Category: Nigerian Tribune

Researchers have identified 920 chemicals whose biological activity suggests they could increase breast cancer risk, with the substances found in everyday products, food, drinking water, medicines and pesticides.

The findings raise concerns about the widespread exposure people may face through consumer products and the environment.

The study, published in Environmental Health Perspectives, is the latest work by researchers from the Silent Spring Institute and other institutions to examine where these chemicals are found and how people may be exposed to them.

The chemicals, known as breast cancer-relevant chemicals or BC-Chems, were identified because they have been shown to cause mammary tumours in rodents or to activate biological pathways involving hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone. The researchers stressed, however, that the list does not mean all 920 chemicals have been proven to cause breast cancer in humans.

Using data from US government agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency and Food and Drug Administration, the researchers examined chemical production, environmental releases, consumer uses and potential sources of exposure.

They found that hundreds of the chemicals occur across multiple areas of daily life.

About 500 BC-Chems were known or predicted to occur in consumer products, while 462 were linked to dietary sources. Another 162 were associated with drinking water, 485 with pesticide formulations, 142 with pharmaceuticals and 106 with construction materials.

The researchers also found evidence of widespread industrial emissions. Billions of pounds of BC-Chems were emitted into the air in the United States in 2020, while tens of millions of pounds were released into the environment through industrial activities in 2024.

In 2019, 143 of the chemicals were produced or imported at volumes of at least one million pounds, highlighting the scale at which some of these substances are used in the US economy.

Some of the chemicals were of particular concern because of their ability to interfere with hormones. Others have been identified as genotoxic or as capable of causing mammary tumours in animal studies.

The researchers said many of the chemicals can reach people through more than one pathway, potentially resulting in repeated or combined exposure.

The study comes as breast cancer rates continue to rise in the United States, particularly among younger women. The researchers argue that environmental exposures may be one part of the picture alongside established risk factors such as genetics, reproductive history, obesity and other factors.

However, the study does not establish that exposure to any particular chemical causes breast cancer in humans. Instead, it brings together evidence about the biological activity of the chemicals and information about where people may encounter them.

The researchers say identifying chemicals that are produced in large quantities, occur across multiple exposure sources or are taken into the body at relatively high levels could help determine which substances deserve greater attention.

They are calling for stronger monitoring of chemical exposures and policies aimed at reducing exposure, including tighter controls on contaminants in drinking water and reducing the use of potentially harmful chemicals in common products.

The researchers said the findings could help health agencies and policymakers determine which chemicals and chemical mixtures should be prioritised for further research, monitoring, regulation or replacement with safer alternatives.

The study highlights how widespread exposure to potential breast cancer-relevant chemicals may be and argues that greater transparency about where these substances are found could help identify opportunities to reduce exposure and potentially prevent harm.

Delta Police Command has rescued a 25-year-old woman allegedly assaulted and held hostage at Usiefrun Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of the state, arresting a 29-year-old suspect in connection with the incident.

The suspect, identified as Brotugbare Francis Onome, was arrested by operatives of the Otu-Jeremi Division following credible intelligence on the alleged assault and hostage situation.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the operatives mobilised to the area, rescued the victim and arrested the suspect.

A search of the suspect’s premises also led to the recovery of a fabricated Beretta pistol, one magazine and two rounds of live ammunition, the statement said.

In a related development, the police arrested two suspects, Ezekiel Sunday Izomor and Emmanuel Ogaganefe, in connection with the alleged cult-related killing of a 25-year-old man identified as Godfrey at Jesse Main Market in Ethiope West Local Government Area on March 24, 2026.

The suspects were arrested on Independence Day by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCR), who stormed a suspected criminal hideout in Oghara.

The operation also led to the recovery of one battle axe, four cutlasses and one hammer.

The police said preliminary investigation indicated that a fleeing suspect, identified as Collins, allegedly wanted to become the leader of the Aro Bagger confraternity and was required to kill a rival cult member to achieve his ambition.

The statement said Collins allegedly connived with the two arrested suspects and another suspect identified as Richman, who was described as a close friend of the deceased.

‘The said Collins connived with the two suspects and one, Richman, who is a very close friend to the victim, Godfrey.

‘Richman and Collins are at large but effort to arrest them is on top gear. The suspects are in custody assisting with investigation,’ the statement added.

