Category: Daily Trust

The recent coup in Madagascar which terminated the government of President Andry Rajoelina by a sudden popular revolution led by the Gen Z youth movement is a lesson to everyone who cherishes good leadership and the essential ingredients of the democratic process.

Rajoelina who has now scurried to the safe haven of France was first elected with wide embrace in 2009 at the age of 34. He gave the impression of a forward looking, progressive young man willing to advance the cause of democracy and enhance the democratic growth of the island nation southeast of the mainland of the African continent.

But soon enough, the baby-faced, seemingly progressive young man descended into the rule of nepotism and government of cronyism as he surrounded himself with time-servers and yes-men who distorted his vision and shattered the dream of a people. This alas is the typical African disease afflicting our leaders. Once in power they become gods.

The thousands of young people who swept across the streets of the capital Antananarivo complained of chronic poverty, corruption, epileptic power supply, lack of water and a selfish government without purpose.

At the last count 22 people are dead and hundreds inflicted with various injuries in the two weeks popular uprising which was later supported by an elite military force led by Colonel Michael Radriranirina who has now taken up the leadership of the nation.

The moral in the ouster of Rajoelina resides in the fact no single power or a group of people are supreme to the will of the people.

Leadership can dribble, manoeuvre in a thousand deceits, bribe and corrupt every organ of the state and perceive itself immune to power change. It is self delusion.

The only recipe to longevity of power is through selflessness, genuine commitment to the progress of the society and an inherent admission that no one can cure all the ills of the society. There must always be renewal and change. General Cincinnatus proved this in Ancient Rome when he personally relinquished power and went back to his farm. More than two thousand years later General George Washington equally laid the foundation of the American Republic when he left the presidency after two terms before the 25th amendment which now placed restriction of two terms on every president.

A good leader must know when to quit and yield power to a new generation. Leadership is about service and total commitment to the well being of the people.

It is never about the delusional know all syndrome, imposing personal whims upon the nation, believing that there is only one truth, believing that there is only vision to guide the country. No.

That will be the beginning of self-destruction. A good leader must appreciate that the most critical ingredient of democracy is the instinctive willingness to accommodate other people’s opinions, to encourage plural contributions and even cultivate the voices of the opposition. It is in this liberal progressive leaning that a good leader strengthens the renewal and democratic continuity of the state.

But when delusional leaders listen only to the echo chamber of their own voice and the benighted nudging of perennial opportunists making him believe that without him the society will crumble, alas, that leader is definitely beckoning his own ruin like Rajoelina of Madagascar who in his solitary reflection will regret and mourn his own self inflicted personal tragedy. It’s a moral other leaders can still learn from amid the sufferings, the penury, the widening abandonment in their country. It is not too late to reverse course from the edge of destruction.

Finally, of particular importance to us at the De Renaissance Foundation, as we look forward to the 2027 elections, let justice prevail in Lagos state and everywhere else.

General Tajudeen Olanrewaju rtd, (ndc), was former GOC Third Armored Division Nigerian Army, Former Minister of Communications, Alternate Chairman of The Renaissance Foundation.

A soldier was found dead after chasing an unknown assailant into the bush in Twatagi village, Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The incident reportedly occurred around 5:30pm, on October 21, 2025.

The deceased, identified as Private Usman Alhaji, who was attached to Apapa, Lagos, rode on a motorcycle with one Muhammad Baba, a native of Twatagi.

Sources said the duo were on their way to Patigi town when they encountered a man walking along the roadside with a stick.

As they rode past, the man reportedly suddenly attacked them, hitting them with a stick before taking to his heels into the nearby forest.

The deceased who was said to have immediately pursued the attacker on foot later failed to return.

Subsequent search by companion (Baba) failed to yield any result.

However, villagers discovered his lifeless body inside the forest around noon on Wednesday, with a stab wound to his neck, according to security analyst Zagazola Makama.

A vigilante commander, Captain Gina Gana, told Daily Trust on Thursday that the body was recovered on Wednesday.

According to him, the soldier was alone at the time of the attack, adding that it was an avoidable situation.

It was not immediately known whether the officer, who was said to be on pass, had informed any of the army formation or his superiors of his presence in the state.

‘The soldier was on pass and heading to his community on the outskirts of Patigi. He should have been more tactical and called for help instead of going after the attacker alone,’ the source said.

Journalistic ethics

Journalistic ethics refers to the principles and standards that guide the practice of journalism. It is a set of codes that specify the right things to do and what not to do. Sometimes, journalistic ethics intersect issues of law. Example, journalists may face legal pressure to reveal sources, but codes of ethics often prioritize the protection of the identity of sources. However, media law remains a distinct area that covers legal provisions included in the law of the land. While journalists can be prosecuted by the state when they break any of the media laws, sanctions from bodies like the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), and other media councils ideally handle breaches of ethical matters. What are some of these journalistic ethics?

Accuracy

Accurate information is factual and wholesome information. It can be credited to a source, or it is the outcome of an established and verifiable research information. It is popular across most newsrooms in the world to say that when in doubt, leave out. If there is any ambiguity or uncertainty about the accuracy of information, leave it out. It is better to be accused of not carrying the information, than be accused of reporting falsity. False information is dangerous because invariably it causes harm. Let me quote the words of one of our mentors in journalism by the name of Joseph Pulitzer.

