Category: Daily Trust

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has returned to Abuja after his diplomatic mission representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York and some ‘strategic engagements’ in Germany.

On arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe international airport, Abuja the Vice President was received by top government officials and some of his aides.

During the week-long international engagement, the Vice President delivered President Tinubu’s national statement at the United Nations calling for comprehensive UN reforms, championed Africa’s sovereignty over its $700 billion mineral resources, and strengthened strategic partnerships with the United Kingdom, Gates Foundation, and other international stakeholders.

Later, Shettima met with the UN Secretary-General António Guterres and secured his commendation for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent Security Council seat.

In another engagement, he showcased the country’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to global investors.

The Vice President also assured the Nigerian diaspora community of robust engagement in the President Tinubu administration’s policies and programmes before his engagements in Germany.

The President and Chairman of Council of the Chartered Institute of Directors (CiOD) Nigeria, Otunda Adetunji Oyebanji, has called on Nigerians to embrace responsibility, unity, and ethical leadership as the country marks its 65th independence anniversary.

Oyebanji, in his independence message, said the anniversary should not only be about counting years but should serve as a turning point for national renewal.

He urged leaders and citizens alike to ‘choose governance over impunity, accountability over corruption, and unity over division.’

Highlighting Nigeria’s progress over the years, he noted that the country has earned global recognition in arts, sports, technology, and entertainment, with young entrepreneurs and diaspora communities making significant contributions to its development.

The CiOD president commended the current administration for reform initiatives since 2023, including the removal of petroleum subsidies, efforts to unify the foreign exchange market, electricity sector reforms, and other interventions aimed at repositioning the economy.

He, however, warned that despite positive GDP growth, many Nigerians have yet to feel the impact due to inflation, rising living costs, insecurity, and infrastructure gaps.

These challenges, he said, can only be overcome through deliberate action rooted in transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership.

Reaffirming the commitment of the institute to national development, Oyebanji said the CiOD will continue to promote good governance and corporate leadership ideals in both public and private sectors.

‘Our institute remains a partner in the Nigerian project, working alongside government, the private sector, and civil society to build a nation worthy of its potential,’ he stated.

Oyebanji congratulated Nigerians on the independence celebration and urged all citizens to rise to the challenge of positioning the country on a path to greatness.

‘Let us not only celebrate independence; let us live it every day, in our values, in our choices, and in our leadership,’ he said.

Police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are investigating three youths residing in the Gwagwa community of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) over a robbery attack that recently took place in the area.

Many residents, who spoke to our reporter yesterday, lamented how a gang of youths went on a rampage from house to house in the Unguwar Kiriya area of the community, robbing them of their valuables.

The village head of Kiriya, Muhammad Sani, while speaking on the incident said some of the attacked residents were injured by the gang, including one who sustained a gun injury.

Sani explained that the attackers used various tools, including heavy hammers and saws, to destroy the gates and burglary proofs of some residences, robbing the owners of valuables such as cash, phones, and one motorcycle.

‘Fortunately, one of the attackers was identified and assisted in locating about three of his accomplices so far, who were handed over to the police,’ Sani said.

He added that members of the vigilante group were able to trace and locate two suspects initially on the following day, with residents insisting the suspects be handed over to them.

‘So, the police in Gwagwa division were informed about the development, and they used their wisdom to be able to take the suspects to their office,’ Sani concluded.

When contacted, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Gwagwa, CSP Muktar Adamu, confirmed the incident, adding that three suspects were handed over to the FCT Police Command for further investigation.

Each year, the National Basketball Association (NBA) in the United States of America (USA) chooses the most promising future basketball talents for the upcoming season. The key event, known as the draft, signifies the introduction of future top athletes. They join their teams, aiming to win games, and both the teams and the rookies make a lot of money too.

The NBA basketball industry is valued at about $133 billion, and the league has an estimated revenue of over $11 billion annually. In the highly profitable sporting industry, basketball comes next to American football and goes head-to-head with baseball as one of the most lucrative sports in the USA.