Similarly, operatives of the Abraka Division, in collaboration with civilian anti-cult operatives, arrested two men identified as 37-year-old Endurance Akpade and 43-year-old Edwin Friday Morgan.

The suspects were arrested over alleged conspiracy to kidnap a woman in the area on Independence Day, the police said.

The command said investigations into the various cases were ongoing.

Ekiti State has recorded increased production and cultivation of major food crops, with a Federal Government agricultural report showing growth in output, cultivated land and yield across several crops between 2024 and 2025.

The report, titled ‘2025 Wet Season Agricultural Performance in Nigeria,’ was produced by the National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS) and certified by the National Technical Committee on Agricultural Statistics under the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

According to the report obtained by the Nigerian Tribune, Ekiti recorded increases in the production of rice, maize, cowpea, tomato and okra, while cultivated areas for major crops, including yam and cassava, also expanded during the period.

The Ekiti State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Ebenezer Boluwade, attributed the development to sustained interventions by the state government aimed at increasing agricultural production, improving food security and enhancing farmers’ livelihoods.

Boluwade said the figures were encouraging, adding that the increase in cultivated land and production of major crops indicated growing confidence among farmers and the impact of government interventions in the sector.

He said rice production increased from 158,455.73 metric tonnes in 2024 to 164,318.60 metric tonnes in 2025, representing a 3.7 per cent rise, while the cultivated area grew from 88,104.77 hectares to 89,382.30 hectares.

According to him, Ekiti retained its position as the largest rice-producing state in the South-West.

He said maize production also rose from 268,971.77 metric tonnes in 2024 to 280,806.50 metric tonnes in 2025, representing a 4.4 per cent increase.

The cultivated area for maize expanded from 130,730.27 hectares to 132,691.20 hectares, while yield improved from 2.06 to 2.10 metric tonnes per hectare.

Similarly, cowpea production increased from 97,464.59 metric tonnes to 103,702.30 metric tonnes, representing a 6.4 per cent rise, while cultivated land grew from 165,682.89 hectares to 167,339.70 hectares.

Tomato production also increased from 26,827.69 metric tonnes in 2024 to 27,525.20 metric tonnes in 2025, with cultivated land rising from 23,289.94 hectares to 23,662.60 hectares. Yield improved from 1.15 to 1.20 metric tonnes per hectare.

Okra production rose from 12,726.23 metric tonnes to 12,917.10 metric tonnes, while the cultivated area increased from 22,550.85 hectares to 22,731.30 hectares. Its yield also improved from 0.56 to 0.60 metric tonnes per hectare.

The commissioner said yam and cassava remained major components of the state’s agricultural economy, with cultivated areas for both crops expanding in 2025.

‘Yam cultivation increased from 194,049.54 hectares in 2024 to 197,542.40 hectares, while cassava cultivation rose from 239,784.50 hectares to 243,860.80 hectares, with cassava production exceeding 2.1 million metric tonnes in the latest report,’ he said.

Boluwade added that cocoyam recorded a marginal increase in cultivated area, while soybean production rose from 7,307.20 metric tonnes to 7,402.20 metric tonnes, although its reported yield declined slightly.

He said the figures highlighted the need for crop-specific interventions to sustain growth and address productivity challenges in areas where yields remained below expectations.

According to him, the state government would continue to prioritise land clearing for youths, farmers’ associations and communities, as well as access to improved inputs, mechanisation, extension services, improved planting materials, climate-smart agricultural practices and market linkages.

Boluwade stressed that the government’s objective was not merely to increase the amount of land under cultivation but also to raise productivity, improve farmers’ incomes and strengthen their livelihoods.

He said the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji remained committed to making agriculture a stronger pillar of the state’s economy and positioning Ekiti to contribute significantly to national food security.

‘These figures are encouraging because they show that more land is being brought under cultivation and that production is increasing in several of our major crops. Our responsibility now is to consolidate these gains, address crop-specific challenges and ensure that increased production translates into better income and improved livelihoods for our farmers,’ he said.

The commissioner urged farmers to take advantage of government-supported agricultural programmes and adopt improved production practices.

He also assured that the ministry would continue to collaborate with farmers’ groups, development partners, research institutions and other stakeholders to further boost agricultural productivity across the state.

