Category: Nigerian Tribune

Akwa Ibom Governor, Umo Eno, has revealed that he once made at least N10 million monthly from his akara and bread business before venturing into politics.

Eno made the disclosure during the state’s monthly covenant prayer service on Tuesday, a video of which began trending on Wednesday.

The governor said he started the business by selling akara and bread, which he packaged as ‘Akara Burger’, before expanding into a coffee shop.

‘We still have that shop there. I started selling Akara and bread. Back then, I was doing Akara Burger. We open the bread and put it inside for you. People going to Exxon Mobil will buy it in the morning and take coffee.

‘We started coffee shop and then they will take it. Every month, that Akara business used to give me nothing less than ?10 million in a month.’

Eno said workers heading to ExxonMobil in the mornings were among the regular customers who patronised the business.

He said the experience taught him valuable lessons about entrepreneurship and the importance of building successful businesses from small beginnings.

The governor’s comment comes months after the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, sparked reactions when she encouraged Nigerians to explore small businesses such as akara and kuli-kuli as part of efforts to improve their livelihoods.

Speaking after a Renewed Hope Initiative meeting with wives of state governors in Abuja in June, the First Lady said such businesses could be started with relatively little capital.

‘We’re trying to give hope, and to start Akara business doesn’t take a lot of money. To start roasting corn, or somebody even said kuli kuli doesn’t take much. We didn’t give them a loan; we gave it to them as a grant.’

Her comments attracted criticism on social media, with some Nigerians accusing her of being out of touch with the economic realities facing citizens.

She later defended the initiative, saying the empowerment programme was not limited to akara sellers but also covered tomato sellers, roasted plantain sellers, pepper and vegetable traders.

The First Lady also announced a N100 million intervention for 2,000 petty traders in Jigawa State, with each beneficiary receiving N50,000 to recapitalise their businesses.

President Bola Tinubu subsequently joined the conversation by jokingly referring to his wife as ‘Iya Alakara’ during a Presidential Press Corps Dinner.

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a bioengineered chewing gum that could offer a surprisingly simple way to target microbes associated with head and neck cancers.

Tests using the specially engineered gum on oral samples from patients found that it reduced HPV levels by up to 93% and nearly eliminated two bacteria linked to head and neck cancer in laboratory tests.

The treatment delivers targeted biological agents directly in the mouth, potentially tackling cancer-associated viruses and bacteria without destroying the microbial communities that help keep the mouth healthy.

Maintaining beneficial bacteria in the mouth is increasingly recognised as important to both oral and overall health. Some cancer treatments can disrupt this microbial balance.

The research, led by Henry Daniell of the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Dental Medicine, was published in Scientific Reports. The researchers said the findings could eventually support the development of a more accessible treatment that works alongside existing cancer therapies.

However, the experiments were conducted using oral samples from patients rather than testing whether the gum can prevent or treat cancer in people. Clinical trials will be needed to establish its safety and effectiveness.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is a common cancer affecting tissues in the mouth and throat. The disease can be aggressive, particularly when diagnosed at a later stage, and treatment remains challenging for many patients.

The new research builds on earlier work involving chewing gum made from lablab beans, sometimes referred to as bean gum. The gum contains FRIL, a naturally occurring antiviral protein.

Researchers tested the gum against three microbes associated with head and neck cancer: HPV, the virus responsible for many oropharyngeal cancers, and the bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) and Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum).

HPV levels fell by 93% in saliva samples and by 80% in oral-rinse samples after exposure to the gum extract.

The researchers then modified the gum by adding protegrin, an antimicrobial peptide capable of killing harmful bacteria. A single dose reduced levels of P. gingivalis and F. nucleatum to almost undetectable levels in the tests.

Daniell said the increase in HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers, together with the association between P. gingivalis and F. nucleatum infections and poorer outcomes in some oral cancer patients, highlights the need for new approaches.

According to the researchers, the technology could eventually serve as an additional treatment alongside existing cancer therapies or as a preventive approach aimed at reducing infection or transmission among people at risk.

Its delivery method could also make the treatment relatively simple and accessible if it eventually proves safe and effective in clinical trials.

The Osun State Election Violence Victims Relief Committee has begun the verification of more than 300 claims filed by residents who alleged that they suffered various forms of loss during violence associated with the August 15 governorship election.

The exercise, which commenced on Thursday at the State House of Assembly, is aimed at identifying genuine victims eligible to benefit from the N500 million relief fund established by the state government.

