Category: Daily Trust

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in collaboration with the Kano State Government, has announced the launch of Nigeria’s most ambitious integrated vaccination campaign targeting measles-rubella and polio.

The campaign, which kicks off on October 6, 2025, aims to vaccinate over 11.7 million children in Kano State alone.

Speaking during a media orientation in Kano on Monday, UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office in Kano, Rahama Farah, emphasised the critical role of journalists in mobilising public awareness and ensuring the success of the campaign.

‘This integrated campaign is a collaborative effort involving the Federal Ministry of Health, NPHCDA, WHO, GAVI, the Gates Foundation, civil society, and the Kano State Government. ‘We are targeting 3.9 million children under five for polio and 7.8 million children aged 9 months to 14 years for measles-rubella vaccination,’ Farah said.

He noted that Kano State had already conducted two successful ‘in-between rounds’ of immunisation earlier this year, reaching over 300,000 children across 3,000 settlements.

Farah called on local government chairpersons to personally oversee campaign phases and urged the state to deploy UNICEF-provided Bluetooth speakers for grassroots mobilisation.

Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Kano State Primary Health Care Management Board, Dr Ahmed Tijjani Rabiu, Director of Disease Control and Immunisation, described the campaign as the largest of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa.

‘Nigeria is targeting 106 million children nationwide. In Kano alone, over 7 million children will be vaccinated.

‘This campaign integrates measles-rubella, routine immunisation, hepatitis, HPV, polio, and Onkosaka, a neglected tropical disease,’ Rabiu said.

Daily Trust reports that the 10-day campaign will deploy over 3,300 trained health workers and thousands of community mobilisers, religious leaders and influencers to support the effort.

Maxi doge (MAXI) price prediction keeps running into the same problem, with hype-driven speculation outpacing real fundamentals. PEPENODE updates show solid presale momentum, but questions remain on whether its mining-game setup can hold long-term attention. So here’s the question: what happens when a project isn’t just marketing features but is actually chosen by a global performance brand that lives on precision?

That’s where BlockDAG comes in. Unlike the others, it’s proving itself in real-world tech environments where only speed and scalability matter. With its presale already raising over $410 million and recognition from BWT Alpine F1® Team, BlockDAG is moving beyond noise into measurable results. For anyone scanning the market for the best crypto presale, this is the kind of validation that counts, showing why it looks far stronger than meme-fueled or gamified tokens.

BlockDAG’s F1® Partnership Turns Tech Into Proof

When a Formula 1® team like BWT Alpine chooses a team partner, it is not about logos on cars; it is about proving the tech can meet unforgiving performance standards. BlockDAG has crossed that line. Its architecture is being recognized for speed, scalability, and precision, the very qualities F1 engineering demands. That makes this deal far more than a sponsorship; it is confirmation that the network is ready for real-world deployment where failure is not an option.

This kind of recognition changes how holders should look at presales. Many tokens are fueled by marketing pushes, but few have technology robust enough to integrate into one of the world’s most advanced sports. BlockDAG’s validation in Formula 1® puts it ahead of competitors, showing why it deserves attention as the best crypto presale instead of just another speculative play.

The numbers back it up. The BDAG coin is priced at just $0.0013 for a limited time, while its presale has already raised over $410 million. More than 312,000 holders have joined in, and $40 million has been poured in during the past month alone, averaging $1 million a day. On top of that, over 20,000 X-Series miners have been sold, and the X1 app has onboarded more than 3 million users mining daily. These are not promises; they are working systems.

For holders, that means entry at presale is not just about hype; it is about getting in before recognition like this propels valuations higher.

Maxi Doge (MAXI) Price Prediction and Current Standing

Maxi Doge is priced at just $0.00000028 USD on Coinbase-Singapore, with a circulating and max supply of roughly 420.69 billion MAXI. Its 24-hour trading volume is small, around S$65.59, while the market cap sits near S$116,860. When compared to projects like BlockDAG’s presale, Maxi Doge lacks large-scale partnerships or technology validation. That makes it more of a high-risk meme play than a serious contender for the best crypto presale category. Still, meme coin investors sometimes bet on small catalysts, viral trends, influencer mentions, or sudden retail activity to create short bursts of upside. If such triggers occur, the Maxi doge (MAXI) price prediction could point upward, though the risk of stagnation remains equally strong.

