Category: Daily Trust

Residents of Shagari Quarters in the Dei-Dei Area of Abuja have called on the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to urgently intervene in the deplorable conditions of basic amenities in the community.

The community specifically urged all levels of government to urgently complete several abandoned projects and provide social amenities to improve their living conditions.

The community’s traditional ruler, Dagachi of Shagari Quarters, Sarki Usman Dalhatu, made the plea during the maiden Shagari Quarters Day Celebration and Turbaning Ceremony.

Abuja Metro reports that the maiden edition of the programme was themed: ‘The Role of Political and Traditional Leaders in Community Growth and Sustainable Development.’ Speaking during the programme, Dalhatu lamented that the community had suffered years of neglect, despite repeated promises from public officials, including Senators and House of Representative members.

The traditional ruler listed the absence of good roads, potable water, functional healthcare facilities, standard schools, and stable electricity as major challenges facing the area.

‘Our people struggle daily because of bad roads and lack of clean water. We have no well-equipped hospital, our schools are in poor condition, and electricity supply is erratic. These are not luxuries but basic necessities,’ he said.

He urged the Federal Capital Territory Administration and other relevant agencies to partner with the community to ensure completion of the long-abandoned infrastructure projects.

‘Whatever support you can offer, whether through projects or empowerment programmes, will go a long way in uplifting our community and giving our people a sense of belonging,’ he added.

Also speaking, Professor Shuaibu Danfulani, the guest lecturer at the event, called on traditional and political leaders to embrace accountability and righteousness in governance.

Represented by Ustadhz Abdulrasheed Zakariya, he reminded them that leadership is a sacred trust and that those in authority would be held responsible by God for their actions.

‘Leadership is not for self-gratification but service. Anyone placed in a position of authority will answer before Allah for how they treat their people,’ he cautioned.

Danfulani further appealed to government representatives to prioritise the completion of essential infrastructure in Shagari Quarters, noting that development would foster peace, unity, and progress in the area.

The recent robbery attack on hostels housing students of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, has once again highlighted the persistent threat to students’ safety in Nigeria’s higher institutions. On October 20, armed men reportedly invaded hostels in Moremi Estate, injuring students and stealing their valuables. Sadly, such incidents are not isolated but part of a growing pattern of insecurity affecting students nationwide.

Students living off-campus across several universities have repeatedly faced similar attacks. In Port Harcourt, some Rivers State University students were hospitalised after armed robbers invaded their lodges. At the Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, students even protested the frequent robberies and sexual assaults. In Abeokuta, undergraduates of the Federal University of Agriculture have resorted to night patrols for self-protection. These frightening experiences expose the deep failure in ensuring basic safety for those pursuing education.

The reality is that campus hostels are inadequate. OAU, with about 35,000 students, can only accommodate around 10,000 on campus. UNILAG and UI face similar shortages. Consequently, thousands of students are forced to live off-campus in poorly secured neighbourhoods. Security experts have attributed these repeated incidents to poor lighting, absence of regular police patrols, and spillover of urban crime.

Universities, in collaboration with security agencies, local authorities, and private developers, must urgently address this crisis. Public-Private Partnerships, such as the one implemented by Ahmadu Bello University for its 1,600-bed hostel, show that secure and affordable accommodation is achievable. Beyond building hostels, schools must invest in improved security infrastructure-such as CCTV, adequate lighting, and professional security personnel.

Students deserve more than classrooms; they deserve safety and dignity. A nation that fails to protect its learners risks losing its future. Ensuring safe accommodation is not only a matter of welfare but of national responsibility.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), President, Dr Omar Alieu Touray, has raised the alarm over what he described as a crisis of democracy and security in the West African sub-region.

Speaking in Abuja at the second edition of the African Political Square and the Experts meeting on Alternative Futures for ECOWAS at 50 – jointly organized with the African Leadership Centre (ALC), in collaboration with Codesria and Wathi, Touray, who was represented by the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Ambassador Abdufatah Musah, described the moment as one demanding ‘deep introspection and honest self-assessment.’

He said: ‘ECOWAS today faces a crisis of democracy and security. Manipulation of constitutions and exclusionary politics have become fashionable. Democracy is in crisis, and insecurity has worsened.’

