Nigeria eyes seed market growth to drive food security, export revenue

The Minister of state for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, has reiterated that farmers across Nigeria must have access to affordable and high-quality seeds in order of the country to increase its agricultural yield and derive forex from export.

Speaking in Abuja during a meeting with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) evaluation mission team in Abuja yesterday, Abdullahi said seed quality remains the foundation of any agricultural system.

‘This is at the heart of what we do to support the President’s vision for food security. Farmers must and should have access to affordable, quality seed at all times. Our current yield gap as a country is worrisome, but we believe we can do better,’ the Minister stated.

He explained that beyond yield, good seeds should be pest and disease resistant, drought tolerant, and climate-smart.

Abdullahi further noted that such qualities would reduce dependence on agrochemicals, improve nutrition, and enhance the market value of Nigerian produce abroad.

‘We are not sleeping over the challenge of high residues in our export produce. Different countries have different tolerance levels, and we must ensure our farmers have the knowledge and tools to meet these standards,’ he noted.

The Minister acknowledged gaps in Nigeria’s seed system, pointing out that nearly 70 percent of seed demand is met through informal sources.

He however, stressed the need for more inspectors, stronger regulations, and a crackdown on fraudulent practices. ‘There are people who claim to be seed entrepreneurs but supply grains instead of certified seeds. Without proper oversight, our farmers will continue to suffer,’ he said.

Welcoming the OECD mission, Abdullahi assured that Nigeria would continue to align with international best practices and expand opportunities for seed entrepreneurs.

‘We want to do all-year farming, expand irrigation, and develop varieties suited for our environment. Nigeria is the next hope for seed entrepreneurs to look at,’ he said.

In his remarks, the Director-General of the National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC), Dr. Fatuhu Muhammadu, highlighted Nigeria’s progress since joining the OECD Seed Schemes in 2023.

He noted that the country now serves as secretary of the OECD Africa Forum and has trained seed system actors from several West and Central African countries.

OECD seed scheme officers Ms. Aurelia Nicault and Mr. Rouillard Christophe in her remarks, commended Nigeria’s commitment to improving its seed system.

‘The OECD schemes contribute to food security goals and sustainable agriculture. We cannot do anything in the future without seed’, she noted.

Nicault added that Nigeria’s membership would boost trade within ECOWAS and beyond, saying: ‘High-quality seeds will not only secure food for Nigeria but also strengthen its economic growth.’

British diplomat dismisses reports of genocide against Christians in Nigeria

THE Federal Government’s rebuttal of reports of genocide against Christians in the country received a boost on Monday as former British diplomat Mr David Roberts dismissed the report as false.

Roberts, who served as a director of the British Council in Abuja for several years, stated that the country’s security challenges had been exaggerated by Western interest groups and the media, warning against escalating the situation with inaccurate reports.

‘Yes, there are security challenges in Nigeria but those issues have affected the country from the pre-colonial, colonial, and now the post-colonial periods,’ he stated, adding:, ‘Ample evidence exists to show that the Nigerian government is de-escalating the violence.’

Based on a viral video in which a man with a Nigerian accent claimed that over 500,000 Christians were killed in the country last year, Mr Bill Maher, a comedian who hosts the longest-running talk show in the US, Real Time with Bill Maher, asserted that a systematic genocide was happening in Nigeria.

The video was circulated by international X influencers, including Radio Genoa, an anti-Islamic personality, who stokes negative sentiments against the Muslim faith.

However, minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr Mohammed Idris, and a former presidential aide, Mr Reno Omokri, on Sunday refuted the claims as false.

Roberts upheld Idris’ and Omokri’s rebuttals and contended that the genocide reports were skewed, explaining that both the Christian and Muslim faiths are victims of the age-long violence.

He stated: ‘I lived in Nigeria as a British diplomat and toured the entire country. It is ridiculous for anyone even to suggest that half a million people were killed as part of genocide against Christians in Nigeria by Muslims last year alone.

