Category: Business Day

The sub-conscious characteristics of individuals, which either define strength or weakness, attract the lens of photographer, Olaniyi Atolagbe, as the photo artist implores a conceptual approach to portrait photography.

For being conceptual, Atolagbe’s photography strengthens the importance of the digital era of the 21st century in creating images. More of interest, the creative energy in the photographer brings themes that are crucial to human curiosity, as well as highlighting spiritual connection to imagination.

Viewing the works of Atolagbe with a foreknowledge of his background gives a better depth of what side of critique one should lean towards. Atolagbe, who has a background in Mathematics, seems greatly influenced by his social, cultural and spiritual environments, on which he grew up. His background and experiences have collectively brought surreal contents into his works, explaining the emotional and sometimes fantasy contents of his photography.

Going into the spiritual space, Atolagbe engages human strength of imagination in a piece titled ‘Rooted Dreams’ in which he depicts a woman and her energy of connection with the spirit of a tree. With double exposures, Atolagbe blends the contemplative portrait of the woman with the powerful form of a tree, symbolizing the interconnectedness of human nature, body, memory and spirit. Specifically, ‘Rooted Dreams’ embodies the blurred lines between experience and its memory, suggesting how the past can either be cherished or loathed.

While Atolagbe flaunts his sense of conceptuality in ‘Rooted Dreams’ with the double exposure technique he applied, the single colour for the two overlapping images of the lady and branches of tree appear to weaken the concept. Perhaps, a clear differential in colour of the two images fading into each other would have created a higher depth of concept.

From pieces such as ‘Unseen Exchange’ and ‘Unseen Self’, Atolagbe continues illusory and fantasy contents that probe into the imagination of people. Between the surreality of the images and the captured individuals’ supposedly meditation, there are creative as well as spiritual takeaways. And just like some of the flashes encountered in dreams and imaginations, the images from Atolagbe’s lens come with the duality that life brings in general.

However, between ‘Rooted Dreams’ and ‘The Unseen Self’, the photographer’s peculiar signature and identity in conceptual photography is exposed: while one comes in dark tone, the other brings brighter images. As regards the context of identity in art, most artists would like to be known for diversity while still retaining their signature. For Atolagbe, ‘The Unseen Self’ and ‘Rooted Dreams’ nearly take diversity from his identity; the two works are almost identical in colour and the model used.

Still searching for the diversity in Atolagbe’s conceptual photography, there comes a set of works that brings something different. Supporting Atolagbe’s creative dexterity are works such as ‘Iberu Bojo’, a capturing of anxiety, fear, and perhaps meditation of a lady in either spiritual, environmental, or psychological communication with some unknown entity; ‘Adé Okùnkùn’ (Crown of Darkness), crowded head of a Black woman in imagination of the unseen, as the many items on her head represent unknown travails; and ‘Passage of memory’, a figure that depicts how fragile human memory is, noting that every step forward echoes the duality of forgetting and becoming.

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) says it has many tools of development to execute its mandate to transform the Niger Delta region and make a difference.

One of the schemes is said to be the Postgraduate Scholarship Project through which the Commission embarks on human capital development.

One of the star candidates that put the commission’s efforts on the global map is named Idara Bassey.

She is a beneficiary of the postgraduate scholarship scheme of the NDDC who is said to be making waves as the 263rd Certified Global Tech Hero. According to a document by Ifeatu Agbu of the communications unit of the NDDC, Bassey was named a recipient of the prestigious Connected Awards in recognition of her pioneering work at the intersection of law, technology, and ethics.

Samuel Ogbuku, NDDC CEO (3rd right) presenting a letter of award to Reginald Omubo-Pepple (left) during the award ceremony for the NDDC 2025/2026 Local Postgraduate Scholarship in Port Harcourt.

From the right: Dimaro Denyanbofa, Bayelsa State Representative on NDDC Board, (2nd right), Ifedayo Abegunde, Executive Director Corporate Services (2nd left), Angela Chukwudifu, Director Education.

The award highlighted Bassey’s ability to translate governance principles into systems that protect people and create lasting social value -a skillset that is said to have defined her professional journey.

