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DESPITE the appeal by the minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Honourable Ekperikpe Ekpo, urging marketers, distributors, and all stakeholders along the LPG (cooking gas) value chain to desist from hoarding the product and refrain from exploiting consumers for profit, the product’s scarcity persist in Lagos, Abuja, Delta States, others.

Besides, for the few available cooking gas outlets that opened for business, the prices of the product vary.

Market survey by Nigerian Tribune showed that while one kilogramme of cooking gas cost between N1,700 and N2,200 in Lagos as at Sunday, it costs between N1,350 and N1,500 in Abuja; between N1,300 and N1,500 in Asaba; N1,500 and N1,900 in Ilorin; N1700 in Ogun and N1,400 in Akure respectively.

Lamenting the situation, a resident of Abuja, who identified himself simply as Joseph, said, ‘As at Saturday , I bought six kg at N8,100 along Airport Road in Abuja instead of N6,600 that I used to buy. That is N1,350 per kg.’

He said the situation is getting out of hand and something urgent must be done to restore nolmacy.

In Asaba, Delta State, a resident, Mr Timi Afolabi, said complaints were too much about cooking gas price hike. According to him, one kilogramme of LPG is selling at N1,500 per kilogramme.

In Ilorin, one of the reporters in the state, Yusuf Usman, said his wife bought at N1,900 without any queue.

‘Here we are buying at N1,400 per kilogramme,’ Oluwatuyi, a resident in Akure said.

When called on Sunday, the president of the National Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas of Nigeria (NALPGAN), Oladapo Olatunbosun, said he won’t comment on the issue further until Wednesday when normalcy is expected to return.

The minister of State for Petroleum, last week, in a statement, expressed concern over the recent increase in the price of cooking gas.

He appealed for calm and understanding from Nigerians, assuring that the situation is temporary and will normalise very soon.

‘Supply to the domestic market is expected to stabilise by next week, leading to a gradual reduction in prices,’ he said.

The ongoing war against insurgent activities in the country has taken its toll on the military, as the Commanding Officer of the 202 Tank Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Saidu Paiko, and several other valiant soldiers paid the supreme price after a fierce battle with Boko Haram terrorists in Borno State.

This was contained in a statement made available to Defence Correspondents in Abuja on Tuesday by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Apollonia Anele.

According to the statement, troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation HADIN KAI, under the 21 Special Armoured Brigade, on 17 October 2025, successfully foiled an attack planned by Boko Haram terrorists around the Kashimri general area of Bama Local Government Area, Borno State.

It explained that the troops successfully located and destroyed identified Boko Haram camps in the area, thereby frustrating the terrorists’ plans to attack civilians and disrupt socio-economic activities.

The statement read in part: ‘During the operation, the troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce gunfight and neutralised several of them, while others sustained injuries.’

The statement lamented that ‘these brave heroes fought for the peace of our great nation, and their legacies shall endure forever.’

It further assured that the Nigerian Army would continue to honour the weight of their sacrifices, noting that their loss serves as a reminder of the military’s unyielding resolve to stamp out terrorism from Nigeria.

‘The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, on behalf of the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army, hereby extends his heartfelt condolences to the families of the departed.

‘They were not just soldiers but fathers, brothers, and sons who displayed immeasurable courage by taking a last stand in the face of adversity, and we stand together in this time of grief,’ it stated.

The Chief of Army Staff also reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s unwavering determination to relentlessly pursue all terrorist elements until total peace and normalcy are restored in the region and across the nation.

Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group), in partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Health and Health Emergency Initiative (HEI), has scaled up its flagship community nutrition programme, Project BLOOM (Bringing Life to Our Overlooked Minors), extending its reach to Ajegunle under Lagos State Health District V. The second phase of the intervention impacted over 120 children, alongside their mothers and caregivers.

Held at the Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government Secretariat, the Ajegunle outreach builds on the measurable success recorded in the pilot phase at Yaba’s Aiyetoro Primary Health Centre, where hundreds of children were screened and more than 61 percent were identified as needing urgent medical care. Follow-up monitoring from the pilot revealed that over 48 percent of these children have since recovered significantly, regaining healthy weight and vitality.

