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Bitget Wallet opens dollar, euro accounts to Nigerians without foreign addresses

Bitget Wallet, a self-custodial cryptocurrency wallet, has launched a service allowing freelancers, remote workers and salary earners to receive dollar and euro payments without requiring a US or European residential address.

The product, called Virtual Account, enables users to receive international bank transfers into accounts held in their names, potentially easing access to foreign currencies for Nigerians and other users in emerging markets who face restrictions opening overseas bank accounts.

The company announced the launch on Tuesday, saying the accounts are provided by Noah, a licensed stablecoin payments company.

The service provides account details that support transfers through the US Automated Clearing House (ACH) and Fedwire systems, Europe’s Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) network and the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT).

Funds received are automatically converted into USDT or USDC, two dollar-pegged stablecoins, and credited to users’ wallets. Senders see the recipient as the account holder.

The launch comes as freelancers and remote workers across Nigeria increasingly seek ways to receive payments from international clients, amid the challenges associated with accessing conventional foreign banking services.

Under the arrangement, users can receive payments directly into their accounts but cannot yet make outbound bank transfers through the service. Bitget Wallet said the functionality would be introduced in the coming months.

In the meantime, recipients can spend their funds using the Bitget Wallet Card or QR payments, transfer them to other users, or allocate them to the wallet’s earning products, crypto assets and tokenised real-world assets.

Bitget Wallet said transaction fees could be as low as $2 on a $500 transfer, equivalent to about 0.4 percent. The World Bank estimates that the global average cost of sending remittances remains around six percent, although costs vary by corridor and transfer method.

Traditional cross-border payments often pass through multiple correspondent banks, adding processing time and fees. The new service seeks to simplify the process by connecting international payment systems to a self-custodial wallet.

‘Crypto wallets are expanding beyond storage to provide essential international banking channels,’ said Alvin Kan, chief operating officer of Bitget Wallet.

‘By embedding payment rails directly into self-custodial wallets, we offer users in emerging markets a direct path into the global financial system.’

Shah Ramezani, founder and chief executive of Noah, said dollar and euro accounts had ‘traditionally been out of reach for many users in these regions’.

He said the integration gives users ‘foreign account access and cross-border settlement while maintaining sole custody of their funds.’

In Nigeria, freelancers can use the account details on invoices to receive payments from US and European clients through ACH, Fedwire or SEPA, according to the company.

In South Africa, remote workers receiving foreign salaries can access their earnings and spend locally using the wallet’s card. In Morocco, contractors and families can receive payments from European Union clients and relatives through SEPA-linked euro accounts.

However, the service does not provide users with conventional bank deposits. Funds received are converted into stablecoins, meaning recipients hold digital assets rather than dollar or euro balances in a traditional bank account.

Bitget Wallet said a $300 million protection fund backs user assets, although the announcement did not provide further details on the fund’s coverage or the conditions under which users could make claims.

The Virtual Account service forms part of the company’s Onchain Payments Matrix, which includes card payments, QR transactions and transfers. It is available through the Bitget Wallet application.

The company is also offering transaction-fee refunds to the first 1,000 eligible users who make qualifying deposits.

Bitget Wallet said it has more than 100 million users globally.

P1.3-M reward up for info on Albay broadcaster slay

A P1.3-million reward has been put up for information leading to the identification and arrest of suspects in the Oct. 12 murder of broadcaster Adrian Loterte in Daraga, Albay.

Loterte, an anchor of RBN News Television’s online program ‘Rabas Cun Rabas’ and a freelance broadcaster for dwIZ FM, was tending to his bakery in Barangay San Roque when two men attacked him. He was taken to a local hospital but died while undergoing treatment.

The Bicol regional police has formed a Special Investigation Task Group to consolidate leads and coordinate forensic and cybercrime investigations. Investigators are reviewing closed-circuit television and dashcam footage and examining Loterte’s mobile phone for possible threats or messages linked to the killing.

Pledges

The reward pledges were from Presidential Legislative Liaison Office Secretary Joey Salceda, Albay Gov. Noel Rosal, Ako Bicol Rep. Alfredo Garbin Jr. and Legazpi City Mayor Hisham Ismail.

Police Brig. Gen. Randy Glenn Silvio, Bicol police director, urged anyone with information about the killing or threats against Loterte to contact the police, while warning against spreading unverified information or making unfounded accusations.