Awarded the NDDC scholarship in 2023, Bassey is said to have pursued a Master’s degree in Intellectual Property and Technology Law at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, USA. Since completing her studies, she is said to have earned globally recognised certifications in artificial intelligence governance and privacy practice, solidifying her expertise in privacy-by-design, AI risk assessment, and digital policy formulation.

Her work is said to have played a pivotal role in shaping national-scale digital infrastructure, benefiting millions of users. By integrating privacy safeguards and operational standards into large identity and security systems, her interventions are said to have significantly reduced cyber vulnerabilities and enhanced community-level protections.

This recognition places Bassey among a distinguished cadre of global innovators who are redefining the ethical and legal frameworks of emerging technologies.

For the NDDC, her achievement are said to have underscored the enduring value of its scholarship programme in cultivating world-class professionals who drive transformative change far beyond the Niger Delta region.

The Nigerian stream:

Building on stories of success like Bassey’s, the NDDC is said to have expanded its scholarship programmes to include postgraduate studies in Nigerian universities. On October 8, 2025, the Commission presented award letters to 600 successful candidates for its 2025/2026 Local Post Graduate Scholarship Programme.

Presenting the scholarship letters to the successful candidates during the award ceremony in Port Harcourt, Samuel Ogbuku, the NDDC Managing Director, stated that the scholarship programme was an initiative designed to enhance human capital development in the Niger Delta region.

Ogbuku described the scholarship scheme as an essential component of the NDDC scheme of work, noting that education was the most powerful weapon for changing the fortunes of the Niger Delta region.

He observed that previous beneficiaries of the scholarship programme set enviable standards for subsequent groups, stating: ‘It is remarkable that 32 of our scholars graduated with distinction in Coventry University this year.’

Ogbuku advised the NDDC scholars to avoid distractions to excel in their studies, reminding them that they owed the Niger Delta a duty to succeed.

He declared, ‘You are the torchbearers of transformation. Your education is not just for you but for the millions who look up to you for hope. As you pursue your postgraduate studies, remember that every lecture you attend, every paper you write, and every solution you provide is a step towards transforming our communities.’

In his remarks, George Uzonwanne, the NDDC Director of Education, Health and Social Services, disclosed that out of 46,240 applicants, only 600 were selected through a transparent electronic examination process. He said, ‘I congratulate the successful candidates who applied and went through a seamless selection process.’

Uzonwanne stated: ‘Through initiatives like the NDDC Local Scholarship Programme, we are investing in the minds that will shape the Niger Delta’s tomorrow. By equipping our youth with advanced knowledge in fields like engineering, environmental sciences, technology, humanities, and management sciences, we empower them to tackle our region’s unique challenges.’

The Director explained that the Foreign Post-Graduate Scholarship Scheme was meant to equip Niger Delta youths with relevant training and skills for effective participation in the local content programme of the Federal Government.

He added, ‘The objective is to equip our people to compete favourably with others in terms of employment and entrepreneurship in the region.’

He noted that emphasis was placed on science disciplines because of a noticeable deficiency in the oil industry, which made it challenging to employ young graduates from the region in that critical sector.

According to him, previously, the oil and gas industry had discriminated against fresh graduates, dismissing them as not possessing the requisite qualifications. ‘We also need to encourage our youths to show interest in engineering for the sake of our projects. We need qualified engineers who can manage our projects just as in agriculture, environmental science, and other science-related courses.’

Uzonwanne stressed that the foreign scholarship scheme was designed to expose the graduates to other developed environments outside the country. ‘So far, we have been proved right as those who benefited from the programme in the previous years have justified the need for the advanced training programme,’ he said.

The Director recalled the outstanding performance of one of the beneficiaries who studied in the United Kingdom. He said that Francisca Chiedu, the star NDDC scholar of that year, was elected President of the University of the United Kingdom Student Union.

That feat, he said, demonstrated that Nigerian youths could lead innovative changes within and outside the country. ‘Her success was indeed a victory for the NDDC. It is a testimony of the capability of the new generation of Nigerians to be the change they seek and champion worthy causes’.