PEPENODE Updates and Presale Growth

Recent PEPENODE updates show the project raising more than $1.2 million in its presale, with tokens priced around $0.001066 each. The supply sits at 210 billion tokens, with a structure where about 70% of tokens spent on node upgrades and in-game refinements get burned, tightening circulation. This ‘mine-to-earn’ setup lets users purchase and upgrade virtual mining nodes, turning gameplay into a deflationary loop.

The question is whether these mechanics make PEPENODE one of the best crypto presale choices or just a speculative gamble. With staking rewards offering attractive APYs and growing community engagement, PEPENODE updates give reasons for optimism, but sustainability depends on user retention beyond presale hype.

Why BlockDAG Leads the Best Crypto Presale Race

The latest on Maxi Doge (MAXI) price prediction shows a token with ultra-low value and thin trading volume, leaving it vulnerable to volatility without a strong support base. Meanwhile, fresh PEPENODE updates confirm more than $1.2M raised in presale with tokens at $0.001066, showing traction but still relying on gamified mechanics to keep interest alive. Both have potential in niche areas, but they face questions around stability and sustained growth.

BlockDAG is different. Backed by a live partnership with BWT Alpine F1® Team, its recognition is built on proven speed, precision, and scalability rather than hype. With more than $410M raised, 312,000 holders, and hardware plus mobile mining already operational, it looks less like a gamble and more like infrastructure in action. For those hunting the best crypto presale, BlockDAG is the project showing why real validation matters.

When Nigeria’s National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) gathered academics, policymakers, and innovators at its Abuja headquarters on September 24, 2025, the message from its leadership was clear: the future of Nigeria’s economy lies not only in oil or agriculture but in the commercialization of research and innovation.

For years, Nigerian universities and research institutes have produced countless groundbreaking studies. Yet, very few of these ever translate into tangible products, technologies, or services that could transform industries and livelihoods. The gulf between laboratory prototypes and marketplace shelves has long frustrated scientists, policymakers, and investors alike.

At the North-Central Sensitization Programme on the NASENI Research Commercialization Grant Programme (NRCGP), NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, reaffirmed that bridging this gap remains central to Nigeria’s economic future.

Halilu, represented by NASENI’s Research Director, Prof. Abdulmalik Ibrahim Onuwe, noted that the NRCGP was designed to support viable research and development initiatives in the country while propagating NASENI’s mission and vision of driving national transformation through science and engineering.

He emphasized that the application process for the programme is fully digitalized, transparent and does not require physical presence or long administrative procedures. According to him, this approach removes the bureaucratic bottlenecks that often hinder researchers from accessing funding.

He explained further that the sensitization was not just for personal benefit but to empower prospective researchers from institutions who may need guidance on how to participate in the programme.

He urged the participants, including representatives from universities, the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), and others, to take full advantage of the opportunities provided by NASENI to foster collaboration and innovation.

The Programme Coordinator and Special Adviser to the Executive Vice Chairman on Science and Engineering Commercialisation, Engr. Dr. Anas Balarabe Yazid, gave an overview of the NRCGP, its objectives, eligibility criteria and the key assessment tools that would guide the selection of beneficiaries.

He explained that the NRCGP is deliberately aligned with NASENI’s mandate to promote local content and that under the principle of Creation, Collaboration and Commercialisation (3Cs), research outputs are expected to move from being academic papers to becoming market-ready solutions.

According to him, every research project must be noble, clear, market-viable and consistent with both NASENI’s transformation agenda and Nigeria’s broader development goals. He said that under the new framework, commercialization is being radically prioritized so that research can play its rightful role in national development.

The NASENI Research Commercialization Grant Programme is looking for innovative and novel research that has not been done before. The programme is also looking out for commercial viability research projects that can make money.

Moreover, the research must be published in a peer review journal. These researches must align with NASENI Objectives of adding value to Nigeria and the world. It must also have potential for scale and sustainability, which means it can attract investment.

Dr. Yazid further added that the thematic areas for these research works include Renewable Energy and Sustainability, Health and Biotechnology, Agriculture and Food Manufacturing, Sustainable Transportation and Mobility, Information Technology and Software Development, Construction and Smart City Development as well as Defense and Aerospace.

He said for the process, application is strictly online and it is in two stages: first stage determines the novelty of the proposal while second stage involves a deeper dive on commercial viability. The Swedish Innovation Readiness Level framework is used for evaluating the viability of the application, he added.