The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC PCC) has faulted the claim by Vice President Kashim Shettima that President Bola Tinubu saved Nigeria from economic collapse.

The council said the current administration cannot disown the record of the All Progressives Congress (APC) government under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Reacting on Sunday through the Director of Media and Publicity of ADC PCC, Kola Ologbondiyan, it said if Nigeria was heading towards economic collapse before Tinubu assumed office, as claimed by the Vice President, then APC must accept responsibility, having controlled Federal Government for eight years under Buhari.

He recalled that Tinubu had said his government would build on Buhari’s legacy.

‘Nigerians know APC. It is the APC, on whose platform President Tinubu is seeking second term,’ he said.

Ologbondiyan said administration had not delivered on expectations in areas such as roads, electricity, cost of living and public institutions.

He said the immediate concern of Nigerians is access to affordable food and basic necessities.

‘President Tinubu has not saved Nigeria from collapse; he has pushed country deeper into economic challenges marked by hunger, inflation and high cost of living,’ he said.

He said Nigerians were already experiencing economic hardship, not merely heading towards it.

He also questioned Shettima’s promise to deploy 10,600 electric tricycles, 300 buses and electric taxis under e-logistics programme in coming weeks, and reminded Vice President of his earlier promise that transportation costs would come down by October 1, 2026.

ADC PCC urged APC to acknowledge challenges confronting country and focus on solutions.

Council assured Nigerians that ADC remained committed to providing credible political alternative.

It called on Nigerians to support quest for government that would make life more affordable.

Big Brother Naija Season 11 has officially crowned Temi Chigue, popularly known as Temi Nkem, as its ‘Show Ya Sef’ winner.

The 21-year-old housemate captured the hearts of millions with her entertaining, funny, fiery personality, and resilience throughout the ‘Show ya sef’ edition.

Here are five things to know about the BBNaija Season 11 housemate.

1. She was born and raised in London

Temi Nkem was born and raised in London.

Although she grew up in the United Kingdom, she has Nigerian roots. Her father is from Ibusa in Delta State, while her mother is from Ebute Metta in Lagos State.

Her background therefore connects her to both Delta and Lagos.

2. She is studying Accounting and Finance

Temi Nkem is studying Accounting and Finance and is also pursuing a treasury qualification.

3. She describes herself as confident and outspoken

Temi Nkem introduced herself to Big Brother Naija viewers with the statement, ‘I bring luxury, I bring spice.’

She has described herself as someone who enjoys attention and thrives under pressure.

The 21-year-old also considers herself a good listener but admits that she talks a lot. She has further described herself as egotistical and arrogant, saying she does not shrink herself for anyone.

Her personality has made her one of the housemates viewers continue to watch closely.

4. She enjoys golf, food and walking

Away from the BBNaija house, Temi Nkem enjoys golfing, eating and walking.

She has also spoken humorously about her cooking abilities, admitting that her skills are largely limited to simple meals such as eggs, plantain, bread and Indomie.

She has said honesty is important to her and that she finds it difficult to deal with people who lie.

5. She won N160 million worth of prizes

At the grand finale hosted by Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Imisi was announced as the winner, with Aikuo as the first runner-up. She takes home N90 million in cash and, overall, N160 million worth of grand prizes.

Stakeholders from Kogi State’s three senatorial districts have endorsed political power rotation as a mechanism for promoting equity and inclusion, with the majority of delegates at a two-day summit favouring Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo completing two terms before rotation begins in 2032.

The position was contained in the communiqué issued at the end of the maiden Kogi State Power Rotation Summit held from September 30 to October 1, 2026, at the Kay Galaxy Event Centre, Lokoja.

The summit, organised by the Kogi Unity Accord under the theme, ‘Retooling Kogi for Unity, Equity and Shared Prosperity,’ brought together traditional rulers, religious leaders, politicians, community and socio-cultural organisations, professionals, organised labour, youths, students and civil society groups.

According to the communiqué, the majority of delegates supported an eight-year rotational arrangement, with 2032 proposed as the commencement date.

The delegates said beginning the arrangement in 2032 would allow sufficient time for legislation, wider consultations and the development of an appropriate legal framework, while also allowing the incumbent governor to complete his constitutionally guaranteed second term, if re-elected.

The summit, however, acknowledged that the proposal would require further consultations, consensus-building and compliance with constitutional, electoral and democratic processes.