Transparent process yields first-class results:

Uzonwanne expressed optimism that the transparent process for selecting beneficiaries of the scholarship scheme would continue to yield first-class performers. ‘It will guarantee the Niger Delta region and Nigeria at large the likes of Francisca Chiedu, the Information Engineering and Network Management student at Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, who brought glory to NDDC, the region, and nation.’

Angela Chukwudifu, the NDDC Director of Education, observed that the new scholarship programme emphasised on local education to ensure that beneficiaries remained connected to the Niger Delta’s challenges and opportunities, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility.

She stated: ‘Through initiatives like the NDDC Local Scholarship Programme, we are investing in the minds that will shape the Niger Delta’s tomorrow. By equipping our youth with advanced knowledge in fields like engineering, environmental sciences, technology, humanities and management sciences, we empower them to tackle our region’s unique challenges.’

The best performing scholarship candidate, Reginald Omubo-Pepple, thanked the NDDC for allowing them to enhance their education. He pledged that the beneficiaries would do their best to be good ambassadors for the region and subsequently contribute to the development of the Niger Delta.

Sharing the sentiments of Omubo-Pepple, another beneficiary from Abia State, Brian Okafor, promised that the new set of scholars would follow the foot steps of those before them in striving for excellence.

Those who set the standards for NDDC scholars include Ubong Peters, an NDDC scholar in Australia, who was celebrated for winning the university’s three-minute thesis competition.

Apart from Peters, ‘Augustine Osarogiagbon of Memorial University is so brilliant he completed his PhD in less than the stipulated time and was offered a dual PhD programme with two graduate assistants to work with and a post-doctoral fellowship lined up.

Among the stars is Charles Igwe whose exceptional contributions in Construction Engineering at Concordia University, Canada, made headlines. Igwe’s unique design saved the Montreal Area Municipality over $1 billion. He achieved this feat by redesigning the TURCOT interchange road construction project, which cost $3.67 billion.

Lenin Francis, who benefited from the foreign scholarship programme and earned a Master’s degree in petroleum engineering, suggested that NDDC should also extend the scholarship to other undergraduate students and increase the number of beneficiaries.

Francis, from Bayelsa State, agreed that the programme was a good capacity-builder that would equip the youth to join in developing the Niger Delta. ‘I pray that the NDDC will continue with this laudable programme, which has helped many youths in the region,’ he said.

He said that the foreign scholarship was a boost not just for the beneficiaries but for the entire Niger Delta, as it would enable the youths to develop themselves and acquire technical expertise, which would ultimately benefit the people of the region.

According to him, the NDDC made the right decision to build the capacity of the youths, rather than focusing only on infrastructure. ‘After all, human resources are more important than physical infrastructure.’

The Delta State Executive Council (exco) has approved the disbursement of ?10 billion to offset the pension liabilities inherited from previous administrations in the state.

Charles Aniagwu, commissioner for Works (rural roads) and Public Information made the disclosure during a post-exco briefing held at the press centre, Government House, Asaba.

Aniagwu, flanked by Sonny Ekedayen,

commissioner for Economic Planning, Godknows Angele of Housing, and the Festus Ahon, chief press secretary (CPS) to the governor, said the exco deliberated on several life-impacting memos cutting across social investment, infrastructure, and governance reforms.

He said that the ?10 billion disbursement was in fulfillment of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s promise to ease the hardship of pensioners and to defray inherited pension liabilities.

He emphasised that the move was part of the administration’s broader commitment to improving the welfare of citizens under the MORE Agenda and making life more livable for senior citizens who had served the state diligently.

Aniagwu further revealed that the EXCO reviewed timelines for key infrastructure projects, including two major flyovers in Agbor (Uromi Junction) and Ughelli (Otovwodo Junction), being handled by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.

He said: ‘The Agbor flyover, initially scheduled for completion in 24 months, has been revised to 18 months, while the Ughelli flyover has been reduced from 24 to 14 months.

‘These adjustments are aimed at delivering the projects faster to ease movement and boost economic activities.’

He revealed that the council also considered the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) presented by the Commissioner for Economic Planning, as part of preparations for the 2026 budget, which will soon be presented to the Delta State House of Assembly.

He disclosed that council also terminated some non-performing contracts across the state to ensure efficient project delivery and value for money.