‘And this is not just some Christian genocide. In fact, more Muslims are killed in these attacks in Nigeria than Christians, a fact highlighted by the Institute for Economics and Peace in their annual Global Terrorism Index.’, he said.

He urged Western nations and their media to be mindful of the reportage in order not to ignite a crisis that will result in a greater flood of refugees from West Africa turning up in Europe through the Mediterranean.

Ondo govt, FAO partner on food security, land reforms

Ondo Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has pledged stronger collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations to boost food security, empower youths, and reform land administration in the state.

The governor who gave the assurance on Monday in Akure while receiving the FAO Representative in Nigeria and to ECOWAS, Dr. Hussein Gadain, who led a delegation on a courtesy visit, commended FAO’s interventions since the launch of its programme in July 2024.

He specifically commended the FAO interventions in the area of training farmers, providing advocacy, and deploying GIS tools for forest mapping.

He said his administration was committed to expanding the partnership by allocating land to farmers, engaging youths in agribusiness, and backing projects with budgetary support.

‘Land is a very scarce factor of production. Many people are looking for land for expansion, while new entrants are coming in and the land size remains the same.

‘With land allocation committees at the local government level, ownership will be guaranteed and issues of land grabbing are reduced,’ the governor said.

He stressed the need to prepare younger farmers for the future.

‘Most farmers are getting old. Before they retire, it is better to start training younger ones.

‘We had Youth on Ridges in the last administration where land was cleared and provided for young people to farm. We need to revisit that deliberately and intentionally,’

Earlier, Gadain said his visit was to review FAO’s progress in the state and identify fresh areas of collaboration in line with Ondo’s priorities on food security, climate resilience, and natural resource management.

He disclosed that Ondo is currently benefitting from two Global Environment Facility (GEF) projects – the Food Systems, Land Use and Restoration (FOLUR) project, and the Biodiversity project covering Ondo, Edo, Delta, and Ogun States.

Both are aimed at restoring degraded forests, conserving biodiversity, and supporting local livelihoods.

According to him, FAO’s interventions in Ondo include establishing a GIS laboratory, reviving extension services, introducing farmer field and business schools, facilitating policy dialogue on land access, and setting up solar-powered nurseries capable of producing over two million seedlings.

He revealed that more than 3,800 hectares of degraded forest have already been restored in the state, while another one million seedlings are to be delivered.

‘Our interventions also align with the European Union’s Deforestation Regulation, which will enhance food security, create jobs, expand export revenue, and strengthen ecosystem services in Ondo State,’ Gadain said.

Top government officials at the meeting included Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; and Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Engr. Olaleye Akinola, amongst others.

Dangote Refinery: Coalition protest against PENGASSAN, NUPENG, others in Abuja

A coalition of civil society organisations, faith leaders, market associations and petroleum consumers on Tuesday stormed Abuja in protest against what they described as a dangerous alliance of cartels and unions seeking to sabotage the Dangote Refinery.

The protesters, under the aegis of the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria (COCSON), the Nigerian Interfaith Forum (NIF), the National Coalition for Market Men, Women and Artisans (NACOMWA) and the Petroleum Consumers Protection Alliance (PCPA), gathered at the Unity Fountain Abuja while they dispatched their grievance letter to

the Presidential Villa, the National Assembly and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

Jointly reading a prepared speech during the rally, the coalition said Nigeria was ‘at a critical crossroads,’ accusing the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) of waging an anti-people war to protect its profiteering from fuel imports. The group also condemned the strike threats by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), describing them as a conspiracy to destabilise the economy and deepen the suffering of ordinary Nigerians.

‘This is a direct call by PENGASSAN, NUPENG and TUC for anarchy,’ declared Comrade Ibrahim Suleiman, President of COCSON. ‘President Tinubu should hold these people responsible if there is a breakdown of law and order in this country. They should be immediately arrested for disobedience to court order.’

The coalition insisted that the opposition to Dangote Refinery was not about patriotism or sound policy but a desperate move to retain control of a corrupt fuel import system. ‘For decades, Nigerians have been held hostage by a cartel that thrives on import dependency, round-tripping, subsidy scams and artificial scarcity,’ Suleiman said. ‘DAPPMAN’s agenda is to keep fuel importation alive so they can continue profiteering at the expense of ordinary citizens already battered by poverty, unemployment and inflation.’

