Category: Daily Trust

The University of Lagos in collaboration with the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), has unveiled the Association and Chamber Excellence (ACE) Certification Program, an initiative designed to enhance the capacity, governance, and operational effectiveness of chambers and associations across Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa.

The unveiling took place at Human Resources Development Centre (HRDC), University of Lagos, on Tuesday.

‘Chambers and associations are the voice of business and the vehicle for shaping inclusive and market-oriented policy.

‘The ACE certification is not merely a training program, it is a comprehensive, immersive certification program designed for executives and managers of business membership organizations whose role in driving business growth and fostering economic development across the continent is fundamental,’ CIPE Executive Director Andrew Wilson, said.

He said he was thrilled to see ACE taking off in Nigeria.

According to him, the program is not just teaching skills; it is empowering leaders to implement policies, strengthen governance, and transform their chambers.

Professor Folasade Ogunsola, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos explained that, ‘HRDC is the university’s capacity-building hub, and ACE is combining rigorous academics with practical training.

‘We are equipping chamber executives and association leaders with the knowledge and tools they need to drive sustainable growth and effective policy implementation.

ACE addresses critical gaps in skills and competencies among Nigerian chamber leaders.

The program will use a hybrid learning model where participants will engage in In-person sessions at the University or connect online gaining practical expertise in governance, finance, compliance, anti – corruption, communication, and digital systems.

‘This is more than training,’ remarked Professor Ogunsola. ‘We are empowering the private sector to implement government policies efficiently, ensure better resource management, and promote sustainable development. The benefits extend beyond Nigeria to the entire African business ecosystem, supporting trade and investment partnerships.

Toki Mabogunje, former President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Honorary Consul of Tanzania, noted that the program is of high value to chambers and associations: ‘ACE is bridging the gap between theory and practice in chamber management.

‘Leaders are gaining strategic insight and hands-on skills that enable chambers to thrive, innovate, and represent business interests effectively.’

With over 40 years of global experience, CIPE and its affiliates have supported chambers and associations across Latin America, Europe, and Africa, turning underperforming chambers into high-impact organizations Kenya, 16 chambers have strengthened governance, increased membership, and enhanced stakeholder engagement through similar programs.

‘By institutionalizing ACE at the University of Lagos, we are creating a long- term platform to develop homegrown experts who will replicate these successes across Africa,’ Wilson added.

The program draws faculty trom veteran chamber leaders, industry experts, and top academics-ensuring a practical, results- oriented learning experience.

Participants will return to their chambers ready to equip others to become more effective in advocacy complex problem solving, and to implement best practices, multiplying the program’s impact coalition building, across Nigeria and the continent.

‘Sending one executive through ACE creates benefits for many,’ said Professor Ogunsola.

The first cohort is set to begin in January 2026, with a 40-hour intensive training session designed to equip leaders with practical skills in governance, management, and strategic decision making.

The Federal Government has unveiled plans to expand annual enrolment of medical students to 20,000, a move aimed at boosting access to medical education and tackling manpower shortages triggered by the ‘Japa’ trend.

Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, announced this on Monday in Abuja while presenting the Federal Ministry of Education’s Communication Strategy (2025-2027).

Speaking on the Communications Strategy (2025-2027), Alausa explained that it is aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability, and public trust through unified, data-driven communication.

He noted that the plan offers a coordinated framework for the Ministry, its agencies, and parastatals to communicate reforms more effectively. The strategy’s core objectives, he said, include defining clear priorities and target audiences, standardising processes and branding, boosting public awareness of policies, and improving interdepartmental coordination through evidence-based planning.

He said the reforms are part of the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI), driven by President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

‘We have doubled the intake of students in Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmacy in our health educational institutions. For medical students for example, from an enrollment of 5,000 students a couple of years back, we are well on our way to achieving 20,000 this new academic year. These are all aimed at addressing the critical manpower shortages in the health sector,’ Alausa said.

He added ‘These interventions are deliberate steps to address critical manpower shortages in the health sector and ensure that Nigerians are not denied access to quality healthcare because of the japa syndrome.’

The minister disclosed that 18 medical schools are being equipped with modern facilities, while 1,000 secondary school laboratories are being upgraded in partnership with PTDF. Nursing admissions have also surged from 28,000 to 115,000.

