Category: Nigerian Tribune

The Kogi State Government has expressed deep shock over the tragic death of Ms. Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, an anchor, reporter, and producer with ARISE News, who was killed during an alleged armed robbery in Abuja.

In a condolence message signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the government described the late journalist as a consummate professional who carried out her duties with passion, brilliance, and a deep sense of responsibility.

‘Her tragic passing is not only a loss to her family and colleagues at ARISE News but also to Nigeria, where her voice echoed professionalism in national discourse,’ the statement read in part. The government extended heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased, her colleagues in the media industry, and the management of ARISE News, praying that God grants her eternal rest and gives her loved ones the fortitude to bear the loss.

The statement also urged security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators of the crime are swiftly brought to justice, noting that no society can thrive when its brightest lights are cut down by acts of criminality.

Fanwo added that her memory would continue to inspire courage, patriotism, and excellence in the noble profession of journalism.

The U.S. Mission’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) has partnered with the Federal Government to adopt innovative solutions aimed at enhancing agricultural trade for economic growth and food security.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr Matthew Obogbaimhe, Chairman of the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce (NACC), Kaduna Chapter, said this at a roundtable on Thursday in Abuja.

Obogbaimhe said revitalising Nigeria’s agricultural sector required more than trade restrictions, stressing that the sector demands innovation, sustainable practices and investment in infrastructure.

The roundtable, tagged: ‘Innovative Approaches to Agricultural Trade for Economic Growth and Food Security,’ was organised by FAS in collaboration with NACC and the Nigeria Agribusiness Group (NABG).

The discussion focused on the impacts of Nigeria’s agricultural trade restrictions on food prices, local production and investment.

It also provided the U.S. Mission’s FAS with an opportunity to connect with policy advisers and push for reconsideration of restrictions on U.S. agricultural exports.

Obogbaimhe said the partnership with FAS was driven by a vision to promote agricultural innovation and trade across Africa.

‘The roundtable provided a unique platform to exchange ideas and explore innovative agricultural trade policies that benefit consumers and farmers in Nigeria and the United States,’ he said.

Mr Christopher Bielecki, Agricultural Counselor for the FAS office in Lagos, said the forum enabled stakeholders to discuss innovative solutions to strengthen agricultural trade, reduce costs for agribusinesses and consumers, and create prosperity for American and Nigerian farmers.

‘The U.S. Mission’s FAS office looks forward to continued collaboration with the Nigerian government and agribusiness stakeholders to translate the roundtable’s recommendations into action.

‘By working together to advance innovative agricultural trade policies, the United States and Nigeria can foster greater food security, create opportunities for value-added processing, attract investment and strengthen the agricultural sector,’ Bielecki said.

NABG Director-General, Mr Jafar Umar, described the roundtable as timely and highly relevant to the national discourse on trade and food security.

He expressed the group’s readiness to partner with FAS, noting that NABG remains the leading voice of agribusiness in Nigeria.

Also speaking, Dr Betty Adegebo, a member of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) research team, said Nigeria’s agricultural trade restrictions had resulted in higher food prices, increased informal trade, and inefficiencies in production, while failing to achieve self-sufficiency.

Presenting NIPSS findings, Adegebo said food inflation surged to 30.6 per cent in 2023, with staples such as rice and beef more than doubling in price over two years.

She noted that the price of one kilogramme of local rice rose by 137.32 per cent year-on-year in October 2024, while boneless beef increased by 98.73 per cent.

‘Production challenges persist, including an estimated maize production gap of 300,000 metric tonnes annually, and low yields of 2.0 tonnes per hectare, far below South Africa’s 5.2,’ Adegebo said.

She added that informal trade had expanded, especially in rice and poultry, as high tariffs and import bans continued to encourage cross-border smuggling despite government measures such as the 2019 border closure.

