Category: Nigerian Tribune

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) is building capacity to strengthen staff capacity in ensuring operational efficiency.

Speaking during the 2025 Management Retreat in Abuja, the Executive Vice Chairman of FCCPC, Tunji Bello, reaffirmed the Commission’s focus on improving efficiency and building a stronger, more resilient institution.

He said the retreat offers a chance to take stock of the Commission’s progress, identify existing gaps, and chart a clear path toward better performance and service delivery.

The EVC also used the opportunity to introduce Hajiya Ummusalma Isiyaku Rabiu and Mr Louis Odion as the newly appointed Executive Commissioners for Corporate Services and Operations. Both officials, he noted, will soon attend the mandatory induction course at the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), Badagry, in line with Federal Government policy.

Bello acknowledged that when he took over the mantle of leadership of the FCCPC in July 2024, he inherited a thriving agency, which by all standards had created for itself an enviable image and a pride of place among the regulatory agencies of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

He said even though relatively young and evolving, the FCCPC has gained national and international recognition for its enforcement and advocacy work, noting that lasting impact depends on continuous investment in staff capacity, modern tools, and a well-aligned structure.

‘The strength of the FCCPC lies with a critical mass among the Commission’s staff,’ he said.

‘We must keep investing in knowledge, systems, and work environments that support productivity and professionalism. This retreat is not a formality; it is a deliberate effort to reposition the Commission for long-term success.’

He added that the challenges facing the organisation go beyond technical competence. They also involve maintaining discipline, respecting communication channels, and living up to the service values that define public institutions.

‘We have to build a results-driven culture based on fairness, teamwork, and accountability,’ he said.

The EVC encouraged participants to make the discussions practical and forward-looking, assuring them that the retreat’s resolutions will guide upcoming reforms aimed at strengthening FCCPC’s operations for efficiency.

A Special Assistant to the Governor of Cross River State on Youth Mobilization (South), Ekpo Okon Tete, has said that the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) sensitization campaign across the state is aimed at mobilizing six million eligible voters ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Tete, who spoke during a youth sensitisation and commissioning exercise in Calabar, said the initiative was designed to ‘commission the youths’ to take ownership of the registration process and understand that the Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) is not just a tool for voting but an essential means of personal identification in Nigeria.

‘Many people believe the PVC is only for voting, but it goes beyond that. It’s needed for school registration, travel, and even national identification. We are encouraging every youth in Cross River to get registered,’ Tete stated.

The exercise attracted over 200 youths across the seven LGAs of the Southern senatorial district of the state.

He emphasised that boosting the state’s voter strength to six million would enhance its political relevance and bargaining power at the national level.

‘Once you have the numbers, you have a stronger voice in national politics. We want Cross River to be heard. With six million votes, our governor will have the strength to negotiate better for our people,’ he said.

Tete, who described Governor Bassey Otu as a ‘transformative and youth-friendly leader,’ urged young people to mobilize others from marketplaces, schools, churches, and communities to register for their PVCs, assuring that the governor’s developmental strides deserve continued support.

He cautioned youths against being deceived by opposition parties, stressing that ‘any state that plays opposition to the national will suffer setbacks,’ and called on all residents to rally behind the Otu-led administration.

Also speaking at the event, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Political Affairs, Office of the Chief of Staff, Dunamis Archibong, disclosed that Governor Otu had approved the establishment of two voter registration support centers in each of the 18 local government areas of the state to aid the CVR exercise.

Archibong explained that the exercise is non-partisan and designed to complement the work of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by taking registration services closer to the people.

‘His Excellency has put modalities in place to ensure no one is left out. These centers are not for party members alone. Whether you belong to APC, PDP, or any other party, as long as you are a Cross Riverian, you can register,’ he said.

According to him, the centers are operated by trained ‘tech teams’ who handle online pre-registration before applicants proceed to INEC offices for biometric capture.