In the NBA 2019-2020 draft, an unprecedented number of eight players of Nigerian heritage were selected, the highest number ever from Africa. In the 2023-2024 season, three new players of Nigerian roots were chosen. From 2015 to 2024, a total of 19 players of Nigerian descent were drafted.

A high number of Nigerians play for the top NBA teams currently, and the steady presence of players of Nigerian descent in the NBA is assured for decades, alongside a few other players of African descent.

In the USA, as in many countries around the world, Nigerians also feature in American football, baseball, and soccer, the more recent major sport to gain popularity in the USA. But nowhere has the Nigerian footprint been as compelling as it is in basketball within the NBA.

It was not always this way.

First African in NBA

In October 1980, a skinny, shy and tall Nigerian boy took a flight from Lagos to New York, armed with only a note of introduction for possible admission to college, and to secure a scholarship based on his hopeful basketball skills. In the United States, he could try his luck with four colleges, thanks to an American coach who identified him, made the contacts in the colleges, and facilitated obtaining a visa for the USA in Lagos.

The 17-year-old boy was Hakeem Olajuwon, the first African to be selected in the NBA draft. Standing at six feet eleven inches, he was the trailblazer whose exemplary basketball skills opened the doors for many future African players.

Olajuwon was accepted by the first and only college that he visited, the University of Houston. He studied at the university, played there, and from there was drafted in the first round as first overall pick in the 1983-1984 season by the Houston Rockets, ahead of Michael Jordan, picked also in the first round but as the third overall pick by the Chicago Bulls.

Although Jordan came to have a higher name recognition and superior game than those who were drafted ahead of him, Olajuwon came first in the sport on several fronts during a career of some 18 years. Incidentally, both Jordan and Olajuwon were born in 1963, separated by a few weeks.

Olajuwon led his team, the Houston Rockets, to secure two NBA championships, and he holds records and awards in many aspects of the sport. He also played briefly for the Toronto Raptors.

Sports in the world

Worldwide, many Nigerians have kept emerging at the apex level of global sports, especially overseas. There is absolutely no question regarding the wealth of talent and physical capabilities in sports in Nigeria. Sorely lacking are the mentorship, training facilities, and exposure to first-class guidance and development.

Basketball, despite its early start in Nigeria, remains hardly visible as a sport or business. Yet, its potential is huge.

It is noteworthy that some past and current NBA stars of Nigerian descent have coaching clinics, academies, foundations and other services that encourage and develop interests and gifted players in basketball in Nigeria.

The list comprises Olajuwon, Precious Achiuwa of the Miami Heat (formerly of New York Knicks), Giannis Antetokunmpoh of the Milwaukee Bucks, Zeke Nnaji of the Denver Nuggets, Obinna Ekezie, formerly of the Washington Wizards, and Chiney Ogwumike, who has played for both the Los Angeles Sparks and the Connecticut Sun – in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). Masai Ujiri’s Giants of Africa scouts for talents, and promotes the sport in many African countries.

The future of basketball in Nigeria

The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and the NBA established the Basketball Africa League (BAL) that organizes competitions and develops capabilities for male and female players. The Basketball Without Borders outreach is one of the means that they deploy to achieve the objectives. Many African countries have national basketball leagues and take part in BAL, founded in 2019.

Under the auspices of FIBA, the overarching governing body for international competitions, the Nigerian women’s national basketball team has performed brilliantly and won several championships, confirming the key role of women athletes in the sport.

There is room for much more to be done by Nigeria’s federal and state governments, and local authorities in amassing the untapped resources in basketball. The private sector has an important role to play, both from a purely investment point of view and as a contribution to the community.

Now and in the future, there should be greater attention paid to developing local talents, and bringing more women into the sport. For example, building on demonstrated and latent interest, the private and public sectors should cultivate and partner with the athletes in the diaspora to encourage and establish leagues in cities and states.

A massive industry awaits in basketball and sports in general, given the size, market and resources of Nigeria’s immense population of approximately 240 million people.

Over 1000 youths drawn from Ughelli North, Ughelli South, and Udu (U3) Federal Constituency on Wednesday passed a vote of confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and Hon. Rev. Francis Waive, citing their ‘exemplary performance’ in office and endorsing them for reelection in 2027.

