Category: Business Day

The Taraba State Government has received a total sum of $268.63 million (over ?400 billion) investment from the ECOWAS Bank to boost agriculture, energy and industrial development.

The funding, which is secured through the State’s Ministry of Energy and Economic Development, will be channeled into four major projects, a 10,000-hectare rice farm equipped with an integrated irrigation system, a state-of-the-art 16 tonne capacity rice mill, a new industrial park with agro-processing and logistics clusters, and a 50 megawatt solar power plant to enhance the state’s renewable energy capacity.

Naomi Tanko Agbu, Commissioner for Energy and Economic Development, while speaking on the development, described the investment as the culmination of months of strategic planning and stakeholder engagement.

She noted that the projects are aligned with Agbu Kefas, Taraba State governor’s development agenda, which prioritises security, infrastructure, industrial growth and investment attraction.

‘These projects represent a bold step forward for Taraba,’ Engr. Tanko stated. ‘They reflect the vision of Governor Kefas to reverse years of underdevelopment through high-impact, practical initiatives.

Tanko further praised the collaborative efforts that led to the investment deal, acknowledging the commitment of Governor Agbu Kefas, Ministry officials, consultants and partners who played key roles in the process.

She urged citizens to stay engaged and supportive as implementation began, emphasising a shared responsibility in building the State’s future. ‘Our guiding principle is togetherness. Let’s build Taraba together under the leadership of His Excellency, Dr. Agbu Kefas,’ she said.

The projects are expected to generate significant employment opportunities, stimulate local economies, and position Taraba as a leading hub for agriculture and renewable energy in both Nigeria and the wider West African region.

Nigeria’s fashion and creative industry is fast becoming the sectors that contribute to the growth of the economy because players in these sectors are constantly leveraging new trends to empower creatives to grow their brands.

To create a platform for leading voices in the Nigerian fashion ecosystem, fashion entrepreneurs, creatives, and industry leaders can brainstorm on new ideas. The Community Collective (TCCo), in collaboration with MTN Nigeria and the British Council, have organised a Venture Stack 3.0 event to explore how desirability, value chains, and market access can be leveraged to grow the industry.

The one-day venture stack event with the theme, ‘Designing Desirability: Unlocking Value Chain and Market Assets for Fashion and Beauty Products and Brands’, Lagos, brought together leading minds in Africa’s creative and entrepreneurial space, who shared actionable insights on building with resilience and consistency, adopting scalable operations models, and positioning brands for market growth.

Speaking at the event, award-winning style icon Mai Atafo highlighted the importance of excellence and the need for constant learning, adding that creatives need to learn in every single way possible, being hungry to learn.

Dare Aliu, founder of TDA Group Africa, emphasised that despite the dearth of human capacity development across Nigeria, it is still possible to have good hands if entrepreneurs are willing to pour themselves into their staff.

According to him, the fashion and creative industry has fewer and fewer people who are willing to work; however, in the rot organisation and entrepreneurs can still find gold.

On her part, Moremi Dare-Aliu, founder of Pink Perfection Accessories, encourages entrepreneurs to start small and stay consistent regardless of the circumstances.

‘You can start small with whatever business endeavour you identify, but you only need to stay consistent and build through the silent days’, she said.

Imogie Immanuel, founder, The Community Collective (TCCo.), said the organisation focused on building a culture where entrepreneurship in Africa thrives through collaboration, partnership and trust.

According to him, creators, founders, and innovators stand a better chance of success when connected through linkage systems that facilitate resource sharing and access to valuable networks.

‘Our vision is a thriving, inclusive ecosystem that delivers support and inspires individual growth, with the potential to transform society at large. With Venture Stack, we bridge the gap between industry leaders and the next generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders to build smarter and scale stronger as a collective,’ he said.

Commenting during the fashion showcase, special guests Debie Mangut, a creative strategist and market conversion expert, and Franklin Ozekhome, a pop-culture strategist, spoke to the importance of leveraging business data and consumer understanding in developing strategies for brand connection and growth.

In addition to the fireside chat, the first edition of the Venture Stack marketplace was launched, spotlighting curated style brands that showcased their made-in-Nigeria fashion and beauty pieces.

