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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Al’amin Muhammed Idris, Chief Executive Officer of Interface Africa, on the company’s victory at the NextGen Innovation Challenge, where it emerged winner with a £1.5 million cash award.

Interface Africa, representing Kaduna State, clinched the top prize at the grand finale of the competition held on Thursday at the Hilton London Paddington.

The company was recognised for its innovative solar financing solutions aimed at providing affordable clean energy access to small businesses across Africa.

In a statement on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu commended the firm’s commitment to advancing sustainable development and economic inclusion through renewable energy.

The President described the feat as a testament to the boundless creativity and ingenuity of Nigerian youths, reaffirming his administration’s resolve to harness their innovative potential through deliberate policies and programmes under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

‘The innovative potential of Nigerian youths is limitless, and we will continue to create opportunities to harness and catalyse this vital resource,’ the President stated.

The NextGen Innovation Challenge, organised by the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) in partnership with UKALD London, is a national initiative inspired by President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

It aims to nurture homegrown innovation and support young entrepreneurs in developing scalable solutions to local and global challenges.

Tinubu also commended the other 104 participants in the competition, urging them to remain steadfast in their drive to innovate, improve lives, and shape the future of humanity.

Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) has reiterated its commitment to advancing local content development and strengthening the role of the media in fostering mutual understanding between International Oil Companies (IOCs) and their host communities.

Speaking at a Media Capacity Building Programme organized in collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Warri Correspondents’ Chapel, Chevron’s General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Mr. Olusoga Oduselu – represented by Mr. Saheed Praise Akinbola – said the company remains dedicated to human capital development and sustainable partnerships with both the media and host communities.

‘Through initiatives such as AWARES and this ongoing journalism training, we continue to improve professional capacity and build lasting relationships with our media stakeholders,’ Oduselu stated. ‘We believe that the success of the larger society translates to success in our business, which is why we keep investing in human and community development.’

Oduselu disclosed that since 2023, Chevron has trained more than 400 journalists across Nigeria through similar capacity-building programmes. He added that the company’s strong support for Nigerian Content development generates over $1 billion in annual contract opportunities for Nigerians.

He further highlighted that Chevron’s Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) model, along with its transition to the Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, underscores the company’s commitment to community-driven, sustainable development in the Niger Delta.

‘Through our GMoU and now HCDTs, we have supported hundreds of projects and empowered communities. We also remain one of the largest contributors of high-quality domestic gas in Nigeria, having reduced routine flaring by over 97% in the past decade,’ Oduselu added.

At the event, experts from the Delta State University, Abraka, emphasized the crucial role of the media in bridging the communication gap between IOCs and host communities.

Delivering a lecture titled ‘The Role of the Media in Strengthening Relationships between IOCs and Host Communities,’ Dr. Favour Atubi stressed that the media must act as educators, watchdogs, and peacebuilders.

‘The media must educate host communities about their rights, carry out investigative journalism, and report grievances before they escalate. Transparency, cultural sensitivity, and balanced reporting are essential for building trust and healthy relationships,’ Atubi noted.

She added that journalists should put pressure on IOCs to fulfill their Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR), promote dialogue, and ensure factual reporting to prevent misinformation.

Similarly, Professor Majority Oji, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at Delta State University, in his presentation on ‘PIA: Roles of the Media in Educating the Host Communities,’ urged journalists to deepen their understanding of the Petroleum Industry Act to effectively enlighten residents about their rights and benefits.

‘We need the NUJ to spearhead a media-led enlightenment campaign in the Niger Delta on the PIA,’ Prof. Oji said, emphasizing the media’s role in shaping awareness and accountability.

Also speaking, Mr. Philip Nwosu, in a paper on ‘IOCs: The Importance of AI and Fact-Check in the 21st Century Media Reportage,’ highlighted the relevance of technology in improving journalism.

He noted that while Artificial Intelligence saves time and builds trust, journalists must remain vigilant about potential errors and misinformation.

The chairman of NUJ, Delta State Council, Comrade Churchill Oyowe, his predecessor, Comrade Michael Ikeogwu and chairman of the host chapel, Victor Okpomor were among journalists who participated in the training.

