Category: Business Day

The Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) has rose to N373 billion as of October 13, 2025, with at least 536 community projects ongoing, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has said.

The Commission in a statement signed by Eniola Akinkuotu, head, Media and Strategic Communications, NUPRC, explained that the total sum is comprised of N125billion and $168.9 million respectively.

The fund which was established by section 235 of the Petroleum Industry Act of 2021, mandates oil companies operating in Nigeria to deposit 3 percent of their operating expenditures of the preceding financial year into a trust fund for the benefit of host communities where they operate.

The Commission also announced that it has facilitated the delivery of over 10 projects under the Obagi Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) in Rivers State, operated by TotalEnergies.

These projects were officially handed over to the communities hosting OML 58 during a two-day project commissioning and flag-off ceremony at Ogbogu Community in Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Gbenga Komolafe, Commission Chief Executive of NUPRC stated that the projects will address issues related to basic education, healthcare, employment, and more.

Representing Komolafe, John Roland Tonglagha, executive commissioner, Health, Safety, Environment, and Community, task the host communities to take ownership of the infrastructure and collaborate with upstream operators to grow the oil industry and deliver national prosperity.

He said, ‘This milestone marks a defining moment in the implementation of the HCDT provisions under Section 235 of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 and stands as a testament to the NUPRC’s commitment to delivering on its mandate.’

The Commission in the statement list the projects delivered to include: demolition and construction of two-storey building classroom blocks with 18 furnished standard classrooms size of 56 square metres UBEC standard at Ogbogu Community, Ogba Egbema Ndoni LGA; remodelled Ogbogu Cottage Hospital with 20 beds capacity and a new newly constructed diagnostic centre and revatalisation and infrastructure upgrade of 1200 capacity Ogbogu Ultra Modern Civic Centre in Ogbogu community, Ogba Egbema Ndoni LGA.

Others are construction of 260 metres asphalt pavement at Obe Road, Oboburu Community, Ogba Egbema Ndoni LGA and fully constructed 320 metres reinforced concrete pavement at SDA Road, Oboburu Community in Ogba Egbema Ndoni LGA.

The HCDT, the Commission said also delivered the construction of Amah Bottling Water Factory, Amah Community, Ogba Egbema Ndoni LGA, with a production capacity of 1500 bottles per hour and satchet water machine with a capacity of 2000 per hour; construction of admin and security buildings, procurement of Gas Skid Plant in Erema Community, Ogba Egbema Ndoni LGA; renovation, procurement and installation of student writing desk and other modern facilities at Akabuka South Primary School and renovation, procurement and installation of student writing desk and other modern facilities at Akabuka North Primary School.

These projects according to the Commission, were developed based on the needs and priorities defined by the communities themselves, in line with the Host Communities provisions of the PIA, 2021.

It explained that projects gives the communities a sense of ownership and is expected to reduce incidents of sabotage on oil facilities like pipeline vandalism, ensures the communities receive direct benefits from petroleum operations like social economic, educational development, empowerment of youth and overall reduction of restiveness in the Niger Delta region.

In his remarks, Benson Agadaga, Senate Committee Chairman on Oil and Gas Host Communities, noted that host communities are now reaping the dividends of the PIA’s successful implementation.

He emphasised that peace in the Niger Delta would help the Commission meet its production target of over two million barrels per day.

He said, ‘This is a challenge to other HCDTs to do the same because the little peace we are seeing today in the Niger Delta is because of the achievements of the PIA, and the host communities are no longer as hostile as before.’

Also speaking at the event, Matthieu Bouyer, Managing Director of TotalEnergies Upstream Companies in Nigeria, said the speed of the project delivery reflects the company’s commitment to sustainable economic development in host communities.

He said, ‘We are one of the first, if not the first, International Oil Companies to create and fund the Trust two years ago, which of course, is the Obagi HCDT. Within the community development plan, there are more than 500 projects currently identified, touching more than 60 communities.’

‘The Obagi HCDT as a shining example of what is possible when trust and policy are aligned. I am proud to support this project, which has created more than 1,000 jobs and will impact over 30,000 people,’ he added.

Data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) indicates that 6,831 Nigerian-born individuals acquired Canadian citizenship between January and June 2025, representing 25.9 per cent of all new citizens from the continent.

