Category: Daily Trust

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has called for the inclusion of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered learning initiatives in lawmakers’ constituency projects to enhance access to technology education and human capital development across Nigeria.

Kalu made the call during a visit to Bildup AI Learning Hub in Enugu on Saturday, where he interacted with young Nigerians undergoing AI-assisted training.

He was accompanied by the House Majority Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonbvere, and other lawmakers on the sidelines of the House Committee on Review retreat.

The Deputy Speaker commended Bildup AI’s innovative approach to education, describing it as a model that could bridge the learning gap, empower youths, and boost the country’s digital economy.

‘Bildup has simplified learning and made it affordable. It’s time we adopt such initiatives as part of our constituency projects so that more students can access quality education and develop tech skills. Human capital development is key to Nigeria’s future,’ he said.

Kalu pledged to partner with Bildup AI and called for government support through the Ministries of Education and Science, and Technology, as well as private organizations and NGOs.

‘This is not about politics; it’s about development. Our young people are the country’s most valuable resource. With proper investment, they can sit here in Nigeria and provide services to global tech giants while earning foreign exchange,’ he added.

He also encouraged the trainees to remain innovative, describing them as ‘disruptors’ who are challenging tradition and driving technological progress.

Earlier, Bildup AI Chief Executive Officer, Chibuike Aguene, said the indigenous AI platform was the first of its kind in Africa, designed to provide one-on-one virtual tutoring for students, improve learning outcomes, and connect graduates to global opportunities.

‘Our AI system teaches and interacts with students just like a human teacher. It’s transforming access to quality education and positioning Africa as a leader in tech innovation,’ Aguene said.

Nigeria’s total public debt has risen to N152.40 trillion as of June 30, 2025, from N149.39 trillion recorded at the end of March, according to the latest data released by the Debt Management Office (DMO).

The figure represents a quarterly increase of N3.01 trillion, or 2.01%, while in dollar terms, the debt stock climbed from $97.24 billion to $99.66 billion, reflecting a 2.49% rise.

According to the report, external debt rose to $46.98 billion (N71.85 trillion) in June from $45.98 billion (N70.63 trillion) in March.

Multilateral lenders remain Nigeria’s largest creditors, holding a combined $23.19 billion, which accounts for 49.4% of external obligations. The World Bank, through the International Development Association (IDA), is the single largest lender with $18.04 billion outstanding.

Bilateral loans amounted to $6.20 billion, led by the Export-Import Bank of China with $4.91 billion, followed by smaller exposures to France, Japan, India, and Germany.

Meanwhile, commercial borrowings totalled $17.32 billion, nearly all of which are Eurobonds, representing 36.9% of the external portfolio. An additional $268.9 million was owed under syndicated facilities and commercial bank loans.

On the domestic side, Nigeria’s debt rose to N80.55 trillion by June, up from N78.76 trillion in March-an increase of N1.79 trillion. Federal Government bonds remained dominant, accounting for N60.65 trillion or 79.2% of total domestic debt. This includes N36.52 trillion in naira-denominated bonds, N22.72 trillion in securitised Ways and Means advances, and N1.40 trillion in dollar bonds.

Treasury bills accounted for N12.76 trillion (16.7%), while Sukuk bonds stood at N1.29 trillion. Other smaller instruments included savings bonds (N91.53 billion), green bonds (N62.36 billion), and promissory notes (N1.73 trillion)-the latter comprising both naira and foreign currency-denominated liabilities converted at the June CBN exchange rates.

Out of the total N152.40 trillion public debt, the Federal Government accounted for N141.08 trillion, representing 92.6% of the total.

This comprised N64.49 trillion in external obligations and N76.59 trillion in domestic debt.

The DMO wrote: ‘The Foreign Denominated Promissory Notes Outstanding amount of USD850,069,492 and £98,526 as at June 2025 were converted to Naira using CBN Official exchange rate of 1USD to N1,529.2105 and 1GBP to N2,093.9479 as at June 30, 2025.’

Concerns over public debt

Daily Trust reports that there have been concerns from experts and Nigerians over the rising public debt even as the federal government plans to borrow more money.

Last week, President Bola Tinubu asked the Senate to approve a fresh external borrowing of $2.3billion.

The President’s request was contained in a letter read during plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Tinubu said the new loan is to implement the 2025 Appropriation Act, refinance maturing Eurobonds, and expand Nigeria’s debt instruments to include Islamic finance products.

‘The 2025 fiscal framework anticipates $9.27bn in new borrowings to address the budget deficit, of which $1.84bn is earmarked for external sources at an assumed exchange rate of N1,500 to the dollar,’ he said in the letter.

