Category: PM News

Nutrients Innovation Tech Ltd, a major player in Nigeria’s large-scale food fortification sector, has hosted three senior executives from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation during a high-level working visit coordinated by TechnoServe Nigeria.

The engagement is part of sustained efforts to evaluate the country’s progress on mandatory food fortification and reinforce partnerships aimed at strengthening national nutrition outcomes.

Core discussions centred on compliance performance, premix quality, and the supply chain systems supporting the fortification of wheat flour, sugar, and vegetable oil–the three principal vehicles for Nigeria’s mandatory fortification programme.

Managing Director of Nutrients Innovation Tech Ltd, Dr Rachael Adeyemi, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to driving improved nutrition through innovation and industry accountability.

“Our mission is to support a healthier Nigeria by ensuring that the food fortification ecosystem remains efficient, compliant, and progressive. We are honoured to receive the Gates Foundation delegation and encouraged by the impact of our continuous work,” she said.

During the visit, the Gates Foundation team conducted a detailed review of the company’s flour premix supply chain, assessing structural challenges, operational bottlenecks and opportunities for deeper collaboration.

They later joined Dr Adeyemi on an official factory tour, where they commended the firm’s advanced systems, rigorous quality controls and leadership in fortification compliance.

The delegation praised Nutrients Innovation Tech Ltd for its technical expertise, high-quality premix solutions and its crucial contribution to Nigeria’s Large-Scale Food Fortification (LSFF) objectives.

The visit reinforces the company’s standing as a leader in Nigeria’s fortification landscape, championing industry best practices, strengthening compliance, and advancing both national and global nutrition priorities through strategic partnership.

President Bola Tinubu has lamented how abuse of presidential powers marred the first term of Ayodele Fayose as governor of Ekiti State.

Tinubu, in a statement extending warm birthday wishes to Fayose, as he marks his 65th birthday on 15 November, highlighted the former governor’s resilience in the face of political adversity.

“While his first tenure as Governor of Ekiti was troubled and truncated towards the end of his first term, due to the abuse of presidential powers, his courage never waned. He bore the pains with uncommon strength. He embraced adversity with equanimity,” Tinubu said.

Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo was in power when Fayose’s tenure was truncated through a State of Emergency.

The President noted that despite these setbacks, Fayose made one of the most remarkable political comebacks in recent Nigerian history.

“In one of the great political comebacks of our time, he was re-elected governor of his state in 2014, setting the record as the first person to defeat two incumbent governors in Nigeria.”

Tinubu described Fayose, fondly called Osokomole, as a political figure of unwavering convictions.

“Osokomole is a man who has never lacked the courage of his convictions. We can always know where he belongs on any issue. His strength as a national political figure is his consistency. Whether right or wrong, former governor Fayose is never afraid to say his mind without minding whose ox is gored,” he said.

The President also praised Fayose’s enduring connection with his people and his reputation as a champion of the disadvantaged.

“Governor Fayose is a political leader who is very comfortable among his people, most especially the downtrodden. His cognomen, Ore Mekunnu (friend of the poor), is fitting. He is a colourful politician who has mastered the art of retail politics as a means of establishing a connection with the people,” he added.

Tinubu further highlighted Fayose’s tangible developmental achievements during his governorship: “During his terms as Governor of Ekiti State, he achieved significant success in critical areas of governance. He improved road infrastructure and expanded access to education and healthcare. His other notable achievements are visible in the State High Court Complex, a new governor’s office, and other projects he has executed.”

The President extended personal prayers and appreciation for Fayose’s support: “As his elder brother, I value his support for me and my administration. On this joyous occasion of the 65th birthday, my prayer and wish to God is to grant Peter Ayodele Fayose good health and to find more purpose in his service to the Almighty and humanity. Happy birthday, Osokomole!”

Nigeria’s star striker, Victor Osimhen, says staying calm under pressure is a skill he has mastered, even on nights when the goals don’t come easily.