‘One of the affected projects, is the Igbodo Junction-Ubulu-Uku to Ogwashi-Uku Road, which will be re-examined and re-awarded to a competent contractor in line with the governor’s resolve to open up communities across the 25 local government areas.

The commissioner reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to people-oriented governance, transparency, and accelerated infrastructural renewal across the state.

Adegboyega Oyetola, minister of marine and blue economy, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s strong commitment to strengthening maritime safety, environmental protection, and regional cooperation within the framework of the Abuja Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control (Abuja MoU).

Speaking at the 3rd Bureau of Ministers Meeting of the Abuja MoU held in Conakry, Republic of Guinea, Oyetola said Nigeria remains determined to align its maritime governance with international standards while advancing the collective interests of West and Central Africa in global shipping.

The Minister’s remarks were contained in a statement signed by Bolaji Akinola, special adviser to the Minister on Media and Communications.

Reaffirming Nigeria’s unwavering support for the objectives of the Abuja MoU, Oyetola highlighted concrete steps being taken by the federal government to improve maritime administration, including stricter enforcement of port state control and the removal of substandard vessels from Nigerian waters.

He highlighted the recent approval of Nigeria’s National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy by the Federal Executive Council. The policy, he said, provides a comprehensive framework for safer, cleaner, and more sustainable maritime operations, aligning with global best practices and the ideals of the Abuja MoU.

According to Oyetola, the policy underscores Nigeria’s determination to build a thriving blue economy that promotes economic growth, protects ocean health, creates jobs, and enhances maritime safety.

He urged member states of the Abuja MoU to strengthen enforcement mechanisms within their jurisdictions and to support the institutional resilience of the Secretariat.

He also cautioned against allowing the region to become a dumping ground for substandard vessels, warning that poor compliance could result in accidents with far-reaching national, regional, and global consequences.

The minister emphasised that effective port state control remains fundamental to unlocking the full potential of the blue economy, particularly in a region where most vessels calling at ports are foreign-flagged rather than locally owned.

Oyetola explained that the Bureau of Ministers would review and endorse the records of the 15th Port State Control Committee Meeting to ensure that officers are well empowered to fulfil their statutory duties. He stressed that the Abuja MoU must continue to serve as a catalyst for safer shipping practices, stronger compliance, and deeper technical cooperation among member states.

He assured that Nigeria remains ready to share its expertise and collaborate on initiatives aimed at improving the effectiveness of port state control in West and Central Africa.

The minister also underscored the importance of strengthening the Abuja MoU Secretariat, urging member states to meet their financial obligations and support the Secretariat’s programmes. These contributions, he noted, are vital to sustaining the Secretariat’s efficiency and coordinating regional efforts effectively.

As part of Nigeria’s broader maritime diplomacy, Oyetola used the occasion to seek the support of fellow African ministers for Nigeria’s candidature in the forthcoming International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council elections under Category C. He stated that Nigeria’s inclusion on the IMO Council would help advance the objectives of the Abuja MoU and amplify Africa’s collective voice in global maritime governance.

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned the brutal killing of a young man, Onyedika Chukwu Ede, from Obeagu Awkunanaw community in Enugu South Local Government Area, describing the incident as a grave assault on human dignity and the sanctity of life.

Ede was reportedly attacked and killed on Friday by armed assailants while working with other villagers on a community project site in Ndinwuba village.

Eyewitnesses alleged that the attackers, some of whom were accompanied by armed security operatives, stormed the site without provocation, unleashing violence on unarmed residents.

The victim was said to have been stabbed in the abdomen and died before he could receive medical attention.

In a statement issued on Sunday by Emmanuel Onwubiko, its National Coordinator, HURIWA described the killing as ‘barbaric, inhuman, and a direct assault on the peace-loving people of Enugu State.’

The rights group expressed concern that the incident occurred in broad daylight and in the presence of witnesses, yet the perpetrators managed to escape without arrest.

HURIWA called on the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to launch a full-scale investigation into the attack, identify those responsible, and bring them to justice. The group warned that failure to act swiftly would erode public confidence in Nigeria’s security institutions and embolden perpetrators of extrajudicial killings. ‘The Enugu State Government has a constitutional duty to protect citizens from unlawful termination of their lives. This is one extrajudicial execution too many in the same community,’ the statement read.