The resolution was taken during a youth summit held at T’Nero’s Place (Sakpra Hall), DSC Township, Udu Local Government Area, where over 1,000 young people gathered for empowerment and political engagement.

Key political figures from the Delta APC attended the event, including Hon. (Rev.) Francis Waive, Olorogun John Oguma, Olorogun Eddy Ono-Sorhue, Chief Henry Afure Sakpra, and Barr. Valentine Onojeghuo and others.

Speaking at the event while presenting the report of his stewardship, Hon. Waive thanked the youth for their support over the years and pledged continued empowerment programs, noting that provisions for youth initiatives were already captured in the 2025 budget.

‘We have future leaders among us, those who will one day become Governors and Senators,’ Waive said. ‘Our youth empowerment initiative is included in the 2025 budget, and those present today will be among the first beneficiaries.’

He lauded Governor Oborevwori’s role in sustaining the Federal Medical Centre, Udu, and expressed confidence in his re-election bid for 2027. He also reaffirmed support for President Tinubu, citing the progress of work on the Benin-Effurun road expressway.

‘I salute my Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, for his total support. He is a humble leader, and we will continue to support him. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also deserves our backing and continued support to enable him to deliver on his promises,’ Waive said.

The lawmaker further urged unity within the Delta APC, dismissing perceived rifts between old and new members, while also seeking youth backing for his reelection bid.

‘My signature of excellence is visible throughout my federal constituency,’ he declared.

In an interview with the newsmen, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Delta State, Olorogun John Oguma, praised the performance of President Bola Tinubu, Governor Oborevwori, and Hon.Waive, urging patience with the governor, whom he said would deliver on all promises.

According to him; ‘President Tinubu, Governor Oborevwori and Waive’s reelection will be easier in 2027 because of their excellent performance.

‘I can boldly tell you that there is no vacancy in Aso Rock and Delta Government House, and with the youths solidly behind Hon. Waive, one can’t stop them.

Earlier in his welcome address, Chief Ejiro Hope, National Youth Leader of U3 Federal Constituency Youth, described the occasion as ‘Youth O’clock.’ He stressed that the program was not a political rally but an empowerment platform:

‘This is a youth summit and not a political gathering. It is an opportunity to hear from our member, Hon. Francis Waive, to interact with him one-on-one. Numerous employment opportunities have been created for our youth, and we urge continued peace across Delta State.’

Chief Hope also presented Waive with an award for ‘Most Friendly House of Representative Member,’ recognising his legislative contributions and support for grassroots projects.

Other leaders at the summit echoed their support, Evang. Eddy Ono-Sorhue praised Waive’s ‘hard work and commitment,’ while Chief Henry Afure Sakpra described him as a ‘square peg in a square hole,’ urging youths to register to vote.

The summit ended with a resounding call for unity, empowerment, and active participation of U3 youth in shaping the future of their constituency and Delta State at large.

At least four people have been killed and nine others abducted following renewed bandit attacks on communities in Magama Local Government Area of Niger State, including Ibeto town.

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity for safety reasons, told our correspondent that four residents were killed, eleven sustained injuries, while nine others were kidnapped during the latest raid.

Among those abducted is Barrister Isyaku Muhammad Danjuma, who was reportedly kidnapped just hours after posting on Facebook to alert residents about the movement of bandits from Uccu towards Ibeto with a large herd of stolen cattle.

Sources believe his abduction may have been facilitated by informants who revealed his location to the attackers.

Residents said the heavily armed bandits, who spent the night in Ibeto, went from house to house, shooting sporadically and abducting people.

Many farmers have since fled their homes as the assaults spread across other communities in Magama LGA.

The assailants also rustled dozens of cattle belonging to locals between Tuesday evening and Wednesday afternoon. In a video shared with our correspondent, the bandits were seen herding a large number of cattle out of Ibeto town.

Efforts to reach the Niger State Police Command spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, were unsuccessful as he neither took calls nor responded to messages sent to his phone.

The FCT Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has commiserated with the management of Arise TV and the family of the late anchor/presenter, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, who died during a robbery attack at her Katampe residence in Abuja.