Beyond health education, Alausa outlined wider NESRI gains: 4,900 classrooms built, 3,000 renovated, 34 smart schools established, and over 2.3 million learners impacted in six months. The Almajiri Commission has mapped nearly one million children, with 35,000 reintegrated into formal education.

Other initiatives include free technical education with stipends, Nigeria’s WorldSkills International membership, and AI training for 6,000 teachers.

Alausa stressed that education remains central to national renewal, with reforms anchored on transparency, public trust, and bridging critical skill gaps.

A financial technology company, OPay, has extended its N1.2 billion 10-Year Scholarship Programme to the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), making the institution the 19th beneficiary.

The duo signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the university.

The scholarship scheme, launched to support indigent students across 20 tertiary institutions in Nigeria, provides 20 beneficiaries in each institution with N300,000 per academic session for the duration of their studies, up to 10 years.

It also underscores the firm’s commitment to educational empowerment, financial inclusion, and corporate social responsibility. The Vice Chancellor of UNN, Professor Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, expressed appreciation for the initiative and commended OPay’s contribution to educational development in Nigeria.

‘This scholarship project is not only good news for UNN but for Nigeria as a whole. It is a laudable step-one that truly deserves admiration.

‘As a university, we are proud of OPay’s competitiveness in the financial sector and even more proud of its commitment to supporting education. We assure you of our full cooperation to ensure that the goals of this partnership are fully realized. Today marks the beginning of greater things to come between OPay and the University of Nigeria,’ he said.

Speaking on behalf of OPay, Ikponmwosa Odiase, Head of Partnerships, reaffirmed the firm’s belief in education as a powerful tool for national development.

‘At OPay, we believe the youth are the future of Nigeria, and one of the best ways to empower that future is by investing in education. This N1.2 billion scholarship scheme covers 20 institutions across the country, and UNN is the 19th on our list.

‘Here at UNN, 20 beneficiaries will each receive N300,000 per academic session for the duration of their studies, up to 10 years. We are excited about this partnership and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on the lives of students and their families,’ he said.

Hoodlums suspected to be kidnappers have reportedly abducted two people between Akpanya and Magajia villages along the Lokoja-Abuja highway in the Kogi Local Government Area of Kogi State.

Locals said the suspected kidnappers invaded the town of Akpanya in the late hours of last Thursday and kidnapped two people, a man and a woman, after shooting sporadically to scare people away.

‘The gunmen invaded the house of a Gbagi business man at Akpanya around 8pm, shooting heavily into the air, making villagers scamper for safety. The Gbagi man is into cassava business in the community.

‘In the process, they overpowered him and took him along with a woman who is heavily pregnant into their vehicle and zoomed off. ‘On their way out of his compound, the Gbagi man ‘disappeared’ into a nearby gutter. They searched unsuccessfully to get him back. Frustrated, they dropped the kidnapped pregnant woman because of her condition and left.

‘While on their way, the hoodlums sighted two men and forcefully abducted them at gun point to an unknown location,’ said Danladi Abubakar from Magajia, a neighbouring Akpanya village.

Another source from the community said one of the victims, identified as Jimoh Adewale, works at a cassava processing company at Jamata, Koton-Karfi.

He was said to be on his way to resume night duty at the company with another person when the hoodlums intercepted, and whisked them away.

‘News making the rounds in the community is that their abductors are demanding more than N60m ransom for their freedom,’ said another person who simply wants to be identified as Idris from Akpanya village.

Efforts were made to reach the state’s police command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP William Aya, but he failed to respond to an inquiry in texts and calls as of press time.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will tomorrow, Wednesday, October 1, 2025, address the nation in a broadcast by 7am

The nationwide broadcast is in commemoration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, in a terse statement said, ‘All television, radio stations, and other electronic media outlets are urged to join the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria for the broadcast.’

Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, PhD, GCON, is a rare pillar of integrity in Nigeria’s governance, a leader whose resolute honesty and patriotism forge a compelling vision for national progress. As Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives, he embodies the essence of the blind men and the elephant parable-each perspective distinct, yet all converging on the undeniable truth of his dedication to Nigeria’s unity and prosperity.