This figure is more than three times higher than any other African nation.

In total, 26,286 Africans were granted Canadian citizenship during the period, with Nigerians making up more than a quarter of that number, the highest among all African countries.

Morocco (1,835), Algeria (1,831), and Tunisia (1,538) followed closely, each contributing more than 5 per cent of the total, underscoring Canada’s growing appeal to French-speaking migrants from North Africa.

Countries such as Eritrea (1,283), Cameroon (1,276), Ethiopia (1,163), Egypt (1,158), and the Democratic Republic of Congo (1,081) also featured prominently, reflecting the diverse mix of economic, educational, and humanitarian motivations driving African migration to Canada. South Africa had 832 new citizens, representing 3.2 per cent of the total.

The figures point to both the scale and diversity of migration flows from across the continent, from West Africa’s economic migrants to North Africa’s francophone professionals and East Africa’s refugee diaspora.

The figures mirror a broader trend of African mobility towards countries offering stronger economic prospects, education opportunities, and political stability. For Nigeria, the exodus reflects both the success of Canada’s immigration-friendly policies and the persistent challenges at home, including limited job opportunities, currency instability, and rising insecurity which continue to push young professionals to seek better prospects abroad.

Canada’s flexible visa-to-residency pathways, favourable post-study work options, and active recruitment of skilled workers made it one of the most attractive destinations for African migrants.

Crackdown on immigration surge, exploitation

The latest figures highlight Canada’s enduring appeal to African migrants drawn by its education system, labour opportunities, and political stability. For many Nigerians, emigration to Canada is synonymous with social mobility, professional recognition, and long-term security, a reflection of both Canada’s historically open immigration stance and Nigeria’s ongoing economic headwinds.

However, this surge comes as the Canadian government moves to tighten its immigration policies in response to growing domestic pressure on housing shortages, strained public services, and integration challenges.

Justin Trudeau’s, Canada’s prime minister has faced criticism for what some Canadians describe as unsustainable immigration growth. While the country remains one of the world’s most immigrant-friendly nations, it is now seeking to moderate the pace of arrivals to ensure infrastructure and social systems can keep up.

Recently, Canada unveiled sweeping reforms to its immigration system, with the federal government announcing plans to reduce both temporary and permanent immigration levels over the next three years. The move is to stabilise population growth, ease pressure on housing and infrastructure, and curb abuses within the system.

Trudeau admitted that Canada’s population had grown at ‘baby boom speed’ in the last two years, largely driven by a surge in temporary residents, international students and foreign workers, who were admitted after the pandemic to fill critical labour shortages.

‘Our population has grown really fast, like baby boom fast,’ the prime minister said, explaining that while the influx helped Canada avoid a post-pandemic recession, it also exposed loopholes that have since been exploited by ‘bad actors like fake colleges and big chain corporations.’

According to him, the government’s mistake was allowing temporary migration to expand unchecked while focusing primarily on permanent immigration targets. ‘Historically, we only planned for permanent residents, but temporary immigration, which used to be small, grew rapidly after the pandemic. We needed workers fast, and we brought them in. It was the right call at the time.’

However, he acknowledged that the sudden boom in population, fuelled by short-term work and study permits, has strained housing, healthcare, and social systems. ‘Looking back, when the post-pandemic boom cooled, we could have acted quicker and turned off the taps faster,’ he admitted.

The new immigration plan is to pause population growth for the next two years, followed by a gradual increase from 2027 onwards. The minister said the government would now ‘lower the number of new immigrants coming into Canada, both temporary and permanent, while prioritising skilled permanent residents such as healthcare and construction workers.

‘We’re making the system work for Canadians and for newcomers, rather than for the big box stores, chain restaurants, and sham colleges that exploit it’, he said.

Tougher measures for international students, foreign workers, assymlum seekers

The government also pledged tougher oversight on international education and work permits. Officials cited instances of fraudulent institutions charging foreign students tens of thousands of dollars more for the same degree, and employers using temporary work schemes to get around hiring Canadian workers.

According to Trudeau, the reforms will also address asylum abuse, as temporary residents whose visas expire and attempt to use the asylum system as a shortcut to stay in Canada will have their claims rigorously reviewed, and have unsuccessful applicants repatriated.