Adegebo said NIPSS recommended reducing import bans and tariffs, adopting long-term predictable trade policies, harmonising tariffs and sanitary and phytosanitary regulations, and leveraging frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

She also called for the establishment of a centralised body to oversee agricultural trade regulations, improve official trade, strengthen sanitary and phytosanitary oversight, and boost government revenue.

The event, was attended by Nigerian agricultural trade policy advisors, legislative representatives, agribusiness leaders, researchers, regulators, and U.S. agricultural associations.

An operation of combined security forces in Kwara on Monday night launched an onslaught on camps of bandits and kidnappers in the Ifelodun local government area of the state.

In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the state governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, the onslaught resulted in multiple casualties on the side of the criminals.

‘No specific is known yet about any casualties on the side of the government forces,’ the statement said.

It is recalled that suspected bandits had on Sunday morning killed 12 residents of Oke Ode community, including a community leader.

The statement reads: ‘Combined security forces took the battle to the criminals’ hideouts around Baba Sango on Monday night, resulting in multiple casualties on the side of the roughnecks.

‘The multiagency operation comes a day after the unfortunate incident at Oke Ode on Sunday.

‘The Monday night engagement is happening along the Kogi border with Kwara, according to military sources.

‘Earlier today, the Nigerian Air Force announced aerial hits on the criminals’ positions in the area, introducing a new layer of efforts to rout the criminals.

‘No specific information is known yet about any casualties on the side of the government forces’.

AS the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise enters its sixth week, a total of 6,232,673 Nigerians have so far pre-registered online.

According to the statistics released by the Independent National National Electoral Commission (INEC) the figure falls within the period of September 22 to 28, 2025 of the exercise.

The estimate also revealed that Borno State in the North East zone has displaced Osun State which has consistently taken the lead position in the exercise.

Borno State now has the highest number of 682,805 registrations, representing 10.96 percent of the total, pushing Osun State to the second position with 599,363 (9.62 percent).

Osun State is trailed by Lagos, another state in the South West zone with 555,442 (8.91 percent), while North West state of Kebbi has 472,662 (7.58 percent) as registrants, trailed by Ogun State with 450,897 (7.23 percent).

In the same data released by the INEC, young Nigerians retain their dominance.

Of the total pre-registrants, 4,230,715 are youths aged between 18 and 34, while 1,565,824 are students.

Women also constitute 52.15 percent with a total of

3,250,338 as against men folk with 2,982,335, which translated to 47.85 percent pre-registrants.

The data also revealed a positive growth in interest in the political process by

Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) as they posted a figure of 137,865 in the pre-online registration.

The data also revealed that about 1,004,132 Nigerians have completed the process.

A breakdown showed that

537,743 were completed online, while 466,389 were done physically at INEC designated registration centres across the country.

The commission, however, noted that ‘this is a preliminary figure pending data clean-up during the period for claims and objections by citizens, followed by the deployment of the Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS).’

A coalition of civil society organisations has applauded the ruling of the National Industrial Court in Abuja halting the planned strike by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) against the Dangote Refinery.

The group, operating under the aegis of the Coalition for the Defence of Economic Rights (CODER), described the interim order as ‘a victory for the rule of law and economic stability.’

In a statement issued after an emergency meeting on Monday night and signed by its president, Comrade Babajide Oresanya, CODER urged all parties to respect the court’s decision and allow due process to take its course.

‘We hail the decision of the court under Justice Emmanuel Sublim to stop the strike and preserve the integrity of our economy,’ Oresanya said.

He added that the planned action, if it had gone ahead, could have disrupted operations at the Dangote Refinery and inflicted serious damage on the livelihoods of ordinary Nigerians.

‘The judiciary has once again risen to the occasion by protecting both the rule of law and the national interest,’ he said.

The coalition further cautioned that industrial unions must avoid actions capable of undermining national development or the survival of critical infrastructure.