HURIWA further urged the state government to take decisive measures to prevent further bloodshed, emphasising the need for peaceful and lawful resolution of land or communal disputes.

It also condoled with the bereaved family and the entire Obeagu Awkunanaw community, pledging continued support for victims of injustice.

‘This tragic killing is a clear affront to humanity and justice. Security agencies must treat this as a test case of their commitment to protecting ordinary Nigerians. No individual or group should be allowed to shed innocent blood without facing the full weight of the law’, Onwubiko stated.

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) says it has many tools of development to execute its mandate to transform the Niger Delta region and make a difference.

One of the schemes is said to be the Postgraduate Scholarship Project through which the Commission embarks on human capital development.

One of the star candidates that put the commission’s efforts on the global map is named Idara Bassey.

She is a beneficiary of the postgraduate scholarship scheme of the NDDC who is said to be making waves as the 263rd Certified Global Tech Hero. According to a document by Ifeatu Agbu of the communications unit of the NDDC, Bassey was named a recipient of the prestigious Connected Awards in recognition of her pioneering work at the intersection of law, technology, and ethics.

Samuel Ogbuku, NDDC CEO (3rd right) presenting a letter of award to Reginald Omubo-Pepple (left) during the award ceremony for the NDDC 2025/2026 Local Postgraduate Scholarship in Port Harcourt.

From the right: Dimaro Denyanbofa, Bayelsa State Representative on NDDC Board, (2nd right), Ifedayo Abegunde, Executive Director Corporate Services (2nd left), Angela Chukwudifu, Director Education.

The award highlighted Bassey’s ability to translate governance principles into systems that protect people and create lasting social value -a skillset that is said to have defined her professional journey.

Awarded the NDDC scholarship in 2023, Bassey is said to have pursued a Master’s degree in Intellectual Property and Technology Law at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, USA. Since completing her studies, she is said to have earned globally recognised certifications in artificial intelligence governance and privacy practice, solidifying her expertise in privacy-by-design, AI risk assessment, and digital policy formulation.

Her work is said to have played a pivotal role in shaping national-scale digital infrastructure, benefiting millions of users. By integrating privacy safeguards and operational standards into large identity and security systems, her interventions are said to have significantly reduced cyber vulnerabilities and enhanced community-level protections.

This recognition places Bassey among a distinguished cadre of global innovators who are redefining the ethical and legal frameworks of emerging technologies.

For the NDDC, her achievement are said to have underscored the enduring value of its scholarship programme in cultivating world-class professionals who drive transformative change far beyond the Niger Delta region.

The Nigerian stream:

Building on stories of success like Bassey’s, the NDDC is said to have expanded its scholarship programmes to include postgraduate studies in Nigerian universities. On October 8, 2025, the Commission presented award letters to 600 successful candidates for its 2025/2026 Local Post Graduate Scholarship Programme.

Presenting the scholarship letters to the successful candidates during the award ceremony in Port Harcourt, Samuel Ogbuku, the NDDC Managing Director, stated that the scholarship programme was an initiative designed to enhance human capital development in the Niger Delta region.

Ogbuku described the scholarship scheme as an essential component of the NDDC scheme of work, noting that education was the most powerful weapon for changing the fortunes of the Niger Delta region.

He observed that previous beneficiaries of the scholarship programme set enviable standards for subsequent groups, stating: ‘It is remarkable that 32 of our scholars graduated with distinction in Coventry University this year.’

Ogbuku advised the NDDC scholars to avoid distractions to excel in their studies, reminding them that they owed the Niger Delta a duty to succeed.

He declared, ‘You are the torchbearers of transformation. Your education is not just for you but for the millions who look up to you for hope. As you pursue your postgraduate studies, remember that every lecture you attend, every paper you write, and every solution you provide is a step towards transforming our communities.’

In his remarks, George Uzonwanne, the NDDC Director of Education, Health and Social Services, disclosed that out of 46,240 applicants, only 600 were selected through a transparent electronic examination process. He said, ‘I congratulate the successful candidates who applied and went through a seamless selection process.’

