Category: Daily Trust

The Federal Government says it got approximately N250bn in funding for the development of modern light rail systems in Kaduna and Kano States.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the disclosure yesterday at the World Press Conference in Abuja, where he explained that N150bn has been allocated for Kano, while Kaduna will receive N100bn.

He stressed the administration’s commitment to advancing critical infrastructure development at the sub-national level.

‘The Federal Government is actively going further to support various subnational infrastructure projects, for instance, the light rail projects in Kano and Kaduna States, for which funding to the tune of N150 billion and N100 billion, respectively, has been secured,’ he said. The minister also pointed to broader efforts to strengthen governance at the grassroots, noting that local government areas were being fiscally reintegrated to serve as catalysts for growth and development.

According to him, President Bola Tinubu was determined to entrench financial autonomy for local governments, thereby making them more effective in service delivery, community engagement, and the provision of essential infrastructure.

Idris further explained that state governments were now receiving significantly higher revenue allocations from the federation account, a development made possible by the removal of the oil subsidy and other fiscal reforms.

This, he said, had positioned subnational governments to do more with fewer constraints and less reliance on debt, creating an opportunity to focus resources on capital projects that directly impact the lives of citizens.

As the debate on whether the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) should bear arms continues to trend, the Corps has defended its renewed call for personnel to be armed, citing growing threats to the safety of its operatives. Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed stressed that this measure is not intended for routine traffic control, but as a protective tool for specially trained squads tasked with safeguarding FRSC facilities, infrastructure, and personnel in dangerous situations.

According to him, the decision to arm a section of the Corps is primarily a safety measure. Many FRSC officials are increasingly exposed to violent motorists, some of whom deliberately attack or knock them down while carrying out patrol operations. The Corps Marshal explained that without the necessary power to enforce safety laws, it becomes difficult to manage high-risk situations such as stopping trailers overloaded with passengers or vehicles transporting hazardous materials.

The demand for FRSC personnel to bear arms is anchored on several pressing realities such as protection of operatives who face daily harassment and violent attacks in the line of duty .

Several FRSC operatives have lost their lives while working tirelessly to ensure safer roads. Protecting these men and women is both a moral and institutional obligation. Violent road users, including reckless drivers and those involved in criminal activities, pose an increasing risk, hence arming FRSC operatives will curb this.

Without means of self-defence, FRSC personnel are vulnerable targets during enforcement exercises.

Managing dangerous vehicles like stopping trailers and other heavy-duty vehicles, especially when overloaded with passengers or hazardous materials, is a task that often requires more than verbal persuasion. Weapons, when handled responsibly, can serve as a deterrent and ensure compliance with road safety laws.

Since the FRSC Establishment Act already empowers the Corps to bear arms what remains crucial is the training and discipline of a designated squad to handle firearms with professionalism, thereby preventing cases of misuse or accidental discharge that have marred other arms-bearing agencies.

The conversation is not about turning every FRSC operative into an armed officer, but about creating a well-trained, professional arms squad to handle life-threatening scenarios. With adequate training, proper supervision, and accountability, the risks of abuse can be minimised while the safety of operatives and the public is maximised.

At its core, this call is about valuing human life. Every FRSC officer who dies in the line of duty leaves behind grieving families and communities. Equipping them with the means to protect themselves and enforce safety laws is not just a matter of policy it is a matter of justice.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with road safety challenges, empowering the FRSC to bear arms may prove to be a decisive step in saving lives, securing national infrastructure, and ensuring that those who risk their lives daily to keep our roads safe are not left defenseless.

The 20th edition of the Abuja International Trade Fair has commenced with the launch of the Buy Africa, Build Africa Initiative (BABAFEST) targeted at encouraging indigenous patronage in the country.

Speaking at the event on Monday, the President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief Emeka Obegolu described the fair as the celebration of a historic milestone, with 20 years of consistent commitment to trade, investment, innovation, and economic diplomacy in Nigeria and Africa.

He disclosed that in the past two decades, the Fair has hosted over 2,500 exhibitors from Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas, attracted more than 1.5 million visitors across multiple sectors; and facilitated billions of naira in trade deals, investments, and partnerships.

He said the theme of the landmark edition, ‘Sustainability: Consumption, Incentives, and Taxation,’ reflects the collective resolve to address pressing economic and environmental challenges. He said, ‘A major highlight of the edition is the launch of BABA FEST (Buy Africa, Build Africa), a flagship ACCI initiative that celebrates African products, services, and creativity both on the continent and globally which will feature live performances by renowned African artists.

