Category: Nigerian Tribune

PRESIDENT and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), Aliko Dangote, has commended the Federal Government for implementing bold and transformative economic reforms that are repositioning Nigeria for sustainable growth, strengthening investor confidence, and accelerating the country’s economic recovery.

Dangote said the ongoing fiscal, monetary, and regulatory reforms have contributed significantly to improving macroeconomic stability, enhancing productivity across key sectors, increasing Nigeria’s attractiveness as an investment destination, and fostering a more resilient business environment.

He noted that the positive outcomes emerging from the reform agenda underscore the importance of consistent, market-driven policies in advancing national development and economic prosperity.

‘The economic reforms being implemented by the Federal Government are beginning to yield tangible results. We are witnessing improved economic activity, stronger investor confidence, increased industrial productivity, and a more resilient business environment.

These measures are laying a solid foundation for sustainable economic growth and long-term prosperity for Nigeria,’ Dangote stated.

He explained that the reforms have created a more enabling operating environment for businesses, particularly large-scale manufacturing and industrial enterprises that are critical to economic diversification, job creation, foreign exchange generation, and national competitiveness.

He added that government initiatives aimed at improving efficiency, promoting investment, enhancing transparency, and supporting domestic production are providing a solid framework for industrial expansion.

‘We commend the Federal Government for its courage and determination in implementing reforms that are essential for economic transformation. While every reform process comes with initial challenges, the benefits are increasingly evident in stronger economic indicators, improved business confidence, and renewed investor interest in Nigeria,’ he said.

Dangote further observed that the government’s favourable policy environment has supported the continued growth and efficient operation of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals complex, Africa’s largest integrated refining and petrochemical facility.

He noted that policy measures designed to strengthen local refining capacity, reduce import dependence, improve energy security, and encourage value addition have contributed meaningfully to the refinery’s success and Nigeria’s broader economic development objectives.

‘The progress being recorded at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals complex is closely linked to a policy environment that encourages investment, supports domestic industrialisation, and promotes self-sufficiency. These reforms are helping Nigerian businesses to plan with greater certainty, invest with confidence, and compete effectively on the global stage,’ he added.

He stated that the refinery’s increasing production capacity and expanding export footprint are contributing significantly to Nigeria’s economic resurgence by generating foreign exchange earnings, creating employment opportunities, strengthening local supply chains, and positioning the country as a leading energy and manufacturing hub.

Reaffirming the Group’s commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s economic agenda, Dangote said Dangote Industries Limited would continue to invest in strategic sectors, drive innovation, promote industrial development, and create sustainable employment opportunities.

‘Our vision has always been to support Nigeria’s economic development through transformative investments. Today, we are witnessing how the combination of private-sector commitment and decisive government policies can unlock unprecedented opportunities for national growth. The refinery, petrochemical operations, fertiliser production, and our other industrial investments are helping to build a more self-reliant, competitive, and prosperous economy,’ he said.

He expressed confidence that sustained reforms, policy consistency, and stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors would further stimulate economic growth, attract increased foreign direct investment, and reinforce Nigeria’s position as one of Africa’s most attractive investment destinations.

‘Nigeria is on the path to becoming one of the world’s leading industrial and economic powers. With continued policy consistency, robust private-sector participation, and investment-led growth, the future of our economy is exceptionally bright,’ Dangote concluded.

The University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, has inaugurated the Friends of the Radiation Oncology Department (FoRDO), a support platform aimed at strengthening cancer treatment, research, capacity building, and patient support.

The initiative was inaugurated at the hospital’s Radiation Oncology Department, with representatives of the Oyo State Ministry of Health, heads and former heads of departments, medical professionals, staff, and other stakeholders in attendance.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Medical Director of UCH, Prof. Jesse Otegbayo, represented by the Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC), Prof. Bukola Adesina, described the initiative as an important step towards improving cancer care at UCH and across Nigeria.