Uzonwanne stated: ‘Through initiatives like the NDDC Local Scholarship Programme, we are investing in the minds that will shape the Niger Delta’s tomorrow. By equipping our youth with advanced knowledge in fields like engineering, environmental sciences, technology, humanities, and management sciences, we empower them to tackle our region’s unique challenges.’

The Director explained that the Foreign Post-Graduate Scholarship Scheme was meant to equip Niger Delta youths with relevant training and skills for effective participation in the local content programme of the Federal Government.

He added, ‘The objective is to equip our people to compete favourably with others in terms of employment and entrepreneurship in the region.’

He noted that emphasis was placed on science disciplines because of a noticeable deficiency in the oil industry, which made it challenging to employ young graduates from the region in that critical sector.

According to him, previously, the oil and gas industry had discriminated against fresh graduates, dismissing them as not possessing the requisite qualifications. ‘We also need to encourage our youths to show interest in engineering for the sake of our projects. We need qualified engineers who can manage our projects just as in agriculture, environmental science, and other science-related courses.’

Uzonwanne stressed that the foreign scholarship scheme was designed to expose the graduates to other developed environments outside the country. ‘So far, we have been proved right as those who benefited from the programme in the previous years have justified the need for the advanced training programme,’ he said.

The Director recalled the outstanding performance of one of the beneficiaries who studied in the United Kingdom. He said that Francisca Chiedu, the star NDDC scholar of that year, was elected President of the University of the United Kingdom Student Union.

That feat, he said, demonstrated that Nigerian youths could lead innovative changes within and outside the country. ‘Her success was indeed a victory for the NDDC. It is a testimony of the capability of the new generation of Nigerians to be the change they seek and champion worthy causes’.

Transparent process yields first-class results:

Uzonwanne expressed optimism that the transparent process for selecting beneficiaries of the scholarship scheme would continue to yield first-class performers. ‘It will guarantee the Niger Delta region and Nigeria at large the likes of Francisca Chiedu, the Information Engineering and Network Management student at Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, who brought glory to NDDC, the region, and nation.’

Angela Chukwudifu, the NDDC Director of Education, observed that the new scholarship programme emphasised on local education to ensure that beneficiaries remained connected to the Niger Delta’s challenges and opportunities, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility.

She stated: ‘Through initiatives like the NDDC Local Scholarship Programme, we are investing in the minds that will shape the Niger Delta’s tomorrow. By equipping our youth with advanced knowledge in fields like engineering, environmental sciences, technology, humanities and management sciences, we empower them to tackle our region’s unique challenges.’

The best performing scholarship candidate, Reginald Omubo-Pepple, thanked the NDDC for allowing them to enhance their education. He pledged that the beneficiaries would do their best to be good ambassadors for the region and subsequently contribute to the development of the Niger Delta.

Sharing the sentiments of Omubo-Pepple, another beneficiary from Abia State, Brian Okafor, promised that the new set of scholars would follow the foot steps of those before them in striving for excellence.

Those who set the standards for NDDC scholars include Ubong Peters, an NDDC scholar in Australia, who was celebrated for winning the university’s three-minute thesis competition.

Apart from Peters, ‘Augustine Osarogiagbon of Memorial University is so brilliant he completed his PhD in less than the stipulated time and was offered a dual PhD programme with two graduate assistants to work with and a post-doctoral fellowship lined up.

Among the stars is Charles Igwe whose exceptional contributions in Construction Engineering at Concordia University, Canada, made headlines. Igwe’s unique design saved the Montreal Area Municipality over $1 billion. He achieved this feat by redesigning the TURCOT interchange road construction project, which cost $3.67 billion.

Lenin Francis, who benefited from the foreign scholarship programme and earned a Master’s degree in petroleum engineering, suggested that NDDC should also extend the scholarship to other undergraduate students and increase the number of beneficiaries.

Francis, from Bayelsa State, agreed that the programme was a good capacity-builder that would equip the youth to join in developing the Niger Delta. ‘I pray that the NDDC will continue with this laudable programme, which has helped many youths in the region,’ he said.