Dr Yazid further stated that additional information required include Profile, Detailed Proposal, Business Plan, Feasibility Study Report, Pitch deck, Technology Readiness Level (TRL), Evidence of IP Registration with CAC, Environmental Impact Assessment, Letter of Intent from Industrial Off-takers, Risk Assessment Report, and any Supporting Technical Documents or Certifications.

Beyond the grants, other benefits include access to NASENI innovation hub, admission into NASENI Incubation programme, High chances of joining NASENI Xcelerate, access to more equity and debt financing, access to 12 institutes and centre of excellence, government market access through Nigerian First Policy and many more.

The Deputy Director, Planning and Policy Analysis Department, NASENI, Ms. Joy Elugbe, expressed appreciation to the Executive Vice Chairman and to all the participants who attended the sensitization programme. She noted that the NRCGP represents a significant opportunity for researchers to translate their work into products and services that would drive national progress.

She encouraged them to embrace NASENI’s initiatives as a pathway to achieving Nigeria’s vision of economic growth and development through science, technology and innovation. The sensitization programme highlighted the importance of repositioning Nigeria’s research culture to focus more on outcomes that have economic value.

For decades, many research projects have remained locked within universities and research institutions, gaining academic recognition but failing to make an impact in the market or on people’s lives. NASENI’s intervention seeks to change this narrative by offering support for those projects that can be commercialized to create jobs, increase productivity and contribute to economic transformation.

Background information about NASENI underscores the significance of this programme. The agency was established in 1992 following the recommendations of a White Paper Committee on Engineering Infrastructure. It was conceived to bridge Nigeria’s technology gap and foster home-grown industrialisation.

Its mandate includes research into capital goods production, reverse engineering, development of scientific equipment, engineering designs, standardization, and the development of power equipment. With a network of development institutes spread across the country, NASENI has consistently worked to ensure that Nigeria builds its own technological base rather than rely solely on imports.

In recent years, under Mr. Halilu’s leadership, NASENI has intensified efforts to ensure that its branded products are market-ready and certified by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria. Reports indicate that about 35 NASENI products have been identified as ready for the market, and plans are underway to establish showrooms in all 36 states of the federation to showcase these innovations and link them directly with consumers and industries.

The NRCGP therefore builds on this foundation, providing a practical avenue for researchers to connect their innovations with industry and society. By adopting a digitalized and transparent application process, NASENI is addressing long-standing concerns about accessibility and fairness in grant administration.

The process also ensures that researchers across all parts of the country, including underserved regions, can apply without the barriers of travel and excessive paperwork.

This initiative represents more than a grant opportunity. It is a deliberate effort to build a culture of research commercialization that would reposition Nigeria for growth. It signals a move away from research for its own sake towards research that delivers measurable impact in the economy. It also affirms NASENI’s commitment to ensuring that science, engineering and technology are not just academic disciplines but engines of development.

In the words of Ms. Elugbe, this is not just about grants but about creating a culture where research becomes the heartbeat of national progress. With the NRCGP, NASENI has placed a framework in the hands of researchers, institutions and innovators. The responsibility now rests with them to rise to the challenge of transforming their ideas into products, their prototypes into industries, and their academic efforts into national prosperity.

The NASENI Research Commercialisation Grant Programme is expected at the long run to eliminate the era of decades of thousands of abandoned research and development (R and D) products that are meant to be in the market solving everyday humanity problems.

The Federal Government says it got approximately N250bn in funding for the development of modern light rail systems in Kaduna and Kano States.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the disclosure yesterday at the World Press Conference in Abuja, where he explained that N150bn has been allocated for Kano, while Kaduna will receive N100bn.

He stressed the administration’s commitment to advancing critical infrastructure development at the sub-national level.

‘The Federal Government is actively going further to support various subnational infrastructure projects, for instance, the light rail projects in Kano and Kaduna States, for which funding to the tune of N150 billion and N100 billion, respectively, has been secured,’ he said. The minister also pointed to broader efforts to strengthen governance at the grassroots, noting that local government areas were being fiscally reintegrated to serve as catalysts for growth and development.

According to him, President Bola Tinubu was determined to entrench financial autonomy for local governments, thereby making them more effective in service delivery, community engagement, and the provision of essential infrastructure.