Although provinces like Ontario are experiencing chronic labour shortages especially in manufacturing and healthcare, Trudeau insisted that the new policies will give Canadian communities ‘breathing room’.

A Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has urged the service chiefs to be more ruthless with terrorists killing innocent citizens in the country.

Oyintiloye said the killings in some parts of the north and other parts of the country needed to stop, although the security agencies were doing their possible best to deal with the situation.

The APC chieftain made the remarks while speaking with newsmen on Sunday in Osogbo.

Oyintiloye, a member of the defunct APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), expressed concern over the rise in the spate of killings by suspected bandits in Kwara, Borno, Zamfara, and Niger State.

According to him, the heads of security agencies must take the bull by the horns and go hard on those involved in the killings and their sponsors.

The former lawmaker said Nigerians were living in fear and anxiety across the country despite the efforts of the security agencies to bring the situation under control.

He, subsequently, urged the service chiefs not to rest on their oars until they succeeded in winning the war against terrorist groups in the country.

Oyintiloye also advised the service chiefs to look inwards and fish out those who might be working against their relentless efforts to crush the activities of terrorists in the country completely.

‘There is no doubt that the service chiefs are doing their best against these terrorists, but they need to be more ruthless with them.

‘I will also urge them to look inward and fish out those who might be working against their efforts at the war front.

‘This is important and necessary to restore public confidence in the security agencies and restore peace and security in the country.

‘People are tired, and many of them are living in fear of the unknown due to the activities of those perpetrating violent crimes in the country,’ he said.

The party chieftain also highlighted the need for the service chiefs to involve local security networks in intelligence gathering to tackle the menace.

Oyintiloye said people, especially stakeholders living in different communities, must be engaged in intelligence gathering, noting that this would go a long way in preventing terrorist activities and their attacks.

He further said that the security agencies should also target the financial backbone of terrorist groups in the country to complement their efforts.

The lawmaker, however, commended President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly for providing the needed support and budgetary allocation for the security agencies to reduce violent crimes in the country.

Oyintiloye noted that with the cooperation of all stakeholders, acts of faith, patriotism, honesty, and the positive mindset of Nigerians, the country would defeat the menace of insecurity in due course.

Golden Penny Foods Ltd, the provider of superior quality African brands that inspire consumers every day, and the iconic brand of Flour Mills of Nigeria (FMN), is set to mark 65 years of Feeding and Enriching Lives, Every Day.

As part of this celebration, the brand is launching a Buy and Win promotion, offering 4 billion worth of prizes to its loyal consumers.

The pan-Nigeria Golden Penny Buy and Win promo campaign, which will run for 10 weeks from September 22nd, 2025, allows consumers to enter with multiple entries to win instant airtime and ultimately, cash prizes, Golden Penny products, household items, kitchen makeovers, and cars. Instant airtime can be earned by using the unique PIN on the promo packs. Weekly draws will be held every Tuesday at 12:00 p.m. for the duration of the promo.

Mr. Devlin Hainsworth, the Managing Director, Food Division, eulogized the company’s commitment to celebrate with the consumers as their loyalty for over six decades is the very foundation is business sustenance.

‘The Golden Penny Foods brand is the people’s brand, a household brand that transcends over two generations while still maintaining the production of nutritious and superior quality loved brands. Through the National Consumer Promotion, we are celebrating and rewarding our consumers for 65 years of loyalty, affinity, and patronage.’

To participate in the promo, consumers would need to purchase special promo packs of Golden Penny products (10 packs of Golden Penny Noodles, 3 packs of Golden Penny Semovita, and 3 packs of Golden Penny Pasta), which would be submitted at designated redemption centres across the country, for which they will receive a code confirming their entry.

Also emphasizing that the 65th Anniversary Buy and Win Promo is designed to appreciate and reward Golden Penny Food’s loyal consumers, and reinforce the brand’s commitment to strengthening the bond it has built with Nigerian families over six decades, Mr. Ilyas O. Kazeem, The Director for Marketing, Golden Penny Foods Ltd noted, ‘Golden Penny has been nourishing Nigerians for 65 years, and what better way to celebrate than with the people who have brought us this far,

hence the Buy and Win promo.

