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Nigeria has joined the World Energy Council’s global network with a newly constituted National Member Committee and Governing Board, opening a renewed chapter in the country’s long standing relationship with the Council.

World Energy Council Nigeria will provide an independent, impartial and technology-neutral platform bringing together government, industry, finance, academia and civil society to advance practical responses to Nigeria’s Energy Trilemma: energy security, energy equity and environmental sustainability.

The Governing Board is chaired by Mr Abdulrazaq Isa, Co-founder and Chairman of Waltersmith Petroman Oil Limited and a leading advocate for indigenous energy development.

Mr. Bala Wunti, a seasoned energy executive with more than three decades of experience across the oil and gas value chain and former Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NNPC Limited, serves as inaugural Chief Executive Officer.

Other members of the Board are Professor Wumi Iledare, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, Mrs. Aisha Farida Katagum, Dr Ainojie ‘Alex’ Irune, Dr Emmanuel Okon, Dr Victor Ekpenyong and Dr Imamuddeen Talba.

Together, the Board brings extensive experience across energy policy, operations, investment, regulation, technology, research and enterprise development, reflecting the breadth of Nigeria’s energy ecosystem.

Welcoming the Nigerian Member Committee, Dr Angela Wilkinson, Secretary General and Chief Executive Officer of the World Energy Council, said: ‘Nigeria has a significant leadership role, and the Member Committee will help bring that expertise and voice onto the world stage at the Riyadh World Energy Congress in April 2027 and beyond.’

Nigeria’s return comes at a pivotal time as the country seeks to expand energy access, strengthen energy security, accelerate gas development and mobilise the capital required for industrialisation and sustainable economic growth.

Chairman of WEC Nigeria, Mr Abdulrazaq Isa, said: ‘Nigeria’s return marks more than renewed participation; it creates a platform for stronger national and African leadership within the global energy community. We will work across sectors to advance solutions grounded in our realities, responsive to our development priorities and capable of attracting sustainable investment.’

On his part, Wunti said Nigeria must build an energy system that is secure, affordable, sustainable and capable of powering shared prosperity.

The Federal Government has unveiled an ambitious plan to transform Nigeria’s livestock industry into a major export-driven sector, identifying Cross River State as a strategic hub capable of supplying the South-South region and international markets.

Minister of Livestock Development, Hon. Idi Muktar Maha, disclosed this during a visit to Cross River ahead of the commissioning of Nigeria’s first Livestock Control Post and Guarantee Facility at Mfum in Ikom Local Government Area.

Maha said the facility, the first of 12 planned along Nigeria’s international borders, is designed to strengthen livestock health certification, prevent the entry of diseased animals into the country and enhance confidence in Nigeria’s livestock value chain.

He said the Federal Government was determined to build a modern livestock economy capable of creating thousands of jobs while boosting non-oil exports, noting that Nigeria’s red meat export market is valued at about $3.4 billion.

According to the minister, Cross River is strategically positioned to become the country’s livestock export gateway because of its coastal location, proximity to Gulf markets and ongoing investments in transport infrastructure.

‘We believe Cross River can dominate the red meat industry in the South-South. With Calabar’s access to the coast, we are only a few hours away from Gulf markets,’ he said.

Maha disclosed that the ministry plans to establish a modern abattoir ecosystem in the state capable of processing about 500 cattle daily, a project expected to generate about 10,000 direct and indirect jobs through meat processing, transportation, cold-chain logistics, feed production and other value chain activities.

To address supply challenges in the poultry sector, the minister announced plans to facilitate the importation of about 60 million hatchable eggs as a short-term intervention while licensing more operators to reduce delays experienced by livestock farmers.

He also urged investors to explore opportunities in commercial fodder production, including Napier grass, alfalfa and ryegrass, saying demand for quality animal feed remains high in Gulf countries.

He added that the proposed Obudu livestock facility would incorporate cattle, goats, sheep, pigs and a dairy centre in partnership with a university.

Maha further disclosed that the ministry would inspect the Obudu Ranch and other livestock assets during the visit to evaluate investment opportunities and accelerate the development of the state’s livestock sector.

Responding, Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu, represented by Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Odey, reaffirmed the state’s readiness to partner the Federal Government.

He said the Obudu Cargo Airport, now about 85 per cent completed, together with ongoing investments at Obudu Ranch, would support livestock exports and position the state as a major agricultural and trade hub.

The Livestock Control Post and Guarantee Facility at Mfum is expected to play a critical role in safeguarding animal health, facilitating cross-border livestock trade and supporting the Federal Government’s broader economic diversification agenda through agriculture.

The fixtures draw for the 2026/2027 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season will be held today, August 7, on the sidelines of the league body’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The AGM serves as the official business assembly of the NPFL, where the board and club leadership review the concluded season and ratify the policy direction for the incoming campaign.

The gathering will be held at the Professor Theophilus Ogunlesi Events Hall, opposite the University College Hospital in Ibadan.

Over the past four seasons, NPFL Chairman Gbenga Elegbeleye has steadied the affairs of the top-flight league, establishing a reliable calendar that sees the season kick off in August and conclude in May.

Reflecting on this progress, Elegbeleye noted, ‘Our modest achievement includes putting the NPFL on a stable calendar since the 2023/2024 season. It is a major shift from the era of never knowing when the season will be concluded.’

He also highlighted his initial promise to ensure live broadcast coverage of the league, stating, ‘We have succeeded to a large extent in this direction, but still have much more work to do.’

Meanwhile, during the AGM, Chief Operating Officer (COO) Davidson Owumi will present the technical and operations report, while GTI Asset Management will present the financial report.