‘While we recognise and respect the constitutional right of workers to organise and press their demands, such rights must be exercised responsibly and within the bounds of the law. The refinery is not just a private enterprise; it is a strategic national asset with implications for energy security, job creation, and the wider economy,’ CODER stated.

Oresanya urged PENGASSAN to retrace its steps and embrace constructive dialogue rather than confrontation.

He also commended the federal government for responding swiftly by meeting with PENGASSAN and regulatory agencies such as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), while urging stakeholders to abide strictly by the interim order of the court.

‘The court has spoken. Any attempt to flout this order would amount to contempt and could further escalate the situation. Nigerians are watching, and what the country needs at this moment is stability, not conflict. Respect for the judiciary is non-negotiable,’ Oresanya stressed.

The coalition also expressed concern that the controversy surrounding PENGASSAN’s allegations against the refinery could distract from the broader national goal of energy sufficiency.

‘Independent investigations and facts available to us show that the Dangote Refinery has been a net creator of jobs, both directly and indirectly. Rather than making unsubstantiated allegations, the union should channel energy into ensuring that the refinery delivers optimally and contributes to reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products,’ CODER noted.

CODER concluded by calling on Nigerians to remain calm and trust in the judicial process.

‘The interim order is only the first step. The substantive matter will be heard on October 13, and we are confident that the court will dispense justice in line with the facts presented. What is most important now is that all parties submit to the authority of the court and allow reason to prevail,’ Oresanya added.

Earlier on Monday, the National Industrial Court had restrained PENGASSAN from proceeding with its nationwide strike after counsel to the Dangote Refinery, George Ibrahim, filed an ex-parte application.

Justice Sublim ruled that the strike could cause irreparable harm to the economy and ordered all parties to maintain the status quo until the substantive case is heard.

Popular comedian and talk show host, Teju Oyelakin, popularly known as Teju Babyface, has advised men against confessing to their wives or partners if they cheat, warning that such admissions only cause more harm than good.

In a YouTube video shared on Monday, Teju described confessing infidelity as one of the ‘most catastrophic and damaging’ things a person can do in a marriage.

‘If you cheat on your wife or your husband, but especially your wife – especially men – if you cheat on your wife, don’t tell her. Don’t confess. Do not ever do it,’ he said.

‘It is one of the most catastrophic and damaging things you can ever do in your life.’

The comedian said many people misinterpret the idea of confession, noting that while some quote the Bible to justify it, confession of sin is meant for God and not for humans.

‘People will even quote the Bible to support the idea of confession. They will say that if we confess and repent, then our sins are forgiven,’ he said.

‘Excuse me, that is to God and from God, not to man. It is confession to God, not to man. Do not do it.’

He added that people who confess after cheating often deceive themselves into thinking they are being honest, when in reality they are being manipulative.

‘You are not being honest; you are being manipulative. What you’re really doing is shedding the weight of your guilt, not helping your spouse. You’re looking for someone else to carry the burden of your wrongdoing,’ he explained.

Sharing a personal experience, Teju admitted that before marriage, he once cheated in a serious relationship and confessed, a decision he now regrets. He said the confession was not driven by honesty but by a subconscious desire to sabotage the relationship.

‘I can see clearly now that I confessed because I wanted out of the relationship,’ he said.

‘If I cheated and then confessed, and she left by herself, I could justify it to myself. That was not honesty – that was cowardice.’

He argued that confessions rarely heal relationships but instead deepen wounds and permanently alter trust.

‘There is no benefit to your spouse when you confess. All the benefits are yours. What you give them is pain, heartache, and misery,’ he stated.

According to him, some marriages never recover from the damage caused by such revelations.

‘I have a friend who cheated on his wife 15 years ago, confessed in their first year of marriage, and to this day she still holds it over his head. He’s still suffering from that confession,’ he shared.

Teju stressed that true repentance should involve a change of behaviour, not confession, urging men to stop cheating rather than seek emotional relief by telling their wives.