He noted that the bloc’s history had passed through three phases: formation amid Cold War divisions, the peacekeeping era of the 1990s, and the current struggle with insecurity and governance.

‘It was visionary leadership that created ECOWAS in 1975,’ he recalled. ‘At that time, bringing together francophone, anglophone, and lusophone states was itself a miracle. Now, after fifty years, we must ask whether we are still faithful to that vision.’

He warned that ‘external shocks and internal weaknesses’ had combined to create a turning point for West Africa.

‘The world is no longer bipolar; it is multipolar – even multicultural,’ he said. ‘Countries now have choices based on their interests and values. West Africa must also choose between people-centred democracy and authoritarian regression.’

Zamfara State has recorded a significant improvement in its fiscal performance, moving from the 36th position in 2023 to the 17th position in the 2025 State of States ranking released by BudgIT, a civic organisation that tracks government transparency and fiscal sustainability.

According to BudgIT’s latest report, the state achieved a 13-place rise from its 2024 ranking of 26th, reflecting what the organisation described as ‘a positive fiscal performance index,’ showing that Zamfara is among the few states with comparatively limited dependence on federally distributed revenue for their operations.

BudgIT noted that Zamfara’s recurrent revenue rose by 182.34 percent – from ?87.44 billion in 2023 to ?246.88 billion in 2024 – while the state’s total revenue grew by 117.68 percent, from ?144.95 billion to ?315.53 billion within the same period. Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) accounted for 10.31 percent of the total revenue in 2024.

The report said Zamfara’s IGR increased by 14.86 percent, from ?22.16 billion in 2023 to ?25.46 billion in 2024, ranking the state 25th nationwide. The Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) revenue also rose by 239.18 percent – from ?65.28 billion in 2023 to ?221.42 billion in 2024.

BudgIT added that the state’s IGR per capita stood at ?4,364 as of the end of 2024, marking a notable improvement from ?2.74 billion in 2015 to ?25.46 billion in 2024 under Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration.

The report highlighted growth in the state’s non-tax revenue, which had earlier declined by 71.31 percent from ?3.73 billion in 2021 to ?1.07 billion in 2022. However, it rebounded by 593.46 percent in 2023 to ?7.42 billion and further rose to ?12.91 billion in 2024.

Breaking down the non-tax revenue, BudgIT said income from licences increased by 25.30 percent between 2021 and 2022 and surged by 5,921.47 percent in 2023, followed by another 44.53 percent increase in 2024. Revenue from fees, which had dropped by 93.90 percent between 2021 and 2022, rose sharply by 3,610.57 percent in 2023 and 88.24 percent in 2024 – growing from ?82.44 million in 2022 to ?3.06 billion in 2023 and ?5.76 billion in 2024.

However, fines recorded a decline of 78.15 percent during the same period.

On sectoral expenditure, the BudgIT report noted significant increases in health and education spending between 2022 and 2024. Health sector spending rose from ?4.29 billion in 2022 to ?5.74 billion in 2023 and ?11.88 billion in 2024. The state’s health spending per capita also increased from ?785 in 2022 to ?1,017 in 2023 and ?2,037 in 2024.

BudgIT, known for its data-driven civic advocacy, said the state’s performance reflects growing fiscal viability and improved transparency under Governor Lawal’s administration.

Town planning experts have expressed concern over increasing political interference in urban development and physical planning decisions across Nigeria, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

They warned that if unchecked, such interference could erode the city’s original master plan and worsen environmental and infrastructural challenges.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Abuja branch of the Association of Town Planning Consultants of Nigeria (ATOPCON), professionals in the built environment urged strict enforcement of planning laws, professional autonomy, and the adoption of modern technology to sustain orderly urban growth.

Tpl. Barnabas Atiyaye, Managing Director of Enviconsteam Consultants Ltd., said political influence continues to distort Abuja’s vision as a planned green city.

He noted that many political officeholders make decisions without understanding urban planning principles.

‘A functional city plan allocates land based on compatibility and environmental suitability, but politicians often override professional advice, leading to disorderly developments,’ he said.

Atiyaye lamented that Abuja’s green areas have drastically declined-from 32-34 percent of total land to less than 16 percent-due to illegal conversions and political encroachment. He warned that mistaking these zones for available land could endanger the city’s environmental balance.