It noted that the 1999 Constitution, as amended, does not expressly provide for the rotation of governorship among senatorial districts, stressing that any eventual arrangement must operate within lawful political and institutional processes.

The summit also emphasised that power rotation should not override considerations of competence, integrity, capacity, accountability and leadership ability.

‘The Summit recognised that power rotation could serve as a mechanism for promoting fairness, unity, peaceful coexistence and a stronger sense of belonging among the people of Kogi State,’ the communiqué stated.

However, the proposed 2032 commencement date was not universally supported. Some delegates and organisations called for power to move to Kogi West immediately after the expiration of the incumbent governor’s tenure.

President of the Okun Development Association, Ambassador Rotimi Akenson, argued that Kogi West had not produced a governor since the creation of the state and should therefore be considered in the next succession arrangement.

The Christian Association of Nigeria representative at the summit similarly advocated an equitable rotational arrangement that would see power move to Kogi West after the incumbent’s tenure.

The representative also expressed a preference for a Christian governor, citing ethnic and religious considerations.

The divergent positions highlighted the continuing debate over both the timing and structure of power rotation in the state.

A major development at the summit came from the Kogi State House of Assembly, whose Speaker, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, said the legislature was prepared to consider legislation providing a framework for power rotation.

Yusuf said the matter would require careful consideration, adding that the views of stakeholders would be taken into account in the legislative process.

If enacted, such legislation could provide an institutional framework for a debate that has largely remained within the realm of political advocacy and convention.

Governor Ododo, represented at the summit by Commodore Jerry Omodara (Rtd.), urged stakeholders to sustain political dialogue without compromising peace and stability in the state.

Ododo said Kogi’s diversity should be viewed as a strength and called for greater trust, inclusive dialogue and peaceful political engagement ahead of future elections.

He also urged youths to reject political violence and encouraged political actors to resolve differences through dialogue.

Chairman of the summit, Vice Admiral Joseph Ajayi (Rtd.), described the gathering as an important step in addressing questions of political inclusion and succession in the state.

He called for a structured framework that would promote inclusion and reduce political tensions and ethnic rivalry.

Also speaking at the summit, former Deputy Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Sir Kehinde Ejibunu, urged stakeholders to take the aspirations of minority groups into account in any power-sharing arrangement.

‘We want the state to be together; we don’t want it to be set ablaze,’ he said. The summit recommended the development of a Kogi Charter of Equity and Inclusion to guide political participation, representation and peaceful engagement across the state.

It also proposed a follow-up mechanism, expansion of the Kogi Unity Accord, establishment of zonal structures and continued consultations across Kogi East, Kogi Central and Kogi West.

Traditional rulers, religious leaders, women, youths, professional associations, political actors and community organisations were urged to remain engaged in the process.

The summit further called for the protection of minority tribes and communities against political marginalisation, while urging that elective offices and political appointments reflect equitable representation and the spirit of federal character.

The communiqué stressed that the resolutions should be regarded as the beginning of a sustained dialogue rather than the conclusion of the power-rotation debate.

With the majority of delegates backing an eight-year rotation beginning in 2032, while some stakeholders are advocating an earlier transfer of power to Kogi West, political succession and the structure of power-sharing are set to remain major issues in Kogi’s political discourse.

The Ogun State Government has called on plank sellers and woodworkers in the state to engage in tree planting to boost afforestation, protect the environment and preserve the state’s forest reserves.

State Commissioner for Forestry, Taiwo Oludotun, gave the charge at the 10th anniversary of the Irewolede Plank Sellers and Wood Workers Association in Ogun State.

Oludotun disclosed that the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun had planted about five million trees, adding that the state’s nine forest reserves were now fully functional.

He urged those in the wood business to partner with the government and source timber from the forest reserves, while also planting more trees to sustain the environment.

Stakeholders who spoke at the event, in their respective remarks, called on the plank sellers to embrace technology to improve their operations and protect the environment.

They also urged younger people to cultivate the habit of protecting nature, stressing that sustainable forestry is essential for a healthier environment and better future.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Chairman of Irewolede Plank Sellers and Woodworkers Association, Mr Gbemisola Adenekan, said the event was more than a celebration of 10 years’ anniversary, but a celebration of unity, resilience, hard work, enterprise and the strength of the association’s collective spirit.

