Category: Nigerian Tribune

The Ondo State Commissioner for Finance, Mrs Omowunmi Isaac, and her brother, Kunle Odide, have instituted a libel suit against 35 elders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), alleging that a publication they authored and caused to be published was defamatory and damaged their reputation.

The case came up before the Ondo State High Court sitting in Akure on Tuesday. One of the defendants, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Adekola Olawoye, told journalists that the defendants were open to an out-of-court settlement.

Olawoye, however, said they had prepared to challenge the court’s jurisdiction and the competence of the suit through a preliminary objection before the claimants filed an application to amend defects in their court processes.

The Senior Advocate, who represented himself and about seven other defendants, said the claimants had applied to amend defects in their court processes, an application the defence did not oppose.

He added that the court awarded costs of N100,000 against the claimants in favour of each of the 35 defendants, bringing the total to N3.5 million, before adjourning the matter until October 8, 2026.

Explaining the basis of the suit, Olawoye said the controversy arose from a letter he wrote to the National Chairman of the APC, insisting that it was privately couriered and not published to any third party.

He said the letter was intended only to draw the attention of the party’s national leadership to what he described as developments within the APC in their local government.

The SAN further disclosed that the claimants had earlier petitioned the Inspector-General of Police over the matter, leading to the invitation of the defendants to Abuja on March 24, 2026.

However, he said they were neither detained nor prosecuted after being questioned, adding that efforts had been made to resolve the dispute amicably through party leaders, but the moves had yet to yield any positive result.

He appealed to APC members to close ranks ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing that internal disagreements should not distract the party from its political objectives.

However, counsel to the claimants, Olaoluwa Imoru, argued that the suit arose from an allegedly libellous publication authored, signed and caused to be published by the 35th defendant in the Nigerian Tribune edition of February 2, 2026.

Imoru said the claimants were asking the court to declare the publication defamatory, disparaging and injurious to their reputation.

They are also seeking aggravated, special and general damages, as well as a retraction and public apology.

He argued that one of the defamatory expressions was the reference to the finance commissioner as Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s ‘mummy’, saying the description falsely conveyed the impression that she wielded undue influence over the governor.

According to him, the commissioner is merely an appointee who is answerable to the governor and does not exercise authority over him.

Justice Yemi Fasanmi subsequently adjourned the case until October 8, 2026, for further proceedings.

Ogun State government has announced a proposed $100 million investment by Presco Plc to revitalise the Apoje Farms plantation, in a major step towards expanding agricultural production, creating jobs and accelerating inclusive economic growth in the State.

Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Honourable Bolu Owotomo, disclosed this during a stakeholders’ engagement, at the palace of the Orimolusi of Ijebu-Igbo, Oba Lawrence Adebajo, with members of the Ijebu-Igbo Traditional Council and Presco Plc’s National Partnership Adviser, Dr. Tunde Faturoti.

The meeting was convened to brief the traditional institution about the state government’s planned partnership with Presco Plc, for the resuscitation of the Apoje plantation, describing the investment as a strategic intervention that would unlock the plantation’s economic potential, expand agricultural productivity and generate significant employment opportunities for the people.

He noted that Presco Plc, a leading company listed on the Nigerian Exchange, had a market capitalisation of over N2.5 trillion, and is expected to commence operations at the plantation immediately after the sealing of the agreement, anticipated within the next 30 days.

He said the government remains committed to unlocking the full potentials of agriculture through strategic partnerships, responsible investment and sustainable development.

According to Owotomo, the investment reflects the vision of the governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, geared towards attracting credible private-sector investments, capable of transforming agriculture into a major engine of economic growth, job creation and food security in the State.

Responding, the Orimolusi of Ijebu-Igbo, Oba Adebajo, commended the State Government for attracting the investment, describing it as a significant opportunity for economic transformation and prosperity in the area.

He assured the government and investors of the support and cooperation of the traditional institution and host communities, noting that residents were eagerly anticipating the commencement of the project.

Speaking, the National partnership adviser, Presco Plc, Dr Tunde Faturoti explained that the $100 million investment was aimed at restoring the plantation and transforming it into a modern agricultural hub, adding that the initiative would involve replanting oil palm, introducing modern production techniques and giving the long-established farm a new lease of life.

He said the investment would cover milling, processing and the development of retail crop production, creating an integrated agribusiness operation, and noted that the project would represent a fresh beginning for the old plantation, thus, bringing contemporary oil palm cultivation and value-addition practices that were expected to boost productivity, create jobs and stimulate economy.

