Category: Daily Trust

Tension broke out in Tude community in Gwargwada chiefdom of Kuje Area Council of the FCT after some farmers reportedly seized three cows from a herder over the alleged destruction of their crops by cattle in the area.

Abuja Metro learnt that elders in the community quickly moved in to douse the tension and restore calm to the agrarian community.

A member of the Tude community, Ibrahim Dantani, said the incident happened on Thursday after some farmers went to their farms and discovered their guinea corn and rice farms had been destroyed by cows.

He said the discovery of the extensive crop destruction prompted the farmers to trap and seize three cows and insist that the herder must pay for the damage before the cows would be released.

‘In fact, three guinea corn farms and a rice farm were completely destroyed to the extent that the affected farmers had to mobilize themselves and seize three cows, after which they ordered the herder-who is a small boy between the ages of 13-to go and inform his parents to pay for the destruction of crops before they will release the cows,’ he said.

According to him, some elders of the community later mobilized to meet with the chief of Fulani in the area, who later intervened in the matter to douse tension with a promise to compensate the farmers whose crops were destroyed.

‘So, the chief of Fulani, who later got wind of the incident, quickly intervened. Some elders of the community led him to the farm to see the level of destruction caused by the cattle, in which he pleaded with the farmers and promised to ensure they are duly compensated for the crops destroyed,’ he said.

Abuja Metro further gathered that several farmers’ crops were also destroyed by cows at neighboring Gwargwada village last month, a situation which also created serious tension in the area.

It was gathered that most of the affected farmers mobilized themselves to remain at their farms, guarding their crops till 7pm before they return home.

A farmer, Yakubu Maikasuwa, spoke to our reporter on Saturday via telephone, saying his rice farm had been allegedly destroyed by cows after the herders led them into his farm.

He said he discovered the damage when he went to the farm the next morning, which prompted him to immediately report the incident to the palace of the Agabe of Ugbada, HRH Alhaji Hussaini Agabi Mam.

‘And it is not only my farm; there are several farms that were affected, until our chief now directed some of his palace aides to visit the affected farms in order to see the level of destruction caused by the cows,’ he said.

He added, ‘And as I speak, the matter is before the chief, who summoned all Ardos and Fulani chiefs in his chiefdom, where he held a meeting with them last Friday after Juma’at prayer to express his displeasure over the matter.’

Meanwhile, the Ardo of Fulani in the area, Malam Shehu Aliyu, told our reporter via telephone on Saturday that the chief of Gwargwada had intervened in the matter at both Tude and Gwargwada communities, and that efforts were ongoing to ensure the affected farmers were duly compensated.

‘Actually, we met with the chief of Gwargwada after last Friday’s Juma’at prayers at his palace. We strongly condemned the incident, even though some herders that destroyed crops are migrating herders, but efforts are ongoing to see that the matter is addressed,’ he said.

The Agabe of Ugbada, HRH Alhaji Hussain Agabi Mam, could not be reached for comment as his phone line was not connecting but one of the palace aides, confided in our reporter that the matter is being addressed.

Former England captain Sir David Beckham has been formally knighted for his services to football and British society.

The 50-year-old, who was named on King Charles’ Birthday Honours list earlier this year, was knighted by the King during a ceremony in Berkshire on Tuesday.

‘I couldn’t be prouder,’ said Beckham. ‘People know how patriotic I am – I love my country.

‘I’ve always said how important the monarchy is to my family.

‘I’m lucky enough to have travelled around the world and all people want to talk to me about is our monarchy. It makes me proud.’

Beckham was joined by his wife Victoria and his parents Sandra and David at Windsor Castle.

The recent threat by President Donald trump to intervene in Nigeria in response to the alleged ‘killing of Christians’ has serious implications for Nigeria-Us relations, especially in terms of its drawbacks to the current economic reforms, the recent 15% import duty on petroleum and diesel import and the possibility of boosting the economic relationship between Nigeria and China.