‘If you feel bad about cheating, stop cheating. If you still feel guilty, confess to God or a counsellor, not your wife. Don’t ever put that weight on her. That’s not honesty; that’s cruelty,’ he said.

He also distinguished between a man who makes a mistake and one who is a habitual cheater.

‘The fact that you cheated once doesn’t make you a cheater,’ he noted.

‘A cheater is someone who does it repeatedly. But if you stumbled once, learn from it and change your actions, don’t destroy your home in the name of confession.’

The Nigerian Exchange (NGX) sustained its bullish momentum for the fourth straight session on Tuesday, with the benchmark All-Share Index (ASI) rising 0.23 per cent to close at 142,710.48 basis points.

This lifted the year-to-date return to 38.65 per cent from 38.33 per cent in the previous session, while market capitalisation advanced by N465.88 billion to settle at N90.58 trillion.

The positive outing was largely driven by strong demand in heavyweights such as Transcorp, up 8.48 per cent, Fidelity Bank, up 5.26 per cent, and Aradel Holdings, up 9.82 per cent.

Their gains outweighed profit-taking in top-tier banking stocks, including United Bank for Africa, down 2.70 per cent, Access Holdings, down 0.19 per cent, Zenith Bank, down 0.86 per cent, and Guaranty Trust Holding Company, down 0.11 per cent.

Sectoral performance closed on a mixed note. Oil and Gas gained 3.14 per cent, Industrial Goods rose 1.48 per cent, and Banking advanced 0.34 per cent. On the other hand, Insurance lost 3.77 per cent, while Consumer Goods fell 0.77 per cent, reflecting selective investor positioning across sectors.

Trading activity strengthened significantly, with transaction volume and value soaring by 223.09 per cent and 156.72 per cent, respectively. Fidelity Bank dominated the session, accounting for 793.04 million units valued at N15.88 billion, underscoring strong investor appetite in the mid-tier lender.

Despite the gains, market breadth closed negative, with 28 advancers against 31 decliners. UPDC, which gained 9.98 per cent, led the gainers’ chart, while Union Dicon, which fell 10 per cent, topped the laggards. Several other stocks closed flat.

Analysts note that the sustained bullish run in the market reflects resilient investor sentiment, particularly in energy and select banking names, despite profit-taking pressures in blue-chip lenders.

Market watchers expect momentum to remain largely driven by bargain-hunting and portfolio rebalancing as the quarter closes.

Edo State Executive Council has approved a revised supplementary budget of N799.820 billion from the initial N675,200 billion, representing an increase of N125 billion, or 18 percent for the 2025 fiscal year.

It was learnt that the approval followed an emergency executive meeting presided over by the Chairman-in-Council and Governor of the State, Monday Okpebholo on Monday.

Briefing newsmen after the meeting, the Commissioner for Finance, Emmanuel Okoebor, explained the rationale behind the adjustment and emphasised the government’s commitment to infrastructure development.

He explained: ‘Previously, we have a budget of N675 billion with recurrent expenditure having about 33 percent and capital 67 percent.

‘The new revised budget now has about 70 percent for capital expenditure as against 30 percent for recurrent expenditure.

‘It shows the commitment of governor Monday Okpebholo in infrastructural development in Edo state.’

Okoebor further explained the size and nature of the increment, saying that: ‘The increment in the budget is about N125 billion, which signifies about 18 percent of the previous budget.

‘Recurrent increased with about N12 billion, while capital is about N113 billion from the previous one. Given about 25 percent increment in Capital expenditure and just 5 percent increment in recurrent expenditure.

‘It clearly shows that the government is concerned about infrastructural development making Edo people happy. We have done about 254KM of roads across the state, and many more construction works are ongoing.

‘Recurrent expenditure has about 5 percent increment as the increase in minimum wage necessitated that increment including a lot of employment the present administration did in hospital management board for over 1000 and it needs to be captured.

‘The budget has been increased by N125 billion, which is about 18 percent, and capita expenditure about 25 percent increment, from N450 billion to N563 billion.’

