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Zamfara Ministry of Works and Infrastructure says its one-day stakeholders’ engagement will improve energy access and strengthen the power sector in the state.

The programme was organised in collaboration with the Zamfara State Electrification Agency (ZEA) and S2R Consulting.

It brought together key players in the electricity sector such as government officials, individuals, community leaders, legal experts, and technical specialists.

The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr Lawal Barau, in his address at the event in Gusau on Tuesday, said that the engagement would help review and validate the state electricity policy and bill.

He said it was also to appreciate stakeholders for their commitment to strengthening the electricity sector in Zamfara.

The commissioner, who was represented by the Director, Mechanical in the ministry, Mr Sanusi Mande, said the engagement marked a significant milestone in the state government’s efforts to develop a unified and progressive electricity framework.

He emphasised the importance of collaboration in addressing gaps within the power value chain.

Barau reaffirmed the ministry’s readiness to work closely with all relevant actors toward achieving sustainable energy solutions.

In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Zamfara State Electrification Agency, Mr Muzammil Muhammad, noted the importance of developing a strong and forward-looking policy framework that would guide the state toward a sustainable and reliable electricity system.

He said the government remains committed to creating an enabling environment that would attract investment and promote efficient electricity generation, distribution, and management.

He highlighted the new opportunities created by the Electricity Act 2023, the expanded regulatory powers granted to states, and the strategic pathways Zamfara could adopt to strengthen electricity governance, improve market efficiency, and accelerate access to power across communities.

Muhammad said that the new electricity policy and bill were designed to align Zamfara with ongoing national power sector reforms.

Three top public officials have been nominated as Ambassadors by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

They are the first set of individuals to be tipped to lead Nigeria’s Missions abroad by the Tinubu’s administration.

Those recommended for screening and clearance by the Senate are: Ambassadors Ayodele Oke and Amin Mohammed Dalhatu. Also on the list is former Head of the Secret Service, Lateef Kayode Are.

The President nominated the three seasoned security and diplomatic figures to represent Nigeria in the United States (U.S.); the United Kingdom (UK) and France, a post by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said yesterday.

Ambassador Dalhatu, one of the nominees, previously served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to South Korea duringr the administration the late President Muhammadu Buhari.

Dalhatu, who was appointed in 2016, completed a tenure marked by strengthened bilateral cooperation between Abuja and Seoul.

Ambassador Oke, a graduate of Emory University in Atlanta, served as Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA).

He earlier represented Nigeria at the Secretariat of the Commonwealth of Nations in London and is widely regarded for his extensive diplomatic and intelligence background.

A technical committee rated him the best among those considered for ministerial posting during the Buhari Administration. The committee considered his impeccable pedigree on international relations.

But before the name was announced, a former Oyo State governor rushed to the Presidency and engineered the removal of his name and replaced it with his own stooge.

Col. Are will be bringing decades of national security experience to the diplomatic corps, having served as Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS) from 1999 to 2007 and later as National Security Adviser (NSA) in 2010.

The former officer in the Directorate of Military Intelligence (DMI), graduated with First Class Honours in Psychology from the University of Ibadan in 1980.

The three nominees are expected to play strategic roles in strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic presence in key global capitals once their postings have been finalised after Senate confirmation.

The Physical Planning Unit of the Oyo State Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, has commended Fendini Group for setting new standard in estate development.

This followed high-level delegation inspection visit to Rayfield Gardens City Estate in Ibadan, an estate developed by Fendini Group.

The team led by the Director of Physical Planning, Dr. Oladiran Olaide, who undertook extensive tour of the estate expressed delight at the scale of development, meticulous layout, and commitements to strict adherence to approved building plans and physical planning regulation.

Oladiran said, ‘The government will continue to support developers who follow due process. The safety and well-being of residents remain paramount, and we urge all subscribers to continue to build strictly according to approved standards.’

In his remark, the Chief Executive Officer of Fendini Group, Prince Adelaja Adeoye described Rayfield Gardens City as a flagship Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project between Fendini Group and the Oyo State Government, facilitated by the Oyo State Investment Public Private Partnership Agency (OYSIPA).

He said, ‘This partnership demands collective responsibility from all stakeholders to eliminate any risk to lives or the environment.’

He praised the investor-friendly policies of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration, highlighting seamless and digitized approval processes introduced by the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development.