Secretary of the FCT NUJ, Comrade Jide Oyekunle, called for a thorough forensic investigation into the circumstances that led to the journalist’s demise.

He said the FCT Council of the NUJ is deeply saddened by the tragic and untimely death of the Arise Television news anchor, who passed away on Monday, September 29, 2025, as a result of a violent armed robbery attack at her residence.

He described Maduagwu’s passing as a devastating loss not only to her immediate family and Arise News but to the entire Nigerian media industry.

‘Somtochukwu was a brilliant, passionate, and dedicated broadcaster whose professionalism and poise endeared her to colleagues and viewers alike. She represented the best of a new generation of Nigerian journalists-bold, ethical, and committed to the truth,’ he said.

According to him, the sudden death of the late journalist is a painful reminder of the increasing security challenges in the country and the urgent need for accountability.

China has congratulated the Nigerian government and Nigerians on the 65th anniversary of independence.

The Chinese Ambassador in Nigeria, Yu Dunhaa, in a message on his official X account (formerly Twitter), said, ‘I extend our warmest congratulations to the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the occasion of its 65th Independence Anniversary.

‘This day carries a unique significance, as China and Nigeria share October 1st as our respective National Day and Independence Day – a special bond that connects our two nations’.

He added that over the past 65 years, Nigeria has demonstrated remarkable resilience and vitality, achieving significant progress in national development, emphasising that as comprehensive strategic partners, China and Nigeria have fostered extensive cooperation across all sectors, delivering tangible benefits to the people of both countries.

Yu said, ‘As we celebrate this shared milestone, China remains firmly committed to deepening our partnership.

‘We look forward to strengthening our joint efforts in promoting peace, development, and shared prosperity, and contributing to a China-Nigeria community with a shared future.’

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has expressed dismay over the inhuman treatment of Nigerian girls in India, calling for an immediate probe into the situation by authorities.

A statement by the spokesman of the organisation, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, on Tuesday, said NiDCOM ‘received with deep distress and utter dismay reports alleging the rape, assault, and forced administration of unknown substances on Nigerian girls held in deportation camps in New Delhi, India.’

According to disturbing accounts and videos shared by some of the victims, these young women are subjected to inhumane treatment and grave violations of their dignity and fundamental human rights.

The alleged acts of sexual violence, physical abuse, and intimidation are both heartbreaking and unacceptable.

Balogun said Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, strongly condemned these reported abuses in the strongest possible terms, insisting that ‘Nigerian citizens, wherever they are in the world, must not be treated as less than human, nor should their vulnerability be exploited under the guise of immigration procedures.’

‘We are further alarmed by claims that corrupt practices involving middlemen and certain groups are worsening the plight of our citizens through exploitation and extortion. If verified, such actions not only endanger lives but also undermine justice and due process.’

While reassuring the victims and their families that these disturbing reports will not be ignored, NiDCOM said it was already engaging with the Nigerian High Commission in India, relevant Indian authorities, and international human rights organisations to ascertain the veracity of these claims and ensure that immediate and urgent steps are taken to protect the victims, provide them with medical and psychological support, and bring perpetrators to justice.

‘We call on the Government of India to urgently investigate these allegations, close down any channels of exploitation, and ensure the safety and dignity of Nigerians within its borders,’ the statement said.

With the Monday announcement by the federal government that it had cancelled the parade earlier scheduled as part of activities to celebrate the country’s 65th independence anniversary, it became glaring that this year’s Independence Day celebration was going to be different.

Since 1960 when the first ceremony held at the Race Course now Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos, the military parade has become a significant aspect of the Independence Day celebration with heads of government at the various tiers of government taking the salute as the armed forces, para military outfits, school children march past.

The parade, where all the components of the armed forces, para military outfits, voluntary organisations, school children and others march past affords the president the opportunity to salute the citizens and forms the high point of activities marking the day.

Yesterday, however, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was not at the nation’s capital Abuja, to engage in the usual activities marking the day, but was in Lagos, his home state where he commissioned the renovated National Arts Theatre, Iganmu, which has now been renamed the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts.

The celebration was low key in Abuja and was driven mainly by private concerns as most people focussed on what the president would be doing in Lagos.