According to the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Communication, Paul Ohombamu, the revised budget is expected to be forwarded to the Edo State House of Assembly for legislative consideration and passage.

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of new heads for three key Federal Government agencies.

This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by Mr Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations, Office of the Secretary to the Government.

Tinubu appointed Bello Bawa Bwari as Director-General of the National Biosafety Management Agency for an initial four-year term, effective from 18 September 2025.

The President also appointed Mr Aminu Junaidu as Chairman of the Investment and Security Tribunal for a five-year term, beginning on 18 September 2025.

Similarly, Mr Olayiwola Nurudeen Awakan was appointed Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation for an initial four-year term, effective from 2 September 2025.

Imohiosen stated that the appointments underscored Tinubu’s resolve to strengthen key sectors and institutions in the country.

He added that the President urged the appointees to apply their expertise towards advancing the growth and development of their agencies for national progress.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu and Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, urged Nigerians to rekindle their hope and renew their commitment towards building a nation that benefits everyone.

In his message on Tuesday, Kalu congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerians on the occasion of the country’s 65th Independence anniversary.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s journey, Kalu acknowledged the nation’s challenges but expressed optimism about its progress toward greatness.

He emphasised the significance of the Renewed Hope Agenda, initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and encouraged Nigerians to remain patient and work together in harnessing their diversity, resilience, and determination for the development of the country.

The Deputy Speaker noted that the agenda embodied collective aspirations for a Nigeria where citizens thrive and opportunities abound, stressing that working together will help build a nation that reflects the dreams of Nigeria’s founding fathers.

Kalu reaffirmed his commitment to serving Nigerians and contributing to the nation’s growth as a federal lawmaker, assuring that the Parliament will continue to prioritise people-oriented legislation.

The Deputy Speaker wished all Nigerians a fruitful Independence Day anniversary, praying for God’s guidance toward a prosperous future for Nigeria.

He said: ‘As we celebrate Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, we reflect on our nation’s journey, achievements, and challenges. This milestone reminds us of the sacrifices made by our forebears and the collective efforts towards nation-building.

‘As a representative of the people, I’m honoured to reaffirm my commitment to serving Nigerians and contributing to our nation’s growth.

‘I have faith in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR which embodies our collective aspirations for a Nigeria where citizens thrive, opportunities abound, and our nation takes its rightful place globally. It’s a call to action for us to work together, harnessing our diversity, resilience, and determination.

‘As we mark this significant day, let’s rekindle our hope, renew our commitment, and work tirelessly towards building a Nigeria that reflects the dreams of our founding fathers. Together, we can achieve greatness.

‘Happy 65th Independence Anniversary! May God bless Nigeria and guide us towards a prosperous tomorrow, anchored on the principles of the Renewed Hope Agenda’.

On her part, Musawa felicitated with Nigerians on the 65th Independence Day celebration.

She said: ‘This an ode of our independence that came with a fee; The tale of a nation that begged to be free. My heavy heart; Oh Verily! Nigeria, thy never on bended knee! Awo, Zik and Sardauna made a fortress for thee. Balewa he stood, as did Macauley. To make Ye as brave as Ye can be. But thy Babylon-Beasts laid snares for thee, And spread their nets with cords of glee.

‘There´s a storm in the affairs of man, If taken at its stride, it can, And leads thee into deepest sea! For those of We who toiled for thee, We pray to see thee always free. Freedom from corruption is thy only key. Even rebellion is an effort to set thee free. We, protégé, must continue to give to thee, In the path of those who doth walk for Ye. Some have followed and some doth lead for we to unite this great nation inclusivly and happily.

‘For our common good we traverse with glee, To turn our vast diversity into unity.

‘Continue lifting our nation for all to see, but the task ahead will be very heavy. Now forge forth, struggle and win for thee, Your unending great quest for liberty. Nigeria, ye off thy bended knee.’