Otegbayo said FoRDO underscored the importance of partnerships in addressing the growing challenges of cancer treatment and patient care, noting that patients and their families often face financial, emotional, and social difficulties beyond the clinical burden of the disease.

‘Today represents a significant milestone in our collective efforts to strengthen cancer care and improve health outcomes, not only at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, but indeed the whole of Nigeria,’ he said.

He urged Nigerians to see support for UCH as an investment in the health of the wider population, given its role as a major public healthcare and training institution.

The CMD commended FoRDO’s initiators and members but cautioned that its activities should go beyond providing medical equipment and infrastructure.

‘Our ultimate goal must always remain the same: we want to improve the quality of care. We want to give hope to people who are living with cancer. All of this will be acknowledged because transparency and accountability are very, very important,’ he said.

The Chairman of FoRDO, Prince Yinka Afonja, pledged the organisation’s commitment to reducing the medical, financial, emotional, and social burdens faced by cancer patients, particularly indigent Nigerians.

Afonja urged the department to prioritise research and explore all possible avenues for breakthroughs in cancer treatment, including the scientific investigation of traditional medicine. He also called for stronger government investment in healthcare, assuring that the 25-member board would give its best to support the department.

The Permanent Secretary of the Oyo State Ministry of Health, Dr Kehinde Ayinde, urged FoRDO to extend its activities beyond UCH and become a broad-based movement supporting indigent cancer patients.

He called for stronger collaboration among FoRDO, UCH Ibadan, and the Oyo State government, envisioning a movement where philanthropists support indigent patients, survivors give hope to newly diagnosed patients, researchers generate evidence for better policies, and specialists transfer knowledge to healthcare workers in communities.

Ayinde challenged the organisation to combine compassion with science, philanthropy with accountability, and advocacy with evidence, assuring members of his continued support.

The Dean, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, University of Ibadan, Prof Taiwo Lawal, described the initiative as timely, stressing that the rising cancer burden requires greater investment in prevention, diagnosis, treatment, research, training, and compassionate care.

Lawal, while highlighting UCH’s strength in cancer treatment, particularly cervical cancer, noted that patients still travel to Ibadan from across Nigeria for its specialised services such as brachytherapy.

Oyo State Commissioner for Special Duties, Bar (Dr) Oyeleke Idowu, expressed confidence in FoRDO members and urged them to use their professional experience and networks to address critical challenges, particularly the acquisition of medical equipment.

Professor Chioma Asuzu, representing Prof. Adeniyi Olanipekun, the oldest professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology, described the department as a model for holistic cancer care in Nigeria. She stressed the importance of psychological support but lamented that non-functional radiotherapy equipment had limited the department’s capacity to serve more patients.

Asuzu urged FoRDO and other stakeholders to advocate for the restoration of the department’s equipment and support its development so it can regain its former capacity and reputation.

The Head of the Department of Radiation Oncology, UCH, Ibadan, Dr Adebayo Oladeji, said the idea of FoRDO emerged after he assumed leadership of the department and realised that institutional resources alone might not be sufficient to meet all its needs.

He said he reached out to 25 friends who shared his vision, all of whom agreed to support the initiative. According to him, FoRDO members are prepared to contribute through financial assistance, professional connections, partnerships, and other forms of support.

Oladeji identified inadequate radiotherapy equipment as the department’s major challenge, despite UCH’s significant human-resource capacity in oncology.

He said the ultimate goal was to provide high-quality, patient-centred and evidence-based cancer treatments while helping patients regain their quality of life, adding that the collaboration among the hospital, university, government, and private supporters would be crucial to achieving the vision.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has dismissed a case filed by an unknown petitioner against the Federal Republic of Nigeria over alleged crimes against humanity.

The international body dismissed the filing titled, ‘Formal Communication Requesting Investigation into Systemic Kidnappings in Nigeria as Crimes Against Humanity’ (Document No. ICC-RoC46(3)-01/26), for breaching its procedures.