Before the seat of government was moved to Abuja, all the celebrations except in the few instances it wasn’t held, were all done in Lagos, but since 1993, the venue followed the president to Abuja.

This would mark the first time a head of government would stay outside the nation’s capital on a day the nation is supposed to be celebrating independence.

Professor of Political Science, Steve Odion, in a chat with Daily Trust said marking the day is significant since Africa was colonised by the Europeans.

He said, ‘Given that many countries in Africa went through liberation struggle, there’s a basis to celebrate political freedom from the erstwhile colonial masters.’

An analyst who prefers not to be named said celebrating the day is important because it forges a sense of unity among the populace.

‘People look forward to seeing the president address them, take the salute and physically acknowledge the populace,’ he stated.

Between 1960 and 1966, October 1 became a very significant day as it serves to mark two epochs at the same time. It was celebrated as the day Nigeria attained independence from colonial rule and a day to mark the anniversary of the central government. It was also the only politically inspired public holiday making many to look forward to it.

It was highly regarded as a day that brings all parts of the country, irrespective of cultures or beliefs to stand together in unison.

Olusegun Obasanjo, who became head of state in 1976, added to the significance of the day when he chose October 1, 1979 as the day to hand over to a civilian administration. That action reinstated the day’s relevance as both a day to mark independence and the anniversary of the administration at the national and state levels giving the 19 state governors more reason to celebrate the day.

After the Nigerian civil war, the federal military government continued to celebrate October 1 as a national holiday to mark independence only as the day did not coincide with when the Yakubu Gowon regime or the subsequent regimes of Murtala Muhammad and Obasanjo that succeeded it came to power.

The civilian administration of president Shehu Shagari continued to celebrate the day as both Independence Day and the anniversary of the inauguration of his administration. The tradition continued through the various military regimes.

Then head of state, General Sani Abacha, added to the relevance of the day when he announced the creation of the six new states of Bayelsa, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Gombe, Nasarawa, and Zamfara on October 1, 1996, a pronouncement that brought the number of states in Nigeria to the current number of 36. The six states have since then been celebrating the day as the anniversary of their creation.

Years without celebration

Though October 1 became a significant date in the nation’s history, there are instances when it could not be celebrated.

There was no Independence Day celebration in the official sense during the years the Nigerian civil war lasted, hence the 1st of October that fell in the years 1966; 1967; 1968 and 1969 were not celebrated as the country was at war over the secessionist bid by a section of the country to form Biafra.

In 1992, then military president, Ibrahim Babangida cancelled the October 1 celebration in honour of the victims of the Nigerian Air Force Lock heed C-130 Hercules plane which crashed in Ejigbo, Lagos in which 159 persons mainly military officers lost their lives.

In 2010, the celebration was nearly marred due to an explosion from two cars parked near the venue that took the lives of a dozen and injured many around the Eagle Square.

Due to that scare, there was no celebration in the following years, but in 2014 the red carpet rolled again.

Due to the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, the day was marked low key in subsequent years in the Villa by then president, Muhammadu Buhari.

Changes that reduced the significance

When Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar as head of state chose a different day to hand over power to a civilian administration, he inadvertently introduced another politically inspired public holiday

By handing over on May 29, the nation added another public politically influenced public holiday to its calendar.

With the pressure to accord June 12, 1993, the day presidential elections held but was annulled by a military government, a place in the national history, the Muhammadu Buhari administration succumbed and declared the day as Democracy Day, hence giving the nation three politically induced public holidays with May 29 standing as inauguration anniversary, June 12 as Democracy Day and October 1 as Independence Day,

Leaders privileged to celebrate

Of the 14 persons that ruled in Nigeria since 1960, only General Johnson Aguiyi Ironsi did not have the privilege of celebrating Independence Day as head of state as his regime which came to power in January 1966 was overthrown by July of the same year, three clear months before October.

The three other heads of government whose reign lasted less then a year, Murtala, Ernest Shonekan and Abdulsalami were lucky to have their tenure spread over the date, hence were able to celebrate it.

Obasanjo was privileged to take the independence salute a record 11 times, three times as Nigeria’s head of state and eight times as president.