Dangote Refinery IPO attracts investors from 120 countries, all 54 African nations

Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has concluded its landmark Initial Public Offering (IPO).

It attracted investor applications from 120 countries across all six continents, including Africa’s 54 countries.

This is seen as an unprecedented demonstration of the continent’s capacity to mobilise capital and broaden ownership of strategic industrial assets.

The offering, described as ‘The People’s IPO,’ achieved 100 per cent geographical coverage of Africa.

It brought together investors from across the continent and beyond in a transaction that could redefine the scale, accessibility, and international reach of African capital markets.

Described as more than a conventional fundraising exercise, the IPO has emerged as a landmark in financial inclusion, demonstrating how digital technology, coordinated financial institutions, and innovative distribution channels can connect millions of potential investors to opportunities previously dominated by institutional and high-net-worth participants.

The transaction was supported by an extensive network of commercial banks, stockbroking firms, fintech platforms, capital market institutions, and distribution partners, whose collaboration expanded access to the offer across national boundaries and created new pathways for retail participation.

For Dangote Industries Limited, the conclusion of the IPO marks a defining moment in its industrial journey, transforming the refinery’s ownership proposition from an investment driven by a single entrepreneurial vision into an opportunity for broader African participation.

The President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, described the outcome as a powerful affirmation of African confidence, enterprise, and the continent’s ability to mobilise its own resources for development.

‘When we set out to build this refinery, many doubted that a project of this scale could be delivered by Africans.

‘We proved that Africa could build it. Today, through this historic IPO, we have demonstrated something equally important: Africans are ready to own and participate in the prosperity created by their own industries.

‘To have investor applications from all 54 African countries is deeply significant to me. It tells us that our people do not simply want to consume what Africa produces; they want to invest in it, own it, and share in its future. This is the Africa we have always believed in,’ he said.

He further disclosed that the IPO was not undertaken just because there was a need to raise capital, but rather to open the doors of ownership, give ordinary Africans an opportunity to participate in an enterprise of global significance, and establish a new culture of shared prosperity.

‘The refinery was built in Africa, by African determination, and its future must create opportunities for Africans.

‘Today, we have made history together. But the greater achievement will be the generation of African investors, entrepreneurs, and industrialists that this transaction inspires. Our ambition is not merely to build successful businesses.

‘It is to help build a prosperous, self-reliant Africa whose people are participants in its economic destiny.

‘As we advance our expansion programme and Vision 2030 strategy, we remain committed to strengthening our operational performance, deepening our contribution to Africa’s energy security, and building an enterprise that rewards the confidence placed in it,’ Dangote said.

Stakeholders and market analysts agreed that the IPO’s geographical reach is particularly significant for a continent where capital markets have historically been fragmented by national boundaries, differing regulatory environments, and limited retail investor participation.

For instance, analysts explained that by attracting applications from all 54 African countries, the transaction has demonstrated the potential for a more connected investment ecosystem in which Africans can participate in major industrial opportunities beyond their domestic markets.

Additionally, the offering highlights the growing importance of digital financial infrastructure in widening investment access.

Through partnerships involving traditional financial institutions and technology-driven investment platforms, the transaction created multiple channels through which eligible investors could express interest and submit applications.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals, David Bird, said the international response reflected confidence in the refinery’s operating capabilities, industrial scale, and long-term growth prospects.

‘The successful conclusion of this IPO is a remarkable milestone for Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals.

‘Investor applications spanning 120 countries demonstrate the extraordinary international interest in our business and the confidence that investors are placing in the future of this refinery.

‘We have built one of the world’s most significant refining and petrochemical complexes, and our focus remains on translating that industrial scale into operational excellence, sustainable growth, and long-term shareholder value,’ he said.

He added: ‘What makes this transaction particularly meaningful is the breadth of participation.

‘The opportunity to own a stake in a major African industrial enterprise has reached investors across every African country and all six inhabited continents.

‘That is a powerful endorsement of the refinery’s potential and of Africa’s growing relevance in global investment markets.’

Group Chief Financial Officer of Dangote Industries Limited, Murat Erden, said the transaction had established an important precedent for the continent’s capital markets.

He said: ‘The Dangote Refinery People’s IPO represents much more than a landmark capital-raising exercise.

‘It marks a defining moment in the evolution of African capital markets, demonstrating our continent’s ability to mobilise domestic savings, connect investors across borders, and broaden ownership of strategic industrial assets.