The 10-member committee, chaired by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Adewale Egbedun, was constituted by Governor Ademola Adeleke following his victory in the election to examine claims arising from election-related violence and supervise the disbursement of relief to qualified victims.

At the verification session, claimants were invited to present their accounts before the committee, alongside documents and other evidence capable of establishing the circumstances and extent of their alleged losses.

Egbedun said the committee would ensure that the exercise was conducted with fairness and transparency, stressing that the government’s intervention must ultimately reach people who genuinely suffered as a result of the violence.

He urged applicants to provide truthful information and relevant supporting documents, assuring them that each claim would be considered on its merits.

‘On behalf of the committee, I assure all genuine victims that their cases will receive the attention they deserve.

‘We will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the relief process is credible, just and meaningful,’ he said.

One of the cases presented before the committee was that of Ajayi Tolulope, whose husband, Ajayi Rogba, was allegedly killed in Esa-Oke, Obokun Local Government Area, ahead of the election.

In an emotional testimony, Tolulope alleged that her husband was attacked by armed men who arrived in a Sienna vehicle.

‘We saw a Sienna with two occupants, each holding two guns. They fired four shots,’ she told the committee.

She said her husband was wearing an Accord Party cap when he was killed, adding that his death had created serious hardship for the family.

According to her, Rogba, a practising herbalist, was survived by his parents, while five children were being catered for by the family, including two of her children, one child of his second wife and two of his younger siblings.

Tolulope further alleged that her husband had been repeatedly trailed after he declined an invitation to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The committee is expected to continue its verification and cross-examination of claimants before determining those whose applications meet the criteria for payment from the N500 million relief fund.

Two young women from the same household have died after a residential building collapsed in the Goron Dutse community of Kano at about 2:00 am.

The incident occurred behind the WRECA area of Goron Dutse, throwing residents and members of the victims’ family into grief.

One of the victims was reportedly a 20-year-old woman who was said to be preparing for her forthcoming wedding, according to residents.

Eyewitnesses said the sudden collapse woke residents from sleep, prompting neighbours to rush to the scene and attempt to rescue those trapped beneath the rubble.

The residents reportedly used their bare hands and simple tools to remove the debris in a frantic effort to save the victims.

However, the rescue operation ended in tragedy when the two women were eventually recovered dead.

Neighbours described one of the victims as gentle and cheerful, saying she had been looking forward to her wedding.

‘We did everything we could to rescue them, but it was too late. The entire neighbourhood is in shock,’ a resident who participated in the rescue operation told our correspondent.

By Thursday morning, mourners had gathered at the victims’ family home, where grief, tears and prayers replaced preparations for what was expected to be a period of celebration.

The cause of the building collapse was not immediately known at the time of filing this report.

There was also no official statement from the Kano State Fire Service, the police, or any other relevant authority on the incident or the circumstances surrounding the collapse.

Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) has declared that it will place every naira spent on government procurement under tighter digital scrutiny, with its electronic government procurement (e-GP) system set to automate key processes, reduce manual intervention, and enable real-time monitoring of public expenditure.

Director-General of the BPP, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, stated this on Thursday in Abuja at the Procurement Reforms Conference 2026, jointly organised by the Bloggers and Vloggers, Content Creators Association of Nigeria (BAVCCA) and the public procurement agency.

Representing BPP Director, Civil Infrastructure, Engineer Nasiru Bello Adedokun, described the initiative as ‘one of the most ambitious procurement modernisation programmes in Nigeria’s history’, aimed at making public procurement more transparent, efficient and responsive to national development needs.

‘The future of procurement is digital,’ he said, explaining that the e-GP system would ‘strengthen audit trails, improve transparency, facilitate real-time monitoring and generate reliable procurement data for evidence-based decision-making.’

‘This is not simply digitalisation; it is a transformation,’ he added.

The BPP boss said the reform would also be supported by the National Online Compliance and Oversight Platform (NOKOPO), designed to strengthen compliance tracking and ensure that procurement rules are implemented rather than merely documented.

‘The objective is straightforward: to ensure that government rules are not merely written but implemented; to move from compliance on paper to compliance in practice; and to ensure that public resources consistently deliver measurable value to citizens,’ Adedokun said.