He said that the foreign scholarship was a boost not just for the beneficiaries but for the entire Niger Delta, as it would enable the youths to develop themselves and acquire technical expertise, which would ultimately benefit the people of the region.

According to him, the NDDC made the right decision to build the capacity of the youths, rather than focusing only on infrastructure. ‘After all, human resources are more important than physical infrastructure.’

Peter Mbah, Enugu State governor, has inaugurated a 29-member committee to implement the Enugu State Climate Policy and Action Plan (ESCPAP).

Mbah, while inaugurating members of the committee at the Government House, Enugu, said that the initiative was in demonstration of his administration’s unwavering commitment to tackling the global climate crisis through local solutions and sustainable development strategies.

Mbah, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Chidiebere Onyia, said that ESCPAP, launched on March 17, 2025, provides a comprehensive framework to promote low-carbon economic growth, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and build resilience against climate impacts.

‘This plan positions Enugu as a leading subnational player in climate governance and sustainability across Africa,’ he said.

He highlighted the functions of the committee to include provision of strategic oversight, coordination, and technical guidance for the effective implementation of the policy and ensure the successful delivery of climate mitigation, adaptation, finance mobilisation, and monitoring in line with state, national, and global climate commitments.’

He also said that the committee would drive sectoral coordination across all relevant ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs); strengthen climate governance; mobilise climate finance through green bonds, carbon markets, and development partnerships; and monitor progress through an established results-based framework.

‘Under mitigation, the committee will promote renewable energy, energy efficiency, low-carbon transport systems such as electric and CNG vehicles, sustainable waste management, afforestation, and climate-smart agriculture.

‘For adaptation and resilience, the committee will undertake vulnerability assessments, develop local adaptation plans, and implement nature-based solutions for erosion and flood control. It will also promote climate-smart infrastructure, clean cooking technologies, and resilient livelihoods in communities.

‘On governance and inclusion, the committee will mainstream climate actions across state policies, ensuring the integration of gender, youth, and disability considerations. It will also intensify climate education, capacity building, and public awareness programmes,’ he further stressed.

Mbah maintained that the committee had been mandated to develop a comprehensive Climate Finance Plan, attract domestic and international funding, and publish its annual progress reports for transparency, accountability and evaluation.

He urged the members to demonstrate professionalism, integrity, transparency, and inclusivity, describing the committee as ‘a key mechanism for translating Enugu’s climate vision into tangible action.’

Sam Ugwu, the state commissioner for Environment and Climate, pledged the team would diligently deliver on the assignment and thanked the governor for the trust reposed in them.

The 29-member team is chaired by the the secretary to the Enugu State Government, Chidiebere Onyia.

President Bola Tinubu will depart Abuja on Sunday, October 12, for Rome, the capital of Italy, to participate in the Aqaba Process Heads of State and Government Level Meeting, with special focus on the security crisis in West Africa.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, in a statement on Saturday night, said the meeting, which will begin on October 14, will bring together Heads of State and Government, senior intelligence and military officials from African countries.

The meeting is also expected to attract representatives of intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations to discuss the evolving security challenges in West Africa.

The Aqaba Process Meeting is a counter-terrorism initiative launched by King Abdullah II of Jordan in 2015. It is co-chaired by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the Italian Government.

It recognises the complex security challenges confronting West Africa, including the expansion of terrorist networks, the growing crime-terror nexus and the increasing overlap between land-based terrorism in the Sahel and the maritime piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.

At the meeting, participants will exchange assessments of the current security landscape in West Africa and foster collaboration between regional and international partners to address cross-border security challenges. Participants will also develop strategies to counter the terror threat on land and the sea.

The meeting will discuss ideas on how to coordinate efforts to combat online radicalisation and disrupt digital networks that facilitate terrorist propaganda and recruitment.

In addition to attending the plenary sessions of the Aqaba meeting, President Tinubu will hold bilateral talks with other leaders to explore ways of addressing the rising security challenges across the subregion.

The President will be accompanied by Bianca Odumegwu- Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mohammed Badaru, the Minister of Defence and Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser,

Others include Mohammed Mohammed, the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and other senior government officials.

