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TOS Foundation has unveiled 469 Tracker, a civic-tech platform to help Nigerians track where each member of National Assembly stands on the Reserved Seats for Women Bill.

The platform, accessible via www.469tracker.com, allows citizens to see in real time which senators and members of House of Representatives support, oppose, or remain undecided on the bill.

It draws its name from their numbers, 469, and aims to turn public accountability into an interactive, youth-led civic experience.

‘For too long, political participation has felt distant from young people and women. With 469 Tracker, we’re using technology and storytelling to make legislative accountability simple, and closer to our digital generation,’ said Osasu Ogwuche, executive director and convener of the Reserved Seats for Women Advocacy campaign.

‘As a young Nigerian, home or abroad, you can go on the website, check your state, and see where your representatives at national level stand on the landmark bill.

‘Our team of young techies have set up the website to reflect anytime there is a change in decision of lawmakers to support or oppose the bill, we hope we only get more support from here on,’ she added.

The Reserved Seats for Women Bill is a landmark legislation seeking to expand women’s representation in governance by adding 182 women-only legislative seats in federal and state levels.

This means 37 women-only seats in the Senate, 37 in House of Representatives and three in each of the 36 state Houses of Assembly to ensure voices of women – young and old – are heard across the nation when laws are made.

Built in collaboration with the Reserved Seats for Women Campaign, the tracker integrates open data, media storytelling, and influencer-driven advocacy to mobilise youths and digital communities.

The platform is part of a broader movement to ensure that Nigeria’s democracy is inclusive, transparent, and gender-balanced.

TOS Foundation is leading a new model of civic engagement, blending technology, journalism, and popular culture to drive public accountability.

Through strategic partnerships with digital creators, grassroots organisers, and the media, the Foundation is transforming governance advocacy into relatable, shareable, and measurable campaigns.

From social media challenges to newsroom collaborations, TOS Foundation and its partners will use the 469 Tracker to spotlight legislators’ positions, encourage public dialogue, and build momentum toward the passage of the Reserved Seats for Women Bill.

‘This is not just a website, it’s a movement. Every young Nigerian, influencer, and media ally can now use verified information to demand progress,’ said Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, and sponsor of the bill.

The bill has received endorsements from the Rt Hon Tajudeen Abass, Speaker of the House of Representatives; Ireti Kingibe, senator representing FCT, and numerous other stakeholders in government.

Lagos State has become the first African government to join Project Management Institute (PMI) Global Executive Council (GEC), following its leadership in governance and infrastructure delivery.

The council unites representatives from top bodies worldwide to collaborate on latest project management practice, craft enriching learning and networking opportunities, and host vibrant events.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced this at a reception in Lagos House, Marina, where the state hosted PMI board, global leadership, and regional team.

It is the first time PMI’s global board convened in Nigeria, underscoring the country’s significance in shaping global project management. Welcoming the 23-member delegation, led by President, Pierre Le Manh, the governor described Lagos’s membership as ‘a defining moment that aligns with our vision to institutionalise project management excellence in government and ensure timely, efficient delivery of infrastructure and social programmes.

‘In 20 years, Lagos will take on the world. But to realise our 30-year development plan and advance T.H.E.M.E.S+ , we need world-class project management talent. This partnership is a declaration of intent and a demonstration of responsibility.’

The governor noted flagship initiatives that embody Lagos’s transformation agenda, from Blue Line Rail, to the Lekki-Epe Expressway, serving Africa’s fastest-growing economic corridor, and the continent’s largest food logistics park, modelled after Paris’s renowned Rungis International Market.

Le Manh underscored Africa’s pivotal moment in global project management, stating: ‘Africa is entering what we call the Golden Age of Project Management – a period when the continent has the resources and ambition to build infrastructure at scale. With its young, dynamic population and bold vision, Lagos has the potential to leapfrog traditional development models. We are honored that Lagos State has chosen PMI as its partner in building this capability.’

The visit coincides with Nigeria’s hosting of the inaugural PMI Africa Week in October 2025, a certification drive designed to address Nigeria’s projected shortfall of up to 211,000 project professionals by 2035. Lagos State’s pledge to certify its public servants stands as a first-of-its-kind, government-led project management certification initiative in Africa, underscoring its commitment to institutional excellence and sustainable capacity building.