‘Reaching investors in 120 countries, including all 54 African nations, is an extraordinary achievement and a powerful testament to the growing investment appetite across our continent.

‘By bringing together banks, capital market institutions, stockbrokers, fintech platforms, and innovative digital distribution channels, we have demonstrated that African capital markets can transcend national boundaries and connect millions of people to investment opportunities previously beyond their reach.

‘Importantly, this transaction is underpinned by exceptional industrial and financial fundamentals.

‘With $22.5 billion in revenue and $5.52 billion in EBITDA in the first nine months of 2026, Dangote Refinery combines world-class industrial scale, strong profitability, and significant long-term growth potential.

‘Our greatest achievement is not simply the capital we mobilise, but the doors we open and the foundation we lay for future generations of African investors, entrepreneurs, and businesses.

‘We believe the People’s IPO will be remembered not only as a landmark transaction in African capital market history, but as a blueprint for a more inclusive, interconnected, and globally competitive African financial ecosystem, one in which Africans increasingly finance, own, and share in the prosperity created by their continent’s industrial transformation,’ Erden said.

The successful conclusion of the offer comes as Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals pursues an ambitious programme to expand its refining and petrochemical operations, strengthen its distribution network, and support greater energy security across Africa.

Located in Lagos, the refinery represents one of the continent’s largest private industrial investments and a major effort to reduce dependence on imported refined petroleum products while building domestic processing capacity.

The refinery’s IPO opened on September 14, 2026, offering 4.1 billion ordinary shares at N525 per share, representing a proposed capital raise of approximately N2.15 trillion.

Initially scheduled to close on October 13, the offer was extended to October 27 following approval by the Securities and Exchange Commission, allowing additional time for investors across Africa and other international markets to participate.

The extension reflected the Group’s stated ambition to prioritise the breadth of ownership alongside the financial objectives of the transaction.

Beyond the industrial significance of the refinery itself, the IPO has also established a model for collaboration across Africa’s financial services ecosystem.

Its distribution network brought together institutions operating across banking, securities trading, financial technology, and investor engagement, demonstrating how coordinated infrastructure can expand access to large-scale investment opportunities.

How students were killed in accident involving Niger Gov’s convoy

At least four students and a driver attached to Government House, Minna, have been killed in an accident involving the convoy of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State.

Daily Trust gathered that the accident occurred along Minna-Bida Road, on Monday morning.

Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Niger, Aishat Sa’adu, confirmed the incident, but did not give details.

The convoy was said to be returning to Minna after a condolence visit to the Etsu Nupe in Bida, over the death of Hajia Aisha, Sagin Nupe, when the accident occurred at Gidan Mongoro.

It was unclear if the governor was in the convoy when the unfortunate incident occurred.

Some of the deceased were identified as Nafisat Abubakar Aguye and Ibrahim Ado Bayero. They were said to be postgraduate students of the Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna.

The names of the two other students had not been disclosed as of the time of filing this report.

Dauda Chukuba, the Director-General of Government House, sustained injuries in the accident and was reportedly taken to the IBB Specialist Hospital, Minna, for treatment.

Commenting on the incident, Police Public Relations Officer in Niger, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said the accident was being investigated.

Army to boost patronage of local defence manufacturers

The Nigerian Army has pledged to deepen patronage of indigenous defence manufacturers to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers, improve equipment availability and strengthen the military’s capacity to tackle evolving security threats.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, gave the assurance during his visits to PROFORCE Group and Equipment and Protective Applications International Limited (EPAIL) in Ogun State.

Shaibu, in a statement by the Army’s spokesperson, Col. Appolonia Anele, also urged the private sector to invest in the skills and innovative potential of Nigerian youths, describing youth empowerment and indigenous defence production as ‘critical to national security and economic development.’

He said stronger collaboration between the Nigerian Army, local manufacturers and private investors would accelerate technological development, enhance operational effectiveness and build a sustainable domestic defence industrial base.

During his visit to PROFORCE, the Army chief underscored the strategic importance of locally manufactured armoured vehicles and protective equipment in meeting the military’s operational requirements.

He commended the company for its innovation and contributions to indigenous defence manufacturing, noting that sustained investment in local production would reduce reliance on foreign suppliers and strengthen the Army’s ability to respond to security threats.