‘The digitization of title searches and building approvals has made transactions transparent, fast, and reliable. It is phasing out sharp practices and building unprecedented trust in the real estate sector. Oyo State is now the most attractive destination for genuine investors who want their investments protected.’

Adeoye also revealed that Fendini Group has created a dedicated, streamlined approval support system for all subscribers to ensure they comply effortlessly with regulatory requirements.

‘We will continue to partner with all revelant MDA’s of government to ensure that the right things are done in line with the vision of the State on quality and sustainable housing projects, while all subscribers to our various developments are guided to adhere to government policies.’

Earlier in November, at the Scale-Up Conference held at Ibadan Business School, Prince Adeoye had called for the consistent use of high-quality materials and strict observance of building codes as non-negotiable pillars for safe and sustainable cities.

With rapid construction progress and strong regulatory backing, Rayfield Gardens City is emerging as the gold standard for modern, secure, and sustainable residential communities in Oyo State, further strengthening public-private collaboration in the housing sector.

Mary Ojulari Foundation, a not-for-profit committed to development and empowerment, has awarded N50,000,000 to eight young entrepreneurs who participated in the second Vanguard Fellowship Cohort and completed its two-week Ignite Bootcamp in Lagos.

The grant was announced by Mary Ojulari, founder and president at Vanguard Fellowship Ignite Bootcamp Awards and Networking Cocktail Night at J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, Lagos.

The winners are SafayaIkechuckwu, Oluwakemi Olaniyan, Adaeze Akpagbula, Francis Obanijesu, Olatunde Omotayo Olufunke, Victoria Ogwanighie, Ubok Ameh, and Adebayo Olajumoke. Each of them will receive N6, 250,000.

Ojulari reaffirmed the organisation’s mission to empower young Nigerians with tools, networks, and capital to build their businesses:

‘Our work is about unlocking potential because potential is Nigeria’s greatest asset. These entrepreneurs are solving real community problems, creating jobs, and refusing to be limited by circumstance.

She explained that the Ignite Bootcamp was delivered in partnership with Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria and a network of leaders in finance, manufacturing, media, healthcare, government, and development agencies. It exposes fellows to practical case studies, strategic mentorship, and real-world insight.

She added that through this model, the foundation ensures that fellows continue to receive guidance, access to markets, and opportunities after the boot camp ends.

She said 50 promising entrepreneurs representing Agro-Processing, Fashion, Manufacturing, Technology, Health, and the Creative industries participated in the edition of the cohort.

She further revealed that the participants were admitted into the second cohort following a rigorous selection process that prioritised innovation, community impact, and long-term sustainability and underwent hands-on training delivered by industry leaders, seasoned operators, and policy experts.

Ojulari expresses the Foundation’s gratitude to its partners, mentors, and supporters who have generously shared their expertise and resources to shape the next generation of Nigerian business leaders.

In her keynote speech at the event, Mrs Yewande Zaccheaus, the Chairman and Founder of Eventful Nigeria Limited, affirmed that for entrepreneurship to thrive in Nigeria, there is a need to invest in skills and knowledge, access to capital, digital literacy, supporting policies, mentorship ecosystems, and platforms like the Mary Ojulari Foundation.

‘Let us design a future where young people are not just job seekers, but job creators. To the foundation, I say your work is powerful, your impact is undeniable, even just two years on, and your vision is rewriting destinies. To the sponsors, you’re investing in the future leaders of Nigeria, please do not stop’, she said.

It is worth recalling that in the inaugural edition in 2025, the Foundation admitted 50 entrepreneurs into the Vanguard Fellowship Bootcamp, from which 25 were selected and supported with a total of $125,000 in catalytic grants. Together with today’s ?50,000,000 commitment to the new cohort, the Foundation continues to deepen its investment in grassroots enterprise development across Lagos and beyond.

The appearance of two Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) each claiming to have the authority to represent General Hydrocarbons Limited (GHL) yesterday stalled proceedings in the suit filed by the company against the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) and others.

The matter is before Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa of the Federal High Court, Lagos.

The confusion arose when the two lawyers – Dr. Abiodun Layonu (SAN) and Mr. Oluseye Opasanya (SAN) each announced appearance for the claimant.

Layonu informed the court that he was representing GHL.

Opasanya, who AMCON appointed as the Receiver/Manager over the company, also clamed to be the lawful legal representative of the claimant, given the company’s status in receivership prior to the commencement of the action which was not disclosed to the court.