He, however, commended FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for reviving abandoned projects and improving road infrastructure, but cautioned against converting green areas for development.

‘True restoration of Abuja’s master plan goes beyond roads; it includes protecting natural buffers, open spaces, and planned land uses,’ he said.

Atiyaye also linked rising slums to unaffordable housing, noting that many low-income earners working in the city are forced into informal settlements.

Tpl. Emmanuel Agbator, Chairman of ATOPCON FCT Branch, emphasised collaboration between professionals, residents, and government agencies to ensure sustainable urban management. He outlined the association’s vision around the ‘four Cs’-collaboration, cooperation, co-production, and coordination.

He urged states to domesticate the Urban and Regional Planning Law of 1992 to strengthen development control and professional accountability.

Architect Agatha Christie-Rabot, Vice Chair of the Building Collapse Prevention Guild, warned that poor planning contributes to traffic congestion, flooding, and building collapses. She said mixing incompatible land uses and weak enforcement of building codes endanger lives.

‘If those responsible for structural failures are consistently prosecuted, 80 percent of building collapses will stop,’ she said.

The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, has urged the electorate to vote their conscience in the Anambra governorship election scheduled for Saturday in the state.

Achebe made this call while speaking with newsmen on Monday in Onitsha.

The traditional ruler also urged voters to exercise their civic responsibility peacefully, emphasising the importance of free, fair, and credible election.

‘There is a need for the people to vote according to their conscience, shun vote buying, and apathy. ‘The future of Anambra depends on the decisions made at the polls.’

‘I urge political parties, candidates, and their supporters to conduct themselves with decorum and respect for the rule of law before, during, and after the election,’ he said.

Achebe also urged the Federal Government to sustain efforts in alleviating the suffering of the poor and reducing hunger in the country.

He expressed concern over the rising rate of insecurity across the country and urged the government to take urgent action to curb crime and restore peace.

Achebe called for unity, perseverance, and resilience among Nigerians.

He advised residents of the state to uphold the enduring moral values of Ndigbo for the continued progress and development of the state.(NAN)

Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, faces impeachment by the House of Assembly as Governor Douye Diri formally declares for the All Progressives Congress (APC) today.

Ewhrudjakpo’s refusal to quit the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after Diri’s resignation from the party on October 15 has triggered tension within the state government. The House of Assembly, allegedly under Diri’s influence, has begun impeachment proceedings against the deputy governor.

In response, Ewhrudjakpo approached the Federal High Court in Abuja last week, seeking to halt the process.

Speaking on Sunday during the state’s 14th annual thanksgiving service ahead of his defection, Diri said his decision to leave the PDP was driven by the best interests of Bayelsa.

‘Somebody had to take the decision, and I took it on behalf of the state. I took it in the best interest of the state. Some of you might not understand now, but later it will be clear to all,’ Diri said.

He added that his administration’s focus had been on completing inherited projects, initiating new ones, and maintaining peace and security. ‘Politics is for development, not to kill your brother,’ he said, adding that the large turnout at the service was proof of Bayelsa’s unity.

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, described Diri’s defection as a strategic alignment with the centre, cautioning politicians to consider the implications of disloyalty – a veiled reference to Ewhrudjakpo’s decision to remain in the PDP.

Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by his Senior Policy Adviser, Rt. Hon. Funkekeme Solomon, urged Bayelsans to remain united, saying the state’s development depended on its cohesion. He also praised Bayelsa’s tradition of thanksgiving, calling it an attitude that attracts divine blessings.

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku, lauded Diri’s ‘visible developmental strides,’ describing him as ‘a godsend to the state.’

Why Ewhrudjakpo stayed in PDP

Ewhrudjakpo’s loyalty to former Governor Seriake Dickson, who represents Bayelsa West in the National Assembly, is believed to be behind his refusal to defect. Both men hail from Sagbama Local Government Area, and Dickson is regarded as a political mentor to both Diri and Ewhrudjakpo.

Dickson confirmed to reporters at the National Assembly that Diri had approached him several times to join the APC, but he declined.

Observers believe Ewhrudjakpo’s allegiance to Dickson remains firm and may position him as a key PDP contender for the 2027 governorship election.