The Promo speaks to our commitment to truly enriching people’s lives. We are giving Nigerians 4 billion reasons to smile. Every prize is our way of saying thank you for walking with us all these years.’

Winners will emerge every week and can redeem their prizes at the redemption centres closest to them using their entry codes and a valid identification card. More information about the promo can be found on the brand’s website (https://www.fmnfoods.com/) as well as their social media pages.

About Golden Penny Foods

Golden Penny Foods Ltd is a leading food company and a provider of superior quality African brands that inspire consumers every day. As an iconic brand of FMN, a diversified Pan-African food and agro-allied company that feeds and enriches the lives of its consumers every day, Golden Penny Foods Ltd is committed to providing its consumers with superior quality African Brands designed to satisfy their nutritional needs.

The company is consistently providing affordable nutrition to its consumers – a commitment that earned it the iconic name ‘Golden Penny’, which was the smallest unit of Nigeria’s currency, an indication that anybody could afford the Company’s products while quality is still guaranteed. Through market leadership in process and product innovation, it is imperative for FMN, through the Golden Penny Foods Company, to offer consumers healthy, quality, and tasty nutrition that complements local delicacies.

Through the Golden Penny Foods brand, various stakeholders can access their daily nutrition of choice through the Company’s portfolio of loved brands. From this home of good food emanate excellent nutritional products like diverse flour brands, ball foods (Semovita), pasta, noodles, sweeteners, edible oil, and fats, Choco Spreads, breakfast cereal, and other endearing foods. With over 17 modern and best-in-class manufacturing facilities across 12 states, and production capabilities across grain milling, edible oil, sugar refining, agro-inputs, and animal nutrition and proteins.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Borno State has formally notified the Borno State Independent Electoral Commission (BOSIEC) of its readiness to participate in the forthcoming local government elections slated for 25th December, 2025.

Bello Ayuba, the State Chairman of the party, announced this at weekend in Maiduguri, saying the early communication was made four months ahead to ensure full compliance with electoral guidelines and allow adequate preparation by members across the state.

Ayuba explained that the APC State Working Committee had constituted four key committees – Sale of Forms, Screening, Appeal, and Reconciliation – to oversee the election process.

He noted that the Sale of Forms Committee had already been inaugurated, and nomination forms were offered free of charge to all party members aspiring for chairmanship and councillorship positions.

‘The sale of forms, which opened about two weeks ago, closes today,’ Ayuba said. ‘The Screening Committee will immediately begin verifying all documents submitted by aspirants, and this process will last about one week before the conduct of primaries.’

The chairman assured that the party is committed to transparent and credible primaries across the 27 local government areas. Even where only one aspirant indicates interest in a position, he said, committees would still be constituted to affirm the candidate’s popularity and acceptability among members.

He stressed that the APC remains dedicated to internal democracy and will ensure fair competition ahead of the polls. Committees would also be established at various levels to ensure smooth primaries leading to the emergence of candidates for all chairmanship and councillorship positions across the state’s 27 LGAs and 312 wards.

On the cost of nomination forms, Ayuba revealed that Borno APC pegged the fees at moderate rates compared to other states such as Kaduna and Yobe.

In Borno, councillorship forms cost ?500,000, while chairmanship forms cost ?2 million. To promote inclusion, women and persons with disabilities are to pay half the price – ?250,000 for councillorship and ?1 million for chairmanship forms.

Ayuba dismissed speculations that certain aspirants had been ‘anointed’ ahead of the primaries, insisting that the process remains open, fair, and transparent.

‘The APC in Borno is fair to all. No one has been denied access to nomination forms, and every aspirant is treated equally. We are supporting candidates who are popular and acceptable to the people because our goal is to win elections fairly.’

He reiterated that the party considers all aspirants as valued members and will continue to ensure a level playing field for everyone participating in the local government elections.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will be fighting to keep their 2026 FIFA World Cup dream alive when they face Group C leaders Benin Republic on Tuesday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

For Nigeria, a football powerhouse that has graced six World Cup finals since debuting in 1994, the stakes could not be higher.

Super Eagles

The three-time African champions must secure a convincing win over the Cheetahs and hope for a favourable result from Nelspruit, where South Africa host Rwanda in the group’s other decisive fixture.