Adenekan informed the gathering that the association has coordinated the affairs of plank sellers and woodworkers at Sawmill, Lafenwa, in Abeokuta, while promoting the welfare, peaceful coexistence and economic interests of members.

He commended the Ogun State Government for its continued efforts towards creating an enabling environment for businesses, artisans and other productive sectors of the economy.

‘Our members can only thrive when there is peace, security and an environment that supports legitimate economic activities,’ Adenekan said.

While praising the past and present executives of the association, the Chairman lauded the Special Assistant to the Ogun State Governor on Student Affairs, Adeyemi Azeez, for his dedication, sacrifices and commitment to the growth of the association.

‘Our theme, ‘The Future of Wood: Securing Livelihoods, Advancing Agriculture, Preserving Culture, Promoting Health and Driving Modernisation,’ reminds us that the future of our industry requires responsibility, innovation and collaboration. As we celebrate our past, we must also prepare ourselves for a more sustainable, modern and prosperous future.

‘As Chairman, I assure you that we remain committed to building an association that protects the interests of its members, promotes unity and contributes meaningfully to the development of our community and Ogun State,’ Adenekan submitted.

The Makinde/Daura Presidential Campaign Organisation (MDPCO) on Saturday accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of failing to demonstrate the urgency required to tackle insecurity, alleging that his administration’s attitude had emboldened terrorists, bandits and kidnappers.

Makinde, who is the Governor of Oyo State, is also the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) for the 16 January 2027 presidential poll.

His running mate is Mr Lawal Daura, a former Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS).

Raising its concerns through its Director of Strategic Communications, Richard Ihediwa, the organisation said the 1 October abduction of prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to their orientation camps in the South-East and South-South was another indication of the government’s failure to protect Nigerians.

MDPCO noted that the incident was particularly disturbing because the victims were young Nigerians travelling to undertake national service after their families had made significant sacrifices to educate them.

Ihediwa wrote: ‘Under the watch of the Tinubu-led administration, parents toil, make immense sacrifices and struggle through biting economic hardship to train their children through tertiary institutions, only for them to be handed over to terrorists and bandits.’

The prospective corps members were abducted on Thursday when gunmen attacked two buses along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in the Umunoha area of Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State. The victims were travelling from Ibadan to orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states.

The Imo State Police Command, however, disclosed that 10 victims were rescued after the attack, while security agencies continued efforts to locate and free those still in captivity.

On Saturday, the Commissioner in charge of the command, Mr Audu Garba Bosso, stated that drones had located the suspected hideout but security operatives were being cautious because intelligence indicated that the camp had been mined with improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

The campaign organisation alleged the abduction was not an isolated incident, but part of what it described as a worsening security situation in which homes, communities, markets, places of worship, schools and highways were increasingly exposed to criminal attacks.

It claimed that more than 600,000 Nigerians had been killed by terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements since the Tinubu administration came to power, a figure previously cited by the APM while reacting to security challenges in the country.

The 600,000 figure seems to align with the National Bureau of Statistics’ (NBS) data showing 614,937 deaths from insecurity-related violence between May 2023 and April 2024, although that NBS figure covers all insecurity-related causes and not solely deaths caused by terrorists and bandits.

According to the campaign organisation, the Federal Government needs to adopt a more coordinated and intelligence-driven approach to security, rather than relying mainly on reactive measures after attacks must have occurred, further endangering the lives of victims.

It further stated: ‘Despite the gallantry and sacrifices of our men and women in uniform, the Tinubu Presidency has not demonstrated the capacity to command and manage an effective, intelligence-driven security system that adequately guarantees the safety of all Nigerians.

‘President Tinubu ought to take a cue from the security approach of our presidential candidate, Engr Seyi Makinde, in Oyo State.

‘That approach emphasises coordinated operations, intelligence, stronger collaboration, preventive measures and rapid response.’

Ihediwa pointed to Makinde’s record in Oyo State, adding that it demonstrated the kind of security strategy the organisation believed could be applied at the national level, adding that the campaign would continue to advocate its ‘Reset Nigeria’ agenda.

The organisation expressed solidarity with the families of the abducted prospective corps members and other Nigerians affected by insecurity, while calling for intensified efforts to secure the safe release of those still in captivity.