Yenagoa streets decked in APC colours

Daily Trust observed that major streets in Yenagoa have been adorned with giant billboards welcoming Diri to the APC.

The Government House roundabout now displays APC flags, while PDP flags previously mounted there have been removed.

The last time PDP insignia were taken down from the Creek Haven roundabout was in February 2019, ahead of the planned swearing-in of APC’s Chief David Lyon, whose election was annulled by the Supreme Court a day before the event.

Notable Nigerians, including the late Alhaji Aminu Dantata, the late Adamu Dan Kabo, the late Emir Usman Bin Abdullahi II (the 9th Emir of Kano), the late Sa’ad Sa’id, and the late Mallam Aminu Kano, were among distinguished personalities honoured with posthumous awards at the centenary celebration marking 100 years since the first aircraft landed in Nigeria.

The three-day event, held in Kano, was organised by the Caliphate Aviation Training Centre in collaboration with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and other aviation stakeholders.

It celebrated the pioneering roles and enduring legacies of those who contributed to the growth and transformation of Nigeria’s aviation sector. Aside from the posthumous recognitions, several veterans, institutions, and individuals were also presented with awards of excellence and efficiency for their service and dedication to the industry’s development.

Speaking during the ceremony, Sa’ad Sa’id Sa’ad, Managing Director of Caliphate Aviation Training Centre and Head of Planning and Coordination for the centenary celebration, said the initiative was motivated by a desire to rekindle public interest and investment in aviation as a catalyst for economic growth.

‘A properly harnessed aviation sector can create thousands of jobs not only in the North but across Nigeria,’ he said. ‘Since the first aircraft landed in Kano, we’ve had the divine opportunity to build on that legacy. The future is bright – we have the manpower, traffic, and capacity; all we need is to put our house in order.’

Delivering a keynote lecture titled ‘100 Years of Nigerian Aviation: The Legacy of the Nigerian Air Force,’ Flying Officers A. A. Sokoya and A. M. Ogunjemiyi traced the evolution of the aviation industry from the first aircraft landing in Kano in 1925 to the establishment of the Nigerian Air Force in 1964.

The duo noted that aviation has played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s national development, technological advancement, and defence over the past century.

They called for stronger collaboration between the civil and military aviation sectors to position Nigeria competitively in the global aviation space.

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has called on Christians and Muslims to live together in peace and harmony, urging mutual respect and appreciation of the differences that exist between the two faiths.

Lawal made the call on Friday at the Government House, Gusau, when he received the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and heads of various Christian denominations who paid him an appreciation visit.

The governor commended the CAN Chairman, Evangelist Jibril Afolabi, and other Christian leaders for their visit, describing it as a demonstration of unity and goodwill. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring the welfare and comfort of all Christians in the state.

Recounting a long-standing land dispute in the Tudun Wada area of Gusau, Lawal explained that for over three decades, a church had purchased land in the area for the construction of a school and a place of worship, but was prevented from doing so by some residents.

He said previous administrations failed to resolve the matter until his intervention. ‘When I assumed office, the church leaders and CAN officials met with me, and I decided to purchase the land for the construction of public schools to serve both Christians and Muslims,’ the governor said.

Governor Lawal urged residents to embrace peace and tolerance, noting that God allowed the two faiths to coexist for a divine purpose.

Earlier, CAN Chairman, Evangelist Jibril Afolabi, and the State Pastor of Living Faith Church, Pastor Umoru Emmanuel, commended the governor for his fairness and wisdom in resolving the long-standing dispute, describing him as ‘a worthy father who welcomes everyone without discrimination.’

The highlight of the visit was the presentation of an Ambassador of Peace Award to Governor Lawal by the CAN leadership in recognition of his efforts toward promoting religious harmony in Zamfara State.

Nile University of Nigeria has reaffirmed its reputation as a hub of thought leadership and innovation with the delivery of its 5th Inaugural Lecture, where Engineer Professor Abdulhameed Danjuma Mambo, Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, made a compelling case for sustainable building practices in Nigeria.