He added that the CVR exercise, which began in the southern senatorial district, has now extended to the central zone and will soon move to the northern part of the state.

‘The six million target is achievable. We are already seeing massive turnout in the south and central districts. Once we compile reports from the remaining areas, the figures will speak for themselves,’ Archibong assured.

The sensitization campaign is part of Governor Otu’s ‘People First’ agenda aimed at increasing civic participation, ensuring electoral readiness, and strengthening the political voice of Cross River State at the national level.

The Showmax Original reality series ‘The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa’ is bringing together some of the most unforgettable women from across the continent for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in Brazil. This sizzling spin-off follows the success of ‘The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: South Africa’, one of Showmax’s most-watched series in 2024. Now the drama, glamour and sisterhood reach new heights as Housewives from Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa jet off for a new chapter under the Brazilian sun.

Set to premiere on Showmax on Friday, 28 November 2025, ‘The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa’ is produced by GOAT Productions, the creative force behind Showmax Originals ‘Unfollowed’, ‘Untied’, and the South African Film and Television Award-winning ‘Life With Kelly Khumalo’ Season 3.

Coming on board for this glitzy affair are Mariam Timmer from ‘The Real Housewives of Lagos’ franchise who has appeared in all three seasons, and Princess Jecoco from ‘The Real Housewives of Abuja’, who made her debut in the show’s first season.

Representing ‘The Real Housewives of Durban’ are Annie Mthembu, Angel Ndlela and Jojo Robinson. Annie starred in Seasons 1 to 3, Angel joined in Season 4 and continued to shine in Season 5, while Jojo, who came on board in Season 2, has featured in four consecutive seasons, making her the most seasoned Housewife in the line-up.

Flying the Johannesburg flag high are Madam Evodia Mogase and Christall Kay, two of the OGs who helped launch the African Housewives phenomenon and became its first breakout stars in Africa. Madam Evodia brought her signature glamour and unfiltered energy to Season 1, while Christall made her mark in the debut season, returned for the long-awaited Season 2, and won hearts again in last year’s hit ‘The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: South Africa’, cementing her status as the ultimate comeback queen.

From Nairobi, Kenya’s Dr Catherine Masitsa, known as Dr C, and Zena Nyambu bring East African flair and sophistication. Dr C has featured in both Seasons one and two, while Zena joined as a full-time Housewife in Season 2, quickly becoming a fan favourite.

‘Our audiences have embraced The Real Housewives franchise with incredible enthusiasm, and this edition builds on that connection in a fresh and exciting way,’ said Atinuke Babatunde, Executive Head, Channels and Content West Africa at MultiChoice. ‘With ‘The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa’, we are telling stories that reflect our shared experiences while celebrating African women and the rich diversity of the continent.’

Barrie Kelly, VP, International Format Production and Development at NBCUniversal Formats, added: ‘Every African version of The Real Housewives has captured the vibrant diversity of its country while resonating with audiences both locally and globally. With The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa, we are taking that energy to the next level. Partnering once again with GOAT Productions and Showmax, this series brings together some of the most formidable Housewives for an unforgettable journey. We can’t wait for viewers to join them on the trip of a lifetime to Brazil.’

‘The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip’ launched initially in 2021 in the US with four seasons on Peacock, produced by Shed Media. The Real Housewives and The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip formats are distributed internationally by NBCUniversal Formats, a division of Universal Studio Group.

Winners have emerged in the second edition of the Hadith memorisation competition organised by the King Mohammed VI Foundation of African Oulema, Morocco.

The competition, held recently at the conference hall of the National Mosque, Abuja, saw victors emerge across three categories, each receiving plaques and cash rewards in recognition of their efforts.

In the first category, which involved memorising 40 hadiths, Fatima Huseini Turbo from Borno State claimed the grand prize of N250,000.

Mohammed Muhammad Ibrahim and Abubakar Kabir Abba, also from Borno, took second and third positions, winning N200,000 and N150,000 respectively.

