Category: Daily Trust

National Vice Chairman (South South) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Dan Orbih, has disclosed that state governors, senators and many other members of the party are leaving because of its leadership failure.

Orbih spoke yesterday in Benin while addressing delegates at the parallel congress conducted by his faction loyal to the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

Recall that Akwa Ibom State governor, Umo Eno, and Delta State governor, Sheriff Oborevwori,

had dumped the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Federal and state lawmakers as well as other key figures in the PDP have left the party following its prolonged internal crisis.

‘As members of our great party, there is no doubt that PDP is going through a leadership crisis, both at the national level and several other states,’ he said.

‘Let us not deceive ourselves. For the first time in the history of our great party, we have elected governors of PDP and founding leaders, founding members, leaving the party every day for one simple reason, failure of leadership.

‘Elected governors are leaving. Elected senators are leaving. Elected members of the House are leaving in Edo State; we know the root of our problem,’ he added.

The faction elected Barr. Nosa Ogieva and Hilary Otsu as state chairman and secretary and 12 other executive members.

Recall that the faction loyal to Dr. Tony Azeigbemi, had conducted its congress on September 28, where it reelected Azeigbemi as chairman and Henry Tenabe as secretary to lead a 15-member executive.

Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi has vowed to make infrastructure development and nationwide talent discovery the cornerstone of his administration as the new President of the Nigeria Rowing, Canoe and Sailing Federation.

Ogunbiyi, who was elected unopposed after polling all 13 votes in a transparent election held at the Media Centre of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, succeeds Rear Admiral Festus Porbeni (rtd). The election, described by stakeholders as one of the freest and fairest in recent times, also saw Mr. Kayode Abulazeez emerge as Vice President with 13 unanimous votes.

In his acceptance speech, Dr. Ogunbiyi commended the outgoing leadership for laying a strong foundation and steering the Federation to international recognition through consistent participation in global events, including Olympic qualifiers. He emphasized that the next phase of growth will focus on building world-class infrastructure and developing talent from all corners of the nation.

‘Nigeria is richly endowed with vast water resources, and these natural assets must be turned into hubs for sporting excellence,’ Ogunbiyi said. ‘We will invest in infrastructure that meets global standards and establish programs that discover, nurture, and empower athletes from every region of the country.’

The new president underscored that the Federation’s vision aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, pledging to create a sustainable ecosystem that combines public and private sector support.

Acknowledging the long-standing challenge of poor maintenance culture, Ogunbiyi promised a dual approach – constructing new facilities while ensuring the proper maintenance and modernization of existing ones. He expressed confidence that, with focused investment and collaboration, Nigeria would witness a dramatic leap in rowing, canoeing, and sailing within the next two years.

Vice President Kayode Abulazeez echoed Ogunbiyi’s vision, stressing that robust infrastructure is essential for uncovering hidden talents across Nigeria’s diverse regions.

‘From Lagos Lagoon to River Niger and beyond, our waterways are a gift. The goal is to make rowing, canoeing, and sailing truly national sports accessible to all Nigerians,’ he said.

Nigerians across the United States on Saturday turned New York into a sea of colour, music, and patriotism as they celebrated the 2025 Nigeria Independence Day Parade and Carnival.

The event brought together thousands of Nigerians and friends of Nigeria from across the US and beyond.

The parade procession, which stretched from East 38th Street to East 24th Street along Madison Avenue, shut down the busy midtown corridor to traffic.

It was led by the Organisation for the Advancement of Nigerians (OAN), in collaboration with the Consulate General of Nigeria in New York and other partner organisations.

Uniformed contingents from the New York Police Department, the New York City Department of Correction and other diaspora groups marched alongside Nigerian cultural associations, professional bodies, religious organisations and youth groups.

The vibrant floats, traditional attire and dance troupes drew cheers from spectators lining the streets.