Idris further explained that state governments were now receiving significantly higher revenue allocations from the federation account, a development made possible by the removal of the oil subsidy and other fiscal reforms.

This, he said, had positioned subnational governments to do more with fewer constraints and less reliance on debt, creating an opportunity to focus resources on capital projects that directly impact the lives of citizens.

As the debate on whether the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) should bear arms continues to trend, the Corps has defended its renewed call for personnel to be armed, citing growing threats to the safety of its operatives. Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed stressed that this measure is not intended for routine traffic control, but as a protective tool for specially trained squads tasked with safeguarding FRSC facilities, infrastructure, and personnel in dangerous situations.

According to him, the decision to arm a section of the Corps is primarily a safety measure. Many FRSC officials are increasingly exposed to violent motorists, some of whom deliberately attack or knock them down while carrying out patrol operations. The Corps Marshal explained that without the necessary power to enforce safety laws, it becomes difficult to manage high-risk situations such as stopping trailers overloaded with passengers or vehicles transporting hazardous materials.

The demand for FRSC personnel to bear arms is anchored on several pressing realities such as protection of operatives who face daily harassment and violent attacks in the line of duty .

Several FRSC operatives have lost their lives while working tirelessly to ensure safer roads. Protecting these men and women is both a moral and institutional obligation. Violent road users, including reckless drivers and those involved in criminal activities, pose an increasing risk, hence arming FRSC operatives will curb this.

Without means of self-defence, FRSC personnel are vulnerable targets during enforcement exercises.

Managing dangerous vehicles like stopping trailers and other heavy-duty vehicles, especially when overloaded with passengers or hazardous materials, is a task that often requires more than verbal persuasion. Weapons, when handled responsibly, can serve as a deterrent and ensure compliance with road safety laws.

Since the FRSC Establishment Act already empowers the Corps to bear arms what remains crucial is the training and discipline of a designated squad to handle firearms with professionalism, thereby preventing cases of misuse or accidental discharge that have marred other arms-bearing agencies.

The conversation is not about turning every FRSC operative into an armed officer, but about creating a well-trained, professional arms squad to handle life-threatening scenarios. With adequate training, proper supervision, and accountability, the risks of abuse can be minimised while the safety of operatives and the public is maximised.

At its core, this call is about valuing human life. Every FRSC officer who dies in the line of duty leaves behind grieving families and communities. Equipping them with the means to protect themselves and enforce safety laws is not just a matter of policy it is a matter of justice.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with road safety challenges, empowering the FRSC to bear arms may prove to be a decisive step in saving lives, securing national infrastructure, and ensuring that those who risk their lives daily to keep our roads safe are not left defenseless.

The 20th edition of the Abuja International Trade Fair has commenced with the launch of the Buy Africa, Build Africa Initiative (BABAFEST) targeted at encouraging indigenous patronage in the country.

Speaking at the event on Monday, the President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief Emeka Obegolu described the fair as the celebration of a historic milestone, with 20 years of consistent commitment to trade, investment, innovation, and economic diplomacy in Nigeria and Africa.

He disclosed that in the past two decades, the Fair has hosted over 2,500 exhibitors from Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas, attracted more than 1.5 million visitors across multiple sectors; and facilitated billions of naira in trade deals, investments, and partnerships.

He said the theme of the landmark edition, ‘Sustainability: Consumption, Incentives, and Taxation,’ reflects the collective resolve to address pressing economic and environmental challenges. He said, ‘A major highlight of the edition is the launch of BABA FEST (Buy Africa, Build Africa), a flagship ACCI initiative that celebrates African products, services, and creativity both on the continent and globally which will feature live performances by renowned African artists.

‘Also, it will feature fashion runways by top African designers; immersive art exhibitions; Exclusive investment and networking opportunities; Brand activations designed to highlight Africa’s global competitiveness.’

Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has said he appointed Sanusi Mikail Sami, Gomo III, as the new Emir of Zuru because he was the most popular and accepted out of the 40 candidates who contested the emirship position.

The governor said this in Birnin Kebbi when the Emir led a large delegation of people from the Zuru Emirate on a ‘thank you’ visit to the governor.

He said, ‘Personally, I don’t know him, but when the stool became vacant, I ordered a thorough investigation on who is the popular choice and most acceptable, but unanimously, they mentioned Sanusi, and I gave the approval for his appointment immediately.’