Nigeria and Egypt are seeking to strengthen their economic ties and expand bilateral trade, which stood at $223m in 2025, as both countries explore new investment opportunities and deeper cooperation.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, made this known on Friday at the Ministerial Roundtable on ‘Trade and Economic Cooperation at the Centre of Pan-African Diplomacy’ during the inaugural Africa-Alamein Business Forum (Go63) in New Alamein City, Egypt.

Enikanolaiye said bilateral trade between Nigeria and Egypt remained below its potential, calling for the implementation of agreements reached at the Nigeria-Egypt Business Forum in July 2025 and the proposed establishment of a Joint Investment Council to strengthen economic cooperation.

He also urged African countries to place trade and economic cooperation at the centre of Pan-African diplomacy, stressing that sustainable partnerships could only be achieved when anchored on shared economic interests.

‘For too long, we treated trade and diplomacy as separate tracks. Our partnerships endure only when they rest on shared economic interests,’ he said, reaffirming that Africa remained the centrepiece of Nigeria’s foreign policy.

The minister highlighted Nigeria’s economic reforms introduced since 2023, including fuel subsidy removal, foreign exchange unification and fiscal strengthening, which he said were aimed at stabilising the economy and improving its competitiveness.

He cited economic growth of 4.43 per cent in the second quarter of 2026, a decline in inflation to 15.39 per cent in August, foreign reserves of $54.86bn as of September 24, and a reduction in the Monetary Policy Rate to 23 per cent.

Enikanolaiye also identified the launch of Nigeria’s National Single Window on March 27, 2026, and the implementation of the Nigeria Tax Act on January 1, 2026, which consolidated more than 60 levies, as measures to improve trade facilitation and create a more conducive business environment.

On the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the minister described the agreement as the continent’s most important trade instrument, noting that 50 countries had ratified it, while 39 were participating in the Guided Trade Initiative.

He said Nigeria had validated its AfCFTA Implementation Strategy, gazetted its tariff concessions, submitted its commitments on trade in services and ratified the Digital Trade Protocol in November 2025.

He further disclosed that a new air cargo corridor established in partnership with Uganda Airlines and the United Nations Development Programme had reduced freight costs by between 50 and 75 per cent.

The minister, however, stressed that effective trade integration required adequate financing, welcoming the roles of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) in facilitating intra-African trade.

According to him, the Central Bank of Nigeria directed banks to adopt PAPSS from April 2025 to support local-currency settlements and reduce the challenges associated with cross-border transactions.

Enikanolaiye proposed five measures to strengthen trade-led diplomacy across Africa, including making trade facilitation a permanent item on diplomatic engagements, addressing non-tariff barriers and expanding access to trade finance for small and medium-sized enterprises, women and young entrepreneurs.

Other measures, he said, included investing in transport and energy corridors to strengthen regional value chains and ensuring that African countries spoke with one voice during external trade negotiations.

Earlier, Egyptian Prime Minister, Dr Mostafa Madbouly, who declared the forum open, described it as a sustainable platform for dialogue and collaboration among governments, private-sector operators and financial institutions.

Egypt’s Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, Mohamed Farid, also called for stronger African economic cooperation, particularly in developing an integrated automotive industry capable of strengthening regional production and value chains.

The Africa-Alamein Business Forum, organised by the Egyptian government in partnership with Afreximbank and the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD, is scheduled to run until October 4.

The forum is designed as a permanent biennial platform to translate Africa’s regional integration objectives into concrete investments, stronger economic partnerships and expanded intra-African trade.

Kogi Central Senatorial District on Friday erupted in a wave of excitement as former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, returned home to a massive reception by indigenes of the region and the supporters of All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 Kogi Central Senatorial election.

The homecoming, which attracted a huge crowd across the district, was marked by colourful displays, chants and enthusiastic supporters who trooped out in large numbers to welcome the former governor and APC senatorial candidate.

Yahaya Bello, who governed Kogi State from 2016 to 2024, emerged as the APC candidate for the Kogi Central Senate seat after winning the party’s May 2026 senatorial primary.

They enumerated some of the legacy projects of Bello when he governed the state, declaring that the senatorial hopeful is naturally loved by all residents of Kogi, even years after meritoriously completing his two terms of office.