This shift towards BRICS in general and China in particular will primarily affect the US by fueling competition for influence in Africa, challenging the economic standing of the dollar, and creating vulnerabilities related to trade imbalances and debt.

The weakening of Nigeria-US relationship due to the recent intervention threat is therefore a direct manifestation of the broader struggle for global economic dominance. Its potential negative effects on Nigeria include:

A decline in foreign direct investment (FDI) through which U.S. investors will adopt a careful approach toward emerging markets like Nigeria, focusing instead on domestic opportunities. Foreign direct investment may also be more vulnerable than before because the severity of the allegations creates reputational risk, prompting multinational firms to delay or suspend investment decisions across sectors such as energy, telecoms, agribusiness and fintech.

On Trade Issues, the United States remains a vital economic partner for Nigeria and bilateral trade in goods and services reached approximately $13 billion in 2024, according to official data from the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.

Trump’s threat to cut ‘aid and assistance’ could therefore ripple through multiple channels such as trade finance, energy exports, defense procurement and humanitarian programs. More risky still would be a suspension of Nigeria’s eligibility under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which offers duty-free access to US markets for African goods. Such a move could cripple Nigeria’s drive towards expanding non-oil exports, particularly in textiles, agro-processing, and light manufacturing. The country’s export council recently reported a nearly 20% rise in shipments during the first half of 2025, driven by global demand for cocoa, urea, and cashew. If Western importers begin to hesitate or reroute orders, these fragile gains could diminish. Higher insurance premia and costlier trade credit would also make Nigerian goods less competitive, even before a single sanction is imposed.

Drop in portfolio inflows because the remarks of the US President could have a significant impact on Nigeria’s plans to issue Eurobonds worth about $2.3 billion later this year as investors may perceive the country as one with high risk. Fiscal stability may also weaken as outflows push domestic yields higher, raise borrowing costs, and worsen the currency-debt service dynamic. The international amplification of Trump’s remarks may therefore further damage Nigeria’s image and negatively influence multilaterals and rating agencies.

Zespite efforts to diversify the Nigerian economy, Oil and Gas remain the lifeblood of its economy, feeding both foreign exchange reserves and government coffers. Any escalation that disrupts production, shipping, or insurance coverage would squeeze dollar inflows at a point Nigeria struggles to narrow its fiscal deficit. Although the International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts that OPEC+ supply is expected to rise in 2025, a Nigeria-specific disruption could tighten the global market for light-sweet crude, potentially lifting prices but leaving Nigeria paradoxically poorer since its output will drop due to the intervention or because buyers demand steep discounts. For Nigeria, this means reduced revenue and heightened economic vulnerability and in such a scenario, the country’s budgetary gaps could widen, forcing deeper austerity or additional borrowing at punishing rates.

If the threat is carried through, there will be increased inflationary pressures, and reduced foreign reserves due to capital outflows. The escalation may also complicate the efforts of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to stabilize the naira and anchor inflation expectations.

The regulator has been courting portfolio inflows through high-yield securities and reforms in the FX window, but heightened global risk aversion could limit the impact and the naira may consequently face notable downward pressure as outflows intensify, potentially forcing heavier CBN intervention.

Muhammed Muttaka Usman is a Professor of Economics, Department of Economics, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and member, Daily Trust Board of Economists

One of the facilities built under the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) in Ogoni land, Rivers State, has collapsed.

The project, which collapsed after commissioning, sparked outrage among residents and environmental activists.

The provision of potable water is part of the efforts by the Federal Government for remediation of the Ogoni communities devastated by pollution due to oil exploration.

The multi-million-naira water station, located at Gwara, Khana local government area of Rivers, is part of the Federal Government’s effort to provide safe and clean water to communities affected by decades of oil pollution.

It was inaugurated last week amid praise from top government officials, including representatives of the Federal Ministry of Environment. Residents of the community told Daily Trust that the water treatment plant developed structural faults shortly after its commissioning, and that led to the collapse of a major section of its reservoir platform.

They said the incident has rendered the facility non-functional, cutting off water supply to hundreds of households that had only just begun to enjoy the service.