He said ‘Put it before them briefly so they will read it, clearly so they will appreciate it, picturesquely so they remember it, and above all accurately so they will be guided by its light.’ The emphasis in this quote is on accuracy. Falsehood has been known to confuse, to misguide, to damage reputations, to start fights, and generally to be a threat to law and order and public safety. This is one journalistic ethical issue that involves both ethics and law.

Objectivity

This is avoiding the presentation of subjective views, partial views, biased views, opinionated views. Journalism is the objective presentation of facts. The journalist is supposed to be detached from the story. He hears from both sides and reports both sides making sure that equal opportunity, equal time, and equal treatment are given to each side. In this way, the story is said to be balanced. It is unprofessional to take sides and show biasness. The journalist is an impartial observer and conveyor of information. Leave judgement to the viewer or listener, or reader.

Some scholars have argued that objectivity is impossible to attain and indeed is a mirage. They said that, like all human beings, journalists bring in their own values, experiences and biases into reporting which significantly affect the way they frame stories and select facts. The words and language used can shape perception and bring in subtle bias which contribute to making objectivity a big challenge. News reporters, news editors, news management, news stations cover some stories, while they ignore others exposing their biases. What they choose to cover sets the agenda, and this agenda may not necessarily be a true representation of the diverse societal perspectives.

At one time, maybe even up to now, some scholars in Nigeria considered the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) as the conscience of the Nigerian elites. They posited that NTA News is a packaged representation of what the elites want Nigerians to know, and to think. At various times in the past, and even now, ownership of media houses, powerful interests like advertisers, have been, or are dynamics that may affect the tone and content of reporting the news. Whatever arguments one chooses to lean on, objectivity remains an important ethical issue in the reporting of news. While biases, values, and experiences of journalists can affect the attainment of objectivity, journalists must strive to be fair, balanced, and transparent in the discharge of their duties. Journalism is a noble profession, and journalists must try to practice within the accepted norms of the profession.

Confidentiality of sources

Sources of information will include pronouncements of the government through press releases, press conferences, interviews, the legislature, judiciary, research, reporter observation through the lens of the camera, radio recorder, and many others. While the journalist is expected to be transparent and accountable by crediting information to its proper source, explaining his methods openly, he is sometimes expected to protect the identity of his sources especially when the source demands for anonymity. That is when the source asked not to be identified. This usually happens in investigative or sensitive reports. Good sources of information are usually provided in confidence especially when wrongdoing is involved.

There are disagreements in newsrooms between editors and reporters, between reporters and law enforcement officers regarding the revealing of the source of information. While the reporter is ethically required to respect the pledge of confidentiality, he is compelled by editors, news managers, and security forces to reveal his source of information. Sources of information are usually afraid of being harmed, dismissed from their employment, ridiculed, or ostracized by society. Crediting information to its proper source is intended to prevent the publishing of fake, cooked and inaccurate news.

Digital Age

The Digital Age is simply the information age. A historical period characterized the rapid shift from traditional industries to an economy centred on information technology. The Digital Age started in the mid-twentieth century, even though research on the IBM computer started in 1937, but the machine was actually built between 1939 and 1944. The proliferation of the computer and its mass use started in the 1980s with the advent of the personal computer PC. The Digital Age is a period characterized by the use of computers, smartphones, the super highway of information referred to as the internet. These are all digital tools that have become integral to our daily lives. They have also become pervasive because most of the remotest communities around the globe are either connected to the mobile phone or the internet or both. The internet access provides the platform for bloggers, social media like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, X, YouTube, and many others. It has become very easy to launch online newspapers, online radio and television stations. These online channels coexist and compete with the traditional broadcast media. A large segment of the target population that consumes online content is the youth. Nigeria is reported to have 70 percent of its citizens under 30 years old and 42 percent below 15 years old, totalling around 151 million young people. As of January 2024, 80 percent of people aged 15-24 years old are almost twice as likely to use the internet as other age groups.

Ladies and gentlemen, this simply means that we have a large chunk of the demographics that depend on online content on a daily basis. News, social and economic information. So, unlimited access to transmit uncensored material by content creators that are untrained raises very serious social, and security issues.

Freedom of speech

In Nigeria, the right to free speech is guaranteed under section 39 of the 1999 Constitution which states that every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression, including the freedom to hold opinions, and receive and impart ideas and information without interference. This freedom includes the right to own, establish, and operate any medium for the purpose of dissemination of information, ideas, and opinions. Freedom of speech enables citizen participation in a democracy. Citizens must be allowed to express opinions, to engage in public debates on public issues that affect their lives. Freedom of speech fosters informed decision-making during governance and generally is essential to the democratic process. Indeed, freedom of speech is indicative of a truly functional democracy because it ensures that public officials are held to account and that power is not abused. This freedom is fundamental, but not absolute. Restrictions can be imposed in consideration of national security, public safety, public order, morality, defamation and hate speech.

Final argument:

Can journalists and bloggers balance freedom of speech with responsibility?