Echoing his concern, Rev. Dr. Mathew Ayodele, National Chairman of the Nigerian Interfaith Forum (NIF), condemned the planned industrial strike as ‘a dagger to Nigerians’ hearts.’ He said it was immoral for unions to threaten a shutdown of oil and gas operations at a time when families were already struggling to survive. ‘Let us be clear: this is not a strike for workers. It is a strike for cartels. History will not forgive any union that aligns with saboteurs against the very people they claim to represent,’ he warned.

The coalition welcomed the recent ruling of the Federal High Court barring PENGASSAN from stopping gas supply to Dangote Refinery. Barr. Yusuf Danladi, Chairman of PCPA, said the judgment ‘validates our position that the strike threats were never in the interest of workers or Nigerians, but a calculated move to sabotage Nigeria’s refining revolution. The judiciary has spoken clearly: no union or cartel has the right to hold 200 million Nigerians hostage in pursuit of selfish interests.’

Comrade Boma Agbede, National President of NACOMWA, accused the unions of hypocrisy in their attempts to drag Dangote Refinery into their fold. ‘ASUU does not go after Covenant, Baze, Babcock or JABU to force lecturers into membership. NURTW does not compel drivers in GUO, Chisco or Ekeson to join its ranks. NUT does not march into Chrisland or British International School to conscript teachers. So why should Dangote Refinery, a private enterprise built with private sweat and risk, be forced into the grip of PENGASSAN or any union that can shut it down at will?’ he asked.

The coalition painted a grim picture of what Nigerians stand to suffer if DAPPMAN and the unions succeed, warning that fuel scarcity would return, black markets would thrive, transportation would collapse, electricity supply would worsen and inflation would spiral further. ‘It is not just wickedness, it is economic terrorism against the Nigerian people,’ Suleiman declared.

The groups urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Assembly and regulators to stand firm with Dangote Refinery and other indigenous refineries. They commended the President’s commitment to industrialisation but cautioned against yielding to what they described as DAPPMAN’s blackmail. ‘Any attempt to bend will be resisted by Nigerians,’ the coalition warned.

They vowed to pursue a lawsuit against DAPPMAN for economic sabotage and anti-competition practices, organise more rallies in Abuja, and mobilise international advocacy through ECOWAS, the African Union and the United Nations to expose the weaponisation of petroleum products against Nigerians.

‘You have bled this nation long enough,’ the coalition declared in a warning to DAPPMAN and strike organisers. ‘Nigerians will no longer sit idle while you mortgage our future. If you proceed, we will meet you in court, in the streets and in the global arena. This nation belongs to its people not to cartels, not to saboteurs, not to profiteers.’

Furthermore, the coalition reaffirmed its ‘unwavering support’ for Dangote Refinery as a symbol of energy security, job creation and economic sovereignty. ‘Nigerians deserve relief, not renewed suffering. Nigerians deserve progress, not sabotage. Nigerians deserve energy security, not endless scarcity,’ the speech concluded.

Top Crypto Coins in 2025: BWT Alpine Formula 1® Team Deal and $415M Presale Puts It Ahead of Polkadot, Cardano, and Chainlink

From BlockDAG’s presale dominance and BWT Alpine Formula 1® Team partnership to established names like Polkadot, Cardano, and Chainlink, there’s a mix of fresh energy and proven strength. Each project offers something unique. The big question is which of these can bring both short-term excitement and long-term value. Let’s break them down one by one and see why each of these coins deserves a closer look right now.

1. BlockDAG (BDAG): Utility Meets Culture

BlockDAG has become the project people can’t stop talking about. With a presale price of just $0.0013 per BDAG, it has already raised $415 million, including $40 million in the last month alone. More than 312,000 unique holders are on board, while 3 million people mine BDAG daily through the X1 mobile app. Add 20,000 X-Series miners sold across 130 countries.

