern surveying and mapping practices.

ýHe identified inadequate funding as one of the major obstacles to achieving Nigeria’s mapping objectives.

Adebomehin said the United Nations recommends that every capital city should be remapped at least once every three years, using large-scale mapping to ensure no critical information is lost.

But he said limited resources have made it difficult for Nigeria to meet this benchmark.

ýDespite the financial challenge, Adebomehin expressed optimism that with renewed political will and inter-agency collaboration, the remapping exercise would begin within his new tenure.

President Bola Tinubu has appointed General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), succeeding General Christopher Musa.

Oluyede only assumed office as the new Chief of Army Staff (COAS) last year after the death of General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.

The outgoing chiefs, including General Musa, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla and Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar had been in office since June 2023, overseeing several major operations against Boko Haram, ISWAP, and armed bandits in the north-east and north-west.

The new defence team, led by General Oluyede, is expected to work in synergy to enhance professionalism, vigilance and unity across the Armed Forces.

He was born in 1968 and hails from Ikere in Ekiti State.

General Oluyede’s career spans nearly four decades of military service.

A member of the 39th Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy, he was commissioned as a second-lieutenant in 1992 (retroactive to 1987).

Over the years, Oluyede has held several command and staff positions, including Platoon Commander at 65 Battalion, Company Commander at 177 Guards Battalion, Staff Officer at the Guards Brigade, Commandant of the Amphibious Training School, and Commander of the 27 Task Force Brigade, where he oversaw counter-insurgency operations in the North East under Operation HADIN KAI.

He has also participated in international peacekeeping missions, notably with the ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) in Liberia and Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi.

His military education includes passing the prestigious Staff Course, and he is a member of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Nigeria’s highest policy think tank.

Promoted to Major-General in September 2020, Oluyede’s distinguished service has earned him several honours, including the Corps Medal of Honour, Grand Service Star, Field Command Medal, Field Training Medal, and the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award.

Married with three children, General Oluyede is expected to coordinate the strategic operations of the Army, Navy and Air Force, a crucial task amid Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.

Sydney 2000 Olympic gold medallist and celebrated Nigerian sprinter, Enefiok Udo-Obong, has been honoured by the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) as the Technical Official of the Year 2025.

The recognition comes as a reward for his outstanding contribution to athletics administration and technical excellence across the continent. Udo-Obong’s impressive leadership as Technical Director at the 3rd African U18 and U20 Combined Athletics Championships held earlier this year in Abeokuta, Nigeria, played a pivotal role in the successful organisation of the event, which featured athletes from several African countries.

According to the CAA, the Nigerian’s exceptional technical expertise, professionalism, and commitment to innovation stood out as key factors in his selection for the continental honour.

Beyond his achievements in Abeokuta, Udo-Obong also served as Technical Director of the 1st Niger Delta Games, where his strategic input was crucial to the smooth inauguration of the regional multi-sport festival earlier this year. His growing global influence was further reinforced with his appointment as Technical Director of the Asian U18 and U20 Championships held in Saudi Arabia in March 2025, where he equally served as a Technical Development Adviser.

A household name in Nigerian athletics, Udo-Obong remains best remembered for anchoring Nigeria’s men’s 4x400m relay team to gold at the Sydney 2000 Olympics and bronze at the Athens 2004 Olympics. His transition from elite athlete to accomplished administrator has earned him wide respect within and beyond the continent.

In addition to his exploits on the track, Udo-Obong has distinguished himself as an author, sports reform advocate, and athlete development consultant, with years of service to sports governance and capacity building across Africa.

The CAA’s recognition, industry experts say, not only reaffirms Udo-Obong’s rising profile in global athletics administration but also celebrates his enduring legacy as one of Africa’s most versatile and influential figures in sports.

A frontline former agitator in the Niger Delta, ‘General’ Emma Satu, has praised the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro

for his commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for youths in the region.