Featured vendors included: House of GDI; Laurens and Co; Imani; The Good Girl Fit; Sassy by Etty; Style by Empress Express; Noga Stephen; House of Xtyna; Esit and Bon Plaisir

Venture Stack 3.0 attendees engaged in robust QandA sessions and benefited from mentorship in real-time, receiving candid and intentional advice from panellists who drew on years of industry experience.

The day combined education and commerce, from vendor stands to wisdom nuggets on unlocking distribution, pricing for desirability, and building market-ready products.

Brazilian teenager Estevao scored a dramatic 95th-minute winner to seal a 2-1 win for Chelsea over Liverpool at Stamford Bridge, handing the visitors their third straight defeat in all competitions.

Liverpool came into the match looking to rebound from losses to Crystal Palace and Galatasaray, which had seen them relinquish top spot in the Premier League to Arsenal. However, their struggles continued as Chelsea delivered a deserved win, capped by Estevao’s late strike.

Moises Caicedo opened the scoring for the hosts in the 14th minute, firing a powerful 20-yard effort past Giorgi Mamardashvili, who was filling in for the injured Alisson.

Under-pressure Liverpool head coach Arne Slot opted to bench £116 million summer signing Florian Wirtz, but brought him on at the start of the second half in search of a spark. The equaliser eventually came in the 62nd minute, with Cody Gakpo reacting quickly in the six-yard box to finish after Alexander Isak flicked on Dominik Szoboszlai’s cross. Chelsea pressed on and Mamardashvili was called into action late on, making crucial saves to deny Estevao and Jamie Gittens. Enzo Fernandez then missed a golden chance to snatch victory in stoppage time, heading against the outside of the post with the goal gaping.

Just when it seemed the points would be shared, Estevao struck in the final seconds, getting ahead of Andrew Robertson to turn in Marc Cucurella’s cross, sparking jubilant scenes at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca was sent off for racing down the touchline in celebration.

The result leaves Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table, one point clear of Liverpool, after the Gunners defeated West Ham United earlier on Saturday

Donald Trump has called for Israel to halt its bombing of Gaza after Hamas said it was ready to release hostages and agreed to some aspects of the U.S. president’s plan to end the war, although Israeli strikes still killed several people on Saturday.

Here are some reactions from around the world to Hamas’ comments

EUROPEAN COMMISSION PRESIDENT URSULA VON DER LEYEN

‘Hamas’ stated readiness to release hostages and engage on the basis of the recent @POTUS proposal is encouraging. This moment must be seized. An immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages are within reach.’

FRENCH PRESIDENT EMMANUEL MACRON

‘The release of all hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza are within reach! Hamas’ commitment must be followed up without delay. We now have the opportunity to make decisive progress towards peace . I would like to thank President @realDonaldTrump and his team for their commitment to peace.’

GERMAN CHANCELLOR FRIEDRICH MERZ

‘The hostages must be released. Hamas must disarm. The fighting must cease immediately. All of this must happen very fast. After almost two years, this is the best chance for peace. Germany will continue to engage.’

BRITISH PRIME MINISTER KEIR STARMER

‘Hamas’ acceptance of the U.S. peace plan is a significant step forwards. We strongly support President Trump’s efforts, which have brought us closer to peace than ever before. There is now an opportunity to end the fighting, for the hostages to return home, and for humanitarian aid to reach those who so desperately need it.’

SPANISH FOREIGN MINISTER JOSE LUIS ALBARES

‘An immediate ceasefire, the entry of food and humanitarian aid, the release of the hostages, all is welcome.’

‘It’s not a definitive step; there are still many obstacles. This fundamentalist organization (Hamas) must be disarmed. We want the Israeli army to definitively cease all military actions against the group. ‘What will bring peace to the Palestinian people, to the people of Israel, is the existence of a realistic and viable Palestinian state,’ he told Spanish state broadcaster RTVE.

IRISH FOREIGN MINISTER SIMON HARRIS

‘This moment to end the unconscionable human suffering must be grasped by all. Stop the bombing, silence the guns, end the famine and allow a surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza,’ he said in a statement on X.

INDIAN PRIME MINISTER NARENDRA MODI

‘We welcome President Trump’s leadership as peace efforts in Gaza make decisive progress. Indications of the release of hostages mark a significant step forward. India will continue to strongly support all efforts towards a durable and just peace,’ he wrote on X.

JORDANIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY

Jordan welcomed Hamas’ positive response to Trump’s plan, calling it an important step to end the Gaza war, a ministry statement said. Amman also praised Egypt and Qatar’s mediation, highlighted U.S. efforts including opposition to West Bank annexation, and called for an immediate halt to Israel’s offensive, the opening of crossings for aid, and a peace process based on a two-state solution.

CANADA PRIME MINISTER MARK CARNEY

‘Canada welcomes commitments from Hamas to relinquish power and release all remaining hostages, living and deceased. We encourage all parties to immediately work to turn commitments into reality, and to advance peace and security in the region.’

AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER ANTHONY ALBANESE

‘Australia welcomes progress on President Trump’s plan to bring peace to Gaza,’ he wrote on X. ‘Together with our partners, Australia will continue to support efforts to end the war and work towards a just and sustainable two-state solution.’

DUTCH PRIME MINISTER DICK SCHOOF

‘Important steps toward a ceasefire in Gaza thanks to President Trump’s peace plan. Hamas’s stated willingness to release the hostages and its willingness to enter direct negotiations on the peace plan is a positive sign.

Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on Saturday elected Sanae Takaichi, former economic security minister as its new leader, putting her on course to become the country’s first female prime minister.

The 64-year-old conservative, a close ally of the late Shinzo Abe, defeated agriculture minister Shinjiro Koizumi in a runoff vote after neither candidate secured a majority in the first round. The victory cements her position as the frontrunner to succeed outgoing prime minister Shigeru Ishiba, who resigned after a year marked by political turmoil and electoral losses.

A parliamentary vote to formally confirm Takaichi as prime minister is expected on October 15. While the LDP no longer holds an outright majority, it remains the largest party in the lower house – which determines the head of government – making her confirmation almost certain.

A historic first for Japan

In a country that consistently ranks low in global gender equality indices, Takaichi’s rise is historic. No woman has ever led Japan in its post-war history. Yet her victory also underscores the complex realities of Japanese politics: Takaichi is among the most conservative figures in the LDP, a party long dominated by men and traditionalist values.

A protégé of Abe, she has pledged to revive his economic programme known as Abenomics – a mix of heavy government spending, loose monetary policy and structural reform aimed at reviving growth.

‘Takaichi’s leadership will likely mean continuity with Abe’s policies, particularly in the economy and national security,’ said Stephen Nagy, a visiting fellow at the Japan Institute for International Affairs told Al Jazeera ‘She represents the conservative core of the LDP.’

Conservative credentials and controversies

Takaichi has long been known for her strong views on social and national identity issues. She opposes legislation allowing married couples to keep separate surnames and is against legalising same-sex marriage, arguing such changes would undermine Japanese traditions.

She is also a regular visitor to the Yasukuni Shrine, which honours Japan’s war dead, including several convicted war criminals, a practice that often draws criticism from China and South Korea.

On foreign policy, she has taken a hawkish stance, calling for a stronger military and a revision of Japan’s pacifist constitution. She is expected to face early pressure on defence spending when she meets Donald Trump,United States president at a potential summit later this month.

A party in need of revival

Takaichi inherits a party that has dominated Japanese politics for nearly seven decades but is now struggling to maintain public trust. The LDP suffered back-to-back defeats in national elections, losing its majority in both chambers of parliament for the first time in decades.

Saturday’s vote involved 295 LDP lawmakers and about one million dues-paying party members – a small fraction of Japan’s 125 million people. Many analysts see her victory as a bid by the LDP establishment to consolidate its base rather than signal generational or ideological change.

Koizumi, 44, who came second in the runoff, had campaigned on party reform and generational renewal, describing the LDP’s current state as ‘a crisis’. His defeat means Japan will continue to be led by a traditional conservative rather than a centrist moderniser.

Challenges ahead

If confirmed, Takaichi will face an uphill battle: an ageing population, rising living costs, and a slowing economy weighed down by debt. Abroad, Japan confronts an increasingly volatile region marked by China’s assertiveness, North Korea’s missile programme and the uncertainties of Trump’s trade policies.

She will also have to unite a divided party and rebuild its standing before the next general election.

‘The LDP must regain trust, and an overhaul is needed for us to start afresh,’ Koizumi said during the campaign.

For Takaichi, Japan’s first female prime minister-in-waiting, the task ahead is daunting – not just to lead, but to prove that breaking history can also mean breaking stagnation.