The hype is now supercharged by its multi-year partnership with the BWT Alpine Formula 1® Team. This deal means fan simulators, on-track activations, hackathons, and digital integrations are all powered by BlockDAG tech. Few crypto projects have managed to partner with global sports on this level, providing them with exposure to millions outside the usual crypto circles. That’s why many traders see BDAG as a promising opportunity.

The Awakening Testnet is also a game-changer. Instead of waiting until mainnet, BlockDAG is already stress-testing account abstraction, miner integration, vesting contracts, and EIP-4337 groundwork in a public rollout. This ‘Mainnet Prequel’ shows exactly how the system works before launch. For anyone watching top crypto coins, the mix of cultural reach and technical delivery makes BlockDAG (BDAG) the one that feels like it has both speed and staying power.

2. Polkadot (DOT): Interoperability in Action

Polkadot remains a key crypto for interoperability, enabling multiple parachains to run in parallel and communicate seamlessly. This cross-chain design remains relevant despite newer competitors, as it simplifies transfers and data movement, two major hurdles in Web3. As of September 2025, DOT trades near $5.02, far below its 2021 peak but viewed as a consolidation rather than a collapse.

Analysts highlight parachain auctions and steady developer activity as proof of resilience. If the adoption of cross-chain apps expands, Polkadot could benefit as an early leader. Its long-term value depends on whether those applications gain meaningful scale and real-world traction.

3. Cardano (ADA): Steady but Searching

Cardano is known for its slow, research-driven approach, emphasizing academic rigor over flashy launches. As of September 23, 2025, ADA trades near $0.37, showing stability after earlier corrections. Support has held, while developers focus on identity, governance, and sustainability. The challenge is proving this careful strategy leads to real adoption.

Source- CoinGecko

Cardano’s community remains among the most loyal, with high staking participation, but questions persist regarding its commercial use. Many investors view ADA as a long-term investment, expecting rewards once larger projects are implemented. For those seeking top crypto coins grounded in research, Cardano still holds promise but needs stronger growth.

4. Chainlink (LINK): Data Feeds and DeFi Power

Chainlink remains vital to crypto as the leading decentralized oracle network, connecting smart contracts with real-world data such as prices, weather, and sports results. Its role underpins DeFi at scale, keeping LINK central in institutional discussions and exchange listings. Currently trading at $21.83, LINK has pulled back from August highs but holds support near $21.

Analysts expect a breakout above $25-27 to retest $30 soon, potentially. Exchange balances are at their lowest since 2022, showing reduced selling pressure and whale accumulation. With DeFi and real-world assets expanding, Chainlink is viewed as essential infrastructure rather than hype-driven speculation.

Which of the Top Crypto Coins Feels Strongest?

Examining these four projects side by side, each has distinct strengths. Polkadot continues to push interoperability as its key advantage, Cardano holds firm with a research-first approach, and Chainlink remains the backbone of decentralized data. All three are important to watch, and each can deliver gains depending on how their ecosystems develop over the next cycle.

However, the project drawing the most attention right now is BlockDAG. With a presale that has already raised $415M, a BWT Alpine Formula 1® Team partnership bringing mainstream visibility, and a testnet that is already rolling out features most chains only deliver after launch, it is building momentum faster than its peers. For buyers wondering which of the top crypto coins, BlockDAG is the one that could turn early support into outsized rewards.

Kogi: 20 feared dead, many missing in boat mishap on River Niger

A boat mishap has claimed about twenty lives in the River Niger on Tuesday at about 4:30 p.m. in Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State, while many others remain missing.

Tribune Online gathered from a farmer, Mr James Otoga, an eyewitness in the local government, that the tragedy occurred on Tuesday evening.

According to him, the boat, which was fully loaded with passengers, departed from Onugwa community in Ibaji and was heading to Ilushi market before it capsized, leaving an as-yet unconfirmed number of people dead.

‘The boat was fully loaded with our people going to market for the 1st October celebration. Only five survivors have surfaced so far, and 20 bodies have been recovered. More of our people are still lying lifeless beneath the River Niger.