This followed the improper initiation of a procedural process by the President of the Pre-Trial Division, who assigned the unverified filing from an anonymous submitter to Pre-Trial Chamber II, purportedly pursuant to Regulation 46(3) of the Regulations of the Court.

A statement by Kamarudeen Ogundele, media aide to the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, on Thursday evening, said Nigeria viewed the development with concern and was making representations to the ICC despite the dismissal of the case.

The AGF said the unmeritorious application bypassed established legal channels and was capable of casting an unnecessary shadow over the integrity of the Court’s judicial processes.

He reassured Nigerians and the international community that no investigation had been opened by the ICC against Nigeria, nor had any adverse finding been made against the Nigerian State or its institutions.

The statement, titled, ‘The dismissal in limine by Pre-Trial Chamber II of the International Criminal Court regarding an unauthorised communication on Nigeria,’ reads:

‘The Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice wishes to address recent public discourse and procedural records concerning a filing before the International Criminal Court (ICC) titled, ‘Formal Communication Requesting Investigation into Systemic Kidnappings in Nigeria as Crimes Against Humanity’ (Document No. ICC-RoC46(3)-01/26).

‘The Federal Government notes with serious concern that on 26th August 2026, the President of the Pre-Trial Division improperly initiated a procedural process by assigning an unverified filing from an anonymous submitter to Pre-Trial Chamber II, purportedly pursuant to Regulation 46(3) of the Regulations of the Court.

‘This administrative assignment was executed without a prior, reasoned threshold determination on the competence of the Pre-Trial Chamber or whether the communication was manifestly frivolous, thereby breaching the foundational procedural safeguards established under the Court’s own regulations.

‘The Federal Ministry of Justice confirms that following this flawed initiation, Pre-Trial Chamber II, comprising Judge Rosario Salvatore Aitala (Presiding), Judge Sergio Gerardo Ugalde Godínez, and Judge Haykel Ben Mahfoudh, issued an official decision on 1st September 2026, unequivocally dismissing the request in limine (at the threshold) on the clear ground that it was not properly before the Court and lacked any legal basis.

‘While the Federal Republic of Nigeria acknowledges the swift decision of Pre-Trial Chamber II to throw out this unmeritorious application, the Federal Government observes with serious concern that the initial processing of this anonymous communication unusually bypassed established legal channels.

‘The activation of internal registry mechanisms based on an unverified filing by an ‘unknown submitter’ represents an unusual and troubling departure from the governing statutory framework of the Rome Statute.

‘For the avoidance of doubt, internal administrative guidelines cannot be used to bypass the strict rules established under the Rome Statute. The authority to evaluate information or request an investigation rests solely with the Prosecutor of the ICC, or through formal referrals by a State Party or the UN Security Council.

‘The Rome Statute gives neither the President of the Pre-Trial Division nor any Pre-Trial Chamber the power to receive anonymous petitions or interfere in the internal security matters of a sovereign nation.

‘The Federal Government emphasises that such procedural breaches risk casting an unnecessary shadow over the integrity of the Court’s judicial processes. Unchecked administrative entertainments of unverified, anonymous requests have the potential to impugn and strain the progress, mutual respect, and constructive cooperation painstakingly built over the years between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the International Criminal Court.

‘Nigeria remains a steadfast State Party to the Rome Statute, committed to international accountability and the rule of law. However, the primary constitutional responsibility for investigating and prosecuting domestic criminal activities, including kidnapping and banditry, resides firmly with Nigeria’s national judicial and law enforcement institutions under the fundamental principle of complementarity.

‘The Federal Government reassures the Nigerian public and the international community that no investigation has been opened by the ICC against Nigeria, nor has any adverse finding been made against the Nigerian State or its institutions,’ the statement added.

The Federal Government therefore called on all organs of the Court to adhere strictly to clear statutory procedures to protect the credibility of international criminal justice and maintain the trust of sovereign State Parties.

