Category: Daily Trust

Nigeria has called on the Republic of Benin to release its national, Pastor Benjamin Egbaji, who is currently facing trial in the country.

In a statement on Tuesday by the spokesperson of Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Magnus Eze, Nigeria expressed concern over the deteriorating health of Egbaji.

Egbaji, a businessman and cleric from Cross River State, has for about two years been detained in a hospital in Cotonou, the country’s capital, under dehumanising conditions while his health deteriorated.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on the Benin authorities to release the Nigerian national so that he could have better medical care and also serve out his sentence in Nigeria.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu said discussions with the Nigerian Mission in Cotonou indicated that Egbaji’s health is steadily worsening and he needs urgent and proper medical attention.

She stated that the ministry had made a spirited effort to rescue the troubled Egbaji in line with the citizen diplomacy thrust of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration.

The minister, who in early August, visited Egbaji in the Cotonou hospital alongside the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, disclosed that the ministry had requested the transfer of the Nigerian national to receive the deserved medical care and serve out his custodial term in Nigeria.

She explained that Nigeria was worried over the pace of the Benin authorities in addressing the situation and acceding to its request.

Noting the longstanding cordial relations between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin, founded on shared cultural heritage, bonds of trust, mutual respect, and a spirit of brotherhood, she urged the country to consent to Nigeria’s request and accelerate the release of the detained Nigerian pastor.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu also disclosed that Nigeria’s position was further highlighted in a recent letter to the Republic of Benin Government.

A third witness for Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) (PW3), in the trial of former Gov. Mr Yahaya Bello of Kogi that no banking regulation was breached by the defendants.

He told made the statement while testifying before an FCT, High Court, Maitama, Abuja, on Wednesday.

Bello and his co-defendants Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu were arraigned on Nov 27, 2024 on a 16-count- charge bordering on alleged property fraud to the tune of N110 billion..

The PW3, Williams Abimbola, confirmed, said during cross-examination, that no banking regulation was breached in the transactions allowed by her bank, the United Bank for Africa, Plc.

When the matter was called for continuation of hearing, Abimbola, a Compliance Officer with UBA, admitted that she had given similar evidence before the Federal High Court in a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CR/98/2024 between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Yahaya Bello.

She, however, admitted not being the relationship or account manager of the Kogi Government House account and that the account was domiciled in Lokoja but noted that transactions were in line with stipulated guidelines.

The witness, who had testified that she worked at the Area 3, Abuja branch of UBA at a previous FHC hearing on March 6, 2025, told the court that she could work at any branch.

‘I reported to 18, Adetokunbo Ademola Wuse 2, Abuja, this morning,’ she said.

On cross-examination, by the Defence Counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, when asked as a compliance officer, does her duty involve protecting the integrity of the bank from legal penalty, reputational damage and financial losses, she responded yes.

She had confirmed multiple transactions by Abdulsalam Hudu (third defendant) in the sum of N10 million each between July 31 and August 6, 2019.

Abimbola told the court that she was not in a position to know why the withdrawals were made when asked.

She explained that when making transfer, the bank asks for purpose of transaction and relationship on high volume transactions.

But she added that the bank does not make such enquiries in the case of cash withdrawal, noting that the banker was not an internal auditor of the customer.

Abimbola also mentioned transfers, in tranches, by one Bello Abdullateef, on July 5, 2019, saying that the bank did not breach any regulations in allowing the withdrawals or transfers.

She said that there was no withdrawal that went beyond N10 million in all the transactions presented before the court.

She claimed to have been with the bank for 19 years, adding that she understood the duties of a cashier, which included paying cash and receiving cash.

Abimbola had earlier listed the authorised signatories on the Kogi Government House account, as at 2004, to include Christopher Enefola, Permanent Secretary; Onekutu Daniel, Chief Accountant and Hudu Abdulsalami, Accountant as contained in Exhibits F2, Page 37.

She mentioned a letter dated, September 2008, with three signatures – Elder P.S Ocheni, Abbas Ibrahim Abubakar, Chief Accountant and Abdulsalami Hudu, Senior Accountant.

During cross-examination by the Counsel to the second defendant, Mr A.M. Aliyu SAN, presented the witness with a bank statement marked page 3 of F1, May 27, 2019, where the withdrawals were made.

She admitted that the narration on the credit entry was the governor’s security fund and noted a credit entry of N100 million, in two tranches of N50 million each.

‘My Lord, I am not privy to the details of the transaction and cannot categorically answer that question,’ the witness responded.

Earlier, during cross-examination by Daudu, SAN, the witness had admitted that she had not met or had any business to do with the second defendant, Umar Oricha.

She also said she had not met the first defendant, former Gov. Yahaya Bello before.

Prosecution Counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, however, argued that the application was not ripe for hearing and that the motion should wait until Nov. 12, another date for hearing.