Yes! I believe that this is possible. But listen to me first. Although the constitution guarantees free speech, which allows free flow of information in a democracy, there is an overpowering need to control the excesses of some journalists and bloggers. No responsible government will allow unrestricted flow of damaging information capable of threatening national security, public safety, public order and morality. Law and order, and morality are strong foundations of a safe and decent society. Nobody should have the unlimited right to publish whatever he wants, irrespective of who will be harmed by the information. There is a need for proper management of information. Remember, there must first be a peaceful country before you can have the right to exercise free speech. So, journalists and bloggers must operate with the highest level of responsibility. Do not arrogate too much power to yourself because that is conceit or even arrogance.

Having established this position, I want to state that politicians, public officials, influential elites must understand that the authority and power given to them by mandate of office, or the power of their wealth and influence are not licenses for abuse or showing excesses of any kind. Power in a true democracy is temporal because mandates have to be renewed, and eventually, tenures have to end because it is usually for a constitutionally specified period. Therefore, there is the need for discretion in curbing the excesses of journalists and bloggers. Everything must be done according to the provisions of the law. The making of laws must be truly reflective of the will of the people not a concoction of a few elites who are trying to use it to oppress, or suppress the free flow of information.

Much reference is usually made of liberal democracies of the west. The USA, UK and many European countries are cited where freedom abound. But let give you a small historical anecdote so that you understand their journeys regarding the freedom of speech. Libertarians, at different periods advocated the theory of the ‘market place of ideas ‘. John Locke in the 17th Century emphasized the importance of free speech and exchange of ideas. John Stuart Mill in the 19th Century argued for freedom of speech and diverse opinions. US Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis in the early 20th century in a dissenting opinion also highlighted the idea of the market place of ideas. All these distinguish personalities are for minimal intervention of government regarding free speech. But this idea was over time adjusted to consider national security, and defamation. The commonality of interest that I am trying to point out is that these so-called advanced and developed countries had realized that national security is important for the survival of the country, and that unrestricted free speech can be abused because sometimes it can damage reputations and cause anguish to individuals and groups. Hence, the need for laws that will curb the excesses of free speech. The adjustments were aimed at striking a balance between free speech and protecting the national interest and individual rights and reputation.

Do not forget that apart from libel laws that already exist in the constitution, Nigeria has passed the Cybercrimes Act of 2025. It is Nigeria’s primary legislation and Act designed to fight cybercrime. It provides a framework for the prosecution and punishment of cyber related offences. These offences include identity theft, hacking, cyberstalking, cyberterrorism and phishing. Although many human rights activists fought the bill and attacked it as an attempt to silence free speech, it eventually passed and was signed into law. It has been criticized for being ambiguous in certain provisions, insufficient technical capacity which hinders the effective investigation and prosecution, but the cybercrime Act has become the law of the land. And do not forget that the government can get you whenever it wants to get you. So, be cautious, and be professional.

The Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has stated that the only way to modernize Nigeria’s livestock sector is through genetic improvement and a shift from the current animal husbandry system.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja, the minister explained that the current system is no longer sustainable due to conflicts and shrinking land for open grazing.

‘We are holding conversations with the key stakeholders and they are agreeable to it,’ he said. ‘One thing we have told them is that if you are looking for 100 litres of milk from Nigerian cows today, you need to milk 100 cows. But if you go a step higher and improve the genetics of those cows, you can get 100 litres of milk from 30 cows.’

‘If you go to F2 [the second filial generation], three cows can give you 100 litres of milk. So this is the way to go. We are talking about animal productivity and comparing the impact on the environment.’

Maiha continued, ‘100 cows, 100 litres. 30 cows, 100 liters. Three cows. in fact, I saw a cow in Brazil that can give you 120 litres-just one cow. So, if you are having higher productivity from a lower number of animals, that means that you have less of a crisis in the lower area. So, this is the way to go.’

The minister stated that with 417 grazing reserves in the country, totaling about five million hectares of land, the government is building infrastructure to ensure pastoralists move into these reserves.

‘We have also communicated our intention to the pastoralists and to the state governors to rehabilitate these grazing reserves so that the pastoralists can go in there and be relocated,’ he noted.

‘Invariably, each grazing reserve will become a livestock village with all the necessary amenities of life: veterinary clinics, primary health care clinics, earth dams for dry seasons, irrigation of pasture, solar lights, meat processing, [and] milk processing. Each one is going to become a communal hub as well as an economic hub.’

He concluded, ‘That is the only way to go. We cannot keep on having animals moving from Sokoto to Calabar in search of fodder. The crisis is all along the path, and therefore, this has to stop.’

The Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), Plateau State Chapter, has declared that the eggs produced in the state remain the best in the country.

Speaking during the commemoration of the 2025 World Egg Day in Jos, the association’s chairperson, Mrs. Shinkur Angela Jima, described the state’s eggs as the best and most durable, owing to Plateau’s friendly and conducive environment and weather.

According to her, the state’s climate, favorable temperature, and geography make it an ideal place for poultry farming.

‘The Nigerian poultry industry is the leading egg producer in Africa, producing over one billion eggs, yet the market is not saturated,’ she said.

She continued, ‘Plateau State’s eggs are said to be the best in Nigeria because our favourable weather, under which our eggs are produced, makes them have a longer shelf life of up to a month without spoiling.’

She, however, lamented that egg consumption among families in the state is still very low. This forces farmers to rely on middlemen who offer ‘peanuts’ due to poor pricing, even amidst the high cost of feed.