Many stakeholders and residents across Kogi Central who led constituents to welcome Bello vowed to further demonstrate their gratitude for the ‘good works’ of the former governor by voting for him massively next year.

Speaking during the homecoming, former Kogi State APC Chairman and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy, Hon. Abdullahi Bello, described the reception as a demonstration of the affection and confidence the people of Kogi Central have for the former governor.

‘This is the homecoming of a leader that liberated the whole Ebiraland, and we all trooped out to welcome him. It is not an easy thing. We love him, and we have to demonstrate that,’ Abdullahi Bello said.

He declared that the APC structure in Kogi Central was fully prepared for the forthcoming election, stressing that the district remained a stronghold of the party.

‘I will not flatter you with words, but obviously, as you can see for yourself, Ebiraland, Kogi Central, is the home of the All Progressives Congress. APC is here. APC lives here. We preach APC,’ he said.

According to him, the massive crowd witnessed during the homecoming was not merely a political gathering but an indication of the level of acceptance he said Bello enjoys among the people.

He expressed confidence that APC members and supporters across the five local government areas of Kogi Central would mobilise behind Bello at the polls, saying, ‘APC is 100 per cent prepared to vote Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello to the Red Chamber come next year.’

Bello’s emergence as the APC flag bearer followed a direct primary in which he was declared winner with 72,399 votes across the district.

He said: ‘The era of using professional influence or advantage, I think, is over. The law will put an end to that when you beat a candidate mercilessly with a very clear margin. Then I think you’ll learn some lessons, and that is going to happen in this election.’

Addressing the overwhelming crowd that welcomed the former governor, the former APC chairman said he was not surprised by the turnout, insisting that Bello’s political appeal cuts across age and gender.

‘I am not surprised because Alhaji Yahaya Bello has done so much to the extent that every Ebira, both young and old, man and woman, they believe so much in him. Even if you hear his name, you just have to join the queue,’ he said.

He further claimed that the message of the APC campaign was already resonating with party members and supporters across the district.

The former chairman also linked the reception to what he described as the security situation in Kogi Central during Bello’s tenure as governor, recalling that the area had previously experienced episodes of violence and insecurity.

‘Before now, especially 2007 and 2008, this Central used to be a battlefield, with burning of houses and killing of innocent people. But the coming of Alhaji Yahaya Bello put an end to all that,’ he said.

According to him, the relative peace in the area has enabled residents to move freely and participate in political and economic activities without the level of fear associated with previous years.

Other constituents who spoke hailed the track record of Bello, promising to mobilise support for him to win with a wide margin.

Responding, the former governor expressed happiness at the show of love by his people, describing the massive crowd that came to honour him as ‘organic’ and proof that the sense of appreciation of the people of the state, especially in Kogi Central, is ‘inborn’.

Addressing journalists at the palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebira Land, Belo emphatically stated that all the APC candidates for the 2027 general elections would emerge victorious at the polls, saying, ‘I have never doubted that my people are with me 100%. I have never doubted that my people are supporting APC 100%. I have never doubted that my people will support and vote for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu 100%. I have never doubted that my people are with my governor, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo 100%.’

He further expressed assurance that he enjoys the total support of the people of Kogi Central ahead of the Senatorial polls.

‘I have never doubted that my people are going to vote for me as the senator representing Kogi Central and all of our other candidates on the platform of All Progressives Congress because they know very well what this party has done to liberate our people and bring infrastructure to the people and ensure that the dividend of democracy is delivered to our people and is still being delivered to our people,’ Bello pointed out.

While appreciating the people for the show of love and support, he said: ‘Kogi State is 100% APC and APC is Kogi State 100%.’

‘So, I sincerely appreciate my people for displaying this love and affection. It is organic, it is inborn, it is inherent, it’s in our DNA, and I sincerely appreciate them, I appreciate. Let me appreciate God Almighty, and I appreciate our party, and I appreciate the leader of our party, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; I appreciate my governor, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and all the party members from top down.

‘I want to assure Mr President that Kogi State election is done, and Kogi Central in particular is as good

as done 100% for APC,’ he maintained.

The Friday’s homecoming, according to stakeholders, provided a striking display of the mobilisation surrounding the former governor, with supporters turning out in large numbers to receive him as he formally reconnects with his political base ahead of the 2027 National Assembly election.