TROOPS of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have foiled an attempted terrorist infiltration of a military base and evacuated 21 female students to safety, following intelligence on a planned attack in Borno State.

A latest operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Monday, said troops also apprehended a suspected cross-border kidnapper operating between Nigeria and Cameroon.

The report said troops of the 3 Battalion at Forward Operating Base Logomani detected ISWAP/JAS terrorists attempting to encircle their position through CCTV surveillance.

The troops engaged the terrorists, forcing them to withdraw before executing the planned infiltration.

Troops of Sector 3 responded to intelligence indicating that seven suspected ISWAP/JAS terrorists carrying improvised explosive devices were sighted near the Water Board IDP Camp in Monguno.

The report said the troops immediately evacuated 21 female students lodging nearby to Kinnasara Barracks.

‘Three students who suffered seizures during the evacuation were stabilised at a hospital, while security around the area was reinforced,’ the report said.

In another operation, troops of 115 Task Force Battalion and local hunters engaged terrorists at Surajo village in Askira Uba Local Government Area of the state.

According to the report, the terrorists fled, abandoning three bicycles and two coolers.

It also disclosed that troops of 247 Reconnaissance Battalion and hunters arrested a suspected kidnapper at Gaya in Mubi South Local Government Area of Adamawa.

The suspect reportedly confessed to belonging to a kidnapping syndicate operating from the Solere Forest in Cameroon and crossing into Nigeria after carrying out abductions.

In a related development, security operatives foiled an attempted bandits’ attack on Tauma village in Bodinga Local Government Area of Sokoto State, recovering five magazines loaded with 40 rounds of live ammunition after a gun battle with the attackers.

The state police command said the operation followed a distress call received at about 8:30p.m, on July 25, from a resident who reported that a large number of bandits had invaded the community with sophisticated weapons.

The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, said the Divisional Police Officer in Bodinga immediately mobilised tactical units, including the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and the Violence Crime Response Unit (VCRU), alongside other security personnel, to confront the attackers.

Rufa’i said the joint security team engaged the bandits in a fierce exchange of gunfire, forcing them to retreat into a nearby forest with suspected gunshot wounds.

He said a subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of five magazines containing 40 rounds of live ammunition abandoned by the fleeing suspects.

Nigerians and Ghanaians are among 175 foreign visitors who travelled to Canada for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and later applied for asylum, according to official figures released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

The data, published by the Canadian immigration department, showed that the asylum claims were filed by people who identified themselves as World Cup visitors in their temporary residence applications.

Canada co-hosted the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup with the United States and Mexico, hosting 13 matches in Toronto and Vancouver. More than 26,000 temporary visas linked to the tournament were issued by Canadian authorities.

Spain won the tournament after defeating defending champions Argentina in the final.

Nigeria among countries with asylum claims

According to IRCC, Nigeria recorded 10 asylum claims, placing it among the countries with the highest number of applications from World Cup visitors who remained in Canada after the tournament.

The Federal Government has called for sustained investment in agricultural science, research and innovation as the foundation for achieving food security, economic prosperity and climate resilience across Africa.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, made the call while declaring open the 9th Africa Agriculture Science Week (AASW) and the 10th General Assembly of the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) in Abuja.

Addressing ministers, scientists, policymakers, development partners, researchers and farmers from across the continent, Kyari said Africa’s transformation would depend not on its abundant natural resources alone but on its ability to generate knowledge, embrace innovation and strengthen partnerships.

He stressed that every successful agricultural revolution in the world was built on deliberate investment in science, strong institutions and visionary leadership, noting that Africa must follow the same path to secure its future.

‘Before countries became prosperous, they first learned how to feed their people, and before they transformed agriculture, they invested in science,’ the minister said.

Kyari said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had placed agriculture at the centre of the Renewed Hope Agenda because food security remains inseparable from national security, economic growth and social stability.

According to him, Nigeria is implementing sweeping reforms across the agricultural value chain, including expansion of irrigation and all-season farming, mechanisation, improved access to quality seeds and fertilizers, agricultural financing, digital agriculture and agro-industrial development, while creating a more enabling environment for private sector investment.

He added that the government was equally strengthening National Agricultural Research Institutes, universities and extension systems, insisting that sustainable agricultural transformation must be driven by sound scientific evidence.