A local, Mrs. Fyneface Baridam, said: ‘We were so happy when the project started running, thinking our suffering had finally ended.

‘But just a few days later, the entire structure gave way. This shows that the contractors did a very poor job.’

Environmental rights groups have since condemned the incident, describing it as another example of corruption and poor accountability in the implementation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)-recommended clean-up projects.

The Executive Director of the Centre for Oil Pollution and Environmental Response (COPER), Dr. Kaani Zorva, called for an immediate investigation into the incident.

He said: ‘This collapse is not just an engineering failure; it is a moral failure. Billions have been spent in the name of the Ogoni people, yet what we see are substandard projects designed to fail.’

The Ogoni clean-up, launched in 2016 and re-energized under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, has faced persistent criticism over alleged mismanagement, delays, and poor quality of work.

With this latest development, Ogoni indigenes are of the opinion that such risks further erode public trust in the government’s sincerity toward environmental justice in the Niger Delta.

HYPREP Project Coordinator, Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, has constituted a high level committee to immediately visit the site and commence investigation into the immediate and remote cause of the incident.

HYPREP management in a statement in it’s official social media platform on Wednesday, said the Committee set up by the Project Coordinator had visited the site.

The statement reads: ‘The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) is deeply disturbed by the collapse of the overhead tank at the newly commissioned Gwara Water Station in Khana LGA.

‘In the interim, Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, Project Coordinator has constituted a high level committee to immediately visit the site and commence investigation into the immediate and remote cause of this unfortunate incident.

‘Consequently, the Committee has visited the site and will be painstaking in its investigation to establish likely structural failure or third-party interference.

‘The Project further empathises with the Gwara community and asks for calm as steps are being taken to ensure that the damaged facility is being restored, and water reticulated to affected communities.

The Project after commissioning

‘HYPREP remains committed to continue to deliver quality projects that meet best standards. It has introduced both internal and external measures to ensure quality assurance and control. This includes the engagement of a Project Consultant, EcoProject, supervision from the Monitoring and Evaluation Unit and Water Supervisors among others

‘But for this isolated case, 16 Water Stations have been commissioned, supplying water to over 40 communities. Some of them have been running for over 2 years.

‘More so, robust sustainability plans are being adopted to ensure the water projects continue to serve communities. They are the constitution of the Water Consumers Association (WCA), construction of solar farms for alternative power supply and training of laboratory staff. One of the unique features of the HYPREP Water Project is the laboratory to ensure that water supplied to communities meets the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) standard.’

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has commenced a manhunt for a suspect over an alleged case of spousal battery in Abuja.

According to the agency, the victim, whose identity was not disclosed, was taken to a hospital in the Gudu District for emergency medical care following the incident. NAPTIP operatives were said to have monitored the situation and gathered relevant information to support the ongoing investigation.

Following preliminary inquiries, NAPTIP’s Rapid Response team reportedly visited the suspect’s residence in Jabi but could not effect an arrest. The agency said it has since placed the suspect on a security watchlist in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Immigration Service, and other relevant authorities.

The Head of NAPTIP’s Rapid Response Unit, Dr. Emeh Magnus, confirmed that official reports have been forwarded to the Inspector-General of Police and other concerned agencies to aid the investigation.

NAPTIP reiterated that domestic violence constitutes a criminal offense under Nigerian law and emphasized that the agency remains committed to ensuring justice for victims of such abuse.

The victim is currently reported to be in stable condition and receiving medical care.

A farmer, identified as Bitrus Dakwan, has been killed in an attack by suspected gunmen in the Kubon community, Kombun District, of Mangu Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State.

Sources who confirmed the attack, told journalists in Jos on Monday, that the incident occurred on Sunday, saying the gunmen invaded the community and started shooting sporadically.

The community accused herders of being responsible for the attack, an allegation that was denied by the herders’ association.

A community leader, John Maikwudi, who also confirmed the incident, called for urgent action to stop the attacks.

According to Maikwudi, the attackers stormed Dakwan’s house and killed him instantly on Sunday.