A former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Bimbo Daramola, has unveiled a Special Health Scheme aimed at supporting the administration of Ekiti Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, through his flagship health and fitness programme, the BAOWALK Initiative.

Daramola, who represented Ekiti North Federal Constituency I, launched the initiative in Ado-Ekiti, where hundreds of BAOWALK ambassadors drawn from the 16 local government areas of the state were inaugurated.

The ambassadors were presented with Health and Fitness Cards that will grant them and their referrals access to a range of medical and wellness benefits under the new scheme.

Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, Barrister Sola Eleshin, commended Daramola for what he described as a timely and people-oriented intervention that complements Governor Oyebanji’s ongoing efforts in the health sector.

Eleshin said the initiative was crucial in ensuring that Ekiti residents enjoy the dividends of democracy in good health, stressing that a healthy population is essential to appreciating government programmes and policies.

‘If we say we are in government and our people are not healthy, they will not even appreciate what we are doing as a party or as a government.’That is why we give kudos to Honourable Bimbo Daramola for doing a human-centered job. By promoting fitness and healthy living, he is helping our people to live well and contribute meaningfully to society.’

Eleshin urged the newly inaugurated ambassadors to take ownership of the project within their respective wards and communities, adding that the health initiative will help to reduce residents’ medical expenses and improve overall wellbeing.

Daramola said that the Special Health Scheme was conceived to strengthen the sustainability of the BAOWALK Health Initiative, which has already reached eight local government areas across the state.

He explained that the introduction of ambassadors was part of a structured framework designed to ensure that the programme continues to thrive even in his absence.

‘A lot of people asked what happens after we leave a local government area. Governor Oyebanji also raised similar concerns, and we felt it was necessary to create a system that will make the BAOWALK Initiative sustainable.

‘That’s why we’re unveiling this network of ambassadors, people who will go back to their communities and continue to promote healthy lifestyles as local champions of the movement,’ he added.

The APC chieftain noted that the newly introduced Health and Fitness Card provides registered participants with opportunities such as access to medical support, health advice, and other benefits for managing chronic ailments.

‘The health and fitness card aggregates several opportunities for those who are committed to the BAOWALK cause,’ Daramola added. But access to these benefits comes through participation – you have to be a BAOWALKER to enjoy them. It’s about taking responsibility for your own health and being part of a community that values wellness,’ he added.

Nigeria’s Opposition Lawmakers Coalition has expressed support for the appointment of Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, as the new chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing him as a seasoned professional capable of strengthening the nation’s electoral system.

The National Council of State on Thursday approved the nomination of Prof. Amupitan, who currently serves as Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Jos, to succeed Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who stepped down earlier in the week.

Spokesperson of the Opposition Lawmakers, Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, said the group believes in Amupitan’s competence and integrity, urging him not to disappoint Nigerians but to put the national interest above political considerations.

Ugochinyere further called on the incoming INEC Chairman to leverage his vast legal and administrative experience to initiate far-reaching electoral reforms once confirmed and sworn in.

He described the appointment as a unique opportunity for Amupitan to ‘write his name in gold’ by restoring public trust and credibility in Nigeria’s electoral process.

The statement read in part, ‘For us as opposition coalition lawmakers, we welcome the appointment made by the President, appointing Amupitan as the new INEC Chairman, because looking at his background in terms of academic excellence, he comes highly recommended. He can’t fail; he has been a lecturer and a lawyer

‘We have an INEC chairman who knows the difficulty in proving an election petition, knows the loopholes, etc. He has taught it in the classroom and practiced it in the field, and now he’s going to execute it. He has no reason to fail. He has all the professional qualifications required to administer a successful INEC.

‘We don’t have any history of his bad deed; if we did, we would have been among those who would say no to this appointment. We need to judge the man by his past standards, and those past standards are in his professional record.

‘Let us allow him to transition into the position, then we start watching his efforts, decisions as the day goes by. The election coming up in Anambra will be a test case of his capacity to handle INEC. Osun too.

‘We believe he has reason to succeed, and we also believe he has no reason to fail because he has the professional capacity. Those things he has experienced in the field, he now has the capacity to adjust those loopholes that are unending. So we welcome his appointment and support him as long as he continues to administer INEC in compliance with the provisions of the law.’