The lecture, titled ‘Beyond Concepts and Concrete: Pathways for Advancing Sustainable Buildings and Infrastructure in 21st Century Nigeria,’ was held on Thursday October 30, 2025, before a distinguished audience comprising academics, policymakers, industry leaders, and students. In a deeply researched and engaging presentation, Prof. Mambo described Nigeria’s construction trajectory as ‘a ticking time bomb,’ citing alarming data that underscore the urgency of change. He noted that Nigeria currently faces a housing deficit of 28 million units, with its population projected to exceed 400 million by 2050. Yet, an estimated 75% of existing buildings fall short of standard construction requirements.

‘Where will these millions live, work, and thrive?’ Prof. Mambo questioned. ‘The dominant reliance on imported designs and materials, often unsuitable for our local climate, has led to overdependence on artificial cooling, further straining our fragile energy grid.’

The professor emphasized that the traditional ‘take-make-dispose’ model of construction has reached its limits, with concrete alone accounting for nearly 8% of global CO2 emissions. He warned that without a national shift in mindset and practice, Nigeria risks deepening its environmental and infrastructural vulnerabilities.

Drawing from decades of research, including collaborations with Loughborough University (UK), UN-Habitat, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Prof. Mambo showcased homegrown innovations such as the use of palm kernel shells in concrete, treated sisal fibres for reinforcement, and plastic waste repurposed into durable building materials.

He concluded with a call to collective responsibility:

‘The pathways are illuminated,’ he declared. ‘Let us not shy away from the scale of the challenge, but rather be inspired by the magnitude of the opportunity to build a greener, more resilient Nigeria.’

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of Nile University of Nigeria, Professor Dilli Dogo,FNAMed,DFMC, commended Professor Mambo for his timely and transformative contribution to the national discourse on sustainability

‘Inaugural lectures are a cornerstone of academic life, representing the pinnacle of a scholar’s research and a vital platform for sharing groundbreaking ideas with the wider community. Professor Mambo’s lecture exemplifies this tradition perfectly. His topic moves beyond a theoretical exercise to address one of the most pressing issues of our time, how we build our future in harmony with our planet. By dissecting the environmental footprint of our built environment and proposing actionable, context-specific pathways for Nigeria, this lecture makes a profound contribution to the global discourse on sustainable development. It challenges us to rethink our approach to urbanization and infrastructure, aligning directly with both the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and our national aspirations for a resilient and prosperous future. Nile University is proud to host such critical dialogues that bridge academic rigor with tangible societal impact.’

About Nile University of Nigeria

Nile University of Nigeria is a private multidisciplinary university established in 2009 and located in Abuja, Nigeria. Nile University is committed to building future generations of professionals and leaders who can thrive and positively impact society by leveraging academic innovation, state-of-the-art facilities, and a talented team of faculty and staff. The university currently has eight faculties (Health Sciences, Law, Engineering, Computing, Science, Arts and Social Sciences, Management Sciences, Environmental Sciences) and a School of Postgraduate Studies offering over 40 undergraduate programmes and more than 50 postgraduate programmes. Nile University is owned by Honoris United Universities, the first and largest pan-African private higher education with 16 institutions across 10 African countries.

About Honoris United Universities

Honoris United Universities is the first and largest pan-African private higher education network committed to transforming lives through relevant education for lifetime success. Collaborative intelligence, cultural agility, and mobile mindsets are at the heart of the Honoris approach to educating the next generation of leaders and professionals to make a transformative impact on a global scale. Honoris combines the expertise of its member institutions to develop world-class African human talent with an entrepreneurial mindset and 21st-century skills to thrive in the world of work.

Recognized as a New Champion by the World Economic Forum, Honoris comprises a community of 100,000+ students on 76 campuses in 26 cities. The network is formed of 16 institutions: multidisciplinary universities, specialized schools, technical and vocational institutes, contact, distance, and online institutions. Honoris has transformed more than 1.2 million lives to date with a legacy of 250+ years of experience in education, supported by exclusive academic partnerships and exchange programs in more than 250 universities across Europe, North America, and Asia. To strengthen its employability mandate, students benefit from an ecosystem of over 1,000 employer partners. More than 490 degrees are offered in Medicine, Health Sciences, Engineering, IT, Business, Law, Architecture, Digital and Creative Arts, Fashion and Design, Media, Political Science, and Education.