Shaibu reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to supporting President Bola Tinubu’s drive for local content development and defence industrialisation, stressing that a robust domestic defence industry was essential to national security, technology transfer and long-term military capability development.

At EPAIL, the COAS said Nigeria’s youthful population represented a significant national asset whose potential could be harnessed through targeted investment, mentorship and skills development.

He noted that investing in young Nigerians would promote innovation, create employment opportunities and generate home-grown solutions to the country’s security challenges.

Shaibu commended EPAIL for developing a skilled, youthful workforce dedicated to producing protective equipment for the military and other security agencies.

He said investments in local manufacturing and human capital development would improve troop protection and operational readiness while stimulating industrial growth and technological innovation.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of PROFORCE Group, Ade Ogundeyin, thanked the COAS for the visit and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to producing quality defence equipment that meets the Army’s operational requirements.

Similarly, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of EPAIL, Kola Balogun, commended Shaibu for sustaining military pressure on criminal elements across the country.

Balogun said the company had the capacity to supply protective equipment to troops, highlighting the contributions of its young workforce to developing products tailored to the operational needs of security agencies.

The visits, according to the Army, underscored its renewed emphasis on public-private sector collaboration, indigenous technology and youth development as part of efforts to strengthen military self-reliance and Nigeria’s broader national security architecture.

FG disburses N249.6bn to basic healthcare fund in three years

The Federal Government has disbursed ?249.6 billion to the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) in the last three years under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, representing 77.1 per cent of the total disbursements made under the scheme since its inception in 2019, according to the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako.

Salako disclosed this on Wednesday during a ministerial press briefing in Abuja on the implementation and achievements of the fund between 2023 and 2026.

Salako said the administration had increased funding for basic healthcare delivery, expanded health insurance coverage and strengthened primary healthcare services through the fund.

He explained that since the first disbursement under the BHCPF in September 2019, a total of ?432.3 billion had been released, while ?323.6 billion had been disbursed as of the latest review.

According to him, an additional ?40.758 billion approved at the October 2026 meeting of the Ministerial Oversight Committee would raise total disbursements to ?364 billion, with ?290.2 billion accounted for under the Tinubu administration.

The minister said the figures reflected the Federal Government’s commitment to increasing domestic financing for essential healthcare services and ensuring that public resources translated into improved access to medical care.

‘The test is not whether a release appears in the ledger, but whether the intended facility receives the funds and appreciates or delivers the service,’ Salako said.

He explained that the BHCPF was established under the National Health Act 2014 to ensure that Nigerians, particularly poor and vulnerable populations, could access essential healthcare services.

‘The Basic Health Care Provision Fund was designed to give practical effect to the basic obligation of government that Nigerians, especially those who are poor or vulnerable, have access to essential healthcare,’ he said.

Salako said the fund had become a central component of the administration’s broader health sector reform programme, which seeks to improve primary healthcare delivery, expand health insurance coverage and strengthen accountability in the use of public resources.

He recalled that President Tinubu launched the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative in December 2023 and signed the Health Sector Renewal Compact to align the Federal Government, state governments, the Federal Capital Territory and development partners behind a common reform agenda.

According to him, the compact was updated in November 2025 to include local governments, the private sector, civil society organisations, traditional institutions and religious leaders.

The minister said the introduction of the BHCPF Guideline 2.0 was aimed at improving transparency and accountability through performance-linked disbursements, direct financing of healthcare facilities and stricter monitoring mechanisms.

He added that the framework incorporated the use of the National Identification Number to improve beneficiary identification and make healthcare spending more traceable.

‘The goal is to expand access to quality healthcare, make every naira that is spent traceable and deliver primary healthcare services equitably, efficiently and transparently,’ Salako said.

On the latest funding, he said the Ministerial Oversight Committee approved ?40.758 billion for the third quarter of 2026, compared with approximately ?32.88 billion in the preceding quarter.

He said ?19.87 billion was allocated to the National Health Insurance Authority Gateway, while ?18.3 billion went to the National Primary Health Care Development Agency Gateway.

The Emergency Medical Treatment Gateway received ?2.04 billion, while ?409.48 million was allocated to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention Gateway.

Salako said the allocations were intended to improve financial protection for vulnerable Nigerians, strengthen primary healthcare facilities, support emergency medical services and enhance disease surveillance and outbreak response.