Among the dignitaries in attendance were the Consul General of Nigeria in New York, Amb. Abubakar Jidda; UN Deputy Secretary-General, Ms Amina Mohammed; and the Acting Ambassador of Nigeria to the US, Amb. Samson Itegboje.

Following the parade, the event transitioned into a full carnival at Madison Square Park, featuring electrifying musical performances and cultural displays, including those by Chinese dance troupes.

Popular Nigerian artist Bella Shmurda headlined the entertainment, thrilling the youthful crowd and energising the festival atmosphere.

In his remarks, Jidda congratulated Nigerians in the diaspora and commended the organisers for sustaining the parade and carnival annually since 1991.

‘Nigeria remains a great nation, and 65 years of independence is worth celebrating in spite of its challenges,’ Jidda said.

‘Our people are our strength, and Nigerians have been a blessing to the world, particularly here in the United States, where our human resources continue to excel,’ he said.

Jidda noted that Nigeria remains the only African nation that hosts a full-scale Independence Day parade and carnival in New York City – a tradition that has positioned Nigerians as a visible and influential diaspora community.

For the second straight year, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in partnership with Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR), the publisher of PRNigeria and Economic Confidential, has won the 2025 Golden World Award (GWA) from the International Public Relations Association (IPRA).

The prize was presented at the body’s 70th anniversary in Ghana.

The historic event featured the inauguration of IPRA’s new President, Esther Amba Numaba Cobbah, the first African woman to assume the role.

She succeeds Natasa Pavlovic Bujas.

Established in 1990, the Golden World Awards – regarded as the ‘Oscars of Public Relations’ – celebrate campaigns that exemplify excellence, ethics, and impact. The 2025 gala, the first-ever hosted on African soil, coincided with Ghana’s Institute of Public Relations’ 50th anniversary.

The NCS-IMPR partnership topped the Publication category with a book titled ‘Impactful Public Relations in Customs Management,’ which highlights innovative PR strategies implemented under the leadership of Comptroller-General Wale Adeniyi.

It comprises practical case studies and engagement tools, and illustrates how strategic communication can enhance an institution’s reputation through transparency, boost revenue through stakeholder engagement, and reinforce national security through effective crisis communication.

orsed by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and the Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC), the 162-page publication co-authored by Kabir Abdulsalam and Maryam Na’Allah also received commendation from Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Receiving the award in Accra, Nigeria Customs spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, remarked, ‘This honour reaffirms the power of communication in building institutional credibility. Under CG Adeniyi, our service has embraced transparency, innovation, and accountability.’

Dr. Sule Yau Sule, Chairman of IMPR’s Board of Directors, described the honour as a testament to public-private collaboration in strategic communication: ‘This recognition proves that Nigerian agencies can compete globally. PR is not just for publicity; it is a tool for reform and public trust.’

The latest accolade came after the 2024 GWA win in Belgrade, Serbia, where the ‘100 Days of Impactful PR at Customs Service’ campaign triumphed in the Crisis Management category, positioning the NCS as a global benchmark for reform-driven government communication.

Led by CEO Yushau Shuaib, IMPR has secured IPRA awards for nine consecutive years since 2016. It was named the Most Creative PR Agency Worldwide in 2020 by the Global Creativity Index (GCI) published by PRovoke Media, organisers of the SABRE Awards.

One of Nigeria’s leading real estate firm, Bilaad Realty has revealed that it is mentoring young Nigerians in the real estate and other sectors of the economy as part of private sector contributions to national growth and development as government alone cannot do everything.

Cordinating Trustee at Bilaad Development Trust, Dr. Sadiq Suleiman Abdullahi made the disclosure in Abuja over the weekend at the 4th edition of the Gem Hunt series, themed ‘Reboot Nigeria: Echoes from the Past, Visions of the Future.’

He said ‘Bilaad has leveraged on our professional network and got over 150 internship slots from blue chip companies and sign MOU with universities to give us the high flyers from STEM, that science, technology, engineering and maths.