My encounters with him reveal a man who leads with quiet conviction; his actions reflect a commitment that prioritises the nation’s future over personal acclaim. Abbas meticulously crafts Nigeria’s economic trajectory, ensuring the budget aligns with the country’s aspirations, meets fiscal demands, addresses critical needs like infrastructure and healthcare, and builds a foundation for a thriving tomorrow.

His Legislative Agenda drives economic diversification, education reform, and transparent governance, amplified by innovations that invite public scrutiny. Through peace-building initiatives and robust oversight, Abbas delivers tangible progress-roads, schools, and opportunities-transforming communities and proving that principled leadership can inspire a nation toward a shared, prosperous future.

Rt. Hon. Abbas represents many shared truths, first as a leader patriotically committed to our progress as a nation and will never compromise it for any reason. This commitment is demonstrated by guided actions, deeply rooted in his love for this country and a desire to see it prosper. He has shown steadfast dedication to the nation’s progress, working tirelessly to ensure that the country’s interests are protected and advanced.

A man of exemplary honesty and transparency, Speaker Abbas values truth, preferring to let his actions speak for themselves rather than seeking attention. This approach has earned him the respect of his colleagues and the public. Often noted for being straightforward to the core, Rt. Hon. Abbas is known for his uncompromising approach to governance. He is a man of his word, and his commitment to honesty and integrity is evident in all his dealings.An indisputably visionary leader and a model pacesetter, Rt. Hon. Abbas, both as Speaker and as a citizen, displays characteristics rooted in honesty and a singular commitment to the peace and advancement of the country.

As Speaker, his clear vision for Nigeria’s development, focusing on legislative excellence, has been instrumental in sponsoring numerous bills that aim to improve the lives of Nigerians, including those related to education, healthcare, and economic development, while his determination to promote constituency development has redefined the importance of constituency projects, ensuring government presence is felt in various communities across the country and positively changing narratives, resonating his steadfast commitment to peace, national development, and the promotion of unity and understanding among Nigerians.

The House of Representatives, under the effective watch of Rt. Hon. Abbas, bears glowing testimonies of his capacity, as it has outlined a model Legislative Agenda focused on driving progress, prosperity, and inclusivity across Nigeria. The agenda’s key mandates, both unprecedented and innovative, prioritise economic empowerment and diversification, incentivising investments in non-oil sectors like agriculture, technology, and renewable energy to reduce dependence on oil exports and create jobs; infrastructure development to improve connectivity and economic opportunities; and education and human capital development to drive innovation and economic growth.

Other priorities include Healthcare for All, to improve access to quality healthcare services, and transparent Governance and Accountability, to ensure effective use of public resources, alongside security and safety measures to protect persons and properties. Indeed, these ambitious goals have met significant progress, though not without surmountable challenges, confronted with resilience, pragmatism, and patriotism.

For instance, Rt. Hon. Abbas has prioritised accountability and effective oversight, strengthening the audit framework to prevent mismanagement and corruption and ensuring the Assembly’s independence in checking the executive arm of government. With innovative initiatives like the Legislative Agenda Promise Tracker, the Assembly’s progress can be actively monitored, promoting transparency and accountability in governance, setting a robust stage for achieving the laudable goals of the House of Representatives.

Rt. Hon. Tajudeen’s drive to strengthen the legislative process and ensure effective law-making, coupled with strong advocacy for constituents’ voices, has positively impacted national development, contributing to the country’s growth through informed decision-making. As a citizen, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen demonstrates ingrained qualities like patriotism and honesty, shaping the lives of those around him and impacting society positively.

His deep affection and loyalty to the nation, its people, and institutions are reflected through prioritising the nation’s well-being and prosperity, alongside a strong sense of transparency, responsibility, and accountability. A man of honest disposition, Rt. Hon. Abbas exhibits a strong moral code and truthfulness in words and actions, building trust and credibility, fostering a sense of shared identity and purpose, and promoting national unity and cohesion, propelling the nation toward more effective and responsible governance where equality, justice, national progress, and general well-being are non-negotiable.

Today, political leaders are more accountable, citizens’ quality of life is improving with better access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities, and an environment of equality, justice, and human rights prevails. Nigerians can now work toward a common goal of national development and prosperity, encouraging active participation in the democratic process, all because the visions of a Parliamentary Speaker and the citizens align. Through Speaker Abbas’s leadership and promotion of meditative roles, there is practical evidence of peace and advancement.