He also disclosed that the statutory Consolidated Revenue Fund allocation to the BHCPF had increased from approximately ?8.95 billion monthly in January 2023 to ?20.43 billion monthly.

The minister added that the fund was projected to receive ?245.1 billion by the end of 2026, subject to the full implementation of the year’s appropriation.

He said the Federal Government was working with the National Assembly to increase the statutory allocation to the fund from one per cent to two per cent of the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

On health insurance, Salako said national enrolment had risen from approximately 16.2 million people in 2023 to 23.06 million by the third quarter of 2026.

He disclosed that 3,182,943 vulnerable Nigerians with National Identification Numbers had been identified as beneficiaries of health insurance coverage supported by the BHCPF.

According to him, the fund had also supported free vesicovaginal fistula surgeries and rehabilitation, emergency caesarean sections and other interventions benefiting 96,068 women and babies.

He said the programme was also being extended to key populations, including people living with HIV and tuberculosis, while health insurance coverage had been approved for approximately 90,000 inmates in correctional facilities nationwide.

Salako said the interventions were part of efforts to protect vulnerable Nigerians from the financial burden of accessing medical treatment.

‘Our guiding principle is that the family should not be driven into poverty because of costly treatment,’ he said.

At the primary healthcare level, the minister disclosed that 8,309 facilities across the 36 states and the FCT were receiving direct financing under the fund.

He said plans were underway to extend coverage to another 5,212 facilities, bringing the projected total to 13,512 primary healthcare centres.

Salako further reported an increase in primary healthcare attendance from a baseline of 34.55 million in 2023 to 43.06 million by the second quarter of 2026.

He added that the programme recorded an approximately 20 per cent improvement in the number of eligible children under one year receiving the third dose of the pentavalent vaccine, alongside a 63.6 per cent increase in deliveries attended by skilled birth attendants.

According to the minister, predictable financing would enable healthcare facilities to meet their operational needs, obtain essential medical supplies and provide more reliable maternal, newborn and child healthcare services.

‘With predictable financing, we expect our covered primary healthcare centres to meet basic operational needs, obtain essential supplies and provide more reliable maternal, newborn, child and preventive healthcare, particularly in communities that historically have limited access,’ he said.

The minister said the government was also strengthening emergency medical services, disclosing that 116,571 emergency ambulance service interventions had been recorded since 2023.

He said the services covered labour and obstetric emergencies, neonatal and under-five emergencies, road traffic injuries, snake bites, wounds and other urgent medical conditions.

Salako added that emergency medical services management and operational structures had been established in all 36 states and the FCT.

He said the government was also working to expand emergency transport services to communities with difficult terrain and waterways, while ensuring that patients could access functioning receiving facilities.

On disease surveillance, the minister said the BHCPF-supported Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention Gateway had contributed to preparedness and response activities involving outbreaks of Lassa fever, cholera, diphtheria and mpox.

He explained that the programme was intended to strengthen surveillance, improve preparedness and ensure that states could mobilise resources promptly when disease outbreaks threatened communities.

‘The purpose of the gateway is to help ensure that surveillance, preparedness and response can be mobilised promptly, with states equipped to meet their own responsibilities,’ he said.

On healthcare personnel, Salako said 78,054 frontline health workers had been trained as of June 2026 under the administration’s programme to retrain 120,000 workers.

He added that the Ministerial Oversight Committee had approved a phased salary-support arrangement for 13,800 community-based health workers and skilled birth attendants.

Under the arrangement, the Federal Government would cover 100 per cent of eligible salary costs in the first year, 67 per cent in the second year and 33 per cent in the third year.

Salako said the arrangement was designed to encourage state governments to progressively absorb the workers into their employment structures and ensure that communities did not lose essential healthcare personnel when federal support ended.

He stressed that state governments must fulfil their responsibilities under the BHCPF by providing counterpart funding, strengthening oversight and ensuring that healthcare facilities had the personnel and resources required to deliver essential services.

‘The Federal Government cannot achieve a functioning primary healthcare system on behalf of states without their sustained participation,’ he said.

The minister urged state governments to meet their financial obligations under the programme, citing Katsina State as an example of a government that had recently released ?240.79 million to its state health insurance agency to expand coverage.

He said the Federal Government would continue strengthening financial monitoring in collaboration with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to ensure that public funds were used for their intended purposes.