The EFCC also called its 4th subpoenaed witness, Jesutoni Akoni, a compliance officer with Ecobank, who confirmed that he had a13-page documents.

Counsel to the second defendant, AM Aliyu, however, objected to the admissibility of the document tendered, saying it did not comply with the provisions of the Evidence Act.

The Court observed that the document tendered by the prosecution was actually addressed to Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court.

Justice Maryanne Anenih later adjourned the matter until Oct. 9 for continuation.

The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, alongside the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, on Tuesday flagged off the rehabilitation of the Old Keffi Road, also known as Karmo road, stretching from Kado village to Dei-dei.

At the brief ceremony, Wike reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to fulfilling its promises to the people, emphasizing that the project is a continuation of the infrastructural drive that began under the present administration.

‘We promised that this Old Keffi Road would be rehabilitated. Today, we are here to fulfill that promise-one that is not mere words but an action backed by commitment and results,’ he said.

He explained that the Old Keffi Road project is designed to ease traffic congestion and support local commerce, particularly for traders and residents in the area.

He urged residents to continue to support the administration, which, according to him, has been delivering on its promises.

‘This government is not one of empty words. Out of 105 schools planned for construction, 77 are already underway, and 33 more will soon commence. What we are seeing is proof that leadership can indeed bring transformation,’ he added.

The Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya, expressed gratitude to all the stakeholders, community leaders, and representatives for their continued support towards the development of the nation’s capital.

The Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 7 command (covering the FCT and Niger State), AIG Victor Olaiya, has stated that the ongoing enforcement regarding the use of tinted vehicles is non-negotiable within the zone.

AIG Olaiya, who spoke during his familiarization visit to the Niger State Police Command on Monday, emphasized the need for strict enforcement of laws governing the use of tinted vehicle permits by motorists.

According to a statement by the Zone 7 Police Command Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Halima Mohamed, AIG Olaiya stressed that while enforcement remains non-negotiable, officers must not use it as a tool for extortion or to intimidate citizens.

He charged police personnel to always prioritize their personal safety while discharging their duties, noting that an officer must be alive and well to effectively protect lives and property.

The AIG also conveyed the assurances of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, that the Force Headquarters remained committed to improving the welfare of police officers nationwide.

Nigeria’s football scene takes center stage this week as two of the nation’s youth teams prepare for major global showdowns – the Flying Eagles at the 24th FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile and the Flamingos at the 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

In Santiago, Chile, the Flying Eagles are gearing up for a blockbuster Round of 16 clash against six-time champions Argentina on Wednesday night. The matchup rekindles one of world football’s most thrilling rivalries, with both nations sharing a rich history at youth and senior levels.

Nigeria famously stunned Argentina 2-0 two years ago when the South Americans hosted the U20 tournament, thanks to goals from Ibrahim Muhammad and Haliru Sarki.

Despite Argentina’s illustrious record, Nigeria – twice runners-up (1989, 2005) and once bronze medalists (1985) – enter the contest with confidence and purpose. Coach Aliyu Zubair’s team fought resiliently through the group stage, securing four points against Saudi Arabia and Colombia. In their final group match, captain Daniel Bameyi’s calm penalty ensured a deserved draw against the Colombians, a game Nigeria largely dominated.

The Flying Eagles arrived in Santiago on Monday evening and will train on Tuesday ahead of the high-stakes encounter at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martinez Pradanos. However, they will be without forward Suleman Sani, suspended after two yellow cards.

Meanwhile, in women’s football, the U17 Flamingos are set to fly out from Abuja to Morocco early Wednesday aboard Royal Air Maroc. The team will camp in Casablanca before moving to Rabat for the World Cup. During their build-up, they will face New Zealand on October 10 and Paraguay on October 14 in friendly matches.

Drawn in Group D alongside Canada, France, and Samoa, the Flamingos will open their campaign against Canada on October 19, face France three days later, and round off group action against Samoa on October 25 – all in Sale.

Coach Bankole Olowookere’s side head into the tournament with remarkable form, scoring 44 goals without conceding in 10 preparatory matches. Their blend of attacking flair and defensive solidity signals Nigeria’s growing dominance in global youth football.

Meanwhile,the Super Eagles’ camp in Polokwane, South Africa is buzzing with activity as 15 new players arrived yesterday bringing the total number of players in camp to 17 ahead of ahead of Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying clash with the Crocodiles of Lesotho scheduled for Friday.

Those already in camp as at press time include Troost Ekong, Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Chrisantus Uche, Wilfred Ndidi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Terem Moffi, Moses Simon, Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, Frank Onyeka, Tolu Arokodare, Semi Ajayi, Stanley Nwabali, Adebayo Adeleye, and Amas Obasogie.

About 139 million Nigerians are currently living in poverty, according to The World Bank.