Speaking yesterday, Satu highlighted Dr. Otuaro’s initiatives, particularly the scholarship programmes, as vital in supporting the Federal Government’s development agenda for the Niger Delta.

Satu commended the significant achievements of the PAP under Dr. Otuaro’s leadership since his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approximately two years ago.

He noted the success of sixty (60) students who earned First Class degrees from 2016 to 2023 and emphasized the deployment of over 140 postgraduate students to the UK earlier this September, with an additional 161 students scheduled for similar opportunities. He said these initiatives are seen as vital for enhancing human capital in the region.

The ex-freedom fighter emphasised the strategic nature of Otuaro’s efforts, highlighting the focus on disciplines deemed essential for the region’s growth, such as electrical/electronics engineering, computer science, civil engineering, accounting, law, petroleum engineering, physics, and biochemistry.

Satu also pointed out the expansion of the Amnesty programme to include training in aviation and marine engineering, along with ongoing leadership training for beneficiaries across multiple phases.

Satu expressed optimism about the positive impact of educational initiatives on the future of Niger Delta youths, reinforcing the potential for human capital development within the region.

The youth leader of Ijaw extraction said the PAP with the support of President Tinubu, had achieved significant progress in education, which he explained was line with the eight-point Renewed Hope Agenda of the President.

He said: ‘The focus on education as a tool to better the lot of our youths has been successful. Dr Otuaro and his team at the Amnesty Office have succeeded in securing overseas postgraduate scholarships, enrolled thousands of students in onshore and offshore programmes, and have supported local institutions, all in a bid to channel the focus of our youths from armed agitation and festiveness.

‘We need to commend Dr Dennis Otuaro for his visionary and pragmatic leadership. His focus on education as a means to change the Niger Delta narrative’.

‘Under his leadership, several innovations were completed but you see, the one in education has brought so much joy to the people of our region. For example, not long ago, two thousand students were enrolled in both offshore and onshore educational programs during a recent academic session.

‘Another set of beneficiaries were also deployed for specialized training in areas like aviation and maritime studies to support specific economic sectors. You can see that these are deliberate efforts on the part of the Presidential Amnesty Programme and the federal government to curb the insecurity in the region.’

He added that posterity would judge Otuaro fairly for spearheading educational advancement programmes and partnerships with various state governments and local institutions like the Bayelsa Medical University to build capacity and train professionals in key fields while equipping Niger Delta youths with relevant skills to be self-sustaining to enable them contribute to the development of their communities, State and nation at large.

The youth leader stressed the need for stakeholders across the region to sustain the peace initiatives in their areas, working with the Amnesty Office and the federal government to attract the much needed attention to the region in form of investment, infrastructure, job creation and empowerment.

Ibom Air has signed a ?200 million strategic sponsorship agreement with Akwa United Football Club.

With the deal , the state airline has become the team’s official sponsor for the next two years.

Stakeholders have described it as a major boost for sports development and private sector involvement in Akwa Ibom State.

The deal, signed yesterday, 23rd October, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, will see Ibom Air contribute both cash and value in-kind support, with 50 percent of the sponsorship delivered through services and logistics.

Speaking at the ceremony, Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Ibom Air, Mr. George Uriesi, said the partnership underscores the airline’s commitment to community development through sports, health and education.

‘Akwa United is a team with a proud history currently in a rebuilding phase. We want to support their resurgence and help them return to the top of Nigerian football. This partnership reflects our belief in the power of sports to inspire young people and unite our state,’ Uriesi said.

Chairman of Akwa United FC, Mr. Joseph Eno, described the sponsorship as timely and morale-boosting for the club’s players and technical crew.

‘This support comes at a crucial moment as we restructure and strive to regain our competitive strength. Wearing the Ibom Air brand reminds us that we represent excellence, and we must live up to it,’ he said.

Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, praised the collaboration as a fulfilment of the Umo Eno administration’s ARISE Agenda, which encourages private sector participation in sports.