The community leader said: ‘Yes, there was an attack in our community yesterday, and a young man, a farmer, was killed. His name is Bitrus Dakwan. He was killed last night, Sunday, October 2, 2025, following the attack in the Kubon community in Kombun District of Mangu Local Government by herdsmen.

‘The young man was in his house when the attackers came and killed him. He was still mourning his elder brother, who died last month after he fell sick,’ Maikwudi said.

Reacting, the chairman of the Gan Allah Fulani Development Association (GAFDAN) in Mangu LGA denied the accusation, explaining that the said Kubon community in Kombun District has no boundary with any Fulani settlement.

‘I am just hearing this from you. The area where they said the man was attacked is not close to where we live. A Fulani cannot cross or move around the community either in the day or night because it is a farming community,’ the chairman said.

The spokesman for the Plateau State Police Command, DSP Alabo Alfred, could not be reached on his phone as at the time of filling the report.

A total of 163 golfers from across Nigeria are set to participate in the Ilorin Golf Club’s 50th Anniversary Amateur Open Golf Tournament, scheduled for November 8, marking a major milestone in the club’s illustrious history.

Founded in June 1975 during the administration of Colonel Ibrahim Taiwo, the club was established to promote and strengthen the game of golf in Kwara State. Over the past five decades, it has evolved into one of Nigeria’s most respected golf institutions, nurturing talent and contributing significantly to sports tourism in the country.

The two-day golden jubilee celebration will begin on Saturday with the arrival of golfers, practice rounds, a ceremonial tee-off, and a welcome cocktail. A special Captains’ Event will also be held to honour past club captains for their contributions to the club’s development. The main tournament will then take place on Sunday, featuring both amateur and professional golfers.

Speaking during a pre-event briefing, Club Captain Babajide Allen said the large turnout reflects Ilorin’s growing reputation as a major golfing hub in Nigeria.

‘This event will not only showcase Ilorin as a major golfing hub in Nigeria, but also give golfers the opportunity to experience our new artificial lake, which is designed to elevate the golfing challenge and overall experience,’ Allen said.

He revealed that the tournament will feature 23 professional golfers – including 10 Ilorin Golf Club alumni now based outside the state, six resident players, and seven invited professionals – along with 140 amateur golfers from across the country.

A major highlight of the anniversary will be the unveiling and trial of the club’s newly constructed artificial lake, built by ICMA Professional Services. The lake, roughly the size of a football pitch’s 18-yard box, has its own independent water system, making it one of the most distinctive course features in the region.

Chairman of the Organising Committee, Alhaji Faruq Ismail, said preparations are nearing completion to deliver a memorable tournament.

‘Preparations are in top gear to make this year’s edition a true showcase of golfing excellence and a celebration of Ilorin’s legacy in the sport,’ he said.

Meanwhile, top professional golfers including Kabir Mohammed, Friday Adachi, Salihu Liman, and Gboyega Oyeniyi are expected to compete for honours.

As Ilorin Golf Club celebrates 50 years of promoting golf and fostering camaraderie, the golden jubilee tournament promises to blend competition, nostalgia, and innovation – a fitting tribute to the club’s enduring legacy.

Insurance Experts, Policy Makers, and stakeholders are now set for Almond Insurance Industry Awards 2025.

The annual Awards which brings stakeholders in the various arms of the Insurance Industry, Policy Makers, Insurance Clients, Entertainers and the Insuring Public together will hold on Friday November 7th at the Stable qEvent Centre Bode Thomas Surulere Lagos.

The 2025 Edition tagged #Recharged Edition will honour individuals and organisations in nine categories across the various arms of the Insurance Eco-System.

Speaking on preparations for the Awards so far, the Chief Executive Officer of Almond Productions Limited, Ms Faith Ughwode, said this year, attendees will be glad they did a top rated comedians like Creative Toby, Mc Taichi, Mc Obinna and others are set to crack ribs with jokes. Musical headliner this year is the party shut down king Slimcase and a host of others.