This is just as the bank said the country’s economy has started to show signs of stability from ongoing reforms.

Speaking at the launch of the Nigeria Development Update (NDU) report in Abuja on Wednesday, the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Mathew Verghis, commended the government for implementing bold economic reforms but warned that the benefits have yet to reach most citizens.

‘Over the last two years, Nigeria has tremendously implemented bold reforms – notably around the exchange rate and petrol subsidy,’ Verghis said.

‘These policies have laid the foundation for transforming Nigeria’s economic trajectory for decades to come.’

Verghis acknowledged that the reforms are beginning to yield macroeconomic results, including rising revenues, improving debt indicators, stabilising the foreign exchange market, growing reserves, and a gradual decline in inflation.

‘Growth has picked up, revenues have risen, debt indicators are improving, the FX market is stabilising, reserves are rising, and inflation is finally beginning to come down. These are big achievements, and many countries would envy them,’ he said.

Despite these gains, the World Bank warned that millions of Nigerians are yet to feel any real improvement in their daily lives.

‘In 2025, we estimate that 139 million Nigerians live in poverty,’ Verghis disclosed. ‘The challenge is clear: how to translate the gains from the reforms into better living standards for all.’

The new NDU report, titled ‘From Policy to People: Bringing the Reform Gains Home,’ outlines a three-point strategy to help Nigeria bridge the gap between economic stability and social welfare – taming inflation, improving public spending efficiency, and expanding social safety nets.

Verghis emphasised that food inflation remains one of the biggest threats to reform success and public confidence.

‘Food inflation affects everybody, but particularly the poor, and it has the potential to undermine political support for reforms,’ he cautioned.

‘Tight monetary policy is important, but it must be complemented by structural reforms to address deep-seated supply and market constraints.’

He further stressed the importance of efficient resource use and inclusive programs that cushion the impact of economic adjustment.

‘These are not abstract ideas – they are practical steps that can turn macro-stability into better livelihoods,’ Verghis said.

The World Bank, he added, remains committed to supporting Nigeria through policy advice, technical assistance, and financing aimed at ensuring that the gains of reform ‘reach every household, not just the headlines.’

The Nigeria Police Force says enforcement of the vehicle tinted glass permit has been ‘put on hold’ following a court order halting the exercise.

Spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, SP Josephine Adeh, disclosed this during an interview on AIT, on Wednesday.

She confirmed that the decision came after the police officially received the court order.

‘Information reaching me from the office of the PRO is that the order has been received and the enforcement of the tinted permit is now on hold pending the court’s verdict,’ Adeh said.

She explained that the directive to suspend enforcement would remain in place pending the outcome of the ongoing legal process.

‘We are waiting for the verdict. We are not against the courts, and we will continue to wait until we get a verdict,’ she added.

Addressing public concerns about the purpose of the tinted glass regulation, Adeh clarified that it was introduced for security reasons, noting that some criminal activities had been carried out using vehicles with darkened windows.

‘The law was not made by us. We are enforcers. The policy was purely security-driven. Some criminals were using tinted vehicles to commit offences, making it difficult for law enforcement to identify suspects,’ she said.

Adeh also dismissed claims that the policy was designed for financial gain, explaining that all payments related to tinted permits are made directly into the Federal Government’s Treasury Single Account (TSA), not to the police.

The founder of the first female-owned tech and innovation hub in Northern Nigeria, Blue Sapphire Hub, Maryam Gwadabe has lamented that the region is still lagging behind in adopting digital technologies.

She said many people have smartphones but are not maximizing the potentials of the devices in their daily lives.

This has been the focus of the hub since its establishment over a decade ago to expand the digital footprint in Northern Nigeria especially among women believed to be disadvantaged.

The CEO stated this during the Digital Community Fair organised by the hub as part of its Accelerating Digital Adoption in Northern Nigeria (ADAN) project in Kano.

She said, ‘We all have smartphones, but many of us only use them for TikTok or Instagram. Digital adoption means using these tools to transform our lives, businesses, and communities.

‘This fair is about showing you what’s possible. It is a call to action for Northern Nigeria to become creators, innovators, and entrepreneurs,’ she added.

The tech CEO also urged communities to shift from passive digital consumption to active participation in the digital economy, adding that Northern Nigeria must learn to leverage digital tools for innovation and economic growth.

Daily Trust reports that Blue Sapphire Hub is the first-female owned innovation center in Northern Nigeria which began operations in 2014.

The hub is focused ‘on developing sustainable solutions and building entrepreneurial communities for scalable impact.’ Its community is made up of innovators, entrepreneurs, freelancers and dare dreamers who leverage the power of tech and innovation to identify and solve the most pressing societal challenges.

The hub stated that innovation and Technology are at the heart of the work it does, adding, ‘We believe in breaking barriers, disrupting and challenging stereotypes in order to create positive change. We provide a launchpad for Innovators and support young entrepreneurs to thrive.