He said the Bureau was also using its Nigerian First Policy to make public procurement a driver of local production, job creation and industrial growth, while expanding affirmative procurement initiatives for MSMEs, women-owned businesses, youth-led enterprises and other underrepresented groups.

‘Government spending must not merely purchase products and services. It must create opportunities. It must strengthen indigenous industries. It must retain value within our economy,’ he said.

Adedokun urged bloggers, vloggers and other content creators to use their platforms to deepen public understanding and scrutiny of government procurement.

‘You are no longer mere observers; you are drivers of public discourse. You are amplifiers of information. You are partners in accountability,’ he said.

He urged the media community to help Nigerians understand ‘not only what government spends, but why it spends, how it spends and what value those expenditures generate.’

Backing the reforms, BAVCCA President, Ikechukwu Chukwunyere, said stronger citizen monitoring and responsible digital-media engagement could help ensure that procurement reforms translate into greater public confidence.

Chukwunyere said content creators had a responsibility to provide accurate and balanced information while helping citizens understand how public resources were being deployed.

‘As bloggers, vloggers and content creators, we recognise the enormous influence of digital media in shaping public understanding,’ he said.

‘Our responsibility is not simply to publish information, but to ensure that information is accurate, balanced and responsibly presented.’

He called for stronger collaboration among the BPP, media, civil society organisations and digital content creators to promote procurement education, public awareness and responsible monitoring.

While commending Adedokun for what he described as ‘remarkable achievements’ within a short period, Chukwunyere identified capacity gaps, resistance to change, bid manipulation, data challenges and weak enforcement as issues that must be addressed for the reforms to deliver sustainable results.

‘Our objective should therefore be simple: to move from reform to implementation, from implementation to measurable results, and from results to public confidence,’ he said.

He added that public procurement should be viewed beyond contracts and procedures because the management of public resources directly affects infrastructure, healthcare, education, security and other areas of national development.

African Democratic Congress (ADC) has said the exit of global ride-hailing company Uber from Nigeria, alongside the shutdown or scaling down of operations by several major companies, reflects growing concerns over the country’s business operating environment.

The party, in a statement issued on Thursday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said the development exposed a gap between government claims of economic progress and the realities confronting businesses and citizens.

The ADC noted that while the Federal Government had celebrated a marginal 0.2 percentage-point improvement in Gross Domestic Product, GDP, many businesses continued to face mounting operational challenges, while households struggled with rising living costs.

‘Certainly, a 0.2% growth does not reflect the economic pressure that Nigerians are experiencing,’ the party said, adding that poverty remained a major concern, with an estimated 140 million Nigerians affected.

The opposition party challenged the government to explain how the reported GDP growth had translated into tangible improvements in the lives of Nigerians, including workers, businesses grappling with high energy costs and families facing rising household expenses.

‘When the President and his party say things are getting better, we expect them to tell us what has improved in the lives of Nigerians. They should tell us how much food their GDP growth has put on the tables. They should tell us which bill it has paid,’ the party stated.

The ADC said Uber’s exit from Nigeria after 12 years was an indication of the difficulties confronting businesses in the country, particularly rising energy and transportation costs following the removal of fuel subsidy and the devaluation of the naira.

‘This is precisely why the ADC Presidential Candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has proposed the restoration of a targeted fuel subsidy to bring down the cost of fuel, transportation and production,’ the party said.

It also cited a report by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria which, according to the party, indicated that 767 manufacturing companies had shut down or ceased operations, while hundreds more had become distressed since May 2024.

The party also listed Microsoft, Jumia Food, Bolt Food, Pick n Pay, Shoprite, GlaxoSmithKline, Sanofi-Aventis, Bayer AG, Procter and Gamble, Unilever and PZ Cussons among companies it said had either shut down or scaled back operations in Nigeria.

‘Therefore, when the President announces that Nigeria has turned the corner, we ask which indicators support that position. If there is confidence in the economy, why are businesses closing shop and moving elsewhere?’ the ADC asked.

The party cited GlaxoSmithKline as an example, saying the pharmaceutical company shut down its manufacturing operations in Nigeria after 50 years.

According to the ADC, every major business exit or downsizing has implications for employment, household income and economic activity.

‘When the APC and its government celebrate even the most negligible shift in GDP numbers as evidence that things are getting better, it contrasts with the reality that many Nigerians are experiencing increased cost of living.

‘Those who had jobs yesterday are not sure how long it will take before their employers close shop, and those earning salaries are struggling even to transport themselves to work,’ the statement added.