‘This is a dream come true. Bringing Akwa United and Ibom Air together is a visionary step. Beyond supporting our club, we are setting a foundation for sports in Akwa Ibom to meet global standards,’ he added.

The event also featured the unveiling of Akwa United’s new jersey bearing the Ibom Air logo and the inauguration of working committees to manage the partnership.

Recall that Akwa United, winners of the 2021 Nigeria Premier Football League and twice FA Cup winners, was founded in 1997 and remains one of the state’s flagship sporting institutions.

The partnership is expected to strengthen the club’s financial stability, improve player welfare and enhance its competitiveness on the national and continental stage.

Hon. Steve Oruruo has assumed duty as the new acting chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State with a pledge to rebuild, reposition and reenergise the party following the recent defections of Governor Peter Mbah and other top members.

Speaking during a briefing at the party’s secretariat in Enugu, Oruruo assured members and supporters that the PDP remains strong and united despite the political shake-up.

‘The intent of this gathering is to assure the people of Enugu, nay Nigeria, that PDP is still very much alive in Enugu State,’ he declared. ‘We’re willing at the moment to rebuild the party in the face of the current defections of Governor Peter Mbah and other elected officials of the Enugu State Government.’

Oruruo said his leadership would focus on galvanizing the party’s faithful to remain steadfast and committed to its ideals, noting that the party had faced similar challenges in other states and still stood firm.

He promised to ensure credible conventions and primaries that would produce quality candidates capable of earning the trust and support of the electorate, emphasizing that the PDP is entering a new phase of renewal and renaissance.

‘We’re creating a sense of reawakening. Even in the face of persons leaving the party, it does not amount to the capitulation of the PDP,’ he said. ‘If credible candidates emerge from our ranks, the public will rally behind them.’

While acknowledging that the governor’s departure might have financial implications, Oruruo maintained that the will of the people would continue to drive the party’s strength and direction.

He assured that under his watch, the PDP in Enugu would uphold fairness, equity, and a level playing field for all members, stressing that the party would remain independent and people-oriented.

‘We want to stand and create a party that will win elections. We’re building a PDP that is highly independent. We can’t win elections if we’re not independent,’ Oruruo stated.

On the relationship between the state and national leadership of the PDP, Oruruo called for greater inclusivity of the Southeast in the party’s national structure and decision-making process.

‘The Southeast must be encapsulated fully in everything that the PDP is doing at the national level,’ he said. ‘Going forward, the Southeast must be included in all political calculations and permutations so that our people can remain resolute behind the party.’

Oruruo, a former Commissioner for Information, vowed to lead with transparency, sincerity, and justice, adding that his goal is to build a stronger and more cohesive PDP capable of winning future elections.

He concluded by reaffirming that the PDP in Enugu is ‘in pole position to accommodate the yearnings of our people’, as the party embarks on a fresh journey to restore its dominance in the state’s political landscape.

An impressive contingent of four states governors, first-class Emirs top the list of esteemed dignitaries expected as special guest of honours as the ongoing 2025 Kaduna International Polo Tournament reaches its crescendo with pomp this weekend at the foremost Murtala Square in Kaduna.

Chief host and Kaduna Governor Senator Uba Sani is expected to lead the long convoy of the high profile dignitaries would include Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal and his Katsina State counterpart, Governor Dikko Radda.

The expected high profile delegation to the finale include top shots from the Presidency, members of the Nationals Assembly, business tycoons, members of the Diplomatic Corps and tourists from across the world.

Kaduna Polo Tournament Manager, Atiku Abubakar Saleh who dropped this hint during a chat in Kaduna , added that first class Emirs like the Emir of Katsina and Emir of Zazzau, are also expected during the grand finale alongside other first class traditional rulers from across the country .

Kaduna Polo President, Mohammad Babangida who had earlier promised an exciting and memorable tournament this year, stated that the international fiesta that galloped off with fanfare last Sunday, has lived up to its highly revered tradition, of pomp, excitement and competition.