Selling a high-value gift card is not the same as selling a small one. A $500 Amazon card or a $300 Steam card comes with more risk, more scrutiny, and more room for something to go wrong. A rejected trade on a small card is a minor inconvenience. A rejected trade on a big one can mean days of back and forth, or worse, a payout that never comes through. Before you list your next big card, here is what you actually need to check.

Check the Card Is Verified Before You Sell Gift Cards in Nigeria

High-value gift cards go through more fraud checks. This is a good thing for you as a seller, not a hurdle. A platform that verifies cards properly protects both sides of the trade. Without proper checks, sellers can end up in disputes later. Buyers can end up with empty or already-used cards. Nobody wins when checks are skipped.

Here is what verification usually looks like:

The platform confirms your card balance matches what you claim

They check that the card has not been used before

They match the card type and region to what they accept

They check higher-value cards against known fraud records

They may ask for extra proof if the card value is unusually high

If your card passes verification fast, that is a good sign. It means the platform has solid systems in place, built to move quickly without missing anything important. But if a platform skips checks completely, that should worry you, not relax you. Fast approval with zero checks is not a good thing. It is a sign the platform may not be ready to handle big trades the right way. Take your time to notice how thorough the process feels, since this tells you a lot about the platform itself.

Know the Exchange Rate Before You Trade Gift Cards in Nigeria

Gift card rates move all the time. They shift based on demand, card type, and even the time of day. On a $50 card, a small rate change barely matters. Most sellers would not even notice it. But on a $500 card, that same small gap can mean thousands of naira lost or gained. This is where paying attention really pays off.

Before you agree to sell:

Check the current rate for your specific card brand, since rates differ across Amazon, Steam, iTunes, and other card types

Confirm if the rate changes based on card value, because some platforms pay less per dollar on smaller e-code cards but more on bulk or high-denomination cards

Ask if the rate is fixed at the point of listing or at the point of payment, since a delay between the two can work against you

Compare the rate across two or three platforms before committing, especially for cards above a certain threshold

If the rate is not locked in early, it can work against you. This matters more for high-value cards, since they often take longer to verify. And a longer wait means more time for the rate to change before your payout goes through. A platform that locks your rate the moment your card is accepted removes this risk completely, so you know exactly what you will get.

Confirm Payout Speed for High-Value Gift Cards

Speed matters more when the amount is big. Waiting three days for a $50 card is annoying but not a big deal. Waiting three days for a $500 card, with no clear reason, is a real problem. This is worse if you were counting on that money for something specific, like a bill or an urgent expense.

A few things to check before you sell:

Does the platform have a payout limit that could split your money into parts

Is there a faster payout option for sellers with a good trading history

What happens if your bank flags a large transfer for review

Does the platform update you on delays, or do you have to keep asking

How do other sellers describe their payout experience for big cards

A platform that is clear about payout timing usually handles it well. This means they have already thought about what could go wrong, and they have a plan for it. If a platform cannot give you a clear answer on payout time, that is a warning sign worth paying attention to. That risk becomes yours to deal with, not theirs, so it pays to ask early.

Understand the Rules for Selling Gift Cards

Every gift card type comes with its own rules. High-value cards get checked more closely, since more money is involved for both sides of the trade.

Here are some common rules to expect:

Receipt or proof of purchase for cards above a certain value

Region matching, since a US Amazon card is not the same as a UK one

Balance screenshot to prove the card still has its full value

Card condition checks for physical cards, since damage can cause issues

Daily limits on how many high-value cards you can sell in one day

Skipping these steps will not save you time. It usually leads to a rejected card, a delay, or a lower offer once the platform finds something wrong. Reading the rules before you list a high-value card takes just a few minutes. It can save you a much longer wait later, and it also helps you avoid the frustration of a last-minute rejection.

Compare Platforms Before You Trade Gift Cards in Nigeria

Not every platform treats high-value cards the same way. Some platforms are built for small, quick trades. They may slow down or pay less once the card value goes up. Other platforms are set up to handle bigger trades without any slowdown, because their systems are built for that from the start.