Legislative interventions have established programs for dialogue and mediation, with communities organised to promote unity and understanding among diverse groups, and educational programs teaching peace-building, tolerance, and conflict resolution skills. These efforts have led to national advancements, with funds, energy, and time, once spent on insecurity, now invested in infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, and public transportation to improve connectivity and economic opportunities, as well as entrepreneurship, job creation, and skills training programs to boost economic growth and reduce poverty, alongside access to quality healthcare, education, and social welfare programs improving citizens’ well-being.

Indeed, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas is a shining example of honesty and patriotism in public life. As Speaker, he has consistently demonstrated his commitment to the progress and development of our nation. His leadership style is characterised by transparency, inclusivity, and a strong sense of responsibility. Rt. Hon. Abbas’s legacy as a leader is built on his honesty, integrity, and dedication to public service. His contributions to the nation’s development will be remembered by generations to come. As a role model, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas inspires others to emulate his values and principles, ensuring a brighter future for all Nigerians, irrespective of tribe, religion, or creed.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has shifted the arraignment of activist Omoyele Sowore and two others on cybercrime charges to October 27.

Justice Mohammed Garba Umar on Tuesday adjourned the matter after it was learnt that the federal government did not serve the charge sheet on Sowore as stipulated by law.

When the matter was called, Sowore through his lead counsel, Abubakar Marshall Esq protested that he had not seen a copy of the charge or be served as required by law.

Similarly, he said that the second defendant, X, had also not been served and since the trial is on joint charge, the arraignment cannot hold. The third defendant, Meta, was represented by Professor Tayo Oyetibo (SAN).

Replying, the lead counsel to the federal government and the Director of the Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Mohammed Babadoko Abubakar, denied the allegations of non-service of the charge and insisted that Sowore had been served.

Following the submission, the trial judge consulted the file and confirmed that the defendants have not been served.

The DPPF subsequently applied for an order to serve them in the open court which was granted.

Sowore personally accepted the service in the open court and requested for three days to study the charges as required by law.

The federal government had filed five-count charges marked FHC/ABJ/CR)481/2025 accusing Sowore of using his official X handle page @YeleSowore to tweet: ‘This criminal @OfficialPBAT actually went to Brazil to state that there is no more corruption under his regime in Nigeria. What audacity to lie shamelessly!’

The alleged offending post said to be contrary to Section 24(2) (b) of the Cybercrimes Prohibition and Prevention Act 2024 was said to have been made on August 25 within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court.

In count two, Sowore was said to have on August 26 used his official page Facebook to send the same false message out for the purpose of causing a breakdown of law and order in the country especially among those who hold divergent views on the person of President Tinubu.

The alleged offence is said to be contrary to Section 24(2) (b) of the Cybercrimes Prohibition and Prevention Act 2024; sections 59 and 375 of the Criminal Code Act.

Former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode (FFK), has cautioned American comedian and commentator, Bill Maher, against orchestrating campaign of disinformation to paint Nigeria as a country indulged in Christian genocide.

Maher, also a talk show host, had claimed that over 100,000 Christians had been systematically killed in Nigeria and 18,000 Churches burnt, describing it as an attempt by Islamists to wipe out the Christian population.

Speaking on the September 26, 2025 edition of HBO talk show, ‘Real Time with Bill Maher’, Maher had said: ‘Nigeria, the fact that this issue has not gotten on people’s radar, it’s pretty amazing. If you don’t know what’s going on in Nigeria, your media sources suck. You are in a bubble.

However, reacting to the issue, the former Minister dismissed the claims as false and a campaign to divide Nigeria across religious lines.

He said, ‘A couple of days ago, Bill Maher, one of the top commentators and political pundits in the United States of America, with very massive following, a very powerful man with a powerful voice in America, together with Radio Genoa, which is also a very powerful medium, one of the most powerful in the United States, came up with some interesting observations, which of course are false. They said that 500,000 Christians were murdered in Nigeria by terrorists in the last one year. This is completely untrue, as you know, and it is what you call disinformation.