Salako added that the Ministerial Oversight Committee had approved the operationalisation of Medipool as a procurement mechanism for essential medicines and health commodities under the fund, subject to price benchmarks, quality requirements and value-for-money safeguards.

He said the initiative was expected to improve the availability of medicines and other essential supplies at healthcare facilities as funding continued to increase.

Looking ahead, the minister said the government would continue working with the National Assembly and state governments to increase funding, expand facility coverage and strengthen accountability.

He said the administration was targeting direct financing for at least 17,600 healthcare facilities as part of efforts to improve access to essential services.

Salako maintained that the success of the fund would ultimately depend on whether increased financing translated into better healthcare outcomes for Nigerians.

‘A pregnant woman should not be denied skilled care because the community lacks functional facilities. And Nigerians should have confidence that the public resources appropriated for their health are reaching the places where care is delivered,’ he said.

He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that the BHCPF delivers essential healthcare services and financial protection to Nigerians, regardless of their location or economic circumstances.

Kwankwasiyya faults Kano govt alleged zero capital spending on mass education

The Kwankwasiyya Movement has tackled Kano state government over alleged zero capital spending on mass education, two years after the declaration of state-of-emergency on compulsory and basic education for Kano children.

The Kwankwasiyya Movement expressed concern over what it described as gaps in the implementation of Kano State’s mass-education budget, challenging Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to explain how his administration’s declaration of a state-of-emergency in education and its ‘Kano First’ philosophy are translating into measurable benefits for the people of Kano State.

The Kwankwasiyya Movement, in a statement by its spokesperson, Dr. Habibu Sale Mohammed, recalled that on 8 June 2024, the Kano State Government declared a state of emergency in the education sector, promising urgent interventions to address the state’s longstanding educational challenges.

Mohammed said the declaration raised public expectations that education would receive the attention, funding and sustained implementation required to reverse years of educational disadvantage.

But he regretted that, ‘an investigative report published by The Whistler on 25 October 2026 has raised serious questions about the implementation of the budget of the Kano State Agency for Mass Education.

‘According to the report’s analysis of budget documents, the agency had a capital allocation of ?1.4 billion for 2026 but recorded zero capital expenditure between January and June 2026. The report further stated that only ?37 million was released from the agency’s ?716 million capital allocation in 2025.’

Mohammed insisted that these reported figures demand a clear, documented and timely explanation from the Kano State Government.

‘The central question is straightforward: What has the declaration of a state of emergency in education achieved for the millions of Kano residents who need access to literacy programmes, vocational training and alternative educational opportunities?

‘The Agency for Mass Education has an important responsibility in expanding educational opportunities for people who have been excluded from the formal school system. Consequently, the reported absence of capital expenditure during the first half of the year raises legitimate questions about budget releases, project implementation and the delivery of the agency’s mandate.

‘We acknowledge that an expenditure report, on its own, does not establish that funds were diverted or misappropriated. Nevertheless, the reported gap between budgetary provision and recorded expenditure warrants immediate scrutiny and a transparent response from the relevant authorities,’ he added.

The Kwankwasiyya Movement further challenged Kano state government to demonstrate how its ‘Kano First’ philosophy is reflected in the management of public resources and the delivery of essential services.

‘If Kano truly comes first, then the education of its children, the literacy of its adults, the skills of its young people and the future of its vulnerable communities must come first in budgetary priorities and implementation.

‘How does the government reconcile its ‘Kano First’ slogan and its declaration of a state of emergency in education with the reported absence of capital expenditure by the State Agency for Mass Education during the first half of 2026, despite an approved capital allocation of ?1.4 billion?

‘This is not merely a question of accounting. It is a question of priorities, public responsibility and the practical meaning of government policy,’ Mohammed stated.

According to him, ‘a budget allocation is not a public achievement until the funds are appropriately released, projects are implemented and intended beneficiaries receive the services for which the money was provided.

‘We therefore challenge Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to demonstrate, with verifiable evidence, how the ‘Kano First’ philosophy is improving educational opportunities and addressing the state’s literacy challenges.’

The Kwankwasiyya Movement demanded to know: ‘how much of the agency’s ?1.4 billion capital allocation had actually been released as of 30 June 2026, and why did the reported budget analysis record zero capital expenditure during that period?

‘What explains the reported release of only ?37 million from the agency’s ?716 million capital allocation in 2025? What corrective measures were introduced to prevent a recurrence in 2026?