Babangida who is eyeing his 16th Georgian Cup title with his El-Amin team, expressed appreciation to all the corporate sponsors, both traditional and news ones, partners and individual contributors for their support and commitment to making the 2025 Kaduna international tournament a huge success.

‘On behalf of the board and management committee of Kaduna Polo Club. We thank the Kaduna State Government for its support to the development of polo over the decades and all our benefactors who have been a pillar of strength,’ he noted. ‘Kaduna Polo Club is particularly thrilled that the governors of Niger, Katsina, Zamfara and others we are expecting during the grand finale have all been our big sponsors and partners in the task of taking Kaduna polo to a higher level.’

Kaduna Polo Vice President and Chairman of the emerging Nigerian polo power house, Kaduna Clearwater Farms, Brigadier General Kapeh Kazir, added that apart from the four major titles to be won at this weekend’s finale more winners are guaranteed to smile home with glittering prizes.

He listed the prizes to be presented during the closing ceremony this weekend to include General Hassan Katsina Cup, Sardauna Cup, Kere Ahmed Cup, Shehu Kangiwa Cup, Musa Yar’Adua Cup, Dangote Cup, among others.

The prestigious polo fiesta that attracted more than thirty top teams from across the country complete with top Nigerian polo patrons and a charged battery of foreign professional players is home to the oldest polo prize in the world, Georgian Trophy that remains the biggest prize on offer way back since 1919.

With top contenders like El-Amin. Clearwater Farm and other teams seeking for places in the final of the four main prizes and over ten subsidiary prizes on offer this weekend, Kaduna holds a special allure this weekend for thousands of polo enthusiasts across the country for what promises to be a grandiose finale.

Since the 2025 Kaduna polo event started last Sunday, one team that has been on the lips of polo enthusiasts across the country, is Kaduna El- Amin that is celebrating its 30th year anniversary of Georgian Cup dominance.

Widely recognized as one of Nigeria’s most dominant and successful polo teams, having won numerous tournaments and trophies both nationally and internationally. They hold the record for winning the prestigious Georgian Cup 15 times.

They are also the first and only African team to have participated in the Dubai Gold Cup series and the Al-Habtoor Cup Challenge in Dubai.

Their patron, Mohammad Babangida has played a significant role in Nigerian polo, captaining the Nigerian Polo Eagles to the Federation of International Polo World Cup tournament in Malaysia in 2011 and the Nations Cup of polo in South Africa.

Financial technology company Lucrestack has launched LupoFi, a new cross-border payment platform designed to simplify international transactions for individuals and businesses across Africa.

The platform enables users to send, receive, and settle payments seamlessly across countries including China, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Canada, the United States, and Europe, with plans to expand into other emerging markets.

Speaking on the launch, Damilola Parkinson, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Lucrestack, said the innovation marks the next phase of the company’s mission to make global financial connectivity more accessible.

‘We have spent years building and refining infrastructure that powers cross-border payments for banks and fintechs,’ Parkinson said. ‘LupoFi represents the evolution of that work, extending our enterprise-grade systems to individuals, entrepreneurs, and businesses that need reliable access to the global economy.’

Africa’s growing digital economy has heightened the demand for trusted international payment systems.

Many African businesses still face friction when sending or receiving funds due to compliance challenges and slow settlement times.

Olajide Bakare, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer at Lucrestack, said the company’s infrastructure-first approach ensures reliability and compliance across multiple regions.

‘Our goal has always been to build resilient, interoperable systems that empower institutions to scale confidently,’ Bakare noted. ‘With LupoFi, we are extending that reliability to those driving trade and innovation across Africa.’

According to the company, LupoFi provides transparency, speed, and compliance in cross-border transactions. Parkinson added that it aligns with Lucrestack’s broader vision of financial inclusion, giving Africans greater participation in the global economy.

‘LupoFi is not just a product, but a movement toward financial equity,’ he said.