A key element of the plan is the refinancing of Nigeria’s $1.118bn Eurobond, issued in 2018 at a coupon rate of 7.625% and due in November 2025.

‘This is a standard practice in debt capital markets,’ the President wrote. ‘Refinancing through

Eurobonds or syndicated loans will guarantee debt sustainability and boost investor confidence.’

Economist and CEO, Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprises (CPPE), Dr. Muda Yusuf, said the devaluation of the naira occasioned by the floating of the exchange rate system had put more pressure on Nigeria’s debt profile.

He said, ‘One important factor that amplified the debt number was the exchange rate. Because if you look at the totality of our debts in dollar terms, you will discover that the difference between where we were and where we are now is not that significant, but because of the naira depreciation, the dollar component of the debt has gone up by almost three times.

‘We used the exchange rate of N450/$ before the coming of this administration to convert dollar debt; now we are using N1,540/$ to convert it; that is three times. So, the exchange rate factor is a very big factor in the growth of the debt. The only way to understand this is to look at the DMO figure and check the total debt in dollars.’

FAST Microfinance Bank, a leading micro credit and innovative services provider, in collaboration with Water.org and the National Association of Microfinance Banks (NAMB), has launched FastWash, a financial product designed to give millions of Nigerians access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene.

At the unveiling of the financial product in Benin, Edo State, the Acting Managing Director of FAST MfB, Mrs. Juliet Odigie, stated that the bank believes strongly that financial empowerment must go hand in hand with social impact.

According to her, access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene is not just a basic need but a fundamental right and a key to sustainable development.

Specifically, she explained that the FastWash product was ‘designed to provide affordable financing to households, small businesses,(SMEs) and communities seeking to invest in water and sanitation solutions, adding that through this initiative, FAST MfB is removing the financial barriers that limit access to clean water, proper toilets, and safe hygiene practices.

The banker further clarified: ‘With FastWash, beneficiaries can now Access low-interest loans for water and sanitation facilities; Improve their health, productivity, and living conditions; and Drive community development through better hygiene.

‘We understand that financial products must serve real needs. That is why FastWash is not just another loan, it is an investment in dignity, health, and hope’, she added.

Odigie expressed micro lender management’s appreciation to Water.org, adding that the partnership does not only validate FAST MfB’s values but also demonstrates the power of collaboration in delivering positive change in Benin City.

In his remarks at the event, Water.org Senior Partnership Account Manager, Mr. Gilbert Okpono, said the FastWash product was the result of deep collaboration, rigorous research, and a shared vision: to empower communities, reduce disease, and promote sustainable living, represented an innovative loan product for the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene sector in Edo State and Nigeria at large, to not just only meet a need, but to transform lives.

He said: ‘Access to clean water, safe sanitation, and proper hygiene is not a luxury – it’s a basic human right. Yet, millions still face daily challenges in securing these essentials. That’s why today’s launch is more than a product unveiling; it’s a commitment to health, dignity, and progress.’

The Executive Secretary of NAMB, Mr. Eddy Orok, also praised FAST MfB for this innovation and the desire to implement one of the SDG goals- goal 6.

He assured the public that there will be more roll out of similar products by other MfBs in the country soon. We are proud of our collaboration with Water.org and FAST MfB.

The Assistant Head Teacher of the Local Education Authority (LEA) primary school at Naharati Tsoho in Abaji Area Council of the FCT, Salihu Mohammed Aliyu, has passed away in his sleep at his residence.

A senior brother of the deceased, Alhaji Mohammed Dan Masani, who spoke to our reporter on Saturday, said his younger brother died around 12:32 am on Friday, shortly after he had retired to his bedroom.

He said his late brother had been discussing with one of his wives in his bedroom parlour until around 12:32 am when he retired to sleep but did not wake up again.

According to him, the deceased’s wife went back to check on her husband and found him dead, upon which she immediately raised an alarm.

‘In fact, my late young brother was believed to be hale and hearty throughout that day,’ he said. ‘He was meeting with one of his wives as they both sat at the parlour discussing until around 12:32 am when he retired to bed and couldn’t wake up again,’ he said.

Dan Masani, who is the chairman of the PDP in the area, said it was after receiving the call that he quickly rushed his brother to the General Hospital, where doctors confirmed him dead.

He said the remains of the deceased were buried according to Islamic rites.

Our reporter learnt that the late teacher was married to two wives and is survived by 12 children. Meanwhile, the chairman of the FCT wing of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Abdullahi Mohammed Shafas, has condoled with the family of the deceased.