Group C Standings

Benin Republic top Group C with 17 points, two clear of South Africa (15) and three ahead of Nigeria (14). A win in Uyo would see Gernot Rohr’s side, led by the German who once managed the Super Eagles, qualify for their first-ever World Cup, a historic achievement for the Cheetahs.

Nigeria, however, are desperate to avoid missing consecutive World Cup tournaments for the first time in their history, having failed to qualify for Qatar 2022. Since their maiden appearance in the USA in 1994, the Super Eagles have featured at every World Cup except in 2006 and 2022, reaching the Round of 16 in 1994, 1998, and 2014.

Super Eagles Focused on Redemption

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle and his squad know what is at stake. Nigeria are the only side among the three contenders to have lost just once in the qualifying campaign. A two-goal victory over Benin, coupled with South Africa dropping points against Rwanda, would be enough to send the Eagles soaring back to the global stage.

The team will rely on its mix of experience and youthful energy. William Troost-Ekong, who is set to earn his 83rd cap, and midfielder Alex Iwobi will bring valuable experience, having both featured at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Meanwhile, 2023 African Player of the Year Victor Osimhen, along with Ademola Lookman, Calvin Bassey, Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, and Samuel Chukwueze, are determined to earn their first taste of football’s biggest stage.

Key Absences on Both Sides

Benin will be without key players Yohan Roche and Sessi D’Almeida through suspension, while Nigeria are also hit by absences. Ademola Lookman (suspension) and full-backs Ola Aina and Bright Osayi-Samuel (injuries) will miss the crunch tie.

Fans’ Faith Fuels the Eagles

Despite the challenges, the Super Eagles are counting on the support of their fans, with thousands expected to fill the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.

The nation’s 220 million football lovers will also be watching anxiously as their team seeks redemption.

As the final whistle approaches in both Uyo and Nelspruit, the equation will be simple for Nigeria: win well and hope fortune smiles on them elsewhere.

A place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico is the prize, and the Super Eagles will need every ounce of belief, precision, and resilience to claim it.

The Nigerian Police said it is investigating the origin of two English-made pistols used by a nine (9)-man armed robbery syndicate arrested in connection with, deadly robbery attack carried out in the Kano metropolis, recently.

The two weapons: an English Falcon pistol with breach number RFJA 170521867, and one scrapped Phoenix pistol, were among several other arms recovered from the robbers, linked to a dastardly robbery attack at a residence in Unguwar Wambai, Dorayi Babba Quarters, last week.

Briefing journalists on Monday on recent breakthroughs recorded by the operatives of the command, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, Kano State Commissioner of Police, said that the source of the two English pistols used for the robbery operation is part of the information that his detectives are trying to uncover.

‘Good afternoon, distinguished ladies and gentlemen of the press. I am pleased to brief you on a significant breakthrough achieved by the Kano State Police Command in our efforts to combat crime and ensure the safety of lives and property in the State.

‘Acting in line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, charging all Commands and Formations to dominate the public space, and aggressively and strategically tackle all forms of criminal activities; today, I am pleased to announce to you the successful arrest of 9 suspects involved in a series of armed robbery operations in Kano State.

‘The arrest was triggered by a report of an armed robbery incident that occurred on October 8, 2025, at about 2 am, at a residence in Unguwar Wambai, Dorayi Babba Quarters, Kano. The robbers, armed with rifles, made away with a Toyota Yaris motor vehicle, foreign and local currencies amounting to N3,700,000, three mobile phones, and other valuables.

‘In the process, they also brutally assaulted the complainant’s wife, removing one of her teeth with a diamond, causing her grievous hurt. Police officers attached to the Dorayi Divisional Headquarters responded and arrested one suspect.

‘On my instruction, the Command’s Special Intervention Squad (SIS) moved in and rounded up the other eight suspects at different locations within Kano and Kaduna States. The suspects, who were arrested following this coordinated intelligence and tactical operation, include:

‘Abubakar Aminu, 22 years old, Aliyu Aliyu, 23 years old, Abubakar Usman, 22 years old, Sulaiman Sani, 20 years old, Yusuf Yusuf, 17 years old, Abdulrahman Aliyu, 23 years old, Salisu Hussaini, 17 years old, Sulaiman Abdullahi, 20 years old, and, Abdulmutallab Sa’ad, 24 years old’, he disclosed.