The PAN chairperson stressed that improving egg pricing is a collective responsibility, requiring farmers to work together in unity to curtail the excesses of middlemen.

Corroborating the chairperson, Mr. Caleb Menegbe, the CEO of Kukuruku Agro Concept located at Latya in Jos, said that the quality of Plateau eggs is so renowned that sellers in other states crave them.

He re-echoed the views of the other farmers, stressing that the poultry market in the state is external market dependent, as 70 to 80 percent of the eggs produced in Plateau are not consumed in the state, because residents often think they are a luxury.

According to him, the bulk of the market comes from the North East, and even as far as Niger Republic and the Central African Republic.

‘And these outsiders who consume our eggs more are consumers of a lot of tea. tea is like a tradition for them. And they eat eggs to go with the tea,’ he said. ‘So, even though we have the best of eggs, we don’t have the ready market because of the consumption gap. If people of the state can consume eggs like people from other states, it would be better.’

On the capital-intensive nature of running a poultry business, he said it requires a lot of financial muscle, explaining that to nurture a bird to the point where it can begin to produce is not easy.

According to him, to keep and nurture one bird until the point of production, one needs about N12,000, and for a farm of 1,000 birds, one needs about N12 million to do that. That, and more, he said, is the problem facing the poultry industry in the state.

Many farmers who spoke with our correspondent explained why the state is at the heart of poultry farming in Nigeria.

Mrs. Amorudu Husseni, a poultry farmer in Bukuru, Jos, said the declaration that Plateau has the best eggs is not out of place because people come from other states to patronize them more than they go to other states.

According to her, the hot weather in other states makes their eggs spoil easily, and people are less likely to patronize eggs that are not durable.

The farmer noted that she has a 1,500-bird farm, and those who come to her farm to buy eggs often take them to Abuja and Borno State, where there is high demand for eggs produced in Plateau State.

Husseni explained that she has a farm that can take up to 5,000 birds, but that it is capital intensive as 5,000 birds cost above N7 million, and worse still, they can take between 22 and 25 weeks before they begin laying eggs.

Another farmer, Victor Ameh, said because of the longer shelf life, colour, quality and ‘ruggedness’ of Plateau eggs, dealers and traders come from other states to patronize him.

On his part, Mohammed Uduanokhai, a poultry farmer in Jebbu-Bassa, Bassa LGA, Plateau State, said apart from the aforementioned qualities, the eggs produced in Plateau are also bigger than those of other states.

That is another strong reason, he said, why people from other states come to patronize the eggs produced in Plateau. He again pointed out that Plateau people do not consume eggs much, forcing the farmers to rely on patronage from other states.

This outcome, he stated, is also a problem because if there is a lull in the demand for eggs from those other states, it will affect their business in Plateau, and invariably affect the price of eggs because business is all about demand and supply.

‘Nonetheless, the eggs produced in Plateau State are second to none because of the temperature in the state. An egg produced in Bauchi State, for instance, which is a hot zone, cannot stay more than a week before it goes bad,’ he said. ‘But eggs produced in Plateau can stay up to three weeks and they would still be in good shape.’

He said the major challenge is the cost of investment, because there are no government incentives to support farmers.

Funding and investment in the poultry sector, he pointed out, is a major problem, emphasizing that to invest in about 1,000 birds and nurture them to the point that they can begin to produce, a farmer will need about N10 million. Not many people can afford that right now. According to him, this was not the case years ago when a farmer could invest in 1,000 birds with N1 million.

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has pledged to bring more infrastructural development to the FCT health sector.

Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary for the Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES), made the pledge on Tuesday in Abuja at the opening of the 2025 Annual Physicians Week of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), FCT chapter.

Fasawe said the level of development currently witnessed in the road sector under the leadership of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, would be replicated in the health sector.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the 2025 NMA-FCT Physicians Week is ‘Healthcare as a Value Chain: Building Efficiency from Policy to Patient.’ with sub-theme as ‘AI, Ethics, and the Physician’s Role in Modern Healthcare.’

Fasawe urged doctors to prioritize their own health, stressing they must be in good condition to effectively care for others.

She noted that the sub-theme aligns with ongoing innovations in the FCT health sector, adding that the administration is increasingly adopting technology in policymaking and data collection.

The Mandate Secretary also urged medical practitioners to maintain the highest ethical standards and uphold the core values of the profession.

She emphasized that confidentiality and accountability would help strengthen the image of the medical field.

The Plateau State Police Command on Wednesday confirmed the arrest of one Job Josiah for allegedly defiling a three-year-old girl (name withheld) in the state.

Daily Trust reports that the incident occurred on Sunday in the Mista Ali community of Bassa Local Government Area.

Residents said the incident had generated tension before the police intervened.

Fielding questions from journalists on Wednesday at the State Police Command, the State Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Adesina, confirmed the arrest, stating that the suspect is currently at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the command.

He said: ‘With regard to the rape case that happened at Mista Ali, I personally called for the case. When the case was reported, there was a lot of tension, and we had to move in quickly and arrest the suspect. The suspect is presently with the State CID. We are making progress on that case.’

Daily Trust reports that the arrest of the suspect followed a complaint by the victim’s parents, who cried out for justice over what they described as a deliberate and selfish act by the suspect.