‘Also, it will feature fashion runways by top African designers; immersive art exhibitions; Exclusive investment and networking opportunities; Brand activations designed to highlight Africa’s global competitiveness.’

Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has said he appointed Sanusi Mikail Sami, Gomo III, as the new Emir of Zuru because he was the most popular and accepted out of the 40 candidates who contested the emirship position.

The governor said this in Birnin Kebbi when the Emir led a large delegation of people from the Zuru Emirate on a ‘thank you’ visit to the governor.

He said, ‘Personally, I don’t know him, but when the stool became vacant, I ordered a thorough investigation on who is the popular choice and most acceptable, but unanimously, they mentioned Sanusi, and I gave the approval for his appointment immediately.’

The governor urged the Emir to lead his subjects with justice and fairness. Earlier, the emir informed the governor that he led a large delegation from all parts of Zuru Emirate to thank him for the honour done to him and the people of his domain.

He said his emirate would continue to remember the governor with fervent prayers for the rehabilitation of the KoKo-Dabai Road.

The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, has said the Benin Kingdom will commence the eating of new yam after a palace ceremony on Sept. 30.

This is contained in a statement by Frank Irabor, Secretary, Benin Traditional Council, on Monday.

According to the statement, the indoor ceremony is to usher in the new yam (Emorho) into the Palace.

‘Following the ceremony, all sons and daughters of the Benin Kingdom, as well as indigenes and non-indigenes living in Edo who participated in the two-week fasting and prayer exercise, can eat the new yam,’ the Palace said. The Oba’s announcement comes after the conclusion of a two-week fasting/prayers period, which was declared for peace, progress, and to usher in the new yam.

The two-week fasting/prayers commenced on Sept. 15 and ended on Sept. 28. (NAN)

The All Progressives Congress in Lagos State has told the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) not to lure former President Goodluck Jonathan into the 2027 presidential race.

There are speculations that Jonathan may throw his hat into the ring ahead of the next election.

Former Minister, Jerry Gana’s recent declaration that Jonathan would contest for the presidency in 2027, has fuelled the growing speculations in past days.

Lagos APC spokesman, Seye Oladejo, in a statement on Tuesday, asked the PDP to allow Jonathan to enjoy his retirement from public office rather than luring him into the race.

According to Oladejo, rather than luring Jonathan into ‘a final dance whose result is all too predictable’, the cheerleaders should have allowed the former Nigerian leader to relax.

He said ‘Indeed, if he chooses to run, President Jonathan will need more than an overdose of good luck to stand a chance. The landmines before him are numerous – legal, past records, and fundamental questions of capacity.’

Oladejo said that elections remained contests of ideas, competence and delivery – not nostalgia or recycled rhetoric.

He said,’ Prof. Gana’s certainty that a particular individual will be the PDP candidate or that Nigerians are clamouring for a return to the past is premature and political theatre.

‘We acknowledge and appreciate Prof. Gana’s sense of humour, which may be entertaining but is out of place in serious political discourse.

‘It may also be interesting to interrogate his continued relevance, having been around the corridors of power forever without leaving behind any remarkable legacy of transformation or notable accomplishments.’

According to him, Gana arrogating to himself the sole power to determine the presidential candidate of a whole political party has exposed the PDP’s disdain for internal democracy.

He said PDP is unlike the APC, which remained firmly committed to internal democracy and a transparent nomination process.

‘The PDP and other opposition parties appear to be working towards already pre-determined ends as far as their presidential candidates are concerned,’ he said.

Oladejo advised Gana not to unnecessarily heat up the polity by embarking on campaigns before the official ban on electioneering is lifted by the electoral body.

He said,’ Lagos APC stands firmly behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda to fix the economy and build infrastructure that creates jobs and improves lives.

‘We will continue to defend policies that prioritise the future over the past.

‘The APC in Lagos calls on all political actors – including the PDP and its chieftains – to desist from divisive nostalgia and instead present clear, implementable programmes for the challenges Nigerians actually face.

‘If the PDP truly believes Mr Jonathan is the solution, they should lay out specific, detailed policy proposals and submit them for public scrutiny rather than making pronouncements that sound like campaign hype.’

He urged voters to judge parties by records and plans.

‘We will continue to work across Lagos and Nigeria to promote pragmatic governance, development and inclusion – and to hold all parties to account for promises made to Nigerians,’ Oladejo stated.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has fixed prices for its expression of interest and nomination forms for the governorship election in Osun State.

The form goes for N10 million and 40 million respectively.

Recall that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has fixed August 8, 2026, for off-season governorship election.