The dual appearances triggered a prolonged legal argument over who was the proper counsel authorised to speak for the company.

Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa repeatedly sought clarification, asking both senior lawyers to identify the authentic representative of the claimant in view of the pending receivership.

With no resolution in sight, the court directed both counsel to file formal written addresses on the issue of representation. The matter was adjourned till December 3.

The disagreement over legal representation also frustrated the contempt proceedings initiated by GHL against AMCON.

The contempt application was predicated on earlier interim orders in which Justice Lewis-Allagoa had restrained AMCON and its agents from taking any recovery steps against the company, interfering with its assets, or appointing a receiver pending the hearing of a motion.

The underlying suit concerns Oil Mining Leases (OMLs) 120 and 121, which were granted within a structured commercial and regulatory framework aimed at assisting First Bank of Nigeria to recover a substantial non-performing loan issued to Atlantic Energy Drilling Concept Limited.

To safeguard the repayment of the loan, described as Outstanding Exposure, the former Department of Petroleum Resources (now NUPRC) considered permitting a qualified operator to run the assets and apply production revenues towards the debt.

It was in this context that GHL proposed to operate the two assets.

The Tripartite Agreement signed by GHL, First Bank, and AMCON expressly stated that one of GHL’s key considerations was resolving the Outstanding Exposure, while advancing Nigeria’s economic interests. GHL undertook financial commitments and received support from First Bank and later AMCON.

Under this framework, GHL became responsible for operating OMLs 120 and 121 and for applying production proceeds toward repayment of the exposure.

But AMCON and First Bank later alleged serious operational and financial misconduct by GHL’s former management, including revenue diversion, chronic non-payment of contractors, operational breakdowns, and the imminent risk of demobilisation of the FPSO operator-conditions that threatened the assets with shutdown and possible licence revocation.

Acting under sections 34 and 48 of its Act, AMCON appointed a Receiver over GHL on September 18. The appointment, by law, suspended the powers of GHL’s former directors from that date.

Despite this, the former directors initiated the present suit in the name of the company, allegedly without lawful authority, in what AMCON describes as an attempt to obstruct the receivership.

Since the Receiver assumed control, steps have been taken to stabilise operations and safeguard the assets. However, instead of recognising the receivership, the former directors have been accused of attempting to weaponise interim court orders obtained after the Receiver’s appointment, framing a restructuring measure as contempt aimed at undermining the Receiver and his counsel.

The Organic Fertiliser Producers and Suppliers Association of Nigeria (OFPSAN) has called on the Federal Government to sustain its exclusive control over the importation of fertiliser raw materials, warning that relaxing the policy could expose the sector to abuse, price instability, and an influx of substandard products.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja yesterday, OFPSAN President, Alhaji Adams Musa, said the policy remains essential for protecting local producers and ensuring a stable and credible fertiliser market.

This measure, he said, remains indispensable for preventing market abuse, curbing the influx of substandard and adulterated materials, stabilising market prices, ensuring consistent availability of inputs, and protecting local producers from unfair distortions caused by uncontrolled importation,’ he said.

Musa added that sustaining stakeholder engagement, policy consistency, improved access to financing, and strengthened regulatory enforcement would further boost Nigeria’s fertiliser sector and overall agricultural productivity.

He said the briefing was convened to reaffirm OFPSAN’s commitment to national food security, sustainable agriculture, and the empowerment of Nigerian farmers. According to him, the association remains grateful for the Federal Government’s continued investment in local fertilizer production, especially through the Presidential Fertilizer Initiative (PFI).

He noted that the PFI has revived dormant blending plants nationwide, stabilized input prices, created jobs, and reduced reliance on imported finished fertilizer.

‘In light of these achievements, we respectfully call on the Federal Government to sustain, deepen, and further consolidate the Presidential Fertilizer Initiative. This programme remains crucial to Nigeria’s agricultural transformation and long-term food systems resilience,’ he said.

The association also commended the Federal Government for the recent inspection of blending plants across the country, describing it as proof of its commitment to accountability and efficiency in the sector. Musa further acknowledged the key role of MOFI in strengthening the sustainability and success of the initiative.

However, he stressed that as global agricultural standards evolve, Nigeria must adopt policies that reflect sustainability, noting rising soil degradation, climate variability, and farmers’ increasing demand for eco-friendly inputs.