When you compare your options, look at:

How the platform checks large cards, by hand or through an instant system

Whether the rate stays the same for big trades, or drops after a certain point

How fast the payout happens once your card is cleared

What kind of support do you get if something goes wrong mid-trade

Whether the platform has a good track record with sellers who trade often

TradeCard is built to handle this kind of trade without the usual delays. Rates stay the same no matter the card value. Payouts follow a clear timeline, not vague promises. If you want a simple process, TradeCard is the best app to sell gift cards in Nigeria for high-value cards. You get your payout without extra delays or hidden cuts, and you always know what to expect before you commit.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Selling Gift Cards in Nigeria

A few mistakes come up again and again when people sell high-value cards, and most are easy to avoid once you know what to watch for.

Selling without checking the current rate first. Rates change fast, and an outdated rate you saw yesterday can cost you real money today.

Skipping verification steps to save time. This almost always backfires with a rejected trade, a delayed payout, or a lower offer than expected.

Ignoring platform reviews and history before committing a high-value card. A platform with a poor track record on large payouts is not worth the risk, no matter how good the rate looks upfront.

Splitting a high-value card unnecessarily into smaller trades. Some sellers do this out of habit or caution, but it is not always needed if the platform can handle the full value at once, and it often means more steps and more waiting.

Not confirming the payout method in advance. Bank transfer speed varies by bank, and large trades can trigger extra checks on the receiving end that catch sellers off guard.

Assuming all card types are treated equally. A $500 Amazon card and a $500 Steam card can have very different rates and requirements on the same platform.

Avoiding these mistakes usually comes down to one thing: choosing a platform built for this kind of trade in the first place, rather than one that happens to accept it.

Conclusion

High-value gift cards need more care than smaller ones, but the process does not need to be hard. Check verification, confirm the rate, understand payout timing, and know the rules for your card before you list it. A few extra minutes of checking now can save you a long wait later, or worse, a rejected trade after you have already committed.

If you are ready to sell, sell gift cards in Nigeria on a platform that takes high-value trades seriously from start to finish. TradeCard makes gift card trading simple, with clear rates and payouts that do not leave you waiting longer than they should.

Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have neutralised a suspected bandit and arrested five others during separate operations in Benue and Taraba.

The operations were conducted along the Gbise-Igyudu road in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State and at Peva in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba.

The Acting Commander of JTF Operation Whirl Stroke, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, disclosed this in separate statements made available to journalists on Thursday in Makurdi.

According to Zubairu, troops of Sector 1 were conducting a routine fighting patrol on Wednesday when they encountered two suspected bandits riding a motorcycle along the Gbise-Igyudu axis.

‘After a positive identification of the armed suspects, troops immediately engaged the suspects resulting in a fierce exchange of fire.’

[Continue with the remaining portion of the statement here to complete the report.

Preparations for the maiden induction into the Nigeria Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) reached a milestone on Monday with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between NAHF and Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), operators of Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2 (MMA2).

The signing ceremony took place at the headquarters of BASL in Lagos recently.

Representing BASL was Ms. Gbubemi Vera Aibangbee, Head of Marketing and Creative Services. The representing of NAHF were co-founders: Mr. Wole Shadare and Mr Gboyega Adeoye.

The agreement seals a strategic partnership for the joint hosting and management of the NAHF Montage – a permanent wall of honour at MMA2, featuring pictures, profiles and citations of distinguished aviators who have shaped the aviation sector.

Both organisations described the collaboration as a win-win aimed at preserving aviation heritage and inspiring the next generation of aviators.

The Montage will be officially unveiled, on Friday, at MMA2 by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, to be followed by the main induction and the launch of NAHF’s maiden publication, Aviation Achievers, in Lagos.

A total of 18 aviators will be inducted in this second edition, selected based on decades of service, integrity, leadership and contributions to the growth of the aviation industry.