Narrating the incident, the victim’s mother said: ‘The incident occurred when the victim was going to see her father, but [the suspect] stopped her, lured her into his provision shop, and defiled her. On the day of the incident, I saw her outside the house in a strange condition. I noticed she had the smell of alcohol on her body.

‘She started crying, and I didn’t know what had happened to her. When I checked her private parts, I was devastated and couldn’t continue. I then called my neighbour to come see what had happened to the girl. When we asked the victim who did this to her, she said, ‘Mai Shago’ (Shop owner). We are calling for justice. She is just a minor, and her father has been ill.’

The mother was visibly shedding tears as she spoke.

Relatives of the victim claimed they had taken her to a hospital where it was confirmed that she was defiled.

California’s economy thrives on the creativity and determination of its small businesses, which keep neighborhoods vibrant and connected. These local enterprises do more than just offer products or services; they bring people together and create opportunities where they’re needed most. Maxim Gorin believes that when communities invest in local growth and empower their workforce, they create a foundation for lasting prosperity. His perspective shows how everyday choices to support small businesses can shape California’s future. It all begins with strengthening the heart of our economy right where we live.

Small Businesses Keep California Moving

Small businesses are what make California tick. They’re the reason each neighborhood feels different from the next, why innovation keeps happening, and why so many people find good work close to home. Whether it’s the bakery that’s been around for three generations or the scrappy tech startup working out of a converted warehouse, these businesses create jobs and keep things interesting. When they do well, we all do better.

Why Local Investments Matter More Than Ever

Putting money into local businesses is one of the smartest things we can do for California’s economy. When investment dollars stay in the community instead of getting funneled somewhere else, everybody wins. The business owners, the people they employ, the families who depend on those paychecks because it all adds up. Here’s what makes local investment so powerful:

Keeping Money Circulating Locally

Think about what happens when you buy something from a neighborhood business. That money doesn’t just disappear. It pays someone’s salary, goes to local suppliers, funds improvements, and contributes to the tax base. It’s a cycle that keeps building on itself, creating real growth instead of just lining the pockets of some distant corporate headquarters.

Creating Opportunities for Entrepreneurs

Local investment gives business owners room to breathe and grow. Maybe they can finally hire that extra person they’ve needed, or invest in new equipment, or try out that idea they’ve been sitting on. When investors put their money into community ventures, they’re helping good ideas become reality right where they’ll do the most good.

Strengthening Community Connections

There’s something powerful about knowing the people you’re investing in. It builds trust. It creates relationships that matter. When residents and business owners feel connected to each other’s success, you get a community where people actually look out for one another. That’s not some abstract concept: it’s how things get done.

Building Long-Term Stability

Strong local economies can take a punch and keep going. When a community has invested in its own businesses, those businesses have a better shot at surviving rough patches and economic downturns. It’s about creating a foundation solid enough to weather whatever comes next.

Building a Skilled and Loyal Workforce

Every successful small business runs on people. Not just any people, but skilled workers who feel valued and want to stick around. Investing in your team isn’t just good ethics. It’s good business. Here’s how local businesses can build the kind of workforce that makes a real difference:

Investing in Training and Development

When you give employees chances to learn and grow, they notice. Training programs and skill development show people you’re invested in them as individuals, not just as workers. And when people feel valued like that, they bring their best to work and they stay. It’s that simple.

Encouraging Mentorship and Career Growth

Nobody wants to feel stuck in a dead-end job. Mentorship programs connect newer employees with people who’ve been around the block, giving them guidance and showing them there’s a path forward. When workers can see how they might advance, they’re far more likely to stay and build their careers locally.

Creating a Positive Work Culture

Culture matters more than most people think. When a workplace feels respectful, collaborative, and appreciative, employees connect with what the business is trying to accomplish. A good work environment doesn’t just help you hire talented people. It keeps them around for the long haul!

Collaboration Is Key to Sustainable Growth

No business exists in a vacuum. The ones that really succeed are the ones that build connections with other businesses, work with local leaders, and partner with schools and community organizations. Working together creates an economy that’s stronger and more resilient. Here’s how collaboration makes a difference:

Building Partnerships Across Industries

When businesses in a community work together, they can pool resources, share ideas, and even refer customers to each other. These partnerships often lead to creative solutions nobody would have thought of alone. It’s mutual support that helps everyone grow.

Working with Local Governments

Small businesses can benefit from grants, training programs, and development initiatives that are frequently available to city and county leaders. Business owners can contribute to the creation of policies that genuinely benefit them by communicating with government representatives and voicing their needs.

Connecting with Educational Institutions

Schools and colleges are where the next generation of workers is learning their skills. When businesses collaborate with educators, they can help make sure students are learning things they’ll actually use. Plus, it creates opportunities for students to get real experience before they even graduate.

Supporting Community Initiatives

Participating in local causes, fundraisers, and events is more than just good PR. It fosters sincere connections between local residents and businesses. Everyone feels closer and more invested in one another’s success when companies are involved in their community.

California’s Future Depends on Today’s Choices

What we do right now will determine how strong California’s economy is five, ten, twenty years from now. By focusing on local investment and workforce development today, we’re building something that will support businesses and families for the long haul. Here’s why the choices we make now matter so much:

Investing in Long-Term Growth

Every decision to support a local business, fund a training program, or build a new partnership creates benefits that last. These aren’t quick fixes! They’re building blocks for an economy that can sustain itself and keep growing over time.