‘What capital projects and mass-education programmes were approved for 2026? How many have commenced or been completed, and how many children, adults and young people have benefited from the agency’s interventions?

‘What targets were established following the June 2024 declaration? What progress has been achieved against those targets, particularly in literacy, vocational education and access to learning for disadvantaged communities?

‘What specific commitments, funding decisions and implementation measures demonstrate that mass education and the needs of vulnerable learners are being prioritised? What timetable has the government established to address any identified gaps?’

The Kwankwasiyya Movement further insisted that Kano’s educational challenges require sustained commitment, credible planning and effective implementation.

‘The declaration of an emergency should provide the foundation for measurable improvements, not become a substitute for demonstrating them.

‘Mass education is particularly important because it provides opportunities for adults who missed formal schooling, young people seeking vocational skills and disadvantaged residents who need alternative routes to learning and economic participation.

‘When funding intended for these purposes is not reflected in recorded expenditure, the government must explain whether the problem involves delayed releases, procurement difficulties, implementation failures or other administrative factors. The explanation should be accompanied by documentary evidence and a credible plan for addressing any shortcomings.

‘If the reported figures are inaccurate, the government should publish the relevant official records and correct them. If the figures are accurate, the government should explain the reasons for the gap, identify the measures taken to address it and provide a timetable for delivering the planned programmes.

‘That is the standard of accountability expected of any administration that places the interests of its people first.

‘Kano First must mean that Kano’s children come first, its young people come first, its vulnerable citizens come first and its public resources are managed in the interest of its people.

‘The people of Kano deserve more than declarations of emergency and slogans of priority. They deserve transparent budgets, effective implementation and measurable improvements in their lives.

‘The Kwankwasiyya Movement will continue to advocate transparency, responsible governance and the effective delivery of public services in the interest of the people of Kano State,’ Mohammed stated.

NELFUND uncovers students collecting loans while parents pay school fees

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has announced plans to stop students from collecting government-backed education loans while still asking their parents to pay their school fees.

The Managing Director of NELFUND, Akintunde Sawyerr, disclosed this on Wednesday during a press briefing in Abuja.

He said the fund had discovered cases of students benefiting from the loan scheme while their parents continued to pay their tuition fees.

Under the new arrangement, parents will be able to check whether NELFUND has paid their children’s school fees.

However, they will not necessarily have access to the exact amount paid.

Sawyerr said the plan was designed to prevent parents from carrying the financial burden of their children’s education when the government loan scheme had already covered their tuition fees.

As part of efforts to address the problem, NELFUND will organise workshops across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to educate students, parents and tertiary institutions about the loan scheme and its payment system.

He explained that the exercise would go beyond the usual public awareness campaigns by providing detailed information about changes to the scheme and how they affect beneficiaries.

‘We can easily do a press release and say, ‘Hey, this is what we’re doing.’ But if we don’t educate the institutions, if we don’t educate the students, everybody will still be running behind,’ he said.

He said the fund had discovered cases of students benefiting from the loan scheme while their parents continued to pay their tuition fees.

He added that delays could sometimes occur because of the financial institutions involved in processing the payments.

Providing an update, Iyal disclosed that about 400,000 students were covered by the pilot phase of the payment system.

He said around 20,000 additional students had been recorded between the previous week and the week of the briefing, while the system processed transactions for nearly 5,000 students daily.

Iyal further explained that each student had a wallet linked to their application identification number. The wallet system helps the fund manage payments, while institutional fees and upkeep allowances are handled separately.

The Federal Government introduced the student loan scheme to help eligible students access higher education without being prevented from enrolling because they cannot pay their school fees upfront.

NU, Ateneo rule UAAP badminton

National University claimed the University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s badminton team title with a 3-1 victory over Ateneo in the finals on Wednesday at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.

Lanz Zafra defeated Rolan De Guzman, 21-7, 21-9, while Clarence Villaflor beat Wijel Albo, 21-9, 21-13, to give the Bulldogs a 2-0 lead.

Ateneo’s Robby Ramos and Lance Vargas defeated John Vincent Lanuza and MJ Perez, 21-17, 16-21, 21-7, to claim the Blue Eagles’ lone point.

John Benedict Gam and Jacinth Paul Ruedas sealed the championship for NU with a 21-19, 21-14 victory over reigning MVP Lyrden Laborte and Allen Penute.