At the Ajegunle session, children were provided with Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods (RUTFs) and received comprehensive health checks, while mothers and caregivers participated in nutrition education sessions focused on preparing low-cost, nutritious meals and maintaining good hygiene practices. Screening results showed that 69 children were moderately malnourished, 29 severely malnourished, and another 24 at risk, underscoring the importance of early detection and sustained follow-up care through Primary Health Centres.

Over 20 NGX Group employees volunteered alongside district health officials, assisting with screenings, data collection, and caregiver training. The Exchange said this hands-on participation reflects its commitment to deepening corporate social responsibility and promoting employee-led community development.

Speaking on the impact of the initiative, Group Managing Director/CEO of NGX Group, Temi Popoola, said the results demonstrate the effectiveness of coordinated interventions in addressing child malnutrition.

‘Seeing 48.8 percent of the children identified with malnutrition now in recovery, and others steadily improving, is truly inspiring. It affirms that our partnership with Health Emergency Initiative and the Lagos State Government is driving real, measurable change in our communities. For us at NGX Group, building strong capital markets goes hand in hand with building strong communities, because inclusive growth and social well-being are the true foundations of a resilient economy,’ he said.

Executive Director of HEI, Dr. Pascal Achunine, described the expansion as a timely response to the challenges uncovered during the pilot phase.

‘The first outreach revealed the depth of the malnutrition crisis and the power of swift, coordinated action. These results show that when the public and private sectors collaborate with urgency and compassion, we can save lives and restore hope,’ he stated.

Also speaking, Dr. Oladeinde Ebenezer Oluwaseun, Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, representing the Permanent Secretary of Lagos State Health District V, Dr. Oladapo Ashiyanbi, lauded NGX Group and HEI for their ‘unwavering commitment to restoring hope to vulnerable families,’ noting that the initiative aligns with the state government’s ongoing nutrition and child health programmes.

Project BLOOM supports the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2 (Zero Hunger), 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through measurable impact, employee engagement, and cross-sector collaboration.

With two successful outreaches completed, NGX Group said it plans to scale Project BLOOM across other underserved communities in Lagos, with a long-term goal of reaching thousands of children and strengthening community health resilience.

Security Forces in the early hours of Monday temporarily locked down the Three Arm Zones housing the Presidential Villa, Aso Rock, the Court of Appeal/Supreme Court, the National Assembly, the popular Eagle Square and the Federal Secretariat ahead of the planned protest, tagged: #FreeNnamdiKanuNow.

The protest was planned to take off from the Transcorp Hilton area and other parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), but the police moved in early, firing multiple rounds of tear gas to disperse participants and passersby.

In a viral video, Omoyele Sowore, one the chief organizers, could be seen running for his life, alongside other protesters.

The demonstrators, made up of civil rights activists and members of pro-democracy groups, were part of the Release Nnamdi Kanu Now campaign aimed at pressuring the Federal Government to comply with the 2022 Court of Appeal judgment that discharged and acquitted Kanu.

The protest was aimed at getting the attention of President Bola Tinubu to release Kanu unconditionally, who is currently detained by the Department of State Services on the orders of the Nigerian government.

The operatives, who had cordoned off the hotel and adjoining streets, began firing tear gas even before protesters arrived in large numbers.

The incident took place in Maitama area of the FCT, the protesters then went to Berger, under the bridge, where they were dispersed too, before they moved to Apo mechanic site only to meet the same fate.

Many commuters were turned back by the security operatives who cordoned all link roads to the Federal Secretariat in Abuja to prevent any protest and the Three Arm Zone, to prevent breakdown of law and order.

At the National Assembly Complex, the entire complex was deserted by the Staff members and others due to the blockage of the access routes were normal activities were also paralyzed at both the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.

A Senior Police officer told our reporter in confidence that the operatives action followed a court order banning any form of protest around the Three Arms Zone made up of the Executive, Judiciary, and Legislature and nothing else

Commuters comprising of innocent workers, who moved to Central Business District to gain access to their offices were mistakenly attacked by security operatives.

A roadside trader, who gave her name simply as Adah, told the Nigerian Tribune that: ‘They closed the road and we had to come and sell here, officers came and fired tear gas on all us even innocent workers that were here with us, some were fainting and when the realised that they were workers, they started taking them to the hospital.’

Speaking on his encounter with security operatives, Sowore said: ‘They didn’t particularly have any leadership; there were about 10 trucks that arrived at the same time as soon as we started the protest and people were coming around.