The Super Eagles forward, who bagged a brace in Nigeria’s 4-1 extra-time win over Gabon, said criticism over missed chances does not shake his confidence.

In a video shared on Thursday by sports journalist @iamcalisports, Osimhen admitted that being a top striker comes with scrutiny but added that he has learned to keep his head steady.

“Sometimes I score the goal no one expects, and sometimes I miss the one people think I’ll score. But that doesn’t change my mentality,” he said.

Osimhen had missed two big chances in the second half but redeemed himself in extra time with a powerful finish. He said correcting mistakes quickly is part of his mindset.

“At first, I told them I was sorry. I told them I would correct it in extra time — and I’m happy I did,” he said.

The Al Nassr striker praised his teammates for their support in difficult moments.

“Kudos to the guys who gave me the assists. I’m happy with the mentality of the team — all of us,” he added.

Osimhen also thanked fans across the world for standing by the Super Eagles.

“Thank you to the many Super Eagles fans all over the world who have gone through it all with us. This win is also for them,” he said.

Looking ahead to the World Cup playoffs final, Osimhen admitted the next round will be tough but vowed that the team will give everything.

“The next round won’t be easy. We will give everything to make sure we go to the final,” he assured.

Osimhen’s two extra-time goals, along with strikes from Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke, sealed Nigeria’s emphatic 4-1 win over Gabon at Stade Mohammed V in Rabat, Morocco.

Nigerian actress and model, Annie Macaulay-Idibia, has reacted to the backlash trailing her controversial “like” on a post made by Laila Charani, the fifth wife of Senator Ned Nwoko, shading co-wife Regina Daniels.

Laila had, on Thursday, posted a lengthy accusation on Instagram, alleging that Regina introduced her to drugs and acted as a negative influence.

She further claimed she would never trust her daughters around the actress, adding that Regina “was sleeping with every single girl around her.”

The post, which went viral, shocked many social media users after it was noticed that Annie Idibia, who is publicly known to be close to Regina, had liked it.

The gesture stirred reactions, with fans expressing shock.

However, addressing the controversy in an Instagram story, Annie dismissed the action as a genuine mistake and reaffirmed her loyalty to Regina.

“In the process of reading the rubbish that was alleged about my baby, Regina, I liked the post mistakenly. Over here, we don’t play with loyalty, and my baby knows I have her back, front, and side. Make una rest abeg.”

The immediate past Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has denied scamming the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, in the construction of the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA).

This is even as he explained that his administration did set out to build any museum, but to make the state earn revenue through culture and creative art, by providing the enabling environment for the investment to succeed.

The former Governor who explained this in a live online interview, also denied accompanig MOWAA to solicit for funds from donors.

He insisted that the Benin Royal Museum was part of the plan to build a cultural district, including the MOWAA Institute in Benin City.

He said: “Oba Erediauwa had a foresight. He set up a team to start negotiating return of the artefacts. This conversations started long before I became Governor. When I became the Governor, I asked why are we not making progress we are supposed to makeWe came in to intervene between the Palace and the federal government.

“The state government was involved because Abuja is far away. Between 2017 and 2018, we attended meetings to start to understand what the issues were. In October 2018, I attended a meeting of the Benin Dialogue Group, the NCMM and representatives of the Oba of Benin led by Prof. Gregory Akenzua.

“At the meeting, we were told the works were fragile but we assrued them we will build faciities to accommodate the works. At no point in time the Edo State Government said they wanted artefacts. We only facilitated the process so that we can get these items back so that we can use them to attract people to our state.

“After the meeting, I said we cannot be discussing this subject in Europe all the time, let us come to Benin. In 2019, the foreigners came to Benin and gave us idea on what to do. As part of our strategy, we can create an enabling environment for arts and culture.

“Look at Victor Uwaifo creative hub, it was an abandoned warehouse. The Oba Akenzua Cultural Centre was idle. I said let us bring it back so that we can use it to encourage drama and acting which it was originally designed for.”

Obaseki also desmissed allegations that he diverted fund meant for the Royal Museum to build MOWAA, adding that the planned cultural district as part of Benin Ciy master plan had the Royal Musuem.