The minister identified emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, satellite technology and data science as critical tools capable of revolutionising agriculture by improving decision-making, crop monitoring, climate-smart farming and market access.

He urged African governments to invest more heavily in research institutions, innovation hubs, digital infrastructure and scientific talent to enable the continent become a global leader in agricultural technology rather than merely adopting innovations developed elsewhere.

Kyari also challenged researchers to ensure that scientific discoveries move beyond academic publications to practical solutions that increase productivity, create jobs, restore degraded lands, improve nutrition and strengthen climate resilience.

He described FARA as an indispensable continental institution that continues to unite governments, research organisations, universities, development partners and the private sector in addressing common agricultural challenges.

Earlier, Chairperson of the FARA Board of Directors, Ms Bongiwe Njobe, warned that escalating climate change had become a structural threat to Africa’s food systems, with rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, floods, droughts and land degradation undermining decades of development gains.

She said the continent’s research and innovation agenda must become more responsive and impactful to tackle worsening food insecurity and vulnerability, particularly among women, youths and marginalised communities.

Njobe noted that the conference coincides with the first anniversary of the CAADP Kampala Declaration, which seeks to shift Africa’s agricultural development from a narrow commodity focus to a broader agrifood systems approach centred on agro-industrialisation, nutrition, resilience and inclusion.

According to her, science, technology and innovation remain the engines for translating political commitments into measurable improvements in farmers’ livelihoods and household food security.

In his welcome address, Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), Dr Abubakar Adamu Dabban, described the conference as a significant platform for advancing research, innovation and strategic partnerships across the continent.

Dabban said the gathering aligns with Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises agriculture, food security and economic development through sustained investment in research and technology.

Speaking on the conference theme, ‘Innovations and Partnerships for Resilient and Sustainable Agrifood Systems in Africa’, he said Africa could only overcome climate change, food insecurity and low agricultural productivity through stronger collaboration and science-driven solutions.

The four-day conference, which runs from July 27 to 30 in Abuja, has attracted agricultural experts, policymakers, universities, development partners, private sector leaders, farmers and innovators from across Africa to deliberate on strategies for building resilient and sustainable agrifood systems capable of feeding the continent while driving inclusive economic growth.

The Federal Government on Monday reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s transport and logistics ecosystem as a key driver of economic diversification, industrialisation and regional trade integration, describing efficient logistics as indispensable to achieving the country’s ambition of building a US$1 trillion economy by 2030.

Speaking virtually on Monday at the 2026 Ningbo-Africa Trade and Logistics Cooperation Forum in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China, the Technical Adviser to the Vice President on Transportation, Logistics and Innovation, Dr. Segun Obayendo, said the Federal Government is implementing policies and partnerships aimed at modernising transport infrastructure, improving supply chain efficiency and positioning Nigeria as West Africa’s leading logistics and distribution hub.

According to Dr. Obayendo, the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu places significant emphasis on infrastructure development, trade facilitation, investment promotion and economic competitiveness, all of which depend on an efficient and integrated transport and logistics system.

‘Nigeria’s aspiration to build a one-trillion-dollar economy will depend not only on what we produce but also on how efficiently we move people, goods and services. Modern transport infrastructure, resilient supply chains and efficient logistics systems are fundamental to attracting investment, expanding trade and driving sustainable economic growth,’ Dr. Obayendo said.

He noted that Nigeria’s strategic location, abundant natural resources, growing consumer market and access to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) provide a strong foundation for regional economic leadership. He stressed, however, that unlocking these opportunities requires sustained investment in multimodal transport infrastructure, modern ports, digital logistics platforms and integrated supply chain networks.

Dr. Obayendo also described China’s zero-tariff policy for exports from African countries as a significant opportunity for Nigeria to expand exports, strengthen manufacturing, attract new investments and deepen participation in global value chains.

‘China’s zero-tariff initiative presents a strategic opportunity for Nigeria and the wider African continent. By strengthening our logistics capacity and improving trade facilitation, we can expand exports, attract manufacturing investments and position Nigerian businesses to compete more effectively in international markets,’ he stated.

He further emphasised that stronger Nigeria-China cooperation should extend beyond trade volumes to include technology transfer, industrial development, infrastructure investment, skills development and innovation capable of creating sustainable employment opportunities for millions of Nigerians and Africans.

The Technical Adviser highlighted the importance of integrated logistics corridors linking seaports, inland dry ports, rail networks, highways and warehousing facilities, noting that efficient cargo movement remains essential to reducing the cost of doing business, improving export competitiveness and strengthening regional trade under AfCFTA.