‘There was no provocation on our part; it was orderly and peaceful; it was an unprovoked attack from the police force and a combined team of security people.’

Sowore in a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Sowore alleged that policemen arrested Kanu’s brother, Ejimakor, and other bystanders.

‘The @PoliceNG team deployed to brutalize #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protesters arrested Nnamdi Kanu’s brother, and his lawyer, @AloyEjimakor, as well as innocent bystanders. They were beaten and taken to the FCT command. The police must release them immediately!,’ he wrote.

Confirming the arrest Aloy Ejimakor posted thus on X handle, ‘we’ve just been arrested. Myself, Prince Emanuel and others. We are at FCT COMMAND CID. Myself, Fine Boy and others. No 1 Zaria Steeet, Garki 2, Abuja,’

In a related development, stakeholders antagonizing the protest have been mocking the activist for taking cover during the shooting, but Shehu Sani, one of those campaigning for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, in a Facebook post, said it was a wise decision, stressing that it was not an act of cowardice.

He wrote, ‘Running away during protest is not an act of cowardice. It’s a strategy to dodge the bullet or the tear gas in order to fight another day.

‘Facing an armed Police man on the 20th day of the month after his last salary requires some form of caution. Comrade Sowore is bravely wise.’

The Spokesperson of the FCT Command SP Josephine Adeh could not be immediately reached for the confirmation of the arrest but an officer familiar with the arrest confirmed the story, saying that they were being questioned for unlawful gathering.

Kano State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Children, and Persons with Special Needs, Ambassador Amina Abdullahi, has called on widows to embrace self-reliance by engaging in small-scale businesses ,prioritize the education and moral upbringing of their children.rather than resorting to begging

Amina reaffirmed the state government’s unwavering commitment to supporting initiatives that uplift women particularly widows, whom she described as among the most vulnerable groups in society.

She made the call during the inauguration of the Wazobia widows welfare association held in Kano.

Amina stated that the Wazobia Widows Welfare Association offers widows a platform to amplify their voices, acquire livelihood skills, access microcredit, and advocate for their rights and welfare.

She also commended the Association for choosing Kano as the venue for its inauguration, citing the state’s peaceful atmosphere and ongoing reforms promoting women’s empowerment and social inclusion.

Earlier, the Director-General of the Wazobia Widows Welfare Association, Ambassador Binta Ajoke Aminu, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to alleviating the hardships faced by widows across the country.

Aminu then encouraged women to remain resilient and productive despite challenges, assuring that the Association will continue to provide opportunities that promote financial independence, dignity, and hope.

The event attracted participants from nineteen Northern states, who exchanged ideas on strategies to strengthen widow support systems and enhance their socio-economic well-being.

Lagos Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, government officials, traditional rulers, including the Akran of Badagry, Oba De-Wheno Aholu (Aholu Wheno Toyi 1), and more than 30 royal fathers, will grace the 2025 Olokun World Festival organized by the Olokun Festival Foundation (OFF), and holding in Badagry, while no fewer than 100,000 participants are expected from across the globe.

The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, who is also the Chief Promoter of Olokun Festival Foundation (OFF), made this known on Monday at a Press Conference, which held at Oodua House, Ikeja, while unveiling programmes lined up for this year’s edition, a cultural fiesta that holds every year in Badagry for the past 23 years.

Iba Adams, who was represented by Barrister Yinka Oguntimehin, noted that the Olokun, the deity of the deep sea, symbolizes wealth, creativity, and the mysteries of life, saying that ‘the festival offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with these values, to celebrate the arts, crafts, music, and traditions that define our identity.’

In attendance at the press conference were Chief (Mrs) Esther Oyebola, member, 2025 Olokun World Festival Planning Committee; Dr. Adebiyi Phillips, Chairman, Planning Committee; Amb. Olugbenga Onasanya, member; Chief Oyin Awe, member; Chief Durola Oke, member; and Chief (Mrs) Toluwani Ajibade, also a member.

According to the Yoruba generalissimo, the annual festival, which this year’s edition kick- started with the Press Conference, to be followed by Prayer To Almighty God, holding on Tuesday, October 21, and featuring Muslims, Christians and the Traditional believers, followed by Fashion Show on Wednesday, October 22, and a Visit To Motherless Babies’ Home on Thursday, October 23, to be followed by Beauty Pageant, coming up on Saturday, October 25, 2025, is a call to remember and preserve the cultural legacies that have been passed down through generations, adding that its grand finale ‘particularly showcases the beauty of nature and reflects the spiritual meaning of Olokun in the annual festival.’