Speaking at the signing, Wole Shadare, co-founder of NAHF and ace aviation journalist, said: ‘For over 25 years I have reported on this sector and seen many heroes retire without recognition. The Nigeria Aviation Hall of Fame is our way of saying thank you while we are still here to clap for them.’

Gboyega Adeoye, Co-Founder of NAHF, added, ‘This is about history, values, and inspiring young Nigerians coming into aviation. We are proud that Bi-Courtney shares this vision with us.’

Also speaking, Ms Gbubemi Vera Aibangbee noted, ‘MMA2 welcomes millions of passengers yearly and now they will also be welcomed by the faces of excellence who laid the foundation for Nigerian aviation. It is truly a win-win.’

Under the MoU, BASL will provide space, security and maintenance for the Montage at MMA2, while NAHF will manage content curation, periodic updates and the induction process.

The Nigeria Aviation Hall of Fame is a non-political, non-profit initiative aimed at recognising excellence, documenting aviation history, and promoting mentorship in the sector.

Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has assured the people of the Northern Senatorial District of sustained government intervention in infrastructure, education, electricity and economic development, pledging to address critical challenges affecting the region.

Otu gave the assurance on Monday during a high-level stakeholder engagement with political leaders and other key stakeholders from Cross River North at the Conference Hall of the Ogoja Local Government Council headquarters.

The meeting provided an opportunity for stakeholders to present their concerns directly to the Governor, with roads, bridges, the proposed university, the revival of the Okuku International Market, electricity supply, political inclusion and economic development dominating discussions.

Responding, Otu said the requests would be carefully reviewed, with urgent and high-impact projects receiving priority.

‘We have listened to you, and we understand the concerns that have been expressed here,’ the Governor said.

‘Government must listen to the people, understand their challenges and work towards solutions that will improve their lives.’

He said particular attention would be given to critical bridges linking communities, warning that the absence or collapse of such infrastructure could isolate entire areas and disrupt economic activities.

‘When communities are cut off, farmers cannot move their produce, traders cannot access markets and people may struggle to reach schools and healthcare facilities,’ he said.

‘A road is more than asphalt and a bridge is more than concrete. They connect people to opportunities and communities to economic activities.’

On the proposed university for the Northern Senatorial District, Otu reaffirmed his commitment to the project, describing it as a key component of his administration’s campaign promises.

‘The university is still very much alive. It is part of the commitment we made to our people, and we remain committed to it,’ he said.

The Governor, however, explained that establishing a university required strict compliance with regulatory requirements, particularly for specialised programmes such as medicine.

‘Setting up a university is not something that can be done overnight. There are processes and standards that must be met, but significant progress has been made,’ he said.

He said the proposed institution was intended to strengthen human capital development and produce more indigenous professionals, particularly in critical areas such as healthcare.

‘We need more doctors and other skilled professionals. We want an institution that will make a genuine contribution to education, healthcare and the development of our state,’ Otu said.

The Governor also gave assurances on the revival of the Okuku International Market, describing the facility as a strategic economic asset to the Northern Senatorial District.

‘The Okuku International Market is too important to be allowed to remain dormant,’ he said. ‘We are looking at what needs to be done to restore its commercial vibrancy.’

Otu explained that road projects around the market were designed to reconnect producers, traders and buyers, while efforts were also underway to reopen the Ijegwu axis.

‘You cannot have a thriving market without access roads,’ he said.

‘Farmers must be able to bring their produce, traders must be able to move their goods and buyers must be able to access the market.’

On electricity, the Governor said his administration was engaging relevant authorities to address the power challenges confronting the region, stressing that reliable electricity was fundamental to economic growth and industrial development.

‘We cannot talk about serious industrialisation without talking about power,’ he said. ‘Our businesses, industries and young entrepreneurs need reliable electricity to grow.’

Otu disclosed that his role as Chairman of the Power Committee of the National Economic Council had given him a mandate to contribute to national efforts aimed at improving electricity supply.