In the second category, requiring the memorisation of 35 hadiths, Saleh Ishaq Al-amin (Borno), Ahmed Abdul-Aziz Kolawole (Kwara), and Khalifa Ibrahim Jubril (Kaduna) secured first, second and third places with the same cash rewards.

The third category, involving memorisation of 25 hadiths, was won by Abdulkadir Abubakar (Kaduna), Abdurrahman Abubakar Ibrahim (Borno), and Ibrahim Muhammad Husaini (Borno).

Dr Abdulganiyu Tijani, a member of the panel of judges, told the media that the competition was organised for the benefit of all African countries.

He noted Nigeria’s prominence in Quran memorisation and stressed that the main aim is to instill the knowledge of hadiths as a way of life for participants.

He said: ‘The main objective of this competition is not the money they are winning, but the knowledge and the memorisation of the Sunnah and the Hadiths of our beloved Prophet. Nigeria today is regarded as number one in Africa in memorisation of the Quran. However, we have not been focusing on the Hadiths of the Prophet.

‘The first category involves memorising 40 hadiths. The second category covers 35 hadiths along with the chain of narration and meanings of important words. The third category includes memorising 25 hadiths with the chain and the Islamic rulings in those hadiths. Alhamdulillah, we have just completed it.’

Professor Ibrahim Maqari, a member of the organising committee and one of the coordinators, revealed that the next phase involves preparing the winners for the continental competition.

He explained that the winners will be camped and mentored to address any lapses in their presentations.

‘We are going to prepare them. There will be a camp where they will be mentored on the lapses observed during their presentations,’ Professor Maqari said.

The winners expressed gratitude to the organisers and pledged to represent Nigeria well at the continental level. Approximately 560 participants competed in the event.

Niger Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has called for the establishment of a comprehensive national agenda aimed at achieving food sovereignty and long-term agricultural sustainability in Nigeria.

Governor Bago made the call while speaking at the 2025 World Food Day celebration hosted by the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) in Victoria Island, Lagos. The event, themed ‘Food Security to Food Sovereignty: How Far Has Nigeria Gone?’, assessed the nation’s progress in building resilient and sustainable food systems.

The governor emphasized the need for Nigeria to move beyond food security to food sovereignty, stressing that food sovereignty would allow the country to control how food is produced, distributed, and consumed.

‘With political will and a clear strategy, we can accomplish even more,’ he said, noting that past policy interventions, such as import restrictions, had boosted local poultry production.

Bago proposed a five-point framework for a national food sovereignty strategy, which includes:

Adopting modern, climate-smart agricultural practices;

Reducing post-harvest losses through improved storage and processing;

Providing accessible credit and inputs for genuine farmers;

Securing farms and rural communities against insecurity; and

Aligning agricultural policies with long-term national development goals rather than political cycles.

While acknowledging government efforts in the agricultural sector, the governor expressed concern over persistent hunger and malnutrition, attributing them to over-reliance on food imports and limited investment in the livestock and value chain subsectors.

He called for strategic investments in cattle breeding, pasture development, and post-harvest management, which he said were essential to achieving genuine self-sufficiency and food sovereignty.

Highlighting his administration’s initiatives in Niger State, Governor Bago listed large-scale mechanisation, irrigation expansion, and value-chain development as key priorities. He also cited partnerships with Brazil under the Livestock Modernisation Project and with AfricaRice on climate-resilient seeds and modern farming technologies.

Additional investments, according to him, include the deployment of thousands of tractors, a ?1.8 trillion rice production agreement with Dangote Rice Limited, and a cotton development partnership with the Republic of Benin – all aimed at improving local processing, job creation, and regional trade.

Addressing the impact of climate change, the governor lamented the destruction caused by flooding across Niger and other states and revealed that the state is collaborating with the World Bank through the ACReSAL Project to strengthen climate resilience, irrigation infrastructure, and early warning systems.