Family Homes Funds Limited (FHFL), in partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and Africa Plus Partners Nigeria Limited is set to deliver on Mr. President’s promise to transform student accommodation nationwide through the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Renewed Hope Student Housing Programme.

The Renewed Hope Student Housing Project is a Public Private Partnership initiative of His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR that is set to improve the living standards and revitalise infrastructure across Tertiary Institutions in the country with a plan to deliver 38,400 world class student hostel bed spaces across a total of 24 locations: 12 Universities, 6 Polytechnics and 6 Colleges of Education.

The Renewed Hope Student Hostel Project in each of the 24 locations will boast 1,600 bed spaces, 400 ensuite rooms with study table and chairs, four reading rooms, common room, cafeteria and restaurants, laundromat, grocery shops, salons, public toilets etc.

The Pilot project in University of Calabar has already been delivered by Africa Plus Partners Nigeria Limited.

Currently, the project has commenced in a total of six locations across the country with even distribution of three locations in Northern Nigeria (Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Federal Polytechnic Bauchi and FCT College of Education, Zuba) and three locations in Southern Nigeria (Sikiru Adetona College of Education Science and Technology Ogun, Akwa Ibom State University and College of Education, Warri).

The College of Education, Warri hostel and the Akwa Ibom State University are now nearing completion and almost set for commissioning. Each 1,600-bed facility, built to international standards, will soon open its doors to students, offering safe, affordable, and modern living spaces designed to support academic excellence.

This milestone marks a historic step toward addressing one of the most pressing challenges facing Nigeria’s higher education system which is the lack of adequate student housing.

Beyond these two sites, four other institutions are already recording visible progress under the programme. From Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi, to Sikiru Adetona College of Education, Science and Technology Ogun, FCT College of Education, and Ahmadu Bello University, construction is advancing at different stages, each moving closer to completion. Together, these sites reflect the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President and Family Homes Funds Limited commitment alongside TETFund and Africa Plus Partners to ensuring that students everywhere can access decent accommodation.

With a national student population exceeding 2.1 million in public tertiary institutions, less than 15 percent have access to on-campus housing, the Renewed Hope Student Housing Programme is yet another game changing, timely and ambitious intervention by Mr President.

By creating purpose-built hostels that are safe and affordable, the programme is:

reducing the stress and risks of inadequate off-campus housing,

promoting better academic outcomes,

creates jobs and boosts local economies and attract private investment in education.

Speaking on this milestone, Abdul Mutallab Mukhtar, Managing Director of Family Homes Funds Limited, said: ‘This upcoming commissioning of the first two locations in Warri and Akwa Ibom are a landmark achievement not just for FHFL but for Nigeria’s higher education system, by providing modern, safe, and affordable hostels, we are ensuring that students have the right environment to live and learn, while reducing the stress and risks associated with inadequate accommodation.’

As commissioning in Warri and Akwa Ibom approaches and progress continues nationwide, the Renewed Hope Student Housing Programme is steadily reshaping the face of campus life in Nigeria. Family Homes Funds remains committed to delivering safe and affordable hostels across the six geopolitical zones, ensuring that more students can look forward to studying and living in an environment that supports their growth and success.

Programme nearing commissioning (Dec 2025) include College of Education, Warri and Akwa Ibom State University

Projects under construction (Commissioning Sept 2026) are Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi; Sikiru Adetona College of Education, Science and Technology, FCT College of Education, Zuba and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

Next Phase projects (Starts Oct 2025, Commissioning Oct 2026) include Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Ebonyi State University, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic, Federal University, Lafia, Benue State University, Makurdi, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University and Gombe State University.

As Nigeria marks its 65th Independence anniversary, the nation’s sporting journey stands as one of resilience, triumph, and moments of global recognition. Sports in Nigeria is deeply interwoven with its nationhood, often serving as a unifying force that lifts spirits and projects the country’s image on the world stage.

Although Nigerians had participated in competitive sports before Independence in 1960, the past six-and-a-half decades have produced defining moments that placed the green-and-white flag at the heart of global sporting celebrations.

In athletics, Nigeria’s men’s 4x400m relay team wrote history at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, initially winning silver before being upgraded to gold after the disqualification of the American team. Four years earlier, Chioma Ajunwa had blazed the trail in Atlanta, becoming the first Nigerian and black African woman to win Olympic gold in a field event.