Encouraging Innovation and Adaptability

California companies have always been innovative and strong. We ensure that these companies can continue to adjust to whatever the market throws at them and maintain their competitiveness for years to come by encouraging innovation now.

Empowering the Next Generation

When we invest in education and workforce training, we’re preparing young people to become the business owners and leaders of tomorrow. Giving them the right tools and opportunities means local talent will keep driving growth and bringing fresh ideas.

Creating a Sustainable Economic Ecosystem

When businesses, local governments, and residents all make choices that put community well-being first, everybody benefits. This shared commitment creates balance in the economy and helps it grow stronger instead of more fragile.

Call to Action

When we all work together to invest in people and local development, California’s small businesses prosper. We can create an economy that truly endures by working together, innovating, and developing our workforce. Maxim Gorin reminds us that helping small businesses now will improve everyone’s future tomorrow.

Maxim Gorin Discusses Ways Local Investments And Workforce Growth Can Strengthen California’s Small Business Backbone

California’s economy thrives on the creativity and determination of its small businesses, which keep neighborhoods vibrant and connected. These local enterprises do more than just offer products or services; they bring people together and create opportunities where they’re needed most. Maxim Gorin believes that when communities invest in local growth and empower their workforce, they create a foundation for lasting prosperity. His perspective shows how everyday choices to support small businesses can shape California’s future. It all begins with strengthening the heart of our economy right where we live.

Small Businesses Keep California Moving

Small businesses are what make California tick. They’re the reason each neighborhood feels different from the next, why innovation keeps happening, and why so many people find good work close to home. Whether it’s the bakery that’s been around for three generations or the scrappy tech startup working out of a converted warehouse, these businesses create jobs and keep things interesting. When they do well, we all do better.

Why Local Investments Matter More Than Ever

Putting money into local businesses is one of the smartest things we can do for California’s economy. When investment dollars stay in the community instead of getting funneled somewhere else, everybody wins. The business owners, the people they employ, the families who depend on those paychecks because it all adds up. Here’s what makes local investment so powerful:

Keeping Money Circulating Locally

Think about what happens when you buy something from a neighborhood business. That money doesn’t just disappear. It pays someone’s salary, goes to local suppliers, funds improvements, and contributes to the tax base. It’s a cycle that keeps building on itself, creating real growth instead of just lining the pockets of some distant corporate headquarters.

Creating Opportunities for Entrepreneurs

Local investment gives business owners room to breathe and grow. Maybe they can finally hire that extra person they’ve needed, or invest in new equipment, or try out that idea they’ve been sitting on. When investors put their money into community ventures, they’re helping good ideas become reality right where they’ll do the most good.

Strengthening Community Connections

There’s something powerful about knowing the people you’re investing in. It builds trust. It creates relationships that matter. When residents and business owners feel connected to each other’s success, you get a community where people actually look out for one another. That’s not some abstract concept: it’s how things get done.

Building Long-Term Stability

Strong local economies can take a punch and keep going. When a community has invested in its own businesses, those businesses have a better shot at surviving rough patches and economic downturns. It’s about creating a foundation solid enough to weather whatever comes next.

Building a Skilled and Loyal Workforce

Every successful small business runs on people. Not just any people, but skilled workers who feel valued and want to stick around. Investing in your team isn’t just good ethics. It’s good business. Here’s how local businesses can build the kind of workforce that makes a real difference:

Investing in Training and Development

When you give employees chances to learn and grow, they notice. Training programs and skill development show people you’re invested in them as individuals, not just as workers. And when people feel valued like that, they bring their best to work and they stay. It’s that simple.

Encouraging Mentorship and Career Growth

Nobody wants to feel stuck in a dead-end job. Mentorship programs connect newer employees with people who’ve been around the block, giving them guidance and showing them there’s a path forward. When workers can see how they might advance, they’re far more likely to stay and build their careers locally.

Creating a Positive Work Culture

Culture matters more than most people think. When a workplace feels respectful, collaborative, and appreciative, employees connect with what the business is trying to accomplish. A good work environment doesn’t just help you hire talented people. It keeps them around for the long haul!

Collaboration Is Key to Sustainable Growth

No business exists in a vacuum. The ones that really succeed are the ones that build connections with other businesses, work with local leaders, and partner with schools and community organizations. Working together creates an economy that’s stronger and more resilient. Here’s how collaboration makes a difference:

Building Partnerships Across Industries

When businesses in a community work together, they can pool resources, share ideas, and even refer customers to each other. These partnerships often lead to creative solutions nobody would have thought of alone. It’s mutual support that helps everyone grow.

Working with Local Governments

Small businesses can benefit from grants, training programs, and development initiatives that are frequently available to city and county leaders. Business owners can contribute to the creation of policies that genuinely benefit them by communicating with government representatives and voicing their needs.

Connecting with Educational Institutions

Schools and colleges are where the next generation of workers is learning their skills. When businesses collaborate with educators, they can help make sure students are learning things they’ll actually use. Plus, it creates opportunities for students to get real experience before they even graduate.

Supporting Community Initiatives

Participating in local causes, fundraisers, and events is more than just good PR. It fosters sincere connections between local residents and businesses. Everyone feels closer and more invested in one another’s success when companies are involved in their community.