‘We provide Incubation programs, Capacity building services, Consultancy and Product Development for startups, government organizations, NGOs and companies respectively.’

So far, over 10,000 have benefited from its tech programme while over 12 tech-driven start-ups have been supported, in addition to creating 3000 jobs through the ecosystem.

Similarly, Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, said the state has reopened 26 entrepreneurship institutes that were previously closed to help cater for the demands of the state’s population.

The Governor who was represented by the Director-general of the newly established Kano State Information Technology Development Agency (KASITDA), Bashir Abdu Muzakkar, said the state is committed to ensuring that the youths, whom he said are 65 percent of its population, are prepared for the 21st century opportunities.

Organized by Blue Sapphire Hub and funded by UK International Development, the two-day fair drew hundreds of participants and showcased startups potentials particularly in the ICT and digital economy.

Meanwhile the hub has hosted a job fair aimed at connecting over 200 young talents with prospective employers and key stakeholders.

The event, also held in Kano, brought together job seekers, recruiters, government officials, and development partners in a bid to foster meaningful engagement and promote enterprise development.

Speaking at the event, a representative of Blue Sapphire Hub, Sani Sulaiman Sidi, said the fair was designed to bridge the gap between opportunities and talent, especially among northern youths, whom he said often lack access to basic job-seeking skills.

‘This job fair is a platform of hope and possibility. We want young people to see what skills are in demand, learn them, and connect with employers. It is not just about degrees anymore, it is about equipping yourself with relevant tools like IT, AI, digital marketing, and project management,’ he said.

Sidi emphasised that hubs like Blue Sapphire are creating safe spaces for learning and innovation, urging youths to take advantage of such platforms to upskill and stand out in a competitive job market.

The Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) of First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has unveiled a N25 million Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI)/Tony Elumelu Foundation Women Economic Empowerment Programme in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The RHI Coordinator in FCT, Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, said at the event in Abuja on Monday that 500 women would benefit from the RHI Recapitalization grant in the FCT.

Benjamins-Laniyi, who is also the pioneer Mandate Secretary, FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, commended the Tony Elumelu Foundation for generously donating N1 billion to the initiative. (NAN)

According to her, this significant contribution will benefit 18,500 women across the country: 500 women each from the 36 states and the FCT.

She said that each of the 18,500 women would receive N50,000 each to strengthen and recapitalize their businesses. (NAN)

The Public Complaints Commission (PCC), also known as the Nigerian Ombudsman, has disclosed that it received a total of 2,567 complaints from members of the public in Kwara State in 2024, with over 1,500 additional cases recorded so far in 2025.

Speaking in Ilorin during an event marking the 50th anniversary of the commission, the Kwara State Commissioner of the PCC, Barrister Olanrewaju Falola, said the figures reflected the growing confidence of citizens in the institution’s role as a voice for the voiceless and a symbol of justice for the common man.

Falola said the commission remains committed to offering free legal representation in disputes, particularly for the poor and socially vulnerable.

He noted that the Ombudsman has become a global beacon of justice that ensures fairness and accountability in governance.

‘The commission reminds us that justice must never be a privilege for the few but a right for all,’ he said.

The commissioner said the PCC has been instrumental in securing redress for citizens who have no easy or affordable access to the courts.

According to him, the commission continues to bridge the gap between the government and the governed, ensuring that the marginalized and disadvantaged are not left behind.

He, however, identified inadequate funding and lack of a befitting office space as major constraints affecting the commission’s efficiency in the state.

Falola added that the National Assembly is currently amending the Act establishing the PCC to strengthen its powers and ensure better enforcement of resolutions.

Highlighting the commission’s impact across communities, Falola said several life-changing interventions have been recorded in Kwara.

He cited the case of a widow and her children who were unjustly evicted but reinstated through the commission’s effort, as well as the recovery of certificates for indigent students who had been denied access to them for years by the National Teachers Institute.

The PCC, he said, also intervened in the rehabilitation of a secondary school, averted a potential religious crisis, and facilitated the payment of gratuities and pensions to retired workers.

Other notable interventions included the refund of N7 million in a breach of contract case, restoration of electricity to a community after years of blackout, and payment of death benefits to bereaved families.

The commission also resolved several labour-related cases, securing entitlements for unfairly dismissed employees and converting dismissal letters to voluntary resignations after thorough investigation.

It further addressed environmental hazards involving a company whose operations had affected residents, compelling the removal of a power station supplying it.

Falola added that the PCC restored peace in an Islamic community where a non-indigene’s hotel had become a source of moral decay and social unrest.

He reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to protecting citizens’ rights and ensuring justice at all levels, saying the PCC’s work over the past two years in Kwara stands as a testament to its enduring relevance and human-centered mission.