Following the conclusion of these presentations and the earlier announcement of the official kick-off dates, the highly anticipated fixtures draw for the 2026/2027 season will take place.

The Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has commenced the clearing of drainage channels and evacuation of waste across the council to prevent flooding during the rainy season.

The Chairman of the council, Hon. Danjuma Samuel Shekwolo, disclosed this while inspecting the exercise on Wednesday.

Represented by the Director of Environmental Health, Gloria Apugo, Shekwolo said the exercise formed part of the administration’s commitment to improving environmental sanitation and eliminating heaps of refuse dumped in drainage channels, particularly around the Kuje Township Stadium.

He said the initiative was aimed at clearing blocked drainages, eliminating illegal refuse dumps and promoting a cleaner and healthier environment across the council.

According to Apugo, the Environmental Sanitation Committee immediately mobilised to the affected locations, deploying trucks and a wheel loader to facilitate the evacuation of accumulated waste.

She added that sanitary guards and vigilantes would be stationed at the sites to enforce compliance and prevent indiscriminate dumping of refuse.

Apugo said the prompt commencement of the exercise demonstrated the council chairman’s commitment to fulfilling his campaign promises and improving environmental sanitation across the area.

‘The chairman remains resolute in his determination to rid Kuje of indiscriminate waste dumps in order to create a cleaner, safer and healthier environment for all residents. He is committed to delivering practical and lasting solutions to environmental challenges across the council,’ she said.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Sanitation Committee, Habakkuk John, said residents would soon begin to enjoy a cleaner and healthier environment.

‘We expect the evacuation of refuse to be completed within three days, while the clearing of the drainage channels will take about one week,’ he said.

He noted that the accumulation of refuse, particularly around the Kuje Township Stadium, had become an eyesore and posed a serious health risk to residents.

A resident, Barrister Raji, commended the council for the initiative and urged it to sustain the exercise.

In an era where the creative industry continues to redefine culture and strengthen communities, few performance artists have demonstrated the consistency, influence, and cultural relevance of Olamide Michael Falolu, popularly known as Faloh JAGABAN. Since beginning his creative journey in 2020, the diaspora storyteller has evolved into a respected performance artist whose work extends beyond entertainment to fostering connection, cultural identity, and social engagement, particularly among diaspora communities.

Driven by an unwavering passion for acting and comedy, Faloh JAGABAN entered the creative space with a vision that was both artistic and purposeful. While many entertainers focus solely on performance, he has intentionally built a platform that celebrates shared experiences, promotes cultural expression, and brings people together through relatable storytelling and humour.

His performances have earned recognition for their authenticity, emotional depth, and ability to resonate with audiences from diverse backgrounds. As a cultural commentator, he blends comedy with everyday realities, creating performances that spark conversations while preserving cultural identity. This distinctive approach has cultivated a creative voice that appeals to audiences seeking both entertainment and meaningful connection.

Beyond the stage and screen, Faloh has emerged as a respected community builder. His work reflects a commitment to strengthening relationships within the African diaspora, using performance as a bridge between cultures, generations, and communities. Through engaging content and public appearances, he has helped create spaces where people can celebrate their heritage while embracing contemporary creative expression.

Industry observers note that this blend of artistic excellence and community impact distinguishes Faloh from many of his contemporaries. His growing influence demonstrates how performance art can become a powerful tool for social cohesion, cultural preservation, and positive representation.

His contributions have not gone unnoticed. In 2025, Faloh JAGABAN was named UK Creator Award Winner after receiving the Creator Award of the Year at the LEMFI Awards, recognising his creativity, consistency, and impact within the digital and entertainment ecosystem. Building on that achievement, he was honoured with the Media and Community Platform Award of the Year at the 2026 LWB Awards, further affirming his growing role as a creative leader whose work extends beyond entertainment into community development.

These recognitions underscore a career marked by innovation, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. They also reflect the increasing appreciation for creatives who leverage their platforms to inspire, unite, and create lasting value for society.

As the creative economy continues to expand globally, Faloh JAGABAN represents a new generation of African performance artists redefining what success looks like. His journey illustrates that influence is measured not only by audience size but also by the ability to create meaningful impact through authentic storytelling and cultural engagement.

With a steadily growing reputation, multiple industry accolades, and a mission rooted in bringing people together, Olamide Michael Falolu is establishing himself as one of the notable voices in contemporary performance art. As a diaspora storyteller, cultural commentator, community builder, and UK Creator Award winner, his trajectory suggests that his greatest contributions to the arts and creative industry are still ahead, positioning him as an influential figure whose work continues to shape conversations around culture, community, and creative excellence.

Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have rescued four victims abducted by suspected kidnappers along the Lagos-Benin Expressway.

The victims were rescued by the police in collaboration with members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), local hunters and other sister security agents.

The command spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, in a statement, said the police received information that armed men, numbering about three and dressed in vigilante uniforms, had blocked the Ugbokun axis along the Lagos/Benin Expressway with logs of wood and leaves, attacked motorists and abducted some occupants into the forest.

She said upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer, Okada Division, immediately mobilised a combined team of police operatives including vigilante, local hunters and other security partners to the scene.

According to her, the operatives swiftly embarked on an aggressive bush-combing operation enhanced by drone technology to search and aid the rescue mission.

She said following the sustained pressure mounted on the criminals, they abandoned the captives and fled, leading to the rescue of the victims.

The spokesperson, who gave the names of the victims as, Muritala Babatunde, Bello Aminat, Otor Prince, and Yeiyah Gift, said they had been reunited with reunited with their families.

She disclosed that operations were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and bring them to justice.