Shafas, who paid a condolence visit to the family of the deceased at Naharati on Saturday, expressed shock over the demise of the deceased and prayed for Allah to grant the deceased’s family the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.

He also prayed for Allah to grant the deceased’s soul eternal rest, while describing him as a hardworking and committed class teacher.

The Kano State Shura Council on Monday held a closed-door session with Islamic cleric Malam Lawan Shu’aibu Abubakar, popularly known as Triumph, to discuss allegations of blasphemy leveled against him by five Islamic groups.

The meeting, which took place at the Department of State Services (DSS) office in Kano, was convened to clarify statements attributed to the cleric in some viral videos that allegedly contained remarks considered derogatory to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Present at the session were the Chairman of the Council, Wazirin Kano, Sa’ad Shehu Gidado; the Secretary, Shehu Wada Sagagi; the Kano Director of DSS, and several respected Islamic scholars who are members of the Shura subcommittee tasked with examining the matter.

The meeting began at exactly 11:39am with an opening prayer led by Malam Abba Koki, after which the Council Chairman, Wazirin Kano, welcomed participants and outlined the purpose of the gathering. ‘In September 2025, the government received a petition from five Islamic groups alleging that some teachings of the accused amounted to blasphemy against the Prophet. The petition was forwarded to the Shura Council to investigate and make recommendations after hearing from him,’ Gidado said.

‘This is not a court session but a discussion between the Council and the accused. Whatever we do here will be forwarded to the government for further consideration.’

The Council said although nine issues were raised in the petition, four specific allegations with verifiable evidence were selected for deliberation. These included claims that the Prophet was born circumcised and with eyeliner (kwalli), that he had lice on his head, and that he used to visit the homes of married women, citing an example involving Ummu Haramun, his aunt.

A video recording containing the contentious statements was played at 11:53am, and by 12:09pm, Malam Triumph confirmed ownership of the clips.

‘They are all my submissions,’ he said.

When given the floor to explain, the cleric denied making the statements in the manner alleged.

‘I said the Prophet was not born circumcised, with a cut navel or with eyeliner. That he was born circumcised is false; his uncle, Abdulmuttalib, took him for circumcision. Books are available to verify this,’ he stated while referencing multiple Islamic texts to support his argument.

On the issue of eyeliner, the cleric said, ‘I said even animals are born with eyeliner but it cannot be associated with the Prophet because he is above that. I said he did not have it because anything Allah gives him is always special.’

During the discussion, Sheikh Habibu Muhammad Dan Almajiri questioned the cleric’s sources, asking him to identify scholars who explicitly supported his position. Other members, including Sheikh Abdullahi Uwais, Malam Usman Makwarari, and Malam Mai Bushira, emphasized the sensitivity of religious teachings and cautioned against statements that could be misunderstood by the public.

‘People of Kano are very sensitive when it comes to anything related to the Prophet. You must be careful with language and context. Even if your intention is good, your words might cause confusion. Please change your approach to teaching,’ Mai Bushira said.

Malam Triumph responded that his remarks were taken out of context.

‘We sat with the Shari’a Commission earlier and they understood me. Some people didn’t even hear the full clip but judged from short videos. I was misunderstood,’ he said.

The Chairman of the Council, Wazirin Kano, reminded participants that the session was not for debate but dialogue aimed at clarification.

In his closing remarks, Malam Triumph expressed appreciation to the Council and reiterated his commitment to peaceful preaching.

‘Some people took my clips and misinterpreted them, which can instigate the public. I believe in the Prophet and his teachings; he is our saviour. To those who misunderstood my words, I seek forgiveness. It was not intentional.

‘God knows I love peace and peaceful coexistence. May He guide us all,’ he said.

Sheikh Abdullahi Uwais Limanci concluded by advising the cleric and other preachers to exercise caution in their choice of words to avoid future controversies.

The meeting ended with a resolution that the Council would forward its findings and recommendations to the state government for appropriate consideration.

In a show of solidarity with Nigeria’s armed forces, SMC Foundation and Technoguard Limited have donated essential supplies to frontline troops stationed in Kaduna State, aimed at enhancing their welfare and boosting morale.

The donation was received by Colonel M.H. Abdullahi on behalf of the Nigerian Army, who commended the initiative as a meaningful gesture that strengthens the relationship between the military and the communities they serve.

‘This generosity has tangible impacts, some of which include boosting the morale of troops knowing that there is steadfast support from the civil society that understands the sacrifices demanded by service,’ Colonel Abdullahi said.