California’s Future Depends on Today’s Choices

What we do right now will determine how strong California’s economy is five, ten, twenty years from now. By focusing on local investment and workforce development today, we’re building something that will support businesses and families for the long haul. Here’s why the choices we make now matter so much:

Investing in Long-Term Growth

Every decision to support a local business, fund a training program, or build a new partnership creates benefits that last. These aren’t quick fixes! They’re building blocks for an economy that can sustain itself and keep growing over time.

Encouraging Innovation and Adaptability

California companies have always been innovative and strong. We ensure that these companies can continue to adjust to whatever the market throws at them and maintain their competitiveness for years to come by encouraging innovation now.

Empowering the Next Generation

When we invest in education and workforce training, we’re preparing young people to become the business owners and leaders of tomorrow. Giving them the right tools and opportunities means local talent will keep driving growth and bringing fresh ideas.

Creating a Sustainable Economic Ecosystem

When businesses, local governments, and residents all make choices that put community well-being first, everybody benefits. This shared commitment creates balance in the economy and helps it grow stronger instead of more fragile.

Call to Action

When we all work together to invest in people and local development, California’s small businesses prosper. We can create an economy that truly endures by working together, innovating, and developing our workforce. Maxim Gorin reminds us that helping small businesses now will improve everyone’s future tomorrow.

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, have officially launched the Programme for Country Partnership (PCP) Flagship Strategy (2024-2028) and inaugurated its National Coordination Body (NCB) in Abuja.

The milestone initiative aims to promote, and accelerate Inclusive and Sustainable Industrial Development (ISID), stimulate economic growth, and foster innovation for Nigeria’s prosperity.

In his remarks yesterday, Minister of state for industry John Owan Enoh said industrialisation is in the heart of Nigeria’s economic policy as it creates mechanism for industrial growth.

‘The Programme identifies productive base across priority areas and also identifies core pillars of industrialisation. They are aligned with government drive to foster export oriented growth and promote inclusive and regionally balanced development.

‘The partnership with UNIDO, is to build synergy, promote technology and transfer opportunity as well as expand export competitiveness because the economy is expanding but production is not and that is where the problem lies which we want to correct,’ Enoh explained.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador Philbert Johnson, UNIDO Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, emphasized the strategic importance of the initiative, noting.

‘In Nigeria, the PCP serves as the framework for implementing the industrial development component of the country’s medium-term plan.’

While inaugurating the national coordination body, the minister of budget and economic planning, Atiku Bagudu noted that inflation and interest rates are now moderating which serves as a combination of opportunities for private investments and growth.

He added, ‘The government is already putting together the 2025 to 2030 development plan as Nigeria targets to be a $1trn economy and mobilising jobs in 8,809 wards.

He also added that ‘1.2 million dollars has been set aside by the federal government as a commitment to drive the programme.’

Mallam Surajo Muhammad Shehu has narrated how he lost eight relatives in the petrol tanker explosion that occurred on Tuesday at Essa village along the Agaie-Bida road in Katcha Local Government Area of Niger State.

At least 28 people, mostly women and children, lost their lives when the tanker exploded while the victims were scooping fuel from it. The incident occurred around 2pm after the tanker fell due to the deplorable condition of the road.

Among the victims was a nursing mother who died alongside her baby. Eyewitnesses said she fell face-down into the fire with her child strapped to her back, and both were heard screaming until they were consumed by the flames.

Some victims reportedly ran several meters with their clothes on fire before collapsing. Sources also said there is a possibility that more bodies may still be recovered from nearby bushes.

Shehu, struggling to hold back tears, told Daily Trust that Tuesday’s tanker explosion would remain unforgettable for the community.

He, however, blamed the tragedy on the failure of residents to heed the warnings of the village head, who had repeatedly cautioned against scooping fuel whenever a tanker falls.

He said, ‘People in this area have turned fuel scooping into a business and a means of making quick money despite several warnings and sensitisation efforts.

‘Eight members of my immediate and extended family lost their lives, while 10 others are in critical condition at the Federal Medical Centre, Bida.

‘Initially, we didn’t take my elder brother to the hospital because we thought we could manage his condition, but by Wednesday morning, his condition worsened, and we had to take him there on a motorcycle.

‘My elder sister, Hawawu Dauda, was also among the victims. She has already been buried, while three of her daughters are currently receiving treatment at the hospital.

‘Women were the major victims because when the tanker fell, most of the men had gone to the farm. It was mainly women who came out to scoop the fuel. Only a few men were involved.’

Shehu expressed frustration over the community’s persistent disregard for safety warnings.

‘I can’t understand why people behave this way. Even after this tragedy, some would still scoop fuel again tomorrow.

‘Our village head has been trying hard to sensitise people. Just on Monday, a tanker carrying engine oil fell, and many rushed out again to scoop it. If that one had exploded, the story would have been worse than this.

‘As I speak, some people have not even finished selling the engine oil they collected on Monday. They often say they can’t let go of free money. It’s not ignorance-it’s poverty.

‘The village head and even radio stations have repeatedly warned against it. The government should please help us fix this road,’ he pleaded.