In his closing remarks, Governor Bago called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, research institutions, the private sector, and development partners to ensure Nigeria can not only feed itself but also contribute significantly to food security across Africa.

Nasarawa State governor, Abdullahi Sule, will deliver the keynote address at the 2025 General Assembly of the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN).

The event holds on Sunday, 16 November, 2025, at the Bola Babalakin Hall, Gbongan, Osun State.

The special guest of honour is the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.

According to a message from the chairman of the organising committee for the General Assembly, the theme of the conference is ‘Nigeria’s Economy: Any Hope for the Masses?’

The message also stated that all arrangements for the smooth organisation of this year’s General Assembly, which is hosted in Osun State, have been put in place.

MUSWEN is the umbrella body for all Muslims in southwestern Nigeria.

The General Assembly brings together leaders of Muslim associations, communities and other dignitaries.

Delegates from across the South West will gather on the day to discuss matters affecting the Muslim Ummah of the region.

The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) says its ongoing health coverage drive is anchored on quality service delivery and accountability, as the agency deepens enforcement of Nigeria’s new mandatory health insurance law to achieve universal health coverage.

Speaking at a one-day programme on strengthening institutional support for universal health coverage for self-paying agencies on Friday in Abuja, the Director, Formal Sector Department, Pharm. Nuhu Ajodi, who represented the NHIA Director-General, Dr Kelechi Ohiri, said the authority’s reforms are focused on rebuilding public trust and improving the standard of healthcare under the NHIA Act 2022.

‘We understand the issue of trust. That is why we have developed a service-level agreement with providers through our Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs) to ensure that enrollees get the care they deserve,’ Ajodi said.

He explained that Nigeria’s health insurance coverage had remained at about seven per cent for nearly two decades until the new Act made health insurance compulsory for all citizens and legal residents.

‘This legal change is a call to action for NHIA to engage stakeholders and enforce this mandate. Through this, we will move closer to universal health coverage for all Nigerians,’ he added.

Ajodi revealed that over 21.1 million Nigerians are now enrolled under the scheme as of August 2025, driven by reforms anchored on four key pillars – expanding coverage, improving equity for the vulnerable through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), enhancing quality through strategic purchasing, and unlocking private sector participation.

He said NHIA is also introducing targeted programmes such as the obstetric fistula care initiative and emergency care intervention to remove financial barriers and support women facing life-threatening conditions.

On the issue of drug quality, Ajodi clarified that, ‘In social health insurance, we don’t use branded drugs because of cost. But unbranded drugs are not fake. They undergo strict quality checks and are distributed only through accredited facilities.’

He emphasised that NHIA-accredited hospitals maintain strict standards, adding that mechanisms are in place to address service lapses.

‘No professional would buy fake drugs from unauthorised markets. Enrollees should rest assured that they receive safe and effective drugs from approved facilities,’ he said.

Ajodi further urged government agencies to promptly fulfil their premium payment obligations.

‘Health insurance is based on premium payment. Without premium, there is no cover – just like car insurance,’ he stated.

Also speaking, Ogboi Juliana, Assistant Desk Officer for the National Health Insurance Scheme at the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), described the engagement as enlightening.

‘The programme is an awareness session to educate MDAs about their roles and responsibilities. It helps us understand how to channel complaints and ensure staff get the right care,’ she said.

She expressed optimism that the sensitisation would improve service delivery.

‘After this training, I expect to access drugs easily, be attended to promptly, and get original medicines. Every MDA must pay the mandatory five per cent contribution so that even staff who cannot pay for themselves can still access care,’ she added.

The NHIA reaffirmed that its reforms are designed to build a transparent, efficient, and trusted health insurance system that guarantees quality and accountability across Nigeria’s healthcare sector.

The Federal Government has launched the 2024 Nigeria National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) Report, describing it as a vital tool for evidence-based decision-making and improved health planning in the country.