Following this, political parties have commenced preparations to field candidates for the election.

The APC in its schedule of activities and timetable for the election signed by its national organising secretary, Sulaiman Argungu, disclosed that delegates congress would hold on December 9, while the party’s primary poll will hold on December 13, 2025.

The party said the sale of expression of interest and nomination forms would commence on November 12 and end on November 26.

It said female aspirants and People With Disability (PWD) would purchase the expression of interest form, while the nomination form would be issued to them at no cost.

Youths between the ages of 25 and 40 were also given a preference of 50 percent discount for the nomination form.

A coalition of civil society organisations, faith leaders, and trade groups has condemned the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN); Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) for their recent actions against Dangote refinery and petrochemicals.

The organisations described the strike as ‘a direct assault on the Nigerian people, our economy, and our future.’

Members of the organisations include the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria (COCSON), Nigerian Interfaith Forum (NIF), National Coalition for Market Men, Women and Artisans (NACOMWA), and the Petroleum Consumers Protection Alliance (PCPA).

Addressing journalists during a peaceful protest at the office of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, President of the coalition, Comrade Ibrahim Suleiman accused DAPPMAN of sabotaging indigenous refining initiatives, particularly the Dangote refinery and petrochemicals, in order to maintain control of fuel importation and profiteering.

The text of the press conference was jointly signed by Comrade Ibrahim Suleiman (COCSON), Rev. Dr. Mathew Ayodele (NIF), Comrade Boma Agbede (NACOMWA), and Barr. Yusuf Danladi (PCPA).

The groups also warned that the strike action by labour unions would deepen hardship for millions of Nigerians already struggling with high inflation, rising transport costs, and food insecurity.

He said: ‘Let us be clear: this is not a strike for workers. It is a strike for cartels.’

Welcoming a recent National Industrial Court ruling that barred PENGASSAN from disrupting gas supply to the Dangote refinery and petrochemicals, the coalition urged security agencies to enforce the judgment and prevent any attempt to sabotage local refining.

The organisations said that no private enterprise should be compelled into union membership against its will.

They maintained that workers at the Dangote Refinery and petrochemicals should retain the freedom to decide whether or not to join a union.

The coalition further announced plans to sue DAPPMAN for economic sabotage, mobilise nationwide rallies to key government institutions, and escalate advocacy to regional and international bodies.

The coalition added: ‘We commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to industrialisation and energy reforms, but any attempt to bend to DAPPMAN’s blackmail will be resisted.

Three students of the Nigerian Tulip International Colleges (NTIC), Mamudo, Potiskum Local Government Area of Yobe State, have received cash and laptops for their feat at an international competition.

The students distinguished themselves at the global TeenEagle competition held at the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom.

The gifts were given by a diplomat, lawyer, and philanthropist, Kashim Musa Tumsah.

In addition, cash tokens were presented to the principal, Habibullah Jogi, English teacher Adamu Mukhtar, and Olympiad coach Mohammed Umar, in recognition of their efforts and contributions. The donation was announced on Monday at NTIC, where Tumsah was represented by Kaka Ahmad Abubakar, a retired educationist and former principal at the Government Girls College Yobe.

According to Abubakar, the gesture reflects Tumsah’s longstanding commitment to supporting young people in education, innovation, and global competitiveness.

‘Barrister Tumsah made this donation not only to celebrate the students’ outstanding success on the world stage but also to encourage them and others to aim higher,’ Abubakar said. ‘He believes that with the right encouragement, Nigerian students can stand shoulder to shoulder with their counterparts anywhere in the world.’

The Principal of NTIC Mamudo, Mr. Habibullah Jogi, commended Tumsah for the intervention, describing it as a morale booster for the school community and a reflection of his passion for human capital development.

The beneficiaries of the donation, 17-year-old Nafisa Abdullahi Aminu, 15-year-old Rukayya Muhammad Fema, and Hadiza Kashim Kalli, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the philanthropist.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Nafisa said the recognition had further inspired them to continue working hard in their academic pursuits.

At the competition, Nafisa was named Overall Best in English Language Skills, while Rukayya emerged as Overall Best in Debate. Hadiza was honoured with the Outstanding Talent Award (Gold Medal).

The three students represented NTIC Yobe at the TeenEagle International Competition, an annual event that brings together some of the brightest young minds from across the globe to test their skills in English language, creativity, and problem-solving.

This year’s edition was held from July 27 to August 3 at the University of Surrey, United Kingdom, and featured over 900 students from 46 countries.