The AfCFTA Secretariat, in partnership with the Black Star Experience (BSE) and Africa Tourism Partners (ATP), is proud to announce the inaugural Creatives Connect Afrika 2025: The AfCFTA Forum on Tourism, Creatives and Cultural Industries. The groundbreaking event will take place in Accra, Ghana, from November 24-26, 2025.

A platform for creative excellence, the Creatives Connect Afrika 2025 is a forum and festival that will bring together African and diaspora creatives in film, music, and fashion, as well as tourism professionals. The event aims to foster intra-African business development, investment, and marketing under the AfCFTA framework.

The event’s programme highlights include: Masterclasses where the attendees will learn from industry experts and thought leaders; Policy Dialogues, which will engage experts in high-level discussions shaping policies and identifying opportunities; Matchmaking Opportunities aimed at connecting with potential tourism, creative and cultural industry professionals’ partners and investors; Exhibitions that will enable creatives to showcase their work and products and Deal-Making Lounges, which are dedicated spaces for film, music, and fashion professionals.

Meanwhile, the expected attendees and participants will include talented designers, innovative creatives, and distinguished tourism professionals, alongside representatives from national tourism boards and authorities.

For tourism, the attendees will have the opportunity to engage with tour operators, travel agents, and key players in tourism experiences and attractions, as well as forward-thinking entrepreneurs in the tourism sector.

The event platform will also help creative-minded attendees to connect with leaders from the creative and cultural industries, film and music production companies, passionate fashion enthusiasts, and the bright youth driving innovation and technology.

However, as a precursor to the inaugural event, the AfCFTA Secretariat, in collaboration with Black Star Experience (BSE) and Africa Tourism Partners, will be launching the AfCFTA Forum and Festival on Tourism, Creative, and Cultural Industries Creatives 2025 on October 27, 2025, in Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa.

The organisers assured that the October event, which is open to all creative professionals and practitioners, promises to be an evening cocktail to remember.

They also urged artists, filmmakers, fashion designers, creative enthusiasts and tourism professionals to register for the festival as only 20 exhibition stands are available for exhibitors from across Africa.

Sam Adeyemi, the senior pastor of Daystar Christian Centre, said the ministry in the last 30 years, has created a platform to help individuals discover their God-given potentials in creating positive impact on the global stage.

‘In 1994, God gave me a revelation to teach biblical success principles that would transform lives. Since then, Daystar has been a platform where countless individuals have discovered their God-given potential and become positive examples to the world,’ he said in a statement signed by Ayo Makinde, head of communications, Daystar Christian Centre, to mark the ministry’s 30th anniversary.

Founded in 1995 by Sam and Nike Adeyemi, Daystar Christian Centre has grown into a global faith community, guided by its vision to ‘raise role models’, people transformed by God to become examples in their families, workplaces, and societies.

‘Our role models are everywhere, churches, organizations, nations, shining the light of Christ. This celebration is about glorifying God for every life transformed and recommitting ourselves to the work ahead,’ Adeyemi stated.

To commemorate the 30 years of changing lives and making an impact on the global stage, the ministry is set to hold its 30th anniversary this November with a weekend of thanksgiving, testimonies, and special events across its centres in Lagos and on its online platforms.

The anniversary weekend is expected to draw thousands in physical attendance and millions more online.

According to the statement, the anniversary celebrations will be held on Saturday, November 15 and Sunday, November 16, 2025, featuring worship services, global testimonies of transformation, and a special thanksgiving event.

‘This anniversary is not just about our history, it is about celebrating God’s faithfulness and preparing for the next 30 years of impact,’ Nike Adeyemi, the deputy senior pastor of Daystar, stated.

The senior pastors enjoined members and partners across the world to share their personal stories of how Daystar has influenced their lives through platforms such as the Daystar Academy, Daystar Leadership Academy (DLA), Daystar Skill Acquisition Program (DSAP), Daystar Business Academy (DBA), small groups, and service ministries.

According to the statement, over the past three decades, Daystar Christian Centre has expanded beyond its Lagos headquarters with thousands of members connecting online from across Africa, Europe, North America, and beyond. Its influence spans leadership training, youth empowerment, business development, and community transformation.