More recently, hurdler Tobi Amusan etched her name into history at the 2022 World Championships in Eugene, Oregon. She not only clinched gold in the women’s 100m hurdles but also smashed the world record with a time of 12.06 seconds, a feat that reverberated across global athletics.

Nigerian football has also been a rich source of national pride. The Super Eagles’ three Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) triumphs remain iconic, while the 1996 Olympic football team, dubbed the ‘Dream Team,’ stunned the world by winning gold in Atlanta, becoming the first non-European nation to achieve the feat in 68 years. At the club level, Enyimba International of Aba made history in 2003 and 2004 by winning back-to-back CAF Champions League titles, a first for Nigeria.

Basketball has equally seen remarkable strides, with D’Tigress, Nigeria’s women’s team, establishing dominance in Africa and earning global recognition through their World Cup appearances.

From Olympic tracks to football pitches and basketball courts, Nigerian athletes have consistently showcased resilience and excellence despite structural challenges that often impede sporting development compared to African peers like Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa.

Nigeria made history in 1985 when the Golden Eaglets defeated Germany 2-0 to win the inaugural FIFA Under-17 World Cup in China. That landmark victory was the first time a team outside Europe and South America had lifted a major global football trophy, cementing Nigeria’s place as a rising force in world sport.

Earlier, in 1980, the Green Eagles hosted the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and clinched their first-ever title at the National Stadium in Lagos. Under coach Otto Gloria, with stars like Segun Odegbami and Christian Chukwu, Nigeria swept past Algeria 3-0 in the final, igniting unprecedented national celebration.

Boxing also delivered moments of pride. In 2008, Samuel Peter defeated Russian-American Oleg Maskaev in the sixth round to claim the WBC heavyweight title. Decades earlier, Nigerian-born Richard Ihetu, famously known as Dick Tiger, carved his name in history by winning the WBA middleweight title in 1962 against Gene Fullmer and later the light heavyweight crown in 1966 after dethroning Puerto Rico’s José Torres. Hogan ‘Kid’ Bassey, Nigeria’s first world champion, had paved the way in 1957 when he became the world featherweight king.

These achievements built on earlier pioneering feats such as Emmanuel Ifeajuna’s gold medal in the high jump at the 1954 Commonwealth Games, the first for an African athlete. Together, these trailblazers laid the foundation for Nigeria’s sporting identity.

Sports’ decline

Former Nigerian international Friday Ekpo has reminisced about the glory days of Nigerian football in the 1980s and 1990s, while sports analyst and SuperSport Nigeria General Manager, Felix Awogu, has pointed to economic and governance issues as key reasons for the country’s sporting decline.

In a chat with BusinessDay, Ekpo reflected on Nigeria’s football journey, noting both progress and setbacks.

‘I mean, it has not been easy when it comes to sport. We started building up gradually before I was even born – when they were playing without boots, barefoot and all the rest. Gradually, we changed from one era to another,’ Ekpo said.

‘In terms of sport and football, there has been gradual progress and development. But in between, we’ve had our ups and downs. We need to go back to see where we went wrong and what we need to do to come back stronger. In every other sport, it has been like that. But in football, which I know a little more about, it has been up and down.’

Despite the challenges, Ekpo is confident that Nigerian football is beginning to show signs of revival.

‘We are picking up now. When it comes to Nigerian football, especially the Nigerian Premier League, I have seen great improvement in the last 10 to 12 years. I know that, in due course, we will get back there again,’ he added with optimism.

For Awogu, however, the struggles in Nigerian sports cannot be divorced from the country’s wider economic and political realities.

‘The truth is that other countries are also progressing, just as we are. It depends on which one is progressing at a faster rate. If you look back in the short term, we have been declining. We won the Olympic gold in Atlanta in 1996. Since then, we’ve not won any,’ Awogu observed.

He stressed the need to address deeper systemic challenges:

‘Well, you cannot take away sports from the larger society. Are we doing the right thing at the national level? That’s the big question we need to ask. What is the quality of leadership we have in government generally? You cannot separate that from what we see in football and other sports.’

Awogu also acknowledged that while some football has struggled, other sports have shown resilience despite limited support.