He appealed to stakeholders to remain patient with the economic reforms being implemented by the Federal Government, acknowledging the hardship facing Nigerians but describing the reforms as part of a broader effort to rebuild the economy.

‘I know that the times are difficult and that our people are feeling the pressure,’ he said. ‘But rebuilding an economy with deep structural challenges requires difficult decisions.’

The Governor expressed optimism that Cross River would benefit from efforts to restore its oil-producing status, which he said could open new economic opportunities and strengthen the state’s development prospects.

‘Cross River has enormous potential, and we are determined to unlock that potential,’ he said.

‘The restoration of our oil-producing status is important because of what it can mean for the future of our state.’

Otu also used the occasion to call for political reconciliation and unity among stakeholders, urging them to set aside old grievances and work collectively for the progress of the state.

‘We must learn to forgive one another and put the past behind us,’ he said. ‘Cross River is bigger than any personal interest, and we must work together for the future of our people.’

He promised a more inclusive approach to party organisation, saying grassroots popularity, performance and commitment would receive greater consideration in the selection of party and campaign structures.

‘We want a system that recognises commitment and performance,’ he said. ‘Those who have genuinely worked and demonstrated the capacity to deliver should have a sense of belonging.’

The Governor said the engagement reflected his administration’s commitment to participatory governance and direct interaction with the people.

‘The people must have a voice, and government must have the humility to listen,’ Otu said.

‘We may not solve every problem in one day, but we must understand the problems and continue to work towards solutions.’

He assured the people of the Northern Senatorial District that their development remained central to his administration’s agenda.

‘Your concerns are our concerns, and your development is part of the future we are building for Cross River,’ the Governor said.

The engagement ended with renewed calls for unity and cooperation, as Otu reaffirmed his administration’s determination to pursue development initiatives that can improve infrastructure, expand economic opportunities, and strengthen the fortunes of Cross River North.

‘Together, we will overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for our people and our state,’ he said.

The Oyo State House of Assembly on Thursday passed the Supplementary Finance Bill, 2026, approving an additional N210 billion to finance the state’s supplementary appropriation for the 2026 fiscal year.

The passage followed the presentation and adoption of the report of the House Committee on Finance, Appropriation and State Economic Planning during plenary on Thursday.

The Chairman, Committee on Finance, Appropriation and State Economic Planning, Hon. Sunkanmi Babalola, while reading the report, considered the Bill clause by clause, taking into account inputs from the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and projections contained in the Oyo State Government Medium Term Expenditure Framework adopted by the House.

With the approval of the supplementary finance, the total amount approved under the 2026 Finance Law rose from Eight Hundred and Ninety-Two Billion, Eighty-Five Million, Seventy-Four Thousand, Four Hundred and Eighty Naira, Seventy-Nine Kobo (N892,085,074,480.79) to One Trillion, One Hundred and Two Billion, Eighty-Five Million, Seventy-Four Thousand, Four Hundred and Eighty Naira, Seventy-Nine Kobo (N1,102,085,074,480.79) Only.

The Committee recommended that the N210 billion supplementary finance be granted from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of Oyo State for the year ending December 31, 2026, with the sources of the funds set out in the schedule to the Bill.

The passage brings the total approved 2026 financial provision for the state to over N1.1 trillion.

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has declared support for the drive of UNIVASA in improving passengers’ travel experience with uninterrupted internet connectivity.

This was announced on Wednesday in Abuja at the NCAA and UNIVASA stakeholders’ engagement by the Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of NCAA, Mr Achimugu Michael.

He made the travel experience better for Nigerian passengers, noting: For too long, we have had these internet connectivity problems for Nigerian passengers both at our airports here at home and abroad.

‘Nigerians spend a lot of money to connect to internet abroad. So the Honorable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, in his wisdom, sat down and had a conversation with UNIVASA which is also a local company run and operated by Nigerians, on how to improve internet connectivity for passengers.

‘One of his (Minister’s) five-point agenda is support for the local industry. As long as the company is offering world-class service that actually solves a very relevant need for Nigerian passengers, the Minister gives as much support as he can.