The Federal Government has launched the National Digital Trustmark for online companies.

The initiative is in collaboration with key government institutions, like the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

The trustmark is expected to curb online fraud, identity theft, scamming and forgery, as well as ensure trust, competitiveness, integrity, and confidence in Nigeria’s online and digital business platforms.

The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Malam Kashifu Inuwa, announced this while addressing reporters yesterday in Abuja.

Inuwa said the establishment of the National Digital Trustmark had become imperative due to the concerns being generated globally over online and e-commerce business activities with Nigerians and in Nigeria.

The NITDA boss said it was saddening for Nigerians to be classified as scammers and fraudsters, especially in how online businesses are conducted.

He said there were times citizens made payments for goods online and were blocked thereafter, or in cases where citizens purchased goods or services online and were not delivered according to specifications.

Inuwa said the National Digital Trustmark is being facilitated by the German International Cooperation Agency (GIZ) and the National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (NACIMMA) to handle the challenges in the sector.

He explained that it would come in the form of a security seal granted by NITDA for certification and authentication of online or digital business outfits.

A security seal, Inuwa explained, would be embossed on the platforms, letterheads and pages for authentication and identification as true registered companies or entities operating in Nigeria with at least one known office.

He announced that the initiative, though not compulsory, would come with charges depending on the size of the business entities and their areas of specialisations, while the portal would be open next for outfits to commence registration.

Inuwa told the media briefing, which was attended by the president of NACIMMA, Tijani Ibrahim, and a representative of GIZ, Chinedu, that the renewal of the Trustmark digital certification would be done yearly to ensure transparency and accountability of the process.

The NITDA boss said both the public and private sectors with online businesses would be eligible for the security seal.

He added that the initiative would eliminate fraud, scams, and illicit transactions in the Nigerian digital space.

Inuwa regretted that online fraud has given Nigeria a bad name on the global stage, stressing that this happened even when it had been established that some foreign nationals were behind some of the fraud.

NACCIMA President Ibrahim, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Digital Economy Trade Group, Mr. Suleiman A. Audu, said the production of the seal marked a major step towards building a safer, more trusted, and globally competitive digital economy for Nigeria.

He said NACIMMA, in collaboration with other stakeholders, especially SMEDAN, NAFDAC, SON, among others, would ensure seamless implementation of the policy without bureaucratic bottlenecks and other impediments.

Chinedu said the seal was being used in Rwanda and other countries to curb cyber fraud, identity theft and mismanagement of companies’ data and other information.

The Niger Delta Youth Movement (NDYM) has applauded President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for their roles in restoring democratic governance in Rivers State.

In a statement signed by its national president, Comrade Ekene Frank, and issued in Uyo on Friday, the group also cautioned youths, elders, and stakeholders in Rivers State against inflammatory statements or actions capable of plunging the state back into political crisis.

According to NDYM, Rivers State – being the central point of the Niger Delta – must remain peaceful for stability and progress to resonate across the region.

‘The Niger Delta Youth Movement, as the umbrella youth organization in the region, is delighted that full democratic governance has resumed in Rivers state,’ the statement read.

The group commended President Tinubu for his leadership in restoring peace, the Akpabio-led National Assembly for its support, and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and other stakeholders for their sacrifices toward reconciliation and harmony in the state.

It further noted that normalcy has returned, with the local government system functioning again, Governor Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, back in office, and the Rivers State House of Assembly under Speaker Martins Amaewhule resuming legislative duties.

NDYM urged both Wike and Fubara to refrain from actions or utterances that could reignite tension, while calling on their supporters and Rivers youths to maintain peace and view themselves as future leaders.

Managing Director, Bank of Industry (BOI), Dr. Olasupo Olusi has called on government, businesses, and citizens to align efforts towards building a resilient and competitive industrial base, by ensuring a deliberate and coordinated actions to unlock Africa’s full industrial potential, noting that the continent possess both the talent and resources to achieve rapid and sustainable industrial growth.

Olusi spoke while delivering a lecture at the inauguration of Course 34 of the National Defence College in Abuja, with the theme, ‘Optimising capacity for industrialisation and socio-economic development in Africa,’ stating that Africa’s industrial journey was not a matter of chance, but of deliberate choice.