According to Bakori, the suspects have confessed to their involvement in several armed robbery operations in Abuja, Kaduna, and Kano State, including the recent armed robbery at Unguwar Jakada, Dorayi Quarters, Kano State.

He said that during the investigation, the following exhibits were recovered: One double-barrel gun with breach number 273720 with eighteen rounds of live cartridges, one English Falcon pistol with breach number RFJA 170521867, and one scrapped Phoenix pistol

Other weapons recovered from the suspect, he stated, include: One iron cutter, two cutlasses, four sharp knives, three torch lights, and one operational vehicle Toyota Corolla LE with registration number ADK 787 EV, red in colour, as well as two mobile phones.

Responding to questions, he hinted that all the suspects arrested will be charged to court upon completion of the investigation, and the Command is working to recover more exhibits, as well as the sources of the origin of the pistols and guns used in the robbery operation.

‘I would like to commend the officers involved in this operation for their bravery and professionalism. Their dedication to duty has resulted in this significant breakthrough, and I urge all officers to continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of the people of Kano State.

‘I also wish to appreciate the support of the public in providing valuable information that led to this achievement. We encourage the public to continue to support us with information that will aid our efforts in combating crime and ensuring the safety of lives and property in the State.

‘Notably, our community-based crime-fighting model, ‘Operation Kukan Kura,’ has contributed significantly to the reduction of crime in the State. We have seen a geometric reduction in all forms of crimes. Mobile phone snatching and robbery becoming a thing of the past Thuggery activities (Fadan Daba) being crippled’, the commissioner of police further stated.

Jumia Nigeria’s second edition report, ‘E-Commerce in Rural Areas’ has revealed insights into Nigeria’s digital retail landscape and the growing influence of e-commerce in unlocking economic opportunities in underserved communities.

Building on the findings from the first edition, this year’s report, according to a statement, offers a deeper look at how rural consumers are embracing digital retail, the infrastructure investments that have enabled access, and the critical role of initiatives like JForce and community-based logistics in bridging the digital divide.

As Nigeria’s e-commerce ecosystem matures, secondary cities and rural areas are emerging as some of the most promising frontiers for growth. According to the report, rural regions now account for nearly half of all packages delivered on the Jumia platform. Consumer demand in these areas continues to rise, with categories such as phones, beauty and perfumes, home essentials, men’s clothing, and men’s shoes topping the list of most purchased items.

In Q2 2025, Jumia’s earnings results showed accelerated momentum in Nigeria, with orders up 25% .

Jumia’s expanded footprint now includes over 350 pickup stations across hundreds of towns and communities. This physical infrastructure, combined with a network of 67 logistics partners, has made it possible to deliver goods to even the most remote parts of the country. Towns like Gaya in Kano State, Akpakpava and Ekpoma-Eguare in Edo State, Owerri in Imo State, and Wurukum in Benue State are showing strong growth in GMV.

Temidayo Ojo, CEO of Jumia Nigeria, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to inclusive growth. He said in the statement, ‘our mission has always been to make everyday life easier for Nigerians, regardless of where they live. This report reaffirms the power of digital commerce to improve lives, support small businesses, and create economic opportunity in areas long underserved by traditional retail.’

The report also sheds light on the expanding impact of JForce, Jumia’s community-based sales network. With over 32,000 active agents, JForce continues to play a pivotal role in introducing rural consumers to e-commerce, supporting product discovery, order placement, and digital literacy.

As Jumia marks over thirteen years of operations in Nigeria, this second edition of the E-Commerce in Rural Areas report captures the company’s evolving role in shaping a more connected, empowered, and equitable future for all Nigerians.

The launch event of the report in Lagos recently , brought together key stakeholders including media representatives, government officials, vendors, logistics partners, and members of the Jumia community.

Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector-General of Police, has reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to creating a safer and more secure digital environment for all Nigerians.