‘Even those who came for a burial in Onugwa and were returning to Ilushi are missing. We are yet to confirm the total number of people onboard and those who survived,’ he said.

Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Ibaji Local Government Area, Honourable Ugeh Emmanuel, described it as the most disastrous in the history of the area.

‘As I am speaking with you now, nobody can authoritatively say this is the actual number of casualties. We also cannot ascertain the number of people on board from their departure point.

‘This is a very serious accident. The boat had not even reached Ilushi when the mishap occurred around 4:30 p.m. Most of the victims were moving to Ilushi for the celebration of 1st October, which has been a tradition in the community, before they met their untimely death,’ he said.

It will be recalled that in the past year, there have been numerous boat mishaps in Kogi, Niger and other riverine states, with many lives lost.

Efforts to reach the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Bola Oyebanji, and the Assistant General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Suleiman Makama, proved abortive as their phones could not be reached.

Nigeria@65: Akpabio hails patience of Nigerians amid challenges

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has saluted the patience of Nigerians in the last two years in spite of the country passing through challenging times.

But, he also reassured confidence in the leadership of President Bola Tinubu to steer the country to better times, adding that the understanding shown by Nigerians is highly appreciated.

Akpabio’s appreciation was contained in his message to Nigerians as the country marks its 56th independence anniversary.

The Senate President specifically urged Nigerians to endure the pains of the reforms for now ‘in the interest of our children and future generations.’

His independence message, which Akpabio signed personally on Tuesday, read: ‘My dear resilient and wonderful people of this great nation, I wish to heartily congratulate you for witnessing Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary celebration. At 65, we are mature and should be working for the unity of the nation and the prosperity of our people.

‘We salute your resilience, patience and endurance in the last two years. We deeply appreciate your support and understanding.

‘In line with the theme of this year’s celebration, ‘All hands are on deck for a greater Nigeria’, I urge you to continue to bear the temporary discomfort of the ongoing reforms. We are not unaware of the pains occasioned by the reforms, but I want to assure you, very soon, this will be a thing of the past because the benefits of the reforms are beginning to manifest positively.

‘Let me also congratulate our President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his demonstrated commitment to the peace and development of our dear country, Members of the National Assembly for their steadfastness in their legislative engagements, the judiciary and the Nigerian people at home and in diaspora on this auspicious occasion.

‘I must tell you that Nigeria is not finished. Do not buy into the mischievous narrative that Nigeria is irredeemable. We are on the right pedestal, and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is reshaping the country; we are growing and making progress.

‘If we all join hands together to support the reforms, Nigeria will become better and surely get to the promised land.’

Somtochukwu: May Nigeria happen to me all my life – Reno Omokri

Former presidential aide, Reno Omokri has said he wants Nigeria to ‘keep happening’ to him.

This is in response to online conversations around the phrase ‘Nigeria happened,’ which resurfaced after late ARISE News correspondent Somtochukwu Maduagwu used it in a post before her death in a robbery attack at her Abuja home.

In a post made on X on Tuesday, Omokri said the phrase is often used to describe the country negatively.

‘May Nigeria happen to me and keep happening to me as long as I live! When bad things happen, enemies of this country are quick to say that ‘Nigeria has happened’ to them. But they take the good that occurs to them in Nigeria personally, without attributing it to our great nation,’ he wrote.

Omokri noted that unpleasant events occur everywhere in the world but argued that Nigeria’s progress is often ignored.

He added, ‘Good and bad are as universal as day and night and are part of the ying yang of human existence. This is Earth. This is not heaven! Earth is an imperfect place, which is why unpleasant things can sometimes happen.’

‘Please fact-check me: Every year in America, 20,000 people are murdered. That is more than twice the murder rate in Nigeria. Have you ever heard Americans badmouthing their country as a result of this?’

He cited the rollout of federal government student loans, improvements in electricity generation, a drop in inflation, and the country’s emergence as a net exporter of petrol as examples of positive changes.