The MD outlined a five-point pathway to industrial transformation anchored on infrastructure and energy reforms, access to affordable long-term finance, investment in human capital, regional value-chain integration, and strong institutional coordination.

According to him, ‘Industrialisation is not a miracle, it is a method, Progress is cumulative, not spontaneous. If we execute with patience, precision, and persistence, Africa can move from a continent that consumes to one that produces and protects itself, the current method is a defining moment for the continent, global disruptions, such as the green transition, new technologies, and shifts in global trade-offer Africa an opportunity to re-imagine its economic model around self-reliance and innovation.

‘Despite challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and energy deficits, the same barriers could become springboards for transformation if addressed strategically. The International Energy Agency estimates that Africa would need about $25 billion annually until 2030 to achieve universal electricity access-a goal that would significantly boost productivity and reduce industrial costs.

‘While high interest rates and limited credit continue to constrain manufacturers, development finance institutions (DFIs) like the Bank of Industry remain crucial in providing patient capital for strategic sectors such as manufacturing, renewable energy, and technology. BOI continues to raise capital through debt instruments, syndicated loans, and green financing to support productive enterprises, the aim is to make every dollar of public capital count-driving impact, sustainability, and profitability.

Olusi concluded with a call to action, urging Africa’s leaders to transform vision into execution, stating that, Industrialisation demands discipline, collaboration, and clarity of purpose, If we begin today, within five years we can export at scale and within a generation we can achieve true economic sovereignty.

Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested a suspected ISWAP/JAS terrorists’ logistics and intelligence courier.

The suspect was arrested on Wednesday by operatives of the 196 Amphibious Battalion in Baga, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

He was alleged to have attempted to infiltrate Baga when he was caught.

According to a statement on Friday by the army, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect, who served as a logistics and intelligence courier between terrorist enclaves in Chad and the Niger Republic, had posed as a surrendering fighter to gather information on troop movements. He has been handed over to 403 Amphibious Brigade for further investigation, the statement signed by spokeswoman, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele revealed.

On successes recorded across the country, the army said troops of 2Brigade in collaboration with officers of the Department of State Services (DSS), arrested a kidnap kingpin, Emmanuel Akpan, during a raid of a hideout in Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

Akpan allegedly terrorised residents along the Oron/Ibaka axis before his arrest. The army said he was being held by the DSS for further investigation.

In Kaduna State, troops of 4 Demonstration Battalion intercepted two suspects at a snap checkpoint along the Lere-Saminaka-Kaduna Road in Sabon Birni Local Government Area. The suspects were found with 1,307 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, four mobile phones, and ?27,000 cash. Investigations indicated that the ammunition was being transported from Barakin Ladi, Plateau State, to Zamfara State.

Meanwhile, three ISWAP/JAS terrorists, including a female, voluntarily surrendered to troops of 68 Battalion at Bosso, Niger State. The trio, who cited intense military pressure and hardship within terrorist camps around the Tumbun Marcobina axis, have been profiled for further debriefing.

In another encounter, troops of 222 Battalion at Bazamri Village, Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State, engaged terrorists in a firefight, forcing them to flee. During subsequent operations, soldiers recovered two RPG bombs and a belt containing 150 rounds of 7.62x54mm ammunition.

Across other regions, troops intensified anti-crime and anti-oil theft operations, leading to multiple arrests, recovery of illegal arms, and dismantling of unlawful refining sites in Rivers, Delta, Imo, Ebonyi, and Plateau States.

Over 6,650 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), several boats, vehicles, and refining equipment were seized or destroyed in line with established directives.

Anele said the Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding law-abiding citizens, protecting communities, and creating a secure environment for sustainable economic growth.

The Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Yusuf Atah, has said there is no vacancy in the home of the President, Aso Rock Villa in Abuja, until 2031.

Atah said the Presidential Villa will still be occupied in 2027 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The minister was reacting to what he called a pernicious campaign of outright distortion, falsehood and malice, sponsored by those who lost out in the political machinations surrounding the last general election.