Speaking at the official launch held at the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s Conference Room in Abuja on Friday, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, said the report presents a ‘mixed bag’ of findings, revealing progress in some areas, regional disparities, stagnation, and worrying setbacks in key health indicators.

‘The 2024 NDHS is an extremely important source of health and demographic data that enables evidence-based policy decisions, monitoring of progress towards set goals like the SDGs, and identification of disparities in key health indicators,’ Salako said.

According to the Minister, the Total Fertility Rate declined from 5.3 in 2018 to 4.8 children per woman in 2024, while modern contraceptive use among married women increased from 12% to 15%.

‘These improvements are important,’ he noted, ‘but remain well below the levels we need to secure rapid social and economic gains.’

He revealed that antenatal care coverage now stands at 63%, skilled birth delivery at 46%, and postnatal care within two days of delivery has risen to 42%, up from 38% in 2018.

‘Too many of our births are still occurring without skilled assistance,’ Salako said, stressing that the Federal Government is scaling up interventions through the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Initiative (MAMII) and the Nigerian Child Survival Action Plan 2025-2029.

The Minister further disclosed that under-five mortality has dropped from 132 to 110 deaths per 1,000 live births, but neonatal mortality remains high at 41 per 1,000 live births.

On immunization, he said only 39% of children aged 12-23 months are fully vaccinated, while 31% have never received any vaccine, a situation he described as ‘deeply concerning.’

‘This underscores the heavy lifting still required to tackle the high burden of zero-dose immunization and disparities in coverage,’ he added.

Salako also expressed concern over poor diagnosis of non-communicable diseases, saying only 1% of Nigerians aged 15-49 years have ever been told they have high blood sugar, and just 5% of men and 8% of women have been informed about high blood pressure.

‘This is in sharp contrast to studies showing the prevalence of hypertension and diabetes at up to 38% and 7%, respectively,’ he noted.

He said the Federal Government has begun translating the NDHS findings into policy reforms and system-wide improvements aimed at building a more efficient, inclusive, and equitable health system.

‘The report is a mirror to see ourselves the way we are, and a map to navigate forward,’ he said.

Salako commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritizing health as a key driver of national development through increased funding, executive orders, and reforms aimed at improving Nigeria’s health indices.

‘The movement to make improvement is the responsibility of all of us,’ he said, urging state governments, the private sector, development partners, and civil society to ‘own this report’ and collaborate to deliver a 21st-century health system that saves lives.

He thanked partners including USAID, UNFPA, UNICEF, The Global Fund, World Bank, Gates Foundation, WHO, FCDO, and the academia for their roles in the survey.

‘Let us continue to work together to utilize this report as a ladder for progress, for impact, and for better health for Nigerians,’ he said before formally launching the 2024 NDHS Report. ‘And so, with peace and plenty, Nigeria shall succeed.’

National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has urged the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, to prioritise the fight against certificate forgery, describing it as a national security concern that undermines Nigeria’s educational and institutional credibility.

The call was made in a statement signed by the NANS Assistant General Secretary, Olatunji Adejuwon, and made available to journalists on Friday to commemorate Mr. Ajayi’s first anniversary in office.

According to the students’ body, the DSS should take a more proactive role in addressing certificate fraud and related misconduct through inter-agency collaboration and stronger verification mechanisms.

‘It is time for the Service to treat certificate forgery not merely as an administrative infraction but as a national security threat capable of infiltrating governance and policy-making. This is a matter of national integrity that directly affects the credibility of our education, public institutions, and Nigeria’s image before the international community,’ the statement read.

NANS commended the DSS leadership under Mr. Ajayi for its commitment to professionalism, discipline, and institutional reforms within one year, describing his tenure as one marked by improved synergy with other security agencies and enhanced morale among personnel.

The association also highlighted what it called ‘quiet but impactful reforms’ within the DSS, including efforts to promote meritocracy, inclusion, and transparency in leadership and recruitment processes.