Speaking at a one-day Cybercrime Awareness Campaign organised by the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) in Abuja, the IGP, represented by Sadiq Abubakar, Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), said the initiative reflects the Force’s renewed drive to strengthen public awareness, promote responsible digital practices, and safeguard citizens against the growing menace of cybercrime.

The event, which drew more than 3,000 participants from schools, public and private institutions, government agencies, and digital platforms, featured an awareness walk, sensitisation sessions, and a musical fiesta designed to make cyber safety education engaging and accessible to all Nigerians.

Egbetokun emphasised that cybersecurity remains central to national security and public safety, pledging continued collaboration with stakeholders to tackle emerging online threats.

In his address, Uche Ifeanyi Henry, Director of NPF-NCCC, stressed that cyber safety is a shared responsibility.

‘The fight against cybercrime requires a collective national effort. Today’s digital era demands that all Nigerians are not just users but also guardians of their own cybersecurity. We will continue to build on this foundation by scaling up cyber education, enhancing reporting mechanisms, and strengthening our enforcement capacity’, he said.

He highlighted the NPF-NCCC’s ongoing commitment to promoting cyber literacy and vigilance among Nigerians, urging citizens to ‘Stay Smart, Stay Safe Online.’

Cross River State’s agricultural transformation received a major boost at the weekend in Cross River State as Governor Bassey Otu flagged off the distribution of subsidised mini- tractors to farmers’ cooperatives across the State.

Governor Otu said the initiative, which is part of his People-First Agricultural Transformation Agenda, signalled the State’s determined shift toward full-scale mechanisation and rural empowerment.

The flag-off ceremony, held at the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation Development headquarters in Calabar, drew lawmakers, traditional rulers, women farmers, private-sector partners, and agricultural stakeholders, all of whom lauded the governor’s vision to reposition agriculture as the backbone of the State’s economy.

Speaking on the programme, Governor Otu reaffirmed his Administration’s determination to make agriculture the cornerstone of the State’s economic development, saying, ‘When we assumed office, we made a firm commitment to make agriculture the backbone of our development strategy.

‘From engagements with farmers across our local government areas, one message stood out, the challenge of land preparation, which accounts for over 70 percent of cultivation costs. This programme directly addresses that problem.’

The governor explained that the distributed mini tractors are fuel-efficient, terrain-adaptable, and multifunctional ‘specifically designed to ease land preparation, reduce labour costs, and boost productivity. According to him, 108 units are being rolled out in the first phase, with a total of 324 tractors expected to be deployed statewide.’

Governor Otu further stated that the tractors would be managed through a cooperative model, enabling beneficiary groups to serve as community-based service providers. ‘This ensures shared ownership, responsible management, and broader access to mechanization at the grassroots,’ he noted. ‘We are unlocking the full potential of our agricultural landscape so that our farmers can farm more, earn more, and feed more.’

Highlighting other flagship agricultural programmes, the governor listed the Cassava Seed Multiplication Project, the Project Grow maize and soybean scheme in partnership with Flour Mills Plc, and a pilot phase of commercial sorghum production with Champion Breweries.

He also mentioned the ongoing distribution of improved cowpea seeds, fertilizers, and farm implements to smallholders, alongside plans to establish new cocoa and coffee estates through public-private partnerships. ‘This tractor distribution is not just another intervention,’ Otu emphasized. ‘It is a tangible expression of our People-First Agricultural Transformation Agenda anchored on mechanisation, value-chain development, and inclusive growth.’

Femi Odeleye, Chief Executive Officer of Bespoke Concepts Limited, suppliers of the tractors, lauded the initiative as ‘the planting of seeds for a new agricultural revolution in Cross River State.

‘By distributing these tractors, His Excellency is not just distributing machines; he is empowering communities and transforming livelihoods.’ Odeleye further revealed that there were plans to establish a tractor assembly plant in Calabar capable of creating over 2,000 jobs’, he said.

Also, Ojikpong Nyiam Bisong, Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Cross River State Chapter, likened Governor Otu’s leadership to that of Dr. Michael Okpara, the late Premier of Eastern Nigeria, saying: ‘Your Excellency, Cross River State under your leadership has taken the place of the late Dr. Michael Okpara of Eastern Nigeria,’ he said, adding that ‘the legacy he left that still speaks, generations after him, you have laid in Cross River State.’