‘So when the company made this approach, offering this solution, we looked at it and realised that yes, it is something that is necessary at this point in time for Nigerians,’ the Director stated.

‘We are giving all the support we can to UNIVASA to make Nigerians have a better travel experience.’

Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the DGCA of NCAA, Mrs Ifueko Abdulmalik, explained that ‘we think that this would help passengers improve their travel experience. We know that there is a lot of issues with connectivity for passengers going out of Nigeria and coming into the country.

‘This is a way to encourage ease of communication at whatever point a passenger is. And NCAA feels that definitely it will improve passenger experience and then it will also help passengers find their way around and make travel a lot easier and more comfortable,’ she stated.

On his part, the Managing Director of UNIVASA, Dr Ben Adeniyi, said the company’s SIM arrangements are very important to travellers, ‘particularly for international travellers, or frequent international travellers because, the issue of connectivity is no more a small issue.

‘It is very important to have the UNIVASA eSIM or the P-SIM, as we call it. The P-SIM is the physical SIM card that helps those people who do not have an eSIM-enabled phone to still use the UNIVASA service.

‘So yes, it’s very important because it gives you connectivity in more than 150 countries, and about 200 plus destinations to remain on the internet.’

He noted that ‘compared with local operators, UNIVASA eSIM is very affordable because we purchase data in a very large volume, therefore, we are able to bring the price quite competitive.’

Giving her user experience, Engr Halimat Adediran stated that ‘with over 400 networks across the world, which means any country you find yourself, you can never be stranded. And then the beautiful thing is that the connectivity is seamless,’ she noted.

Delta State Government has commenced moves to establish the state’s first neuropsychiatric facility and a state-of-the-art public health laboratory amid rising cases of drug abuse and growing mental health challenges.

The two projects are expected to be completed by March 2027, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme, has disclosed.

Speaking with newsmen in Asaba, Onojaeme said the projects were part of the government’s efforts to address identified gaps in the state’s healthcare system and improve access to specialised medical services.

He said the projects followed a comprehensive needs assessment conducted by the state government shortly after Governor Sheriff Oborevwori assumed office in 2023.

According to him, the assessment identified the absence of a dedicated neuropsychiatric facility and a specialised public health laboratory as critical gaps requiring urgent intervention.

Onojaeme explained that residents requiring psychiatric care had, over the years, been forced to travel outside the state, particularly to Port Harcourt and Benin, to access specialised treatment.

He said the situation had become increasingly worrisome amid rising cases of drug abuse and its associated consequences.

The commissioner said the government was therefore establishing the neuropsychiatric facility to provide specialised mental healthcare closer to residents and reduce the hardship and cost associated with seeking treatment outside the state.

On the public health laboratory, Onojaeme said work was ongoing on a facility designed to strengthen the state’s capacity to conduct specialised tests and respond more effectively to infectious disease outbreaks.

He recalled that during the COVID-19 pandemic and other disease outbreaks, samples collected in Delta were often transported to specialised laboratories in Irrua, Abuja and Lagos for analysis, sometimes resulting in delays in obtaining test results.

The commissioner warned that such delays could have serious implications during disease outbreaks, stressing that the new laboratory would enable the state to conduct specialised investigations locally.

‘With a Lassa fever outbreak, we no longer need to send our samples to other states to analyse and bring back. That will be done in Delta State,’ he said.

According to him, the laboratory would be equipped with modern diagnostic technology, including Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) machines, to facilitate testing for infectious diseases.

He added that the facility was being developed in line with the standards of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), with the aim of ensuring that its test results and analyses meet acceptable standards.

Onojaeme said he recently inspected the laboratory to assess the progress of work, expressing confidence that the facility would be completed by March 2027.

The commissioner said the two projects represented significant investments in the state’s healthcare infrastructure and would enhance the government’s capacity to provide specialised medical services and respond promptly to public health emergencies.