During the holiday rather than them sit at home and do nothing give them to us. We’ll fix them you know across these internship places. Number one they are being productive during holidays.

Then number two there’s a link between academia and industry. So by the time they get to NYSC and they finish NYSC they already have some experience. So there’s strategic linkages between us and critical partners and when we are done.

‘As such, we mentor these young ones across real estate and other sectors so that they are equipped with skills to thrive on different sectors of the economy, ‘ he said

He added that for entrepreneurs, some are supported with funding give them funding supports while for those that are in branding, Bilaad reaches out to networks across branding industry to assist them

Winners of the Gem Hunt Series 4.0 were Ayomide Christopher Dada (Communication and Branding Experts), Muhammad Abduljalal Musa, Winner (NYSC Category) and Judith James (Secondary School category)

Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri’s administration has announced plans to strengthen agricultural production in Adamawa State through the purchase of 22 Massey Ferguson tractors and the allocation of ?1.9 billion for fertilizer procurement to support dry season farming.

This strategic intervention is part of the government’s broader commitment to enhancing food security, empowering farmers, and driving economic growth through modern agricultural practices. The provision of tractors will ease the burden of land preparation, improve mechanized farming, and increase crop yield, while the timely distribution of fertilizer will ensure that farmers maximize productivity during the dry season.

Governor Fintiri emphasized that agriculture remains a cornerstone of the state’s development agenda. By investing in both mechanization and farm inputs, the administration seeks to open new opportunities for smallholder farmers, reduce dependence on rain-fed farming, and make Adamawa a hub for sustainable food production in the region.

Farmers across the state have welcomed the initiative, expressing optimism that it will reduce production costs, improve access to inputs, and ultimately raise household incomes.

The move complements other ongoing agricultural reforms under the Fintiri administration, further demonstrating its resolve to build a resilient and self-sufficient agricultural sector for the benefit of all residents.

Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has felicitated with teachers across the State on the occasion of the 2025 World Teachers’ Day celebration.

In a goodwill message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, the Governor described teachers as the cornerstone of educational development and nation-building, whose dedication and sacrifices continue to shape the future of Katsina State and Nigeria at large.

The Governor aligned his administration’s vision with the 2025 World Teachers’ Day theme: ‘Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession,’ emphasizing that teaching must evolve beyond individual efforts to embrace partnerships, teamwork, and shared responsibility among educators, parents, communities, and government.

‘Teaching is not a solitary endeavour. It thrives on collaboration, mutual support, and the collective commitment of all stakeholders to create enabling environments where our children can learn and excel,’ Governor Radda said. He further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting collaborative teaching approaches through continuous professional development, modern infrastructure, digital learning tools, and platforms that encourage peer learning and knowledge sharing among teachers.

Governor Radda particularly noted that his government has invested significantly in teachers’ welfare, recruitment, training, and capacity building, reflecting the administration’s belief that well-supported teachers are central to quality education delivery.

He commended Katsina teachers for their resilience, professionalism, and dedication, particularly in navigating the challenges of modern education while maintaining high standards of excellence.

‘On behalf of the government and people of Katsina State, I celebrate every teacher today. Your contributions to our society are immeasurable, and we remain committed to ensuring you have the resources, recognition, and respect you deserve,’ the Governor concluded.

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) state congresses in Adamawa State have garnered national attention for their unprecedented peace and orderliness. This achievement, under the stewardship of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, Governor of Adamawa State and Chairman of the party’s National Convention Committee, has set a new benchmark for political gatherings in Nigeria.

Adamawa State’s PDP congresses were marked by transparency, inclusivity, and fairness – qualities that are often aspired to but seldom fully realized in Nigerian political processes. The absence of the usual disputes, acrimony, and factionalism signalled a deliberate shift towards constructive engagement and consensus-building. Governor Fintiri’s hands-on supervision provided not just oversight but active facilitation of dialogue, mutual respect, and equitable participation.