The governor urged the Emir to lead his subjects with justice and fairness. Earlier, the emir informed the governor that he led a large delegation from all parts of Zuru Emirate to thank him for the honour done to him and the people of his domain.

He said his emirate would continue to remember the governor with fervent prayers for the rehabilitation of the KoKo-Dabai Road.

The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, has said the Benin Kingdom will commence the eating of new yam after a palace ceremony on Sept. 30.

This is contained in a statement by Frank Irabor, Secretary, Benin Traditional Council, on Monday.

According to the statement, the indoor ceremony is to usher in the new yam (Emorho) into the Palace.

‘Following the ceremony, all sons and daughters of the Benin Kingdom, as well as indigenes and non-indigenes living in Edo who participated in the two-week fasting and prayer exercise, can eat the new yam,’ the Palace said. The Oba’s announcement comes after the conclusion of a two-week fasting/prayers period, which was declared for peace, progress, and to usher in the new yam.

The two-week fasting/prayers commenced on Sept. 15 and ended on Sept. 28. (NAN)

The All Progressives Congress in Lagos State has told the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) not to lure former President Goodluck Jonathan into the 2027 presidential race.

There are speculations that Jonathan may throw his hat into the ring ahead of the next election.

Former Minister, Jerry Gana’s recent declaration that Jonathan would contest for the presidency in 2027, has fuelled the growing speculations in past days.

Lagos APC spokesman, Seye Oladejo, in a statement on Tuesday, asked the PDP to allow Jonathan to enjoy his retirement from public office rather than luring him into the race.

According to Oladejo, rather than luring Jonathan into ‘a final dance whose result is all too predictable’, the cheerleaders should have allowed the former Nigerian leader to relax.

He said ‘Indeed, if he chooses to run, President Jonathan will need more than an overdose of good luck to stand a chance. The landmines before him are numerous – legal, past records, and fundamental questions of capacity.’

Oladejo said that elections remained contests of ideas, competence and delivery – not nostalgia or recycled rhetoric.

He said,’ Prof. Gana’s certainty that a particular individual will be the PDP candidate or that Nigerians are clamouring for a return to the past is premature and political theatre.

‘We acknowledge and appreciate Prof. Gana’s sense of humour, which may be entertaining but is out of place in serious political discourse.

‘It may also be interesting to interrogate his continued relevance, having been around the corridors of power forever without leaving behind any remarkable legacy of transformation or notable accomplishments.’

According to him, Gana arrogating to himself the sole power to determine the presidential candidate of a whole political party has exposed the PDP’s disdain for internal democracy.

He said PDP is unlike the APC, which remained firmly committed to internal democracy and a transparent nomination process.

‘The PDP and other opposition parties appear to be working towards already pre-determined ends as far as their presidential candidates are concerned,’ he said.

Oladejo advised Gana not to unnecessarily heat up the polity by embarking on campaigns before the official ban on electioneering is lifted by the electoral body.

He said,’ Lagos APC stands firmly behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda to fix the economy and build infrastructure that creates jobs and improves lives.

‘We will continue to defend policies that prioritise the future over the past.

‘The APC in Lagos calls on all political actors – including the PDP and its chieftains – to desist from divisive nostalgia and instead present clear, implementable programmes for the challenges Nigerians actually face.

‘If the PDP truly believes Mr Jonathan is the solution, they should lay out specific, detailed policy proposals and submit them for public scrutiny rather than making pronouncements that sound like campaign hype.’

He urged voters to judge parties by records and plans.

‘We will continue to work across Lagos and Nigeria to promote pragmatic governance, development and inclusion – and to hold all parties to account for promises made to Nigerians,’ Oladejo stated.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has fixed prices for its expression of interest and nomination forms for the governorship election in Osun State.

The form goes for N10 million and 40 million respectively.

Recall that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has fixed August 8, 2026, for off-season governorship election.

Following this, political parties have commenced preparations to field candidates for the election.

The APC in its schedule of activities and timetable for the election signed by its national organising secretary, Sulaiman Argungu, disclosed that delegates congress would hold on December 9, while the party’s primary poll will hold on December 13, 2025.

The party said the sale of expression of interest and nomination forms would commence on November 12 and end on November 26.

It said female aspirants and People With Disability (PWD) would purchase the expression of interest form, while the nomination form would be issued to them at no cost.

Youths between the ages of 25 and 40 were also given a preference of 50 percent discount for the nomination form.