‘When Nigeria’s commercial capital throws its full weight behind project management certification, it creates unstoppable momentum. Lagos State is demonstrating that professional project management is not optional for development; it is essential infrastructure, as vital as roads or power grids,’ PMI Sub-Saharan Africa Managing Director, George Asamani, said.

At the reception, presentations showcased the state’s unprecedented infrastructure pipeline, including more than $122 billion in energy investments projected through 2045 and multiple rail lines currently under construction. Engr. Abimbola Akinajo, Managing Director of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), reported that the Blue Line Rail now operates 90 daily trips with zero accidents since inception, transporting over 60,000 passengers each day, a testament to the state’s commitment to safe, efficient, and sustainable urban mobility.

‘Project management professionals are nation-builders, as vital to our progress as doctors, lawyers, and public servants. ‘In a world where delivery defines success, investing in project talent is one of the most strategic choices any government can make.’ Mr Governor, who accepted the designation of PMI Africa Week Champion for Nigeria, said.

The reception, attended by commissioners, permanent secretaries, and heads of agencies, concluded with vibrant cultural performances celebrating Lagos’s status as Africa’s entertainment capital. The PMI delegation, comprising 12 board directors from across the globe, concluded its visit to Lagos following a series of high-level engagements. However, PMI Africa Week activities, including the ongoing certification drive, continue through the end of October, underscoring Lagos’s growing role as a hub for global collaboration in project leadership and innovation.

A chieftain of ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Fuoad Oki, has explained why President Bola Ahmed Tinubu deserved a second term.

He said the President came at a difficult time to rescue the country, adding that he was delivering on his campaign promises.

But Oki called for what he described as holistic cleansing of the seat of power, Aso Villa Abuja, for Tinubu to succeed in his rescue operation.

Oki, who spoke with reporters in Lagos, said records had shown that those who went into Aso Villa with clean records and laudable ideas towards improving the well-being of the people, most times, left with bad records.

He said the President and those who wanted him to leave good legacies after exiting office should consider the advice as a matter of urgent national importance.

The APC chieftain said the candidate on the ballot would determine the voting pattern and not the party.

He predicted that the highest valid votes cast in Lagos during the 2027 general election would be around 3.5 million, despite that the number of registered voters in the state ”is now close to six million.”

He said Lagosians should be properly mobilised for the voter registration.

Oki said rigging would be difficult during the 2027 general election if the ongoing electoral amendment that made BIVAS compulsory before voting scaled through and if the elections were conducted on a day.

He said after Tinubu’s second term, it would take the next 40 years for someone from Yoruba land to return to power as President.

He said Nigerians should re-elect President Tinubu in 2027 because he meant well for the country.

Oki said the President was on a crucial, but very difficult mission to rebuild the country from years of misrule and misplaced priorities.

He expressed worry that the last 15 years had thrown up the sentiments of ethnicity and religion that did not augur well for the country.

First City Monument Bank (FCMB), a subsidiary of FCMB Group Plc, has launched a new feature on its Mobile App that allows customers to open investment accounts and invest directly in mutual funds managed by FCMB Asset Management, the Group’s wealth creation arm.

This development marks another significant step in FCMB Group’s ongoing digital transformation, a strategy focused on integrating all its business verticals into a single, full-service financial ecosystem that empowers customers to bank, invest, and grow wealth seamlessly.

With the new in-app investment feature, customers can now access FCMB Asset Management’s range of mutual funds – including the low-risk Legacy Money Market Fund, the growth-oriented Legacy Equity Fund, the predominantly local-currency bond-holding Legacy Debt Fund, and the Legacy USD Bond Fund for dollar-denominated investments. These options cater to different risk appetites and financial goals, from short-term liquidity to long-term capital appreciation or steady income generation.

Yemisi Edun, Managing Director, First City Monument Bank, said:

‘What we are building goes beyond digital convenience. It is about creating a connected ecosystem where banking, payments, and investments work together to serve customers’ broader financial needs. By integrating mutual funds into the FCMB Mobile App, we extend that ecosystem, enabling customers to move seamlessly from saving to investing within one trusted platform.’