At the heart of this achievement lies Governor Fintiri’s leadership style. His ability to set a positive tone and ensure all voices were heard created an environment where grievances could be addressed before they escalated. This approach fostered trust among stakeholders and offered a practical demonstration of how strong, principled leadership can de-escalate potential crises and encourage unity.

The peaceful outcome of the Adamawa congresses resonates far beyond the state’s borders. In a political landscape often characterized by instability and contentious power struggles, Adamawa’s experience provides a replicable model for other states and parties. It shows that with the right leadership and organizational commitment, political processes can be vehicles for unity and democratic renewal rather than division.

The Adamawa congresses also served as a rehearsal for the upcoming PDP National Convention. Governor Fintiri’s dual role as the state’s chief executive and National Convention Chairman allowed him to pilot best practices and demonstrate readiness for the larger event. Stakeholders nationwide are now looking to Adamawa’s example as the gold standard for the forthcoming convention, with hopes that its peaceful and credible conduct can be mirrored on a national scale.

While the Adamawa congresses set a remarkable precedent, the potential for even deeper democratic engagement remains. Future processes could further institutionalize mechanisms for conflict resolution, enhance grassroots participation, and build stronger frameworks for accountability. By embedding these values into the party’s culture, the PDP – and Nigerian politics at large – can move beyond episodic successes towards sustained democratic excellence.

The PDP state congresses in Adamawa State exemplify what is possible when effective leadership, transparency, and inclusivity are prioritized. Governor Fintiri’s stewardship has not only restored faith in the PDP’s internal democracy but has also offered a blueprint for peaceful political engagement across Nigeria. By striving to go even deeper – through institutional reforms and broader participation – the Adamawa model can continue to inspire and elevate Nigeria’s democratic journey.

No fewer than 10,000 less privileged persons across the 44 local government areas of Kano State are to receive N20,000 each from the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, CFR, FCNA.

The Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Deputy President of the Senate, Ismail Mudashir, in a statement, said the selection process for the programme will commence on Thursday, October 9, 2025, with the distribution of forms.

The cash disbursement is being carried out by the Barau I Jibrin Foundation (BIJF), established by the Deputy President of the Senate. The foundation has undertaken various programmes, including a foreign postgraduate scholarship for indigent students in Kano State.

He said the initiative is part of Senator Barau’s efforts to have a direct impact on the lives of the less privileged individuals in the state. ‘A total of 6,500 persons would be selected from the Kano North Senatorial District, with each of the 13 LGAs set to produce 500 beneficiaries. One hundred twelve individuals (112) will be selected from each local government area in Kano Central and South Senatorial Districts.

‘This is in addition to the numerous interventions of the Deputy President of the Senate in the areas of education, healthcare, agriculture, security and transportation, among others. The Deputy President of the Senate remains committed to empowering the people.

‘ Empowering women and youth is a central focus of His Excellency’s initiatives, which aim to foster development and growth in the North and the country at large,’ he said.

The administration of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, in partnership with the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), has commenced a free medical outreach program targeting rural communities across the state.

The initiative, which offers free surgical procedures, medical consultations, essential drugs, and diagnostic scans, is designed to bring healthcare closer to underserved populations who often lack access to quality medical services.

The outreach officially began in Toungo Local Government Area on October 2, 2025, and will run until October 3, 2025. It marks the first phase of a statewide program that will cover multiple communities in the coming weeks.

Governor Fintiri reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas where residents face the greatest challenges in accessing medical facilities. He noted that the partnership with the NMA demonstrates the government’s resolve to leverage professional expertise in delivering impactful, people-centered health interventions.

Beneficiaries of the outreach expressed appreciation for the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention that would relieve many families of the burden of high medical costs.

This free medical mission adds to the series of health sector reforms and interventions under the Fintiri administration, further strengthening Adamawa State’s journey toward universal health coverage and improved quality of life for all residents