While acknowledging these achievements, NANS said the issue of certificate forgery required deliberate attention, urging the DSS to work closely with key stakeholders – including the Federal Ministry of Education, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and tertiary institutions – to strengthen the national framework for certificate verification.

It recommended the introduction of a digitised verification system that would enable the authentication of academic and professional documents and deter future infractions.

‘Offenders should be swiftly investigated and prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others. Every scandal involving forged credentials undermines the hard work of millions of students and graduates who earned their certificates legitimately,’ NANS added.

The association further urged the DSS to integrate certificate verification into its vetting processes for appointments and promotions in the public service, noting that such measures would enhance public trust and preserve the nation’s integrity.

‘The DSS, under Mr. Ajayi’s leadership, has the capacity to lead the fight against certificate forgery and protect the credibility of Nigeria’s educational system,’ the statement concluded.

THE National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO) has condemned recent allegations of a ‘Christian genocide’ in Nigeria, describing the claims as false, provocative and reckless.

In a statement signed by its National President, Alhaji Sani Suleiman, and National Secretary General, Alhaji Masud Akintola, NACOMYO expressed concern over what it described as ‘inflammatory and dangerous distortions’ of Nigeria’s complex security realities.

The organisation asserted that such statements are part of a deliberate effort to stigmatise Islam, malign peace-loving Nigerian Muslims and threaten national unity.

According to NACOMYO, violence in Nigeria is not religiously motivated but stems from terrorism, banditry and communal resource conflicts.

The group stressed that both Christians and Muslims have been victims of these security challenges, citing independent reports, including the 2023 US State Department’s International Religious Freedom Report which confirm that extremist attacks in Nigeria are indiscriminate.

Quoting the Christian Association of Nigeria’s (CAN) Director of National Issues, Reverend Abimbola Ayuba, NACOMYO emphasised that ‘the spate of killings has not taken any particular pattern. bullets don’t look for a Christian or spare a Muslim,’ arguing that this statement alone contradicts the genocide narrative being pushed abroad.

NACOMYO rejected the figures circulated such as ‘over 100,000 Christians killed’ and ‘18,000 churches burned’, calling them ‘baseless fabrications without any credible source.’

The council warned that such exaggerations are part of a growing trend of foreign disinformation amplified by domestic actors seeking sympathy and funding by demonising Islam.

Citing verified humanitarian data, the group noted that over 2,200 civilians were killed in the first half of 2025 across Northern Nigeria, a Muslim-majority region, and more than two million people remain internally displaced regardless of their religion.

NACOMYO lamented that reducing the tragedy to a religious persecution narrative is misleading and dangerous.

The council warned against what it called attempts by Western political figures and media personalities to exploit Nigeria’s internal challenges for ulterior motives.

NACOMYO linked the surge in false genocide narratives to Nigeria’s recent support for justice in Palestine at the United Nations, suggesting that these claims are part of a retaliatory propaganda effort aimed at weakening Nigeria’s international credibility.

NACOMYO commended officials within CAN who have made balanced public comments, recognising that both Muslims and Christians are victims of Nigeria’s insecurity.

It urged CAN’s leadership to show greater restraint and patriotism in its public communications.

The statement further called on the Nigerian government to intensify its efforts in tackling insecurity and poverty, expose actors who spread disinformation and strengthen interfaith dialogue.

It also encouraged engagement with international partners to protect Nigeria’s image from malicious advocacy networks.

Reaffirming its stance, NACOMYO declared: ‘Nigeria’s crisis is not a war of religions, but a war of terror, greed and bad governance.’

The group urged Nigerian youth of all faiths not to allow themselves to be manipulated by forces seeking to divide the nation.

NACOMYO emphasised that Islam does not condone violence or hatred and that the vast majority of Nigerian Muslims remain committed to peace, justice and coexistence.