‘And it’s interesting that Bill Maher would do this just a few days after our Vice President went to the United Nations and made a historic and courageous speech, very inspiring speech, in which he condemned the things that were going on in Gaza, the murder, the genocide in Gaza, and in which he called for a two-state solution to the situation between the Palestinians and the Israelis as being the only way forward. That’s the stated position of our country. We are a sovereign country, and the speech was brilliant.

‘Evidently, this upset a few people in the American media and in the United States of America, and Bill Maher and those behind him now decided to organize an orchestrated campaign of disinformation to paint our country as a bunch of Christian haters and people that indulge in Christian genocide. Well, nothing could be further from the truth. Their objective is to divide us, defame us, destroy us, cause us to turn against one another, and demonize us before the whole world as a precursor to now attempting to destabilize us, delegitimize us, decertify us, and call us a nation of interest in which they will now inflict and impose sanctions in order to bring us to our knees. Well, it’s not going to work.’

FFK added that while it is true that terrorists are unleashing deadly attacks in Nigeria, it is untrue to suggest that only Christians are being killed, noting that the criminals are not representatives of the Islamic faith.

‘Let me make this abundantly clear. We do have terrorists in this country, and people are being killed in this country, but it is not only Christians that are being killed. Christians and Muslims are being killed. They are being slaughtered by terrorists who are not even representative of the Islamic faith. They are nothing but criminals and terrorists, and our armed forces and security agencies are killing them in equal measure and fighting back.’

‘We are doing our very best, and I might add, without any help from the Americans or the French or the Brits or anybody else, we are doing it on our own. We’re doing a good job. We’re doing it as best as we can. The idea that only Christians are being slaughtered in our country is a complete falsehood. It’s not true.

‘It is a lie from the pit of hell, and no one will divide us on religious lines. We are fighting the terrorists as one, both Christians and Muslims.’

The Minister further stressed that Nigeria is a powerful nation capable of fighting its challenges without necessarily the help of the Americans, accusing Bill Maher of having an underlying motive behind his claims.

The federal government said Nigeria remains ‘a work in progress’ 65 years after the country’s independence.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, who stated this on Monday at a press conference to mark the 65th Independence Day Anniversary in Abuja, urged citizens to rally behind ongoing reforms and contribute to building a greater nation.

Akume said independence should not only be seen as a date on the calendar but as a reminder of the sacrifices of Nigeria’s founding fathers and the collective responsibility of citizens.

‘At 65, Nigeria is still a work in progress. But with renewed hope, shared responsibility, and collective resolve, our best days lie ahead,’ he said. He noted that President Bola Tinubu had introduced bold reforms to stabilise the economy, restore investor confidence and create opportunities. He explained that while the policies were difficult, they were laying the foundation for long-term growth.

‘The gains, though modest, are a testimony that the Renewed Hope Agenda is on course, and with perseverance, greater dividends will be realized,’ he added.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the administration was dismantling ‘stubborn clogs in the wheel of national progress.’

He explained that inflation was declining, the naira was strengthening, and food prices were beginning to ease. He added that the trade surplus was growing with more contributions from the non-oil sector.

‘Our collective participation in nation-building is critical to the sustenance of the progress being made,’ he said.

The minister noted that more than 500,000 students were already benefitting from the National Education Loan Fund, describing it as unprecedented.

He said reforms in energy, transport, agriculture and health were evidence that ‘no region is taking a back seat’ in the distribution of projects.

FG cancels Independence Day parade

Meanwhile, the federal government has announced the cancellation of the Independence Anniversary parade that had been scheduled to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day on Wednesday, October 1, 2025.

Segun Imohiosen, Director, Information and Public Relations, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, announced this in a statement on Monday.

Imohiosen did not give a reason for the decision to cancel the parade but said it will not diminish the significance of the anniversary.

The statement urged Nigerians, the diplomatic community and invited guests to support the reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Rent crisis in Nigeria, Can tenants afford to breathe? From Kaduna to Kogi, Abuja, and beyond, rent prices are skyrocketing, leaving many Nigerians struggling to keep a roof over their heads. We’re talking 150% increases and more!

But what’s driving this surge? Are landlords getting a free pass, or are there laws that can protect tenants? In this episode of Nigeria Daily, we’re diving deep into the rent crisis, exploring the reasons behind it, and uncovering the rights tenants really have. Join us as we ask the tough questions: Can tenants afford to pay up, or is it time for change?