‘We cannot condemn everything in totality. Some sports have really lifted themselves. Take cricket, for example. They’ve been doing fantastic even without government funding. So, we can’t throw that away.’

From the 1960s through the 1990s, football and athletics were Nigeria’s strongest pillars, with football in particular emerging as a unifying force. But in the last two decades, administrative shortcomings, underfunding, and poor grassroots structures have weakened the country’s dominance on the continental and global stage.

Yet hope remains. Nigerian athletes continue to produce flashes of brilliance, while sports enthusiasts and experts believe that with stronger investment, visionary leadership, and strategic planning, the country can reclaim its status as Africa’s sporting giant.

At 65, Nigerian sports still symbolise the nation’s enduring spirit, one that has celebrated triumphs, endured setbacks, and continues to inspire future generations.

As digital technology becomes increasingly central to education and daily life, experts have called for the responsible adoption of digital literacy in Nigerian schools to curb students’ abuse of technology integration in learning across the country.

They emphasise that beyond access to devices and the internet, students must be equipped with the skills to navigate the digital world safely, ethically, and effectively.

Obianuju Onuorah, deputy director at the National Library of Nigeria, speaking at the commemoration of International Literacy Day organised by the National Library of Nigeria and the Zacchaeus Onumba Dibiaezue Memorial Library on Tuesday, September 30, said that in today’s digital world, literacy encompasses not only traditional reading and writing skills but also digital literacy.

‘It is essential to equip everyone, including students, with the skills to navigate, evaluate, and create digital content,’ she said.

Onuorah, who is also the head of the National Library of Nigeria, Lagos branch, said their institutions serve as a hub for knowledge innovation and community engagement.

‘We are committed to supplying literacy initiatives and providing resources that empower Nigerians to achieve their full potential in the digital era,’ she noted.

She emphasised that the International Literacy Day is observed annually on September 8, and that it was first held in 1967 by UNESCO to remind the world that literacy is a foundational human right and a pathway to dignity, opportunity, and equality.

Literacy, she explained, opens the door to education, creativity, and lifelong learning for children and lays the foundation for inclusion, sustainability, and progress.

The theme for 2025 International Literacy Day (ILD) is ‘Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era’, which highlights the importance of literacy in the digital age and the need to harness technology to promote education and socio-economic development.

Ifeoma Esiri, chairperson at Zacchaeus Onumba Dibiaezue Memorial Library, said that digital learning is something that has come to stay, and that Nigerians must embrace the truth of modern education, which is digital.

Esiri emphasised there is no two ways about the exposure a child can have, but by sensibly using the internet to gather information about all sorts of things, stressing that AI is a tool that, when used responsibly, is empowering.

‘Technology has taken over the way people learn, and it has come to stay. So it’s for us to understand it and empower our children to know how to use it responsibly.

‘If they use it responsibly, they will be able to acquire the knowledge and learn from it,’ she said.

She applauded the collaborations with Book Aid International, a UK-based charity organisation that works with UK publishers to supply brand-new books to libraries and communities in need, primarily in sub-Saharan Africa.

She said collaborations with Book Aid International and the National Library of Nigeria have been very impactful in her organisation’s literacy drive.

Agbaje Daniels, a staff member of the Mainland Local Government Education Authority, urged the students not to use digital tools in negative ways. ‘The one thing that I love about this digital literacy is the fact that it augments our learning.

‘Digital tools expand our knowledge and add more speed to our learning. But I implore you as a student, make use of those tech tools wisely,’ he said.

Olatunbosun Taofeek anchored the panel discussion session on ‘Blending Books and Digital Tools: How Technology is Transforming Learning.’ He told the students that their ability to blend books and digital tools will distinguish them.

‘Strive to always read from both sides, read your books, and at the same time use your digital devices,’ he emphasised.

Bisola Bilewu, head of catalogue at the National Library of Nigeria, took the students through a digital treasure hunt session.

The event had over 100 students from different primary and secondary schools across Lagos State in attendance.

Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has inaugurated a solar electrification project at the Dutse Ultra-Modern Market, fulfilling his Administration’s pledge to provide clean and reliable energy for traders and others users.

The project, executed by the Jigawa State Economic Empowerment and Youth Employment Agency, connects 300 shops to power from solar panels installed within the market, with each shop also fitted with a solar-powered ceiling fan at no cost.