He also listed recent government actions adding, ‘600,000 Nigerians have gotten student loans from the Federal Government to attend universities under Tinubu. Is that not also Nigeria happening to Nigerians positively?’

‘Food prices have dropped nationwide. In 1975, inflation was above 40%. Today, it is 20.12%, a 1.76% drop from July’s 21.88%. How many countries on Earth today are moving inflation behind? Look at Argentina, which Peter Obi praised. Today, their economy is ‘in shambles,’ to borrow from Davido!’

‘The electricity situation has vastly improved, and Nigeria broke its power generation record with a peak generation of 5,801.84MW and maximum daily energy output of 128,370.75 megawatt-hours (MWh), the highest ever attained in the history of the electricity industry in Nigeria. Is that not Nigeria happening?’

‘Nigeria is now a net exporter of petrol. Please fact-check me: When President Tinubu assumed office on May 29, 2023, Nigeria was Africa’s largest petrol importer.

‘Today, South Africa is Africa’s largest fuel importer. Nigeria’s fuel imports have drastically reduced. Not only that, according to the International Energy Agency, Nigeria has now emerged as the largest exporter of refined petroleum products in West Africa. This has seen fuel prices drop.

‘Only three civilian governments have achieved that. Yar’adua, Jonathan and now Tinubu. That is also Nigeria happening to us!’

‘Nigeria is a great country, but it is not perfect because perfection is divine. There is no ideal country on Earth. We can choose to look at the negatives, but there are many positive things happening in Nigeria that we refuse to project because we love bad news!’ he concluded.

BlockDAG Nears $415M in its Presale as BWT Alpine Formula 1® Team Partnership Goes Viral While Toncoin Slides at $2.90 and Stellar Drifts

Toncoin (TON) is under heavy pressure after sliding to $2.82, breaking below the key $2.90 support. Meanwhile, Stellar (XLM) is showing more resilience, holding near $0.386 with neutral momentum as traders track a potential breakout toward $0.50 if support around $0.36 holds.

While these tokens fight to stabilize, BlockDAG (BDAG) is stealing the spotlight. The project’s presale has already raised nearly $415M, sold 26.5B coins, and locked a batch 30 price of $0.0013, far below its confirmed $0.05 listing. Backed by a headline BWT Alpine Formula 1® Team partnership, BlockDAG is rewriting the emerging crypto coins with record-breaking momentum and viral investor demand.

TON Slides Below $2.90 as Sellers Target Deeper Losses

Toncoin has broken below the critical $2.90 support, falling to $2.82 with a sharp 7.9% daily loss. Multiple failed attempts to hold the $3.16 resistance opened the door for bears to take control, leaving traders focused on the next key levels. Immediate resistance now sits at $3.00, while the next major support zone is between $2.60 and $2.70.

Market weakness and risk-off sentiment are adding pressure, pushing traders to exit high-volatility assets. Toncoin’s recent adoption news offers little protection as technical indicators signal more downside. A recovery above $3.00 is needed to shift momentum back to the bulls. Without it, sellers are likely to extend losses toward the $2.60 floor, making this a high-risk but potential buy zone for investors.

XLM Slips Below $0.39 but Traders See a Path to $0.50

Stellar (XLM) is trading near $0.386, down about 2.3% this week. Market cap sits at roughly $12.3 billion, with daily trading volume dropping to $150 million, signalling reduced activity. Technical charts show strong support between $0.36 and $0.37, while resistance remains near $0.45. If buyers defend these levels, analysts see a potential move toward the critical $0.50 mark.

The Relative Strength Index hovers around 50, showing a neutral market where neither bulls nor bears dominate. A clean breakout above $0.45 could spark renewed momentum, while failure to hold $0.36 may trigger a slide toward $0.30. Investors tracking mid-cap crypto trends may view this range as an opportunity to accumulate ahead of a push toward $0.50.

BlockDAG’s $415M Presale Explodes With BWT Alpine Formula 1® Team Deal

BlockDAG is turning into a market event as its BWT Alpine Formula 1® Team partnership floods X, Telegram, and Discord with nonstop buzz. The project’s presale has nearly raised $415 million, sold 26.5 billion coins, and locked a Batch 30 price of $0.0013, creating one of the most watched early-stage crypto launches of 2025. This isn’t a quiet presale anymore, BlockDAG is now trending across social channels, and that visibility is driving a new wave of retail buying.