Commending the organisers of the forum, the Pan-African Institute for Supply Chain Innovation (PAISCI), the Ningbo China Institute for Supply Chain Innovation (NISCI) and China-base Group, Dr. Obayendo described the engagement as a practical demonstration of how international collaboration can translate policy dialogue into tangible economic outcomes.

He welcomed the strategic agreements reached during the forum, including the proposed cooperation on port development and logistics infrastructure between GKandA Logistics Services Limited and China-base Ningbo Foreign Trade Co., Ltd., describing the initiative as a significant step towards improving Nigeria’s logistics capacity and strengthening bilateral economic cooperation.

‘Transport and logistics are no longer merely support services; they are strategic economic assets. Countries that invest in efficient logistics systems become more competitive, attract greater investment, create quality jobs and unlock new opportunities for sustainable development. That is the direction Nigeria is pursuing through strategic partnerships such as this,’ he added.

Dr. Obayendo reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting policies and partnerships that promote efficient transportation systems, logistics innovation, trade facilitation and sustainable industrial development.

He expressed confidence that the outcomes of the Ningbo Forum would strengthen Nigeria-China economic cooperation, boost private sector investment and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness within the global trading system.

He also called on governments, development partners, financial institutions and the private sector to sustain collaboration in implementing the agreements reached at the forum to maximise their long-term economic benefits.

The FIFA World Cup is the ideal stage for the consolidation of players who can suddenly go from unknowns to major revelations in world football and take giant steps in their careers by moving to top clubs. Here, the article will cover this type of athlete: those who were not chosen by a sports betting platform to be the best breakout players in the competition, but who ended up making a major impression.

Do not therefore expect to see on this list names that, despite their established profiles, have already proven themselves on the world stage, such as Pau Cubarsí, Lamine Yamal, and Désiré Doué, but rather those who became more widely known at the World Cup. Many of them are from the African continent, proving that football there is growing constantly and that the potential to uncover stars is on the rise.

Yan Diomande – Ivory Coast

Those who closely follow European football, particularly the German Bundesliga, already had their eye on Ivorian winger Yan Diomandé. After all, he had already scored 12 goals and 8 assists playing for RB Leipzig, impressive numbers for someone with limited experience in one of the most competitive leagues on the planet.

He therefore arrived at the World Cup with enormous expectations and met them with mastery. In the very first match, he led Ivory Coast’s attacking play, showing an enormous ability to beat defenders and create goalscoring chances. Against Germany, he also stood out during the period when the Ivorians were the better team.

He is now being targeted by major clubs in world football and will certainly not remain at RB Leipzig in the next European season. The player is said to have rejected an offer from Liverpool and is practically agreed with Paris Saint-Germain, who could pay up to 100 million euros for him. It is worth noting that Diomandé is not the only breakout star of the Ivory Coast, which is why the team tends to have strong campaigns in the next World Cups.

Ayyoub Bouaddi

Bouaddi was unknown to the wider football public, but that changed rapidly at the World Cup. In the opening match against Brazil, a game in which Morocco were widely superior, the midfielder caught everyone’s attention by being everywhere on the pitch and controlling the Moroccan midfield. Those who did not know him could have mistaken him for a veteran player, such was the maturity demonstrated by the athlete.

The player could have chosen between representing France or Morocco, and opted for the African team shortly before the World Cup, as he understood that he would not have chances of playing for the European side. The mental strength demonstrated by the player is a reflection of his routine, as everyone who works with him confirms that he developed through great discipline, a focus on the physical aspects of the game, and very careful attention to nutrition.

Bouaddi currently plays for Lille in France, the club where he made his professional debut. However, he will also hardly remain at the club after his excellent World Cup. The midfielder is Manchester City’s primary target in this transfer window. The figures for the deal could be around 100 million euros.

Nestory Irankunda

Nestory Irankunda was the standout player for the Australian national team at the World Cup. In the opening match against Turkey, when most football fans believed the Europeans would win comfortably, the striker quickly demonstrated his talent and decided the game in favour of the Oceanian side. His speed and finishing ability were his main highlights.