Commenting, James Ilori, Chief Executive Officer, FCMB Asset Management Limited, said:

‘Our mission is to democratise access to investment opportunities and make wealth creation simple and inclusive. By bringing mutual funds to the FCMB Mobile App, we enable anyone, anywhere, to start investing confidently and build sustainable financial futures.’

The integration of mutual fund services into the FCMB Mobile App aligns with FCMB Group’s broader goal of creating a digitally inclusive financial ecosystem that connects banking, investment, and asset management under one trusted platform to drive long-term value for individuals and communities.

Customers can download or update the FCMB Mobile App from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store today to begin investing.

The National Orientation Agency NOA, has unveiled a new animation award as well as supporting the award with a total cash prize of N22,500,000.

The award was unveiled at the 9th Lagos International Festival of Animation, LIFANIMA.

The project is being implemented in partnership with LIFANIMA.

Speaking at the unveiling, the Director-General of National Orientation Agency, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu said the project is a unique opportunity for the creative community to engage with the Nigerian Identity Project-an initiative of the NOA aimed at promoting the ideals captured in the National Values Charter (NVC).

According to him, ‘The NVC outlines seven national promises and seven citizen codes that define who we are, what we stand for, and the values that unite us as Nigerians. Through this award, we invite our animators to interpret these ideals and express them through the powerful art of storytelling and animation.’

Speaking further at the event, he revealed the theme for this year’s challenge as: ‘Who is a Real Nigerian?’ a question which, according to him, goes beyond appearances or geography but invites reflection on the true spirit of the people – resilience, our optimism, our creativity, and our collective sense of responsibility.

To participate in the award, participants are required to create a three-minute maximum animated short film, using 2D, 3D, or stop-motion techniques, that creatively explores what it means to be a Real Nigerian. The focus is not on the form of animation, but on the strength of the narrative-the story that connects with our shared identity and national values.

‘This competition is exclusive to Nigerians, designed to empower local creators and strengthen national pride. Whether you are an individual animator, a small studio, or a creative company, this platform belongs to you. It is an open invitation to use your talent to inspire others and help shape the image of our nation through your craft,’ says Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu.

According to Mallam Issa Onilu, the NOA Animation Award 2026 offers N10 million for the first prize, N7.5 million for the second, and N5 million for the third, making a total prize value of Twenty-Two Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N22,500,000).

The Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) recently welcomed a high-powered delegation from the house committee on environment of the Lagos State House of Assembly, led by its Chairman, Honourable Shabi Rasheed Adekola. The visit served as a statutory oversight function, providing a critical platform for detailed engagement on the agency’s performance and regulatory adherence.

The LASAA management team, headed by the Managing Director, Prince Fatiu Akiolu, engaged the committee in extensive discussions that spanned the agency’s activities, its performance metrics and compliance with regulatory responsibilities. The meeting fostered productive conversations focusing on strategic policies and ongoing projects aimed at developing an organised, safe and visually appealing outdoor advertising space across the state.

Akiolu seized the opportunity to express his profound gratitude to the committee for their time, unwavering support and valuable guidance.

He said: ‘We are deeply committed to upholding best practices in outdoor advertising regulation. LASAA’s mission is to contribute meaningfully to the sustainable development of Lagos State’s visual environment, a goal we pursue rigorously for the benefit of all residents and visitors.’

In his remarks, Honourable Shabi Rasheed Adekola delivered a glowing assessment of LASAA’s operational efficiency. He particularly praised the agency’s efforts in maintaining a cleaner and safer Lagos through effective signage control and regulation under Prince Akiolu’s leadership.

‘We recognise LASAA’s vital role in keeping Lagos clean and safe,’ Honourable Adekola stated. ‘This partnership between the legislature and government agencies is essential for ensuring service delivery and accountability that aligns perfectly with the agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.’

Honourable Adekola also issued a call to action, urging LASAA to intensify its efforts in public sensitization. He explained that engaging the public on the agency’s core mandate is crucial for ensuring continuous compliance and maximizing revenue potential.

Crucially, he reinforced the need for LASAA to reassure the public that the state’s outdoor advertising structures are maintained with ‘utmost integrity,’ guaranteeing their safety.

The oversight visit successfully affirmed the shared commitment of both the legislature and LASAA to promoting transparency, efficiency and innovation within the public service, thereby enhancing the quality of life in Lagos State.

The detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, yesterday dismissed his entire legal team.

He opted to conduct his terrorism trial personally before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Kanu, who announced the decision during yesterday’s proceedings, told Justice James Omotosho that he had taken back his case from his lawyers and was prepared to represent himself.

Lead defence counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), informed the court that the team’s presence was purely out of respect for the court.

He announced that the senior lawyers, including Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), Joseph Akubo (SAN), Paul Erokoro (SAN), and Emeka Etiaba (SAN), had withdrawn from the case.

Agabi explained: ‘The defendant has taken this case back from us, and we respect that decision.’

Justice Omotosho turned to the defendant for confirmation.

Kanu affirmed the sack of his lawyers, saying he would now handle his defence personally.

The judge then ordered all remaining members of the defence team, except the SANs, to leave the courtroom, a directive they immediately obeyed.

Kanu subsequently informed the court that he would not proceed with opening his defence as ordered, arguing that the court lacked jurisdiction to try him.

He raised four grounds for objection: first, that the Federal Government was allegedly in contempt of the Court of Appeal judgment, which, he claimed, had acquitted him.

The second ground was that the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act, 2013 and the Customs and Excise Act under which he was charged had been repealed.

The third basis, according to him, was that he had been denied a fair hearing owing to his detention by the Department of State Services (DSS).

Fourthly, he argued that a medical report submitted by a Nigerian Medical Association (NMA)-appointed team certifying him fit for trial was allegedly forged.

Kanu denied ever being examined by the said medical panel or providing any samples for testing.

He urged the court to declare the proceedings void and order his immediate release.

Responding, prosecution counsel Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) argued that the issues raised were baseless and had been resolved in previous rulings.

He said Kanu’s claims should have been made formally via affidavit evidence, not oral argument.

Awomolo clarified that the Court of Appeal judgment Kanu relied on had been set aside by the Supreme Court on December 15, 2023.

He also faulted the allegation of forgery, noting that the same report had been reviewed and accepted by Kanu’s former senior lawyers without objection.

Justice Omotosho reaffirmed that all the issues raised by Kanu had been addressed in his September 26 ruling, where he held that the defendant had a case to answer.

He said the medical report had already been admitted and acted upon, and the court could not revisit it.

‘I call upon and appeal to the defendant to open his defence,’ the judge said.

‘This is the opportunity the Constitution grants him under Section 36-to be heard or to waive that right expressly or by conduct.’

At that point, Dr. Ikpeazu pleaded that Kanu be given time to gather his thoughts.

Kanu himself told the court that he had not had adequate time to prepare, having only three hours of consultation the previous day.

The prosecution did not object, prompting Justice Omotosho to adjourn the trial to today for Kanu to open his defence.

The judge disclosed that he had signed the witness summons requested by the defendant, allowing him to call witnesses, including former and serving governors, ministers, and security chiefs.

Puzzling and shocking. These words aptly describe information revealed by Senator Ali Ndume, while raising a motion that was adopted by the Senate on October 21. It was titled, ‘Urgent Need to Increase the Minimum Wage and Improve Conditions of Service for Members of the Nigerian Armed Forces and Other Security Agencies.’

The lawmaker representing Borno South said, ‘The current minimum monthly wage for junior personnel in the Armed Forces ranges between N50,000 and N60,000, depending on rank.’ He argued that the pay was ‘grossly inadequate in light of current economic realities, inflationary pressures, and the soaring cost of living.’

Ndume said the country’s troops and security operatives deserved better compensation, considering the scale of risks they face and sacrifices they make to preserve national security. He noted that Section 217(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) empowers the Armed Forces to defend Nigeria from external aggression, maintain territorial integrity, and assist civil authorities in restoring order when called upon.

It is puzzling that the figures fall below the national minimum wage. President Bola Tinubu signed the N70,000 minimum wage bill into law in July 2024, after months of intense negotiations with labour leaders who had demanded a much higher minimum wage.

The question is: Doesn’t the national minimum wage apply to the country’s armed forces and other security agencies?

Also, the senator cited the minimum pay for soldiers in some other African countries, where he said they were better paid. ‘In Ghana, the entry-level pay for a private soldier is equivalent to about N180,000 per month; in South Africa, N250,000; in Egypt, N230,000-N280,000; and in Kenya, about N200,000, excluding operational allowances,’ he stated.