Besides, he disclosed that one other essence of this festival was to draw tourists to witness Yoruba diverse and unique culture, noting that over the years, the event had progressively drawn over 10,000 tourists across the world, especially from neighbouring countries, including Benin Republic, Togo, and Ghana, and also from countries outside Africa, such as Brazil and Cuba.

‘Aside from the direct benefits that come with tourists visiting the festival site, its environs and adjoining towns, the spiritual and economic gains of organising the festival are many.

‘While the spiritual gains that accompany the Olokun Festival are of great importance to all participants, the economic gains are also significant.

‘Every year, hundreds of millions of Naira are committed to organising this world festival. This is aside from the gains that accrue to the host state and community from the economic activities of buying and selling at the event venue,’ he stated.

Iba Adams, therefore, commended OPC members who had remained committed over the years to the ideals of the Olokun World Festival and to promoting the cultural identity of the Yoruba race.

Speaking further, Adams said that based on the decision taken after last year’s edition of the event, the Olokun Festival was upgraded to Olokun World Festival, adding: ‘As a result, the Olokun Festival Foundation (OFF) decided to acquire some land so that we could have our own beach.’

According to him, the newly acquired land/beach has been named Kakanfo Falola Beach, saying that the beach would be turned into a world-class tourism destination, having recreation facilities, a hotel, a mini cinema house, conference hall, gym centres, an Olympic-size swimming pool, a mini festival stadium, among others.

On the grand finale, Iba Adams said guests expected at the event are the Logos State Governor, Mr. Sanwo-Olu; the State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka; other government officials, and traditional rulers, led by the Akran of Badagry, Oba De-Wheno Aholu (Aholu Wheno Toyi 1).

According to him, the royal father of the day is Oba Joseph Ikudaisi, the Alagbegise of Agbegise Kingdom, Ogun State, assuring that adequate arrangements for the security of all the guests and participants had been put in place for the event.

Speaking further, the Yoruba generalissimo called on governments at all levels to promote activities that would engage the youth, in order for them to refrain from social vices in the society.

This was just as he further urged the Federal Government to give 5 per cent waiver on tax to corporate organisations to sponsor activities like cultural promotion, sports, education and charity, saying that doing so would relieve government of their burden to the citizens.

He, however, commended all traditional rulers in Yorubaland who were promoting one or two cultural festivals yearly in their domain, assuring that ‘history will never forget them for fulfilling one of their cardinal roles as custodians of our culture and tradition, sustaining our identity, language and other norms binding the Yoruba people.’

‘I use this occasion to appeal to other traditional rulers who are yet to join the train to also choose one or two festivals known with their heritage and start celebrating them.

‘This should be done irrespective of their background on religion. Religious affiliation should not affect the celebration of culture. There is a sharp difference between culture, tradition and religion.

‘Some of the benefits of promoting culture and festivals is that it would boost commerce and popularise their domains as tourism destinations. There would also be spiritual gains from their ancestors.

‘The festival celebrations would also draw sons and daughters of such places to start visiting home regularly. Good examples are the Ojude-Oba festival in Ijebu-Ode, Osun-Osogbo festival in Osun State, Olojo festival in Ile-Ife, Osun State; Okota festival in Arigidi, Ondo State; Udi-Iroko festival in Ado, Ekiti State; Lisabi Olumo festival in Abeokuta; Ogun festival in Ondo, Ijakadi festival in Offa, Kwara State; and Oya festival in Ira, Kwara State, to mention just a few,’ Iba Adams stated.

The Ogun State Government has urged residents living along river banks areas across the state to vacate their homes for safety.

This will be the third flood alert this year, as part of government effort to mitigate flooding in the state.

The affected areas are Akute; Alagbole; Isheri; Magboro;Makogi; Orimerunmu; Iro; Kajola.

Other areas are Lafenwa; Enugada;Adedotun; Iberekodo; Akin-Olugbade and Ago-Odo to prepare for overflow of Ogun River in the next two weeks.

In the latest flood alert released on Monday by the state Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, the overflow from Ogun River would rise as a result of controlled release of water from Oyan Dam due to heavy rainfall from up-north.