Representatives of SMC Foundation and Technoguard Limited noted that the contribution was made to support the welfare of soldiers and reinforce the importance of community backing for national security efforts.

The gesture aligns with the mission of SMC Foundation, a community-driven nonprofit organization that promotes initiatives aimed at strengthening the bond between citizens and the institutions that serve them.

Coca-Cola is bringing back its ‘Share a Coke’ campaign on an unprecedented scale of shareability and personalization for a new generation, pushing the boundaries of innovative brand experiences.

In 2011, the brand launched this first-of-its-kind campaign in which you could find your name in place of the logo – an industry-first in personalization. Now the brand wants you to share a Coke with your friends to celebrate your friendship and create memories that will last a lifetime.

A statement by Coca-Cola noted that the brand’s unique customization platform ‘offers even more names to choose from and the ability to add your own personal touch, you can create a truly unique Coca-Cola can or bottle to express your appreciation for friends, family, and loved ones. It’s a simple gesture that can strengthen and deepen connections.’

‘Meaningful connections thrive both online and offline. While digital spaces keep us close, it’s those shared moments in real life that make for long lasting memories, yet the physical ‘third spaces’ that nourish these meaningful connections are in decline.

‘Share a Coke’ is celebrating the connections and experiences that define this generation in spaces that allow moments of togetherness to thrive.

‘So how can you join the fun? Look for Coca-Cola cans or bottles in-store and get ready to share the moment with your crew.

‘Consumers can experience the campaign in real time through exciting consumer promotions, special meal experiences, and of course, the shared connection of Nigerian names on Coca-Cola’s cans and bottles. This year, Nigerians stand a chance to win their share of millions in cash and prizes every week from October 31 to December 31 2025, exclusively through personalized 50 cl Coca-Cola bottles available at any major retailer nationwide,’ the statement explained.

The statement said through each personalized beverage, Coca-Cola will be refreshing Nigerians as they make long-lasting memories.

Valerie Odubogun, Director, Frontline Marketing, Coca-Cola Nigeria in the statement said: ‘In today’s digital world, it is important to celebrate the unique bonds of friendships and celebrate this important human connection.

‘Share a Coke’ reminds us that memories happen when we come together and experience the real magic of human connection; those spontaneous moments of laughter, stories, and genuine connection, shared over a Coca-Cola can, make life so special.’

The Adamawa State Executive Council, under the leadership of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has approved major road construction and rehabilitation projects aimed at improving inter-local government connectivity and boosting economic activities across the state.

The council approved the construction and asphalt overlay of four major roads, with a combined length of 52.7 kilometers, at a total cost of ?18.15 billion. The roads earmarked for construction include:

11.2km Plum Road, Michika

17.5km Michika -Garta-Kamale Road

14km Sukur Road, Madagali

10.3km Kishinga Road

These projects are part of Governor Fintiri’s vision administration’s continuous efforts to expand infrastructure, open up rural areas, and enhance access to markets, schools, and healthcare facilities.

Road development is critical to Adamawa State’s agricultural and commercial growth, as better road networks will enable farmers and traders to transport goods more efficiently, reduce travel time, and stimulate investment opportunities in rural communities.

Residents of the benefiting local governments expressed optimism that the projects, once completed, will ease mobility, reduce vehicle maintenance costs, and improve security by enhancing accessibility.

This new approval adds to the series of road infrastructure projects already initiated by the Fintiri administration, reinforcing its commitment to delivering quality governance and sustainable development across Adamawa State.

Lance Corporal Akenleye Femi, a serving soldier at 221 Battalion, Wawa Cantonment, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State has committed suicide after killing his wife.

The Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations, 22 Armoured Brigade, Ilorin, Captain Stephen Nwankwo, who made this known in a statement, said the incident happened on October 11, 2025.

He said the incident had caused a tensed atmosphere, leaving the barracks residents in shock as to the circumstances that could have led to such incident.

‘The 22 Armourd Brigade, Nigerian Army (NA), is aware of the news in respect of its personnel, Lance Corporal Akenleye Femi, serving at 221 Battalion, Wawa Cantonment who is suspected to have killed his wife and committed suicide. The tragic incident which occurred on 11 October 2025 at Wawa Cantonment, Niger State, has caused a tensed atmosphere, leaving the barracks residents in shock as to the circumstances that could have led to such unfortunate incident.

‘Lance Corporal Femi and his wife were suddenly found dead in their apartment at Block 15, Room 24, Corporals and Below Quarters, Wawa Cantonment. Preliminary investigation revealed that the soldier was on duty within the Cantonment, and had sought permission from his superior to attend to personal needs and return to duty. This followed the discovery of the dead bodies lying in their apartment’, he said.