It is shocking that as Nigeria faces a security crisis worsened by terrorists and secessionists, the country pays the same category of soldiers far less. Banditry, herder-farmer conflicts, and oil militancy also contribute significantly to insecurity in the country, demanding the attention of its armed forces.

The Senate adopted Ndume’s motion, and urged the Federal Government through the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, and the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission to review the pay and allowances of members of the armed forces.

The Senate’s Committees on Defence, Army, Navy, and Air Force are to ‘liaise with the relevant ministries and agencies to determine realistic remuneration benchmarks for different ranks, taking into account comparative international standards.’

It is condemnable and inexcusable that the authorities failed to act appropriately before this motion came up. They must not fail to do the right thing after the fact.

Enko Capital, the Africa-focused alternative asset manager with $1.3 billion in assets under management (AUM), has announced the first close of its impact focused private credit strategy (the Fund), raising $100 million toward its target of $150 million at final close, with a hard cap of $200 million.

Investors in the first close include British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institution; IFC, a member of the World Bank Group; SICOM Global Fund Limited; one of Africa’s leading asset managers; a European impact investor; alongside African pension funds and family offices. The Fund provides US dollar-denominated private credit to mid-market companies across Sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on established, cash-generating businesses in non-cyclical sectors such as agriculture, telecommunications, manufacturing, renewable energy, and financial services.

By offering flexible, tailored financing to well-managed enterprises often underserved by traditional lenders, the Fund seeks to address the structural credit gap facing mid-sized African firms and to demonstrate the commercial potential of private credit on the continent.

In a statement released on Tuesday and made available to The Nation, Managing Partner of Enko Capital, Alain Nkontchou, said: ‘The successful first close of Enko’s flagship private credit strategy underscores growing investor confidence in Africa’s sustainable development through private credit.

‘With the support of leading international institutional development and impact investors; and local partners, the Fund is strategically positioned to offer customised capital solutions to high-quality mid-market SMEs, unlocking growth, supporting job creation, and advancing sustainable development, while generating compelling risk-adjusted returns for our investors.’

Nkontchou added that ‘We are also proud that this marks the first investment under the partnership between BII and IFC, a collaboration that strengthens shared commitment to foster impactful, sustainable growth on the continent.’

Chief Executive Officer at BII, Leslie Maasdorp, said: ‘Our commitment to the Enko Impact Credit Fund reflects BII’s belief in the commercial potential of private credit in Africa and its role in closing the financing gap for mid-sized businesses.

‘By anchoring the fund’s first close, our aim is to send a strong signal to other investors, attract additional capital and help build a viable private credit market that supports businesses critical to economic growth in Africa.’

For Vice President of Industries, IFC, Mohamed Gouled, ‘Expanding access to finance for mid-sized companies is critical to accelerating inclusive growth across Africa.

‘IFC’s support for the Enko Impact Credit Fund demonstrates IFC’s commitment to channeling longer tenor and flexible funding to African businesses for growth and job creation.’

He stated that through this partnership, ‘We will support businesses across a range of sectors, from agribusiness to telecoms that are critical for sustained economic growth.’

Galatasaray’s Nigerian forward, Victor Osimhen has credited his Galatasaray’s teammates and fans for their collective roles following his impressive performance against Bodo Glimt on Tuesday in the UEFA Champions League.

Osimhen scored twice in Galatasaray’s 3-1 win, setting a new personal record in the process.

His third minute opener became the quickest goal in the Champions League by a Galatasaray player while the brace against Bodo/Glimt also meant that he became the first player to score in seven consecutive European Cup matches. The previous record was scoring in six consecutive matches held by Burak Yilmaz.

But the 26-year-old striker was quick to downplay his personal feat , stressing that his achievement was a product of teamwork.

‘I don’t score these goals alone, and I don’t break these records alone. A big thank you to my teammates and the amazing fans. We’ll keep building on this momentum,’ Osimhen said. ‘I didn’t win this award alone, and I hope my teammates get their fair share of recognition as well.’

Emphasizing his commitment to the club’s success, the Super Eagles star concluded: ‘Whether through goals, tackles, or assists, my main focus is always to help the team succeed. These records are a result of our collective hard work.’