The ADC reiterated that its presidential candidate’s proposal to subsidise fuel production costs would help reduce the cost of living, improve business profitability and create jobs across sectors.

In a move to further protect consumers, strengthen legitimate trade, and bolster Nigeria’s economy, Unilever Nigeria Plc has formed a strategic partnership with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The partnership establishes a structured framework for collaboration aimed at combating counterfeit and illicit trade, enhancing supply chain visibility, and ensuring that only authentic, verified products are available to consumers throughout Nigeria. Counterfeit products pose serious risks to public health, undermine consumer confidence, distort competition, and diminish government revenue. Every Nigerian consumer deserves assurance that the products they purchase are safe, genuine, and of the expected quality.

This issue is particularly pressing in the beauty and personal care sectors, where counterfeit products can expose consumers to harmful ingredients and erode trust in legitimate brands committed to operating responsibly in Nigeria.

Beyond the scale of the problem, the long-term trust in brands, products, and the overall market system is at stake. Thus, addressing counterfeiting is essential not only for consumer protection but also for maintaining confidence in legitimate trade and investments.

Through this partnership, Unilever Nigeria and the Nigeria Customs Service will collaborate on sharing intelligence, capacity building, product authentication, inspections, and other initiatives designed to enhance enforcement and protect legitimate businesses.

At the signing ceremony, Tobi Adeniyi, Managing Director of Unilever Nigeria Plc, described the partnership as a crucial milestone in the fight against counterfeiting.

‘Counterfeiting poses a significant threat to public health, businesses, and the broader economy. It undermines consumer trust and creates an uneven playing field for legitimate businesses,’ he said.

‘This partnership reflects our commitment to protecting consumers and preserving market integrity.

‘By combining our expertise in product authentication with the enforcement capabilities of the Nigeria Customs Service, we are taking decisive steps to curb counterfeits and ensure consumers have access to genuine, safe, and high-quality products.’

Adeniyi emphasized that this collaboration highlights the importance of public-private partnerships in tackling complex challenges that affect both businesses and society.

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, stated, ‘We are committed to implementing this agreement transparently and professionally, in line with our mandate.

The fight against counterfeiting and other forms of illicit trade cannot be won by one organisation acting alone.

‘Partnerships like this are crucial, as they combine the strengths of both the public and private sectors in pursuit of a common goal.

‘Beyond protecting businesses, this is about safeguarding Nigerian consumers and enhancing their confidence in the products they purchase daily. ‘We are pleased to partner with Unilever Nigeria and look forward to translating this commitment into tangible results that strengthen legitimate trade, support economic growth, and uphold market integrity.’

This Memorandum of Understanding represents a significant advancement in the fight against counterfeiting and illicit trade in Nigeria. By uniting industry expertise and regulatory enforcement, Unilever Nigeria and the Nigeria Customs Service are establishing a framework for deeper collaboration, stronger intelligence sharing, sustained capacity building, and more effective protection of intellectual property rights.

The true success of this partnership will be reflected in consistent execution and measurable results across ports, border corridors, and supply chains. Ultimately, this collaboration aims to protect consumers, promote fair competition, and create the conditions necessary for legitimate trade and economic growth to thrive.

Amid the furore over allegations by the Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Ireti Kingibe, that the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, has been obtaining loans without the approval of the National Assembly, the Senate has challenged her to provide evidence to support her claims.

The Red Chamber said no such unapproved facility existed to its knowledge, accusing Kingibe of attempting to heat up the polity with unsubstantiated allegations.

‘No such thing ever happened. It doesn’t exist,’ the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, stated on Thursday while responding to inquiries by the Nigerian Tribune.

Kingibe, while granting a television interview earlier in the week, had alleged that Wike had sourced loans since assuming office in 2023, specifically mentioning 2023 and 2026.

However, she said the minister did not seek the approval of the National Assembly before obtaining and utilising the facilities he reportedly sourced from creditors.

Kingibe did not provide details of the loans but insisted that Wike had sourced them.

‘I am definitely saying Wike has been taking loans without the approval of the National Assembly.

‘I’m sorry to say, with all due respect to the Senate, of which I’m a member, we’re supposed to oversee him.

‘We’re supposed to approve, and I have brought to the attention of the leadership of the Senate that the FCT is borrowing money,’ the senator alleged.