University of the Philippines secured the bronze medal with a 3-2 comeback victory over University of Santo Tomas.

UP’s Shan Clar defeated Aaron Bedaña, 21-14, 21-10, before UST’s Arjay Lazareto and Ryan Mendoza beat John Vincent Espinoza and Manuel Fulmentera, 21-18, 22-20.

UST took a 2-1 lead after Clark Brillantes edged Josh Dupet, 30-29, 21-16, and Ron Galve and Bien Miraflor defeated MJ Amerodin and Kian Cruz, 16-21, 21-17, 21-17.

Jerard Borgador won for UP with a 16-21, 21-16, 21-16 victory over Ivan Tuazon in the deciding singles match.

Ateneo wins women’s crown

Ateneo defeated National University, 3-1, to top the women’s side.

Althea Ocampo beat Karyll Rio, 21-15, 20-22, 21-12, to level the tie at 1-1 after NU’s Sab Amora defeated Arkeexa Ojera, 21-5, 21-4.

Daena Castro and Andrea Hernandez then overcame Hailene Diaz and Naeomi Gulpany, 12-21, 21-18, 21-10, before Angel Valle and Althea Hernandez notched the clincher with a 14-21, 21-19, 21-8 victory over Tia Bualat and Lee-Anne De Leon.

UP swept Adamson, 3-0, to claim third place.

Anthea Gonzalez beat Abby Barcelona, 14-21, 21-12, 21-3, while Brys Fuggan defeated Key Aubrey Fuerte, 21-11, 21-10. Kimberly Lao and Susmita Ramos sealed the tie with a 16-21, 21-12, 21-14 win over Mary Destiny Untal and Jasmine Reformina.

CHELEBI supports Sharon Eyal’s Inside the Studio at Baku International Arts Festival [PHOTOS]

On 1 November, the Heydar Aliyev Center will host Inside the Studio, an open rehearsal with Sharon Eyal, one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary choreography. The event is part of the parallel programme of the Baku International Arts Festival (BIAF), held from 28 October to 8 November 2026 with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan.

As an Official Partner, CHELEBI continues to expand its engagement with contemporary culture, supporting artistic experimentation and exchange across disciplines. Rooted in Azerbaijan’s cultural heritage, the brand sees collaborations with international artists and cultural institutions as an essential part of its evolving creative identity.

Inside the Studio offers a rare opportunity to witness a performance in the making. The programme begins with a 20-minute documentary film, followed by a 30-minute live presentation featuring Héloïse Jocqueviel, Darren Devaney, Johnny McMillan and Juan Gil. The dancers will perform three excerpts: Christina, a duet inspired by Into the Hairy, and an excerpt from Delay the Sadness. The programme concludes with an open conversation with Sharon Eyal and the dancers.

Founded in 2013 by artist Aida Mahmudova, CHELEBI is an Azerbaijani design brand that reinterprets cultural heritage through contemporary furniture, objects and artistic collaborations. Working with local artisans and international designers, the brand brings traditional craftsmanship into a contemporary context. Beyond the creation of objects, CHELEBI seeks to foster cultural exchange, connecting Azerbaijan’s creative heritage with the international cultural landscape.

Sharon Eyal’s practice, bringing together choreography, music and visual expression, resonates with CHELEBI’s interest in the relationship between artistic disciplines. The partnership reflects a shared appreciation for creative freedom and the exploration of new forms of expression.

‘As an artist, I have always been interested in the creative process – in the experimentation, intuition and dialogue that shape a work before it reaches its final form. Sharon Eyal’s practice is a remarkable expression of this creative freedom. Through CHELEBI, we are delighted to support an opportunity for audiences in Baku to experience this process from within,’ says Aida Mahmudova, founder of CHELEBI.

Sharon Eyal is an internationally acclaimed choreographer whose distinctive language combines physical intensity, rhythm, music and a powerful visual sensibility. In 2013, she founded her company, S-E-D, with her longtime collaborator Gai Behar. In 2022, the duo relocated to Paris, establishing a new base for their creative practice. Alongside the company’s repertoire, Eyal has created works for leading dance companies internationally, establishing herself as one of the defining figures in contemporary choreography.

Date: 1 November 2026, 13:00

Venue: Heydar Aliyev Center

Duration: 60 minutes

Language: English

Tickets and further information are available through the official BIAF website.