This would increase the volume of water reaching the Dam from that part of the country which would be compounded by increase in tidal level.

According to the Commissioner, the increase in the waterflow into the dam would inevitably force the release of water from the dam that would affect the areas.

He urged residents of the areas to exercise caution and avoid loss of lives and property within the period.

Oresanya further emphasised the need for residents of the areas to avoid the riverbank while those in the wetlands should move to higher grounds or elevate their stay for now as the overflow becomes inevitable.

He added that as part of the mitigating plans, the state government had continuously dredged and opened up more tributaries for Ogun River to ease the pressure of the overflow on residents in collaboration with the Ogun Osun River Basin Authority -owners of Oyan Dam who have continually ensured a controlled release of water from the dam throughout the year’

Oresanya equally noted that at this period last year, the volume of water released from the dam was over 17,000 million litres per day as against over 12,000 million litres per day at this period despite the heavy rainfall signalling painstaking efforts at controlled release of water from the dam this year.

He therefore enjoined residents of the areas not to panic as the tide will go down in about ten days as the mitigating measures from the state government cannot stop the activities of nature as the impact of climate change is felt more by the state as one of the coastal states in Nigeria.

The Commissioner further revealed that the state is also a gateway or an outlet to empty the waterflow from Northern part of the country into the lagoon.

He therefore used the opportunity to once again called on fish farmers in the area to harvest their fishes if they have not done so in order to avoid inevitable losses.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has suspended its National Vice Chairman (South-South), Dr Usani Uguru Usani, with immediate effect, citing actions deemed detrimental to the unity and progress of the party.

The decision followed a meeting of the Cross River State chapter’s State Working Committee (SWC) held last week.

A statement issued in Abuja and signed by the State Publicity Secretary alleged that Dr Usani’s recent conduct was inconsistent with the provisions of the ADC Constitution.

According to the statement, the SWC deliberated extensively on several petitions and reports accusing Dr Usani of anti-party activities, insubordination to constituted authority, and other acts capable of undermining the image, cohesion, and electoral prospects of the ADC.

The statement noted that ‘in accordance with the party’s constitution and disciplinary procedures, Dr Usani’s suspension will remain in effect pending the outcome of a formal investigation by the relevant party organs.’

The committee also raised issues regarding the appointment of Ms Jackie Wayas as Deputy National Publicity Secretary, expressing dissatisfaction over what it described as a lack of consultation with the state leadership prior to her appointment.

It observed that Ms Wayas has not engaged with the Cross River State leadership since assuming the role and alleged that her current disposition and loyalty appear to be against the unity and growth of the ADC in the state.

‘Consequently, the SWC urged the national leadership to review her appointment and replace her with a competent, credible, and media-savvy individual from Cross River State with a verifiable record of commitment to the ideals of the ADC,’ the statement read.

In addition, the Cross River ADC expressed concern over certain individuals under the Coalition Movement who publicly declared their intention to join the ADC but have yet to formalise their membership months after doing so.

While acknowledging that party registration is a continuous process, the committee warned that the ADC would not tolerate dual membership or allow its platform to be used by individuals pursuing multiple partisan interests.

It further noted that some coalition members who participated in ADC strategy meetings have since accepted caretaker or leadership positions in their former political parties.

The statement directed all coalition leaders and intending members to complete their registration at their respective ward levels within seven days, ending Saturday, 25 October 2025, or risk exclusion from leadership and decision-making processes within the party.

Reaffirming its loyalty to the national secretariat, the Cross River chapter assured members and supporters of its commitment to providing credible leadership and a people-centred alternative political direction for the state and the South-South region.

‘We urge all members to remain calm, law-abiding, and steadfast as the party’s internal mechanisms for discipline, justice, and accountability take their full course,’ the statement concluded.

Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in conjunction with other security agencies, have arrested 28 oil thieves and recovered 290,000 litres of stolen petroleum products across the Niger Delta.

A statement by Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah, Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, said that in operations conducted in conjunction with other government security agencies between 6 and 19 October 2025, the troops deactivated four illegal refining sites.

He stated that several operations were conducted across Rivers State with tremendous successes recorded, adding that at Okrika in Okrika Local Government Area (LGA), two wooden boats were intercepted while loading Premium Motor Spirit from a vessel offloading the product at a jetty.