With Irankunda, Australia secured second place in their group, confirming a strong campaign that went even beyond expectations. After all, those who downloaded the 1xBet mobile app would have seen from the odds that Australia’s chances of qualifying from the group were slim, with the team being the least fancied to advance to the round of 16. The player currently plays for Watford in England. Before that, he had an unsuccessful journey at Bayern Munich, but following his strong displays at the World Cup, he should get another chance at a bigger European club.

Antonio Nusa

Those who expected Norway to rely solely on Haaland and Odegaard at the World Cup also saw Antonio Nusa impress. The winger who plays for RB Leipzig introduced himself to the football world as a hugely important part of the Norwegian attack, helping the team to their best ever campaign, eliminating Brazil, and reaching the quarter-finals.

Nusa stood out for his pace, his dribbling, and his enormous goal-scoring potential. This was more evident than ever in his stunning goal against Ivory Coast that opened the way for Norway’s victory and helped send the European side through to the round of 16. In the last Bundesliga season, the player scored 4 goals and provided 3 assists. He is now already being linked with major European clubs.

Andreas Schjelderup

Another Norwegian standout was Andreas Schjelderup, who competed with Antonio Nusa for the wing position throughout the tournament, with each of them used for different types of matches, and both performing well. Schjelderup showed a more technical style of play, being a winger who also plays in the middle and specialises in assists. He provided the passes for both of Haaland’s goals that eliminated Brazil.

Schjelderup currently plays for Benfica in Portugal. In the last edition of the local league, he scored 7 goals and provided 5 assists. The Portuguese club has now indicated that they may sell the player for around 40 million euros.

Ibrahim Mbaye

Senegalese player Mbaye already had a certain profile from being a Paris Saint-Germain player, despite having few opportunities at the French side. However, after the World Cup, his chances should increase somewhat. The main highlight was his stunning goal against France in the Africans’ opening match.

He stood out for his pace and dribbling on the wing and, on many occasions, completely changed the style of Senegal’s play. With that profile, it is possible to imagine the player shining in several more World Cups.

Ibrahim Maza

Algeria had a World Cup of highs and lows, but Ibrahim Maza managed to stand out in the team. He already plays for Bayer Leverkusen, showing that he had already caught the attention of major European powerhouses even before the World Cup. However, having made his mark on football’s biggest stage, he will certainly gain even more prominence from now on and will be on the radar of other European giants. In the last Bundesliga season, he already had 3 goals and 4 assists.

The player is valued at around 45 million euros. Maza’s style of play is increasingly rare in world football, as a central attacking midfielder with an excellent ability to dribble.

Johan Manzambi

Swiss player Johan Manzambi was probably one of the most outstanding breakout players at the World Cup and the statistics speak for themselves: he had 3 goals and 2 assists in 4 World Cup matches. This is even more impressive considering that he did not start the competition as a starter, but rather came on in the second half and completely changed matches in Switzerland’s favour. The player demonstrated the ability to totally break down defences with quick dribbles down the flanks and excellent passing.

In fact, the European side lost a great deal of their attacking threat after the player picked up an injury on the eve of the round of 16 against Colombia. He therefore faced neither Colombia nor Argentina, considerably reducing Switzerland’s attacking potential. He played last season for Freiburg in the Bundesliga, scoring 5 goals and providing 4 assists in the competition. He will not be staying at the club next season: after being pursued by both Newcastle and Aston Villa from the English Premier League, the striker is close to signing with Villa in a deal that could reach 70 million euros.

Rayan

Brazil did not perform well at the World Cup, but striker Rayan still managed to stand out. He has had a meteoric rise in his career: until the end of 2025, he played for Vasco in the Brazilian Championship. He then transferred to Bournemouth in the Premier League and immediately adapted to English football: in just 15 games, he scored 5 goals and provided 2 assists.

At the World Cup, he started on the bench but became a starter for the Brazilian national team after Raphinha’s injury in the second round against Haiti. After that, he never lost his place. In addition to his excellent finishing, the player was extremely important tactically in pressing against opposing defences and created several goalscoring chances by winning the ball in the attacking half. He is currently valued at more than 100 million euros.

Other breakout players who stood out at the World Cup

In addition to those already mentioned, several other breakout players made a certain impression at the tournament. See some of them:

Alex Freeman – United States

Luc de Fougerolles – Canada

Caleb Yirenkyi – Ghana

Christ Inao Oulai – Ivory Coast

From the betting side, these names matter because a World Cup changes prices fast. A player who starts on the bench and suddenly becomes decisive can reshape markets for goals, assists, shots, qualification and outright campaigns in a matter of days. Bookmakers do not price only reputation; they also react to minutes, role, fitness, tactical importance and the way each new standout changes the balance of a team. That is why breakout players often become one of the most watched parts of the tournament once the group stage gives way to the knockout rounds.

Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group) Plc has declared an interim dividend of N1.30 per ordinary share after delivering its strongest half-year financial performance on record, with profit before tax surging by 170 per cent to N14.76 billion in the first six months of 2026, underscoring the sustained momentum in Nigeria’s capital market.

The impressive performance was driven by a sharp increase in trading activity on the Nigerian Exchange, higher listing fees, stronger technology income and significantly improved earnings from its investment portfolio, particularly its stake in Central Securities Clearing System Plc.

The Group’s unaudited financial results for the period ended June 30, 2026, showed that revenue more than doubled, rising 118 per cent to N17.60 billion from N8.08 billion in the corresponding period of 2025. Total income also climbed 96 per cent to N19.34 billion.

Transaction fees remained the biggest growth driver, increasing by 169 per cent to N13.34 billion from N4.96 billion a year earlier, reflecting heightened trading activity and improved investor participation in the equities market. Listing fees rose 59 per cent to N2.38 billion, while technology income increased 19 per cent to N447.86 million.

The robust revenue growth translated into stronger profitability as operating profit advanced 155 per cent to N10.62 billion, compared with N4.16 billion in the corresponding period of 2025, highlighting the Group’s ability to leverage rising income while maintaining cost discipline.

In addition, NGX Group’s share of profit from equity-accounted investee companies surged 130 per cent to N4.14 billion, largely supported by the strong earnings performance of Central Securities Clearing System Plc.

As a result, profit after tax rose 146 per cent to N10.36 billion, compared with N4.22 billion in the first half of last year.

The Group also strengthened its financial position during the period, with total assets increasing to N75.87 billion, while shareholders’ equity rose to N60.49 billion, up from ?55.20 billion at the end of 2025.

The Board said the interim dividend reflects the quality of the Group’s earnings, improved cash generation and confidence in its long-term growth strategy, while retaining sufficient resources to invest in technology, market development and strategic initiatives across the capital market ecosystem.

Commenting on the results, Chairman of NGX Group, Umaru Kwairanga, said the Board’s decision to declare an interim dividend demonstrates confidence in the sustainability of the Group’s growth.

‘The Board’s approval of an interim dividend of N1.30 per share reflects the strength of NGX Group’s first-half performance and our confidence in the Group’s long-term prospects,’ he said.

Kwairanga added that the Board remains committed to balancing attractive shareholder returns with continued investment in infrastructure, technology and strategic initiatives aimed at deepening Nigeria’s capital market.

Also commenting, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Temi Popoola, attributed the record performance to stronger market activity, increased listing income and improved contributions from investee companies.

‘Our first-half results demonstrate the strength and scalability of NGX Group’s business model,’ Popoola said, noting that the company would continue to deepen market liquidity, expand investor participation, accelerate technology-enabled products and build a more diversified financial market infrastructure group.

The performance comes amid a sustained rally in the Nigerian equities market, which has witnessed record levels of market capitalisation, increased trading volumes and stronger investor confidence in 2026, positioning NGX Group to benefit from rising market activity while enhancing shareholder value through improved earnings and dividend payouts.

Anambra-born pharmacist and actor Chimsom Chuka has emerged as the first Head of House (HoH) in the 11th season of Big Brother Naija (BBN) after winning the show’s inaugural HoH challenge.

The victory, announced by Big Brother on Monday, earned the 27-year-old immunity from this week’s eviction, making him the only housemate safe from possible elimination during the opening week of the competition.

The HoH task, held on the first full day of the reality show, saw the male housemates compete among themselves while the female contestants also battled separately. The best overall performances were then compared, with Chimsom recording the fastest time to claim the coveted title.

Abi, a chef and model from Osun State, finished second overall and was named the Deputy Head of House.

This season, however, Big Brother introduced a major twist to the traditional HoH privileges. Unlike previous editions, the winner does not automatically move into the luxurious Head of House loft.

Instead, Chimsom was required to select a fellow housemate through a lucky dip to enjoy the accommodation. After drawing from a yellow lucky dip box, he picked Tram, who was granted access to the exclusive Head of House residence for the week. Tram later selected Sheba to share the apartment with him.