Speaking at the official unveiling at the market, the governor said the initiative would ease business operations, reduce expenses and boost the profitability of traders. ‘Today, by the power and mercy of Allah, we have been able to fulfill the promise we made a year ago that we would provide the shops in Dutse Market with electricity powered by solar energy.

‘Three hundred shops have each been connected and provided with solar-powered fans. This will ease business activities, and by the grace of Allah, increase the profits of traders as they will no longer pay electricity bills and will enjoy uninterrupted supply’, he noted. Part of the project, the installation of the solar grid, was inaugurated last year by Vice President Kashim Shettima during an official visit to the State and the State Government had at the time promised to extend connections to individual stalls.

The governor further pledged to install solar streetlights in the market to enhance security and highlighted other measures to support businesses in Jigawa State, which include facilitating the establishment of a Bank of Industry (BOI) branch in the State and signing of an MoU with the bank, through which the State Government injected ?4 billion to support small-scale enterprises. Governor Namadi further urged entrepreneurs and traders in the State to take advantage of this facility and access the funds available through the BOI to expand their businesses.

Earlier, Yahaya Ibrahim, Chairman of the Jigawa State Traders’ Association, expressed appreciation to the governor for providing the market with solar power and for the various empowerment programmes extended to traders, adding that the market electrification project was only the beginning of Governor Namadi’s planned interventions for traders in the State.

Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) will elect a new leader today, setting the stage for the country’s fifth prime minister in as many years after the resignation of Shigeru Ishiba.

The vote comes at a turbulent moment for the conservative party, which has governed Japan almost continuously since the 1950s but is now reeling from election losses, corruption scandals and a frustrated public weary of economic stagnation.

After losing its parliamentary majority in last year’s lower house elections – and suffering another setback in July’s upper house vote – the LDP has been forced to govern as a weakened minority. Ishiba’s decision last month to step down opened a race that could shape the direction of Japanese politics for years to come.

Whoever takes the helm will inherit a nation grappling with the rising cost of living, growing populist sentiment and the fallout from Donald Trump, United States president trade war.

Shinjiro Koizumi

At 44, Shinjiro Koizumi is the youngest and one of the most recognisable faces in the race. The son of former prime minister Junichiro Koizumi, he has long been seen as a potential future leader.

As agriculture minister, Koizumi gained popularity earlier this year for his handling of Japan’s ‘rice crisis,’ when soaring prices hit consumers. His pragmatic response boosted his public profile and earned him backing from much of the LDP establishment.

A moderate by temperament, Koizumi has promised to reform the tax system, cut public debt and promote growth while maintaining fiscal discipline. Yet his relatively young age and less prestigious academic background – he studied at Kanto Gakuin University and Columbia University – may count against him in a party where pedigree still matters.

Sanae Takaichi

Sanae Takaichi, 64, is the only woman in the race and a prominent figure on the LDP’s right wing. A protégé of the late prime minister Shinzo Abe, she shares many of his conservative instincts.

A former economic security minister, Takaichi advocates a revival of ‘Abenomics’ – the mix of monetary easing, fiscal stimulus and structural reform that defined Abe’s era. She has also taken hard-line positions on immigration, same-sex marriage and relations with China.

Yoshimasa Hayashi

Another contender, Yoshimasa Hayashi, 64, is regarded as the ‘dark horse’ of the race. Currently serving as chief cabinet secretary, Hayashi has previously led the defence and foreign ministries and is known for his calm, consensus-driven style.

He is campaigning on fiscal prudence and foreign policy continuity, arguing that Japan must deepen cooperation with ‘like-minded democracies’ to counter China, Russia and North Korea.

Toshimitsu Motegi

At 69, Toshimitsu Motegi is the most senior of the five contenders. A former foreign and economy minister, he brings decades of political experience and a reputation as a skilled negotiator.

Motegi’s platform focuses on tackling inflation, cutting fuel prices and raising wages for care workers. His economic proposals fall somewhere between Koizumi’s fiscal restraint and Takaichi’s spending-heavy conservatism.

Takayuki Kobayashi

The youngest after Koizumi, Takayuki Kobayashi, 50, represents the LDP’s next generation. A former economic security minister, he is known for his intelligence and international outlook.

Kobayashi has campaigned on easing the cost of living and boosting growth through innovation. However, analysts say his youth and limited experience may hinder his chances.