Captain Nwankwo added that the remains of the deceased have been preserved, while an in-depth investigation had commenced to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.

‘The NA deeply regrets this, while it commiserates with the family, colleagues, and friends of the deceased over the painful loss. The army also prays for the peaceful repose of their souls.

‘The Commander 22 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Ezra Barkins, assures the general public that the circumstances that led to the sad incident will be thoroughly investigated, and the outcome relayed to the general public accordingly.

‘The NA anticipates maximum understanding and cooperation of the public as always, assuring that the outcome of the investigation will not only be made public, rather, further scrutinised, and measures put in place to avoid future occurrences.’ he added.

Imo State Governor and Chairman of Progressive Governors’ Forum, Senator Hope Uzodinma, on Monday advised traditional rulers in the country to rise above partisan politics and preserve the dignity and neutrality of the traditional institution.

He warned that involvement in politics could erode public trust and weaken their moral authority, saying, ‘Don’t allow anyone to drag your stool into the political arena.’

The governor made the call while delivering keynote address at the National Executive Committee meeting of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) held in Lagos.

Speaking as the Special Guest of Honour, Uzodinma who also declared the meeting open on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, reiterated that traditional rulers remain central to Nigeria’s governance and national cohesion. The meeting was attended by no fewer than 10 governors, prominent traditional rulers across Nigeria who are members of the council co-chaired by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Saad Abubakar and Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.

The governors in attendance were Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum and Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq; Governors Usman Ododo of Kogi; Dikko Umar Radda of Katsina; Nasir Idris of Kebbi; Aliyu Ahmed of Sokoto; Mai Mala Buni of Yobe; Bassey Otu of Cross Rivers; Monday Okpebholo of Edo and Abiodun Oyebanji of Ekiti.

Uzodinma, who spoke on the theme, ‘The Traditional Institution: The Imperative of its inclusion in the effective and efficient governance in Nigeria’, promised to support the ongoing advocacy for constitutional role for traditional rulers.

He said, ‘Your Royal Majesties, your continued relevance rests on public trust – and that trust must be protected,’ he said.

‘As royal fathers, your voice carries a weight that political office cannot replicate. You do not serve a party. You serve the people. That is why the nation expects, and rightly so, that you rise and remain above the noise of partisan politics,’ he added.

The governor noted that neutrality should not be mistaken for weakness but rather seen as strength and a symbol of wisdom, advising the traditional rulers to speak truth to power without bias.

According to him, the absence of a constitutional role for traditional rulers is a gap that must be filled. He said the time has come to right the wrong.

The governor further traced his roots to the traditional system, adding that he understood the role and influence of royal fathers from both experience and heritage.

He praised their contributions to community stability, dispute resolution, and cultural preservation, describing them as the ‘unifying forces that bind the Nigerian people together.’

Uzodinma recalled that under Nigeria’s First Republic, traditional rulers played a constitutionally recognised role in governance. He cited provisions from the 1963 Republican Constitution, which included traditional rulers in the federal and regional legislative structures through Houses of Chiefs in the Northern, Western, Mid-Western, and Eastern Regions.

According to him, the exclusion of traditional rulers from constitutional recognition began with the 1979 Constitution and continued under the 1999 Constitution, which limited their roles to advisory functions defined at the discretion of state governments.

‘Traditional rulers have remained stabilising forces in their communities despite the absence of legal backing,’ adding that their relevance is never in doubt and they have continued to play their roles despite not having any constitutional role.

The governor argued that other African democracies such as Ghana, South Africa, and Namibia have successfully integrated traditional institutions into modern governance frameworks. He noted that Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, South Africa’s 1996 Constitution, and Namibia’s 1990 Constitution all formally recognised the authority of traditional rulers within their political systems.

‘Clearly, these are constitutional democracies that have found room for their traditional institutions without compromising the integrity of their republics,’ he said, adding, ‘If Ghana, South Africa, and Namibia, with similar histories and diversity, can give constitutional expression to their traditional systems, why not Nigeria?’

Uzodinma said it was time for Nigeria to follow suit by giving constitutional backing to traditional rulers, not as a privilege but as a recognition of their indispensable role in governance and peacebuilding.

‘The traditional institution remains one of Nigeria’s most enduring systems. Its custodianship of culture, its ability to mediate disputes, and its place in the lives of the people make it indispensable to national stability,’ he stated.

He assured the royal fathers that he would fully support any move by the National Assembly or other organs of government to grant constitutional recognition to the traditional institution.