Projects like Lyno AI and Remittix are raising millions in their presales, but most of their traction still lives inside dashboards and coin charts. Lyno AI leans on AI-driven arbitrage, while Remittix pushes global payments, yet both remain digital-first with limited ways for everyday users to feel their impact. So here’s the question: when will blockchain step beyond code and actually become something people can experience in real life?

That’s exactly where BlockDAG (BDAG) stands out. With its partnership alongside the BWT Alpine F1® team, every Grand Prix weekend turns into a live demonstration of blockchain through simulators, fan activations, and trackside integrations. It isn’t just theory, it’s tangible for millions of fans. That’s why buyers looking for crypto presales with the biggest reach now see BlockDAG as different from the rest, and often rank it among the top presales to watch.

BlockDAG: From Trackside to Real-World Utility

Most crypto projects promise utility but stop at whitepapers or coin dashboards. BlockDAG is breaking that pattern by putting its technology in front of millions of people at live events. Through its partnership with the BWT Alpine F1® team, fans will experience blockchain not as an abstract idea but as something interactive. Simulators, trackside activations, and digital integrations during race weekends turn BlockDAG into a network that spectators can actually engage with. It’s a blockchain you can experience, making it more relatable than any other crypto presale on the market.

This approach matters because it bridges the gap between speculation and adoption. When fans interact with BlockDAG at a Grand Prix, they’re not just watching, they’re part of the ecosystem. That real-world connection gives BlockDAG an edge, turning it from just another presale into a global showcase for decentralized tech. It’s the kind of visibility other new presales simply can’t replicate.

At the same time, the financial side of BlockDAG is hard to ignore. The presale has raised more than $415 million, attracted 312,000+ holders, and continues to bring in around $1 million daily. Coins are priced at $0.0013, with a target listing price that offers early buyers strong ROI potential.

Add in 20,000 X-Series miners already sold worldwide and over 3 million users mining via the X1 mobile app, and BlockDAG isn’t just building hype, it’s delivering. That’s why it stands out as one of the most lucrative and visible presales in 2025.

Lyno AI: Early-Stage AI Presale With Utility Built In

Lyno AI is positioning itself as one of the most talked-about presales in September 2025. In its Early Bird phase, it sold more than 432,000 coins, raising about $21,600 at a price of $0.050. The next phase is already set at $0.055, showing steady demand. The project uses AI-driven arbitrage across 15+ blockchains to help users capture cross-chain trading opportunities automatically. What makes it stand out is a 30% fee-sharing model for stakers, audited security via Cyberscope, and a clear plan to integrate AI tools directly into user trading.

For buyers looking at crypto presales, Lyno AI ticks the right boxes: clear tokenomics, transparent audits, and a working concept that goes beyond buzzwords. Analysts are calling it one of the top presale cryptos of 2025 because of its mix of AI utility and staking incentives. With a low entry price, real distribution plan, and growing hype, LYNO is being compared to early AI-linked projects that delivered strong returns. It’s still small compared to bigger names, but the growth path is already visible.

Remittix: Payments Utility Driving Presale Growth

Remittix has raised more than $25 million in its presale, with over 668 million RTX coins sold. The project is building a global payments solution, supported by its beta wallet that already works with 40+ cryptocurrencies and 30+ fiat currencies. It has also secured upcoming listings on major exchanges like BitMart and LBank, giving buyers confidence that liquidity will be available at launch. Passing a CertiK audit and being ranked #1 on CertiK’s Skynet further strengthens its credibility in a crowded market.

For traders watching the crypto presale space, Remittix is one of the few that combine fundraising success with a working product. Referral rewards of up to 15% USDT and community incentives keep engagement high, while the wallet rollout shows real-world use beyond speculation. Analysts often group it alongside the top presale cryptos because of its mix of adoption potential, exchange readiness, and compliance with security standards. While still early, its steady growth signals buyer trust in its payment-focused vision.

Key Takeaway

Lyno AI has gained traction by selling over 430,000 coins in its early phase at $0.050, raising more than $21,000 while preparing for its next price increase. Remittix has gone further, crossing $25 million raised with its wallet now supporting 40+ cryptos and 30+ fiat currencies, plus confirmed listings on BitMart and LBank. Both projects are strong players in the new crypto presale market, but their exposure is still limited to digital platforms and buyer communities.

BlockDAG has gone a step further by putting its tech in front of millions at live Formula 1® weekends with the BWT Alpine F1® team. Fans can engage with simulators, trackside activations, and digital tools powered by the network. That’s why many buyers see BlockDAG not only as part of the top presale cryptos but as the new crypto presale delivering utility people can actually experience.