The hype isn’t just noise. Whales have already pooled more than $10 million, signalling institutional-scale interest before the official launch. With each batch pushing the price higher, traders are rushing to lock in the current rate before the gap to the confirmed $0.05 listing price narrows further.

This viral momentum is reshaping investor psychology. BlockDAG’s presale is no longer about speculation but about securing entry before October’s next price move. The combination of hard adoption numbers and a global BWT Alpine Formula 1® Team partnership gives this project a rare mix of credibility and excitement. At $0.0013, the window for an early position is shrinking by the day.

Final Take

Toncoin’s recent price crash signals growing uncertainty, while Stellar’s steady climb remains tied to cautious accumulation and key technical levels. Both offer trading setups but lack a defining catalyst strong enough to pull capital away from safer market trends.

BlockDAG, on the other hand, is building an entirely different story. Its nearly $415M presale, confirmed $0.05 listing target, and viral BWT Alpine Formula 1® Team partnership give it the kind of institutional credibility rarely seen in early crypto launches. With each batch pushing prices higher, the current $0.0013 entry stands out as one of the most asymmetric opportunities in emerging crypto coins analysis. For investors, BlockDAG offers a chance to buy into momentum before it turns into the next headline rally.

Gov Ododo releases N1.5bn for 2025/26 students bursary award

The Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo has released the sum of N1. 5 billion as bursary awards for students of tertiary institutions for the 2025/26 academic session.

With the bursary, successful students will be paid the sum of #30,000 each while law students across the seven Law schools across the country will be paid N300,000.

The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Wemi Jones while unveiling the portal for the commencement of registration process for the 2025 bursary allowance at press conference in Lokoja, declared the exercise open said the bursary was meant for indigenes of the state in tertiary institutions across the country.

He disclosed that the registration portal will be opened to students as from September 29 and will close on October 31, 2025 and urged eligible students to register via the official website https://scholarshipboard.kogistate.gov.ng

While urging students to take advantage of what he described as an improved and transparent registration process,the commissioner reaffirmed governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s commitment to making Kogi State a positive reference point for educational development in Nigeria.

He noted that this year’s exercise, described as ‘Season Two’ of the bursary scheme, was designed to consolidate on the successes recorded during the previous phase.

‘His Excellency, Governor Ododo, is determined to build on the foundation already laid to ensure more students benefit from this bursary award.

‘We expect the number of beneficiaries to surpass that of last year, and I assure you that the funds are already set aside for disbursement,’ Jones said.

Earlier, the Executive Chairman of the Kogi State Scholarship Board, Afolabi Joseph-Raji, praised governor Ododo for setting aside the sum of N1.5 billion for the scholarship scheme saying no fewer than 8,750 students benefited from the bursary in first phase where students of higher institutions who are of Kogi State origin received ?30,000 and those in law school got ?300,000 respectively.

He commended Governor Ododo for revitalizing the bursary process and ensuring it is now more accessible to students.

‘Unlike last year where students had to undergo pre-qualification, this year’s registration is straightforward. Students simply need to visit the portal, create an account, and upload the required documents and information.

‘Over 44,000 students registered last year but only 11,000 uploaded their documents for verification, out of the 11,000, only 8,750 qualified for the bursary. So, it is not enough to just register, you have to upload some required documents too.

‘As an improvement, the board has made the process more direct whereby submission of required documents like admission letter, school identity card and other information are done before registration is completed,’ Afolabi explained.

Two of the students who benefited from the bursary award last year testified to how the money helped them to solve some of their academic challenges.

Responding the President of NAKOSS, Comrade Sunday Adeola, commended Governor Ododo for sustaining and expanding the bursary initiative and promised that the students’ body will carry out a wide sensitization exercise across all tertiary institutions in the state to inform the students to register for the bursary award.