Apart from the sterling performances from the artiste lined-up this year, the organizers have also drawn an array of dignitaries from across various sectors of the economy as guest presenters.

Notable amongst them are the Former Governor of Rivers State His Excellency Hon. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, Mrs Rollence McCoy President WimAfrica, VME Emmanuel Evue Chairman Emalsson Ent. Ltd. and a host of other dignitaries.

Show Host this year is Nollywood Legend Mr. Segun Arinze. Speaking further, Ms Ughwode said that the annual awards is geared towards changing Insurance narratives in Nigeria using Popculture as Nigeria’s current demography is made up of young people who should be the core customers of Insurance companies in Nigeria.

The Nigerian Insurance Industry has battled with issues of mistrust and suspicion from the Nigerian Public for a long time. While we acknowledge that things are changing Social Platforms such as the Awards which bring celebrities and Industry players together in an atmosphere of fun has been applauded by industry stakeholders and the Insuring Public.

HoganHost, one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing web hosting companies, has officially launched its Domain Market, becoming the first web hosting company in Nigeria to provide a public platform where anyone can buy and sell domain names easily.

The new marketplace, allows customers to list both active and expired domains for sale, making them publicly visible to everyone – including non-customers. Previously, listed domains were only visible inside the WHMCS client area, but with this upgrade, all listed domains can now be discovered by potential buyers across the web.

Speaking on the innovation, Joseph Effiok Hogan, Co-Founder and CEO of HoganHost, said:

‘This feature is part of our mission to empower Nigerians and global users to turn their digital assets into real value. We believe domain flipping and trading should be simple, transparent, and accessible to everyone – and this marketplace makes that possible.’

Atim Hogan, Co-Founder and Director at HoganHost, added:

‘We’re proud to lead this movement in Nigeria’s hosting industry. Our domain market opens up new opportunities for individuals, entrepreneurs, and investors who want to explore domain name trading and create wealth online.’

The HoganHost Domain Market is designed for both beginners and experienced domain investors. Sellers can easily list their domains through their HoganHost client area, and buyers can browse and purchase listed domains directly from the public marketplace.

This marks another milestone for HoganHost as it continues to pioneer digital innovation in Nigeria’s web hosting and domain industry.

A Benue State born FIFA licenced agent, Tersoo Alexander Chinyam, has expressed commitment to unearthing and developing young football talents that abound in Nigeria.

At the moment, the United Kingdom (UK) based is the only FIFA-licensed football agent from Benue State, an achievement that places him among leading Nigerian sports professionals who are recognised globally.

In order to actualize his dream of empowering youths around the world through football, Chinyam founded SportsFame, an international football agency that operates across England, Europe, and North America.

Interestingly, the agency’s main objective is to ensure career development, international transfers, and player mentorship.

To demonstrate his passion, dedication and resolve to discover and nurture young talents in Nigeria, the FIFA agent recently sponsored a five-day scouting programme in Abuja in partnership with a renowned football academy in Benue State, EmmyJeks Academy.

The hugely successful scouting programme brought together young footballers from Benue and neighbouring states to showcase their potential before reputable international scouts.

Speaking on his passion for youth football development, Chinyam said ‘As a young son of the soil in the diaspora, contributing to the developmental growth of Benue through sponsorship of young, up-and-coming potential stars is my way of giving back.

‘As a licensed football agent for FIFA, I feel privileged to use my position to uplift the next generation.’

The president of EmmyJeks Academy, Mr. Emmanuel Jekelle, thanked the young and dynamic football agent for his magnanimity and patriotism which he said is not only inspirational but impactful.

‘I am short of words to appreciate FIFA agent, Chinyam, for his patriotism and commitment to supporting our youths to actualize their dreams in football.

‘These are opportunities we never had in our time. It definitely cost him so much to bring down these international scouts to look at our players.

‘Without a doubt, Chinyam is a shining light and worthy ambassador of Benue State who deserves commendation for the good work he is doing using his hard earned money,’ said Jekelle.