‘Organic fertilizer is not just an alternative input, it is a critical component for soil regeneration, climate resilience, environmental protection, improved crop quality, and long-term agricultural sustainability,’ he said.

He added that the inclusion of organic fertiliser would support millions of smallholder farmers seeking safer and more natural soil-enhancing options.

‘We cannot overlook human health, especially as many of the foods we consume today are no longer truly natural. When our soil, environment, water, and all living organisms are healthy, people become healthier too,’ he said.

He reaffirmed OFPSAN’s readiness to work with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, regulatory agencies, and private-sector partners to advance the objectives of the PFI and ensure farmers nationwide have access to affordable, high-quality, and sustainable fertiliser inputs.

Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has hailed Benue State Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia for significant breakthroughs in the state’s industrial development.

The global literary icon spoke after an inspection of major projects of the Alia administration in Makurdi, the state capital.

During his visit, Prof. Soyinka toured flagship initiatives of the Alia administration, including the Food Basket Brewery and the Benval Fruit Factory, both central to the state’s expanding agro-industrial landscape.

Before the inspection, the literary icon held a closed-door meeting with the governor at the Presidential Wing of the Governor’s Lodge, with the Group Managing Director of the Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC), Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, and other top officials in attendance.

The delegation also visited an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp on the Gbajimba Road, where Soyinka sympathized with displaced families and reaffirmed his commitment to their welfare.

He said part of his mission was to assess the use of books he previously donated, assuring the IDPs that ‘all hope is not lost’.

The tour continued at the Food Basket Brewery on Gboko Road and the Benfruits Factory at the Industrial Layout in Makurdi.

Prof. Soyinka applauded Governor Alia’s infrastructural drive – especially ongoing road and underpass projects – expressing confidence that Benue State is ‘on the path to optimal growth and development’.

At the Benval Fruit Factory, both Soyinka and the governor were impressed by the facility’s expanding capacity.

Henry Boager, who conducted the tour, confirmed that the factory had completed its test runs and was fully ready for concentrate production.

Addressing reporters, Alia reiterated his directive for orchard farmers to prepare for a strong harvest season, stressing that the new factories require a steady supply of oranges.

The governor restated his policy that ‘by December, no oranges will leave Benue State,’ emphasizing that all produce should be processed locally.

Asemakaha announced that BIPC had mapped and collected data on about 5,600 orchard farmers through geo-fencing, ensuring a dependable supply chain for the fruit-processing factories.

Prof. Soyinka’s visit signalled a strong endorsement of the state’s industrialisation efforts, further boosting the profile of Benue State’s growing agro-industrial hub.

Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Dr Zacch Adedeji yesterday revealed that 95 per cent of Nigerians will pay no tax under the new tax regime.

He added that the new tax system would fairly affect the high-heeled in the country.

The FIRS chief spoke in Ilorin, Kwara State shortly after he received an award from the University of Ilorin Alumni Association.

He said the ‘focus will be on those at the top of the pyramid.’

He said from January next year, FIRS would have a name change.

Represented by Prof Abiola Sanni (SAN), the FIRS chairman said: ‘from January 2026 FIRS will have a name change. Is it going to be a new wine on old bottle? No. Looking at our revenue challenges that we face as a nation and our consistent ranking in terms of tax to GDP ratio, we must create new approaches to taxation.

‘I want to assure you that the tax system that is about to debut in January 2026 is a tax player-friendly one. It is one that is business-friendly. I daresay that there has never been a reform of taxation in this country that is this transformative and business-friendly.

‘Let me explain in case there are doubting Thomases among us, the tax system in the past used to focus on the people at the bottom. And what do I mean I that both it affected those at the informal sector and those in paid employment.

‘Under the new emerging tax system, 95 per cent of Nigerians will pay no tax. Whether you like it or not those whom God has blessed and those benefiting from the economy but have not been paying their own fair share of the tax burden will be now be made to do so.

‘Like I said they will be made to do so fairly. In some countries whereas the tax rate may be as high as 50 per cent, but in Nigeria after the deduction of all the deductibles from the ‘big boys and big girls the tax will only be 25 per cent of what they earn.

And we need this to develop infrastructure, provide education, revamp the system. Without a good tax system we are going nowhere as a country.

‘Finally you should be on the lookout for a new tax institute. We are changing the name to also signpost the fact that FIRS is not a federal institution now.’