Additionally, two other boats were intercepted at Okrika: one loaded with over 33,000 litres of stolen product at a jetty, while another wooden boat loaded with over 5,000 litres of stolen product was also intercepted in the area.

The statement added: ‘In a related development, following a tip-off on illegal oil bunkering activities around a pipeline after Sterling Global Company Road, Akpabo, at Elele Alimini in Emohua LGA, troops swung into action and impounded a tanker with registration number Rivers JJN 287 ZU coming out of the pipeline right of way. The vehicle was suspected to have loaded about 90,000 litres of stolen product from the site. Two suspects, the driver and his motor boy, were taken into custody. Also, at Okolomade in Abua/Odual LGA, over 2,600 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil were recovered.’

‘Along Imo River, troops deactivated two illegal refining sites and seized three drum pots, three receivers, and over 2,500 litres of stolen crude around Obuzor, Asa Asa in Ukwa West LGA of Abia State. At Orashi River waterside, two wooden boats were intercepted with over 700 litres of dual-purpose kerosene recovered. Six suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures.

‘Meanwhile, in Delta State, troops acted on credible intelligence on the activities of oil thieves along the Pan Ocean pipeline right of way in Ethiope East LGA. On sighting troops, the criminals fled. However, one suspect was arrested and various items recovered. These included vandalised pipes, hoses, a large quantity of Bagco sacks, and leather materials. Others included one Peugeot 406, a Camry, one Toyota Jeep, as well as a lorry van loaded with over 1,650 litres of stolen products.

‘Additionally, troops on pipeline surveillance along the Midwestern Oil and Gas pipeline right of way at Umusan-Obodogwa in Ndokwa West LGA intercepted a Mercedes-Benz truck with registration number Enugu VE 174 ENU conveying 24 pieces of 14-inch pipes and three gas cylinders. Two persons were arrested. The pipes may have been vandalised from the SEPCO Oil and Gas pipeline at Kwale.

‘Furthermore, around Eruemukohwarien in Ughelli North LGA, a Toyota Hiace bus with registration number Delta PTN 926 XA was intercepted, loaded with ten drums filled with 2,500 litres of condensates. The driver was arrested.

‘In Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom States, troops have scaled up both kinetic and non-kinetic operations, effectively dominating the operational landscape and thereby denying criminal elements the freedom of action.’

The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major-General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, commended the troops for the exploits recorded, charging them to sustain the operational tempo in clamping down on economic saboteurs and other associated crimes in the Niger Delta region.

Akwa Ibom State is set to host a two-day agribusiness roundtable aimed at repositioning the state and Nigeria for non-oil export opportunities through climate-smart and value-added agriculture.

The conference, scheduled for October 26-27, 2025, will bring together stakeholders from India, the United States and other countries to explore how Nigeria can meet international trade standards and benefit from emerging global markets, especially in agricultural exports.

Organisers, the Nigeria Agribusiness and Agro Industry Development Initiative (NAADI), said the event will focus on transitioning from raw produce exports to processed, traceable and premium-quality agricultural products that meet the European Union’s new export requirements.

South-South Coordinator of NAADI, Mr Howard Usen, told journalists in Uyo that one of the major outcomes of the conference will be the groundbreaking of the Centre for Innovative and Sustainable Agriculture (CISA), a facility designed to process, grade and prepare farm produce for export.

He said the initiative aligns with global demands for transparency in agricultural inputs, organic certification and traceability, which are now prerequisites for exporting to EU markets.

Usen also announced the unveiling of Nigeria’s first Climate-Smart Village, developed in partnership with Agro Green Dynamics Ltd., to support higher yields and sustainable production using organic soil-enhancing technology.

According to him, the forum will also examine how private organisations can tap into the state’s agricultural development agenda without depending solely on government funding, and how farmers can earn premium prices by meeting international standards.

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment and the Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Nuru, are billed to attend, while Governor Umo Eno is expected to declare the conference open.

Delegates will review success stories from countries like India, which recently produced a rice surplus that reshaped global markets, and discuss how Nigeria can replicate such export competitiveness.

Other activities include workshops, agro-tourism promotion, signing of export-focused Memoranda of Understanding and presentation of the Agriculture-Friendly Governor of the Year award.

Organisers said the initiative is aimed at positioning Akwa Ibom as a leading hub for non-oil exports, boosting foreign exchange earnings and strengthening the state’s agricultural economy.