Shehu added that the recurring incidents of fuel scooping have also caused tension between residents of communities along the route and tanker drivers, who lament that instead of offering help when accidents occur, locals take advantage of the situation to steal their goods and fuel.

Death toll rises to 28

The Village Head of Essa, Alhaji Adamu Bagudu, has confirmed that the death toll from Tuesday’s petrol tanker explosion in Essa village, along the Agaie-Bida road in Katcha Local Government Area of Niger State, has risen to 28.

Bagudu, whose younger brother lost his two wives and two children in the tragedy, told Daily Trust at his residence that 24 of the victims were given a mass burial on Tuesday, while four others who died at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Bida, were buried on Wednesday morning.

He disclosed that over 90 percent of the victims were women, adding that some travellers were also caught in the inferno.

He said, ‘Of the 28 people buried so far, only four were men; the remaining 24 were women. May this serve as a lesson to all of us.

‘I have been sensitising and educating my people about the dangers of scooping fuel for the past three years. I have cited several examples, including the one that happened in Dikko. Even the DPO of Katcha Police Division is aware of my efforts to discourage this dangerous habit.’

He recalled that on September 9, 2024, a similar tanker explosion occurred just a few kilometres from the village, killing 61 people, 54 cows, 17 goats, and burning seven motorcycles.

‘I even invited some residents to the scene so they could see the devastation firsthand and warn others,’ he added.

Speaking on Tuesday’s explosion, the village head said, ‘We still have 34 people receiving treatment at the FMC, Bida. I believe this tragedy will serve as a lasting warning. We have buried 28 people – 24 on Tuesday and four others who died today (Wednesday) at the hospital.

‘Of these, 24 were women, while the remaining four were two men and two children. Some of the victims were travellers passing through, including two people on a motorcycle. Others were returning from their farms and had nothing to do with scooping fuel.’

Alhaji Bagudu appealed to the federal government to urgently reconstruct the Agaie-Bida road to prevent further loss of lives and property.

‘This road is beyond repair; it needs total reconstruction. The poor condition of the road has caused many deaths. Pregnant women have died on the way to hospitals in Agaie and Bida because of the bad road.

‘Sometimes passengers fall from trailers due to the rough terrain. We have buried over 150 travellers who died on this road because their families could not retrieve their bodies. When such cases occur, we seek permission from the police and authorities to bury them,’ he said.

He added that the poor state of the road has also crippled economic activities in the area.

‘We can’t move our farm produce to markets easily, and the worst section of the road is now between Bida and Agaie,’ he said.

Similarly, the Chief Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Bida, Dr. Abubakar Usman, said a total of 80 people were affected by the incident, including those who lost their lives.

He explained that while 28 victims have been buried, 17 others with severe burns were transferred to Abuja for advanced medical care, while eight were admitted at the Umaru Sanda General Hospital, Bida.

The Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Abdullahi Baba Arah, said the state government has assured victims of the tanker explosion of the necessary support and cautioned residents against approaching fallen tankers to scoop fuel.

Lingering feud between residents and tanker drivers

The latest incident occurred just four days after an engine oil-laden tanker fell a few meters away from the site of Tuesday’s explosion.

Residents told Daily Trust that on Sunday, another tanker carrying groundnut oil also fell in the same area.

Despite warnings from the driver, villagers trooped to the scene to scoop the spilled oil, leading to heated confrontation until the communities overpowered the driver.

Adamu Mohammed, a resident of one of the affected villages, confirmed that there has been a lingering feud between tanker drivers and residents over the theft of fuel each time a tanker crashes.

According to him, men and women involved in scooping fuel have made millions of naira from the illegal trade.

One of the victims of Tuesday’s disaster, a woman from Essa village, reportedly sold engine oil worth about N1 million, which she had scooped from a fallen tanker just four days before the explosion that claimed her life.

Residents said black marketers are the main buyers of the stolen fuel, adding that some locals have been living lavishly from the proceeds.

Tanker explosion distressing, painful – Northern govs

The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) has expressed deep sorrow over the incident and extended condolences to Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, the government, and people of Niger State.

NSGF Chairman and Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, in a statement, urged stronger enforcement of safety regulations in the storage and transportation of petroleum products, stressing the need for public awareness on the dangers of scooping fuel and handling combustible materials.

Governor Yahaya commended emergency responders and volunteers for their swift efforts in rescuing victims and providing relief, noting that their intervention mitigated the disaster’s impact.

Fix Niger road, Reps tell FG

The House of Representatives has called on the federal government to urgently rehabilitate the Bida-Agaie-Lapai-Lambata-Diko Road in Niger.

The call followed a motion by Saidu Musa Abdullahi, who represents Bida/Gbako/Katcha Federal Constituency.

Abdullahi lamented that the tragedy, which also destroyed vehicles, livestock, and goods worth millions of naira, was one of several fatal accidents that have occurred along the route in recent years due to its deplorable condition.

Adopting the motion, the House urged the Federal Ministry of Works and FERMA to mobilise contractors for the immediate rehabilitation and expansion of the road, particularly the Bida-Agaie section.

The lawmakers also directed the FRSC to enforce strict safety compliance for tankers and heavy-duty vehicles, and called on NEMA to provide relief materials and medical support to victims.

Additional reports by Haruna Gimba Yaya (Gombe) and Itodo Daniel Sule (Abuja)