However, Adaramodu expressed surprise at how the FCT, which had not submitted any proposals to the Senate on budget shortfalls, could be accused of taking illegal loans.

‘What is the nature of the loans? Are they local loans or international loans?’ he asked.

The Senate spokesman further stated that the legislature had been performing its constitutional duties of overseeing other arms of government without compromising its position.

‘The National Assembly has been forthcoming in her oversight functions over the other arms of government, as statutorily provided by the Constitution,’ he added.

He noted that where a lawmaker had any information exclusive to them, the normal parliamentary channel was to raise it through a motion on the floor to bring it to the attention of colleagues for proper treatment, ‘which in this case, the senator hasn’t done so to our knowledge.’

Adaramodu went on: ‘If any legislator has any issue with the functions of any organ or department of government, such must be raised through the relevant committee or on the floor of either of the chambers.

‘The National Assembly is not a secretariat of any political party. We owe our legitimacy to the Nigerian people; hence, our oversight assignments are for the welfare of the public, including the Federal Capital Territory, which we exclusively legislate for.’

Boeing and the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA) will resume contract negotiations on September 8, following the union’s rejection of the company’s proposed four-year agreement.

The development was announced by SPEEA on Monday, after representatives of both sides met. The union represents engineers and technical workers at Boeing in Washington and other states.

SPEEA members rejected Boeing’s contract proposal on August 21, with engineers voting 64 percent against the tentative agreement and technical workers voting about 72 percent against it. The union’s roughly 17,000 members also voted to authorise a strike if an agreement is not reached before the current contract expires on October 6.

An internal survey of nearly 13,000 SPEEA members identified higher guaranteed general wage increases as their top priority for the next offer. Other priorities included improved performance-based raises and better annual cost-of-living adjustments.

The renewed negotiations come amid growing concern over a potential work stoppage that could affect Boeing’s engineering and certification programmes. SPEEA members are involved in work supporting the certification of the delayed 737 MAX 10 and 777-9 aircraft. A strike could therefore put further pressure on Boeing’s already stretched production and certification timelines.

Boeing has also begun contingency planning, including posting contractor positions for engineering and technical roles, although the company has said its objective remains reaching an agreement with SPEEA before the current contract expires.

A Boeing spokesperson said the company was looking forward to considering SPEEA’s feedback and reaching a resolution that would work for its employees while keeping the company and workforce competitive.

The September 8 meeting will therefore be closely watched as both sides seek to bridge differences over pay and other contractual issues and avert another major labour disruption at the aircraft manufacturer.

Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has described Vice President Kashim Shettima as a loyal, dependable and reliable partner to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose experience and commitment have continued to strengthen the Renewed Hope Administration.

Governor Otu, in a goodwill message conveyed by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Dr. Emmanuel Ironbar, congratulated the Vice President on his 60th birthday, commending his courage, competence and dedication to public service.

The Governor said the strong working relationship between President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima has remained critical to the administration’s efforts to tackle the country’s challenges, drive economic growth and improve the welfare of Nigerians.

He noted that Shettima’s experience as a former Governor and Senator, coupled with his understanding of governance and national affairs, has positioned him as a valuable asset to the President and the country.

Governor Otu also acknowledged the support and goodwill of President Tinubu and his Vice President towards Cross River State, particularly their responsiveness to the state’s development aspirations and willingness to engage constructively on issues affecting its people.

He said the positive relationship between Cross River and the Presidency has continued to create opportunities for greater collaboration, adding that the state remains committed to the Renewed Hope vision of President Tinubu.

‘On behalf of the government and people of Cross River State, I warmly congratulate Your Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, on your 60th birthday.

‘Your years in public service have demonstrated loyalty, courage, competence and an enduring commitment to Nigeria. As Vice President, you have remained a dependable partner to our Leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and a strong contributor to the success of the Renewed Hope Administration.

‘Cross River State appreciates your support, encouragement and goodwill. Your readiness to listen to our aspirations and engage with our development priorities is deeply valued.

‘As you mark this important milestone, I pray that Almighty Allah will grant you continued good health, wisdom and strength, and bless you with many more years of impactful service to our nation.

‘May you continue to contribute to the peace, unity, prosperity and development of Nigeria.’

Governor Otu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deepening its partnership with the Tinubu-Shettima administration and supporting initiatives that advance the development of Cross River State and Nigeria.

He wished the Vice President many more years of good health, wisdom and distinguished service to the nation.