In a statement yesterday in Abuja by his media aide, Seyi Olorunsola, the minister refuted the narrative by ‘some elements, particularly from the APC, PDP, and Labour Party (LP),’ that the North’s population opposed President Tinubu’s administration and would, therefore, not support his re-election bid in 2027.

Attah said: ‘This claim is not only baseless; it is disrespectful to the genuine sentiments and aspirations of millions of northerners who have benefited from the Renewed Hope Agenda.

‘As the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, I wish to set the record straight: there is no vacancy in Aso Rock Villa in 2027.

‘The insinuation that northerners have ‘closed ranks’ against President Tinubu is a deliberate misrepresentation designed to foment discord, stir regional prejudice, and undermine national cohesion.

‘It is instructive to recall that since May 2023, President Tinubu has pursued an agenda that is demonstrably inclusive, strategic, and geared toward regional balance.’

The minister, who hails from Kano State, noted that, despite inheriting severe security deficits, President Tinubu has engaged vigorously with the hydra-headed challenges of insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and communal violence, deploying new strategies, reinforcing security frameworks, and working hard to restore confidence.

‘Indeed, northern stakeholders themselves have publicly acknowledged improvements in security and infrastructure under his watch.

‘On the economic front, the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of exchange rates (among other reforms) have unlocked critical fiscal space for state governments and local governments.

‘More resources are now available for development at the grassroots, while autonomy for local government areas ensures that local priorities are addressed promptly.

‘President Tinubu’s tenure has also seen a steady acceleration of infrastructure projects across the North,’ Atah said.

He confirmed that Islamic clerics, religious leaders, traditional rulers, cultural stakeholders, and influential civil society personalities have lent their moral authority and backing to President Tinubu’s candidacy for 2027.

Attah said: ‘To the northern people, I say: do not be swayed by the false rhetoric of failed and retired politicians whose only agenda is to reclaim access to the public purse.

‘Their smear campaign is a smoke screen for their irrelevance and opportunism. Instead, weigh the record: the inclusion you see, the projects you see, and the benefit you feel.’

The Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) has signed Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) totaling about 500 megawatts, which are currently awaiting regulatory approval. Once approved, these agreements are expected to significantly boost NDPHC’s performance and revenue base.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NDPHC, Jennifer Adighije, an engineer, said with liquidity issues easing, the company is stepping up reinvestment, particularly in the transmission subsector.

Adighije made this know while speaking on the sidelines yesterday at an annual energy conference organized by the National Association of Energy Correspondents of Nigeria (NAEC) in Lagos, with the theme Nigeria’s Energy Future: ‘Exploring Opportunities and Addressing Risks for Sustainable Growth.’

According to her ongoing projects are expected to strengthen Nigeria’s power transmission network and ensure that the country’s generation capacity – which currently exceeds available transmission infrastructure – can be more effectively utilised.

‘Our investments will help deliver reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity to consumers, including those at the last mile,’ she stated.

She further highlighted progress on the Agbara Industrial Cluster Project, describing it as one of its most promising initiatives. The project, part of NDPHC’s commercialisation drive, is aimed at unlocking industrial power opportunities through new infrastructure investments and customer connections.

‘We’ve received preliminary clearance to begin execution, and several customers have already expressed strong interest,’ the Managing Director revealed.

Beyond Agbara, Adighije said the company is extending similar initiatives to industrial clusters across the country, including Kano, Challawa, and Dawanu in the North.

Speaking on recent developments, Adighije noted that the ongoing transition to bilateral electricity trading is already creating new and exciting opportunities within the market.

‘We are leveraging these opportunities to innovate, collaborate strategically, and operate at levels we’ve never reached before,’ she said.

NDPHC also welcomed the decentralisation and liberalisation introduced by the new Electricity Act 2023, which empowers states to participate directly across the power value chain.

Adighije said: ‘We are open to strategic partnerships with states ready to collaborate,’ citing Ondo State as one of those already engaging with the company through its State Electricity Bureau.

According to the Managing Director, these partnerships are crucial to unlocking new value and accelerating power sector growth nationwide.

She commended President Bola Tinubu, Minister for Power and other key stakeholders for driving policy and regulatory reforms that are repositioning Nigeria’s power sector for growth.