Although Chimsom will not stay in the Head of House loft, he retains the most significant advantage of the position-immunity from this week’s eviction-along with other leadership responsibilities and special privileges from Big Brother.

Before entering the house, Chimsom described himself as someone who remains calm under pressure and said authenticity would be his strategy throughout the competition.

‘The biggest strength I have is being myself,’ he said during his pre-show introduction, expressing confidence that viewers would connect with his genuine personality rather than a carefully crafted game plan.

As of the time of the announcement, the housemates were still taking part in the nomination process ahead of the first eviction of the season.

The ‘Show Ya Sef’ edition of Big Brother Naija features 24 contestants competing for the grand prize of ?160 million, with more twists and challenges expected to unfold in the weeks ahead.

The Federal Government has allocated N962.83bn for the procurement of Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and empowerment projects in the 2026 budget, despite plans to finance a significant part of the spending through borrowing, civic technology organisation Tracka has said.

In its review of the 2026 Appropriation Act, Tracka said the allocation includes N15.13bn for the purchase of 39 SUVs and N947.70bn for 2,579 empowerment projects.

According to the organisation, the N962.83bn allocation is higher than the combined N960.27bn budgeted for seven federal ministries: Industry, Trade and Investment; Housing and Urban Development; Women Affairs; Justice; Livestock Development; Aviation and Aerospace Development; and Petroleum Resources.

Tracka noted that the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment received N156.8bn, Housing and Urban Development N145.3bn, Women Affairs N169.39bn, Justice N150.7bn, Livestock Development N177.6bn, Aviation and Aerospace Development N87.3bn, while Petroleum Resources was allocated N73.1bn.

The organisation also raised concerns over the implementation of the empowerment projects, saying many lacked basic details.

It stated, ‘Yet, only 70 of the 2,579 empowerment projects have clearly identified implementation locations.’

Tracka said the absence of project locations raises questions about accountability and monitoring.

It asked, ‘How can citizens track projects with no stated location? How can oversight institutions verify implementation? How can taxpayers know who ultimately benefits from these allocations?’

According to the group, the 2,579 projects are spread across 184 implementing agencies, including institutions whose core responsibilities do not usually include empowerment programmes.

Its analysis showed that the Federal Cooperative College, Oji River, was assigned 393 projects worth N127.1bn, while the National Agricultural Development Fund received six projects valued at N89.5bn. The Federal College of Horticulture, Dadin-Kowa, Gombe, was allocated 216 projects worth N88.1bn, while the Federal Cooperative College, Ibadan, got 94 projects valued at N36.9bn.

Tracka’s review also showed that the largest single empowerment allocation is N89.09bn for the Renewed Hope Fertiliser Support Programme under the National Agricultural Development Fund.

Other major allocations include N14bn for the procurement and distribution of economic empowerment equipment and utility vehicles through the Federal Cooperative College, Oji River, N14bn for youth empowerment programmes under the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, and another N14bn for youth empowerment and medical outreach under the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

The budget also provides funds for the purchase of buses, tricycles, motorcycles, electric vehicles, sewing machines, fertilisers, vocational equipment, grants and other empowerment items across different agencies and parts of the country.

While acknowledging the value of empowerment programmes, Tracka said they must be properly planned and openly implemented.

It said, ‘Let us be clear, there is nothing inherently wrong with empowerment programmes! When well-designed and transparently implemented, they can improve livelihoods, create economic opportunities, and support vulnerable Nigerians.’

However, it warned that many such projects have become tools for political patronage.

‘Experience over the years has shown that many poorly defined empowerment projects have become vehicles for political patronage, rewarding loyalists rather than delivering broad-based benefits to citizens. When projects have no clear location, no transparent beneficiary selection process, and are assigned to agencies without the appropriate mandate, public confidence is eroded, and accountability becomes difficult,’ the organisation stated.

Tracka also linked its concerns to the government’s borrowing plans for the 2026 budget.

It said, ‘This concern is even more pressing given that the 2026 Budget is projected to be financed with a deficit of about 46 per cent. At a time when government is borrowing heavily to fund public expenditure, every naira should be directed toward investments with clear development outcomes, measurable impact, and value for money, not opaque allocations that citizens cannot effectively track.’

The organisation called for greater transparency in future budgets.

According to Tracka, ‘A budget should not only allocate resources, it should also inspire public confidence. Every budget item should have a clear purpose, a defined location, an implementing agency with the legal mandate to deliver it, identifiable beneficiaries, and measurable outcomes.’