“There is a plan for a cultural district for the Benin Masterplan. There was supposed to be a plan that will redefine the city centre. You had the MOWAA Institute, the Rain Forest Gallery, the 1897 memorial, the National Musuem, and the Royal Musuem. All these things have been planned for. The Oba told me has has acquired a land for the purpose and we said we will support the project and any activity that promote Edo as a cultural hub.

“As far as I am concerned, I am not a trustee of MOWAA. My role as Governor was to support institutions. Whether it is EMOWAA or MOWAA, what is Mr business about that? Is it my own? That is their decision. The important thing is the objective and we gave support as a government,” he explained.

Narrating what transpired with the Benin Moarch, Obaseki said, “The roles of Edo State government under my watch are clear. We did the things in the way we do in a certain way. Building musuems was not a priority of the state government. I cannot take money I want to use to build schools to go and build musuems. What I will do is to use that money create an enabling environment and allow people who know how to build musuems. I will collaborate with them to build musuems.

“MOWAA has raised over, 80m. Does Edo State have that kind of money? I will not use that money for musuem. I will support the initiative, give them land, an enabling environment and funds.

“We carried the palace along. We told the palace we will have more say if we have something which represent the federal government, the state government and the Palace. I said we should set up a trust of the National Museum, the Palace, foreign musiem and the state government. That was what we started with. I nominated the Crown Prince, gave him a letter, he took it to the father and the father gave him his blessings. We set up a non-charitable trust. The foreigners need someone they can see through. Let the Crown Prince represent the Trustee from the Palace and there was no objection. At a certain point, there were misinformation. We went to Germany and that was where the whole thing went sour. I dont know what happened internally and the Monarch was not happy. The Palace then withdrew from the Trust. I said ok. He said he wants to have his own Royal Museum and we said we will support. I understand the Oba acquired land opposite the palace.

“MOWAA is not my own just like many of the things we invested in are not mine but as long as it brings investment to Edo State and grow economy of the state, it was incumbent to support MOWAA. Government money cannot develop a state.

“How many states can attract that kind of investment in MOWAA today. With that investment being there, see how much that would have come to Edo in that weekend. We can have another economy that is not dependent on oil revenue. The money to be received will be local revenue. This is one thing that could lead to tourism revenue. Look at the injection into the economy and the original capital is not Edo money. We should have advanced beyond where we are now. It is unreasonable for any Edo man to justify what happened

“As far as I am concerned, I am not a trustee of MOWAA. My role as Governor was to support institutions. Whether it is EMOWAA or MOWAA, what is Mr business about that? Is it my own? That is their decision. The important thing is the objective and we gave support.

“When they said they wanted MOWAA, Benin empire expanded to Ghana and for me from a marketing stand point, it made sense for a museum that represented West Africa. It made sense rather making it Benin, we can expand it. The important thing is that it is located and the benefit will be enjoyed be Edo people.

“That somebody will take $50 million, how many states can attract that kind of investment today. With that investment being there, our plan is Edo 100,000 peoole coming to MOWAA and each of. They will come. They will eat, stay in hotel ground and spend money tl buy things. Almost every hotel was booked for that event. All the taxi drivers, Igun Street casters. See how much that woukd have come to Edo in that weekend. We can have another economy that is not dependent on oil revenue. The money to be receivd will be local revenue. This is one thing that could lead to tourism revenue. Look at the injection into tbe economy and the original capital is not Edo money. We should have advanced beyond where we are now. It is unreasonable for any Edo man to justify what happened that weekend,” he concluded.

Kano state Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, on Friday, hinted that his administration has concluded plans to present the biggest appropriation bill of N1 trillion for the 2026 fiscal year to Kano state House of Assembly.

Statement by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, indicated that Governor Yusuf gave the hint, while declaring open the Second Special Executive Council Meeting convened to deliberate on the 2026 budget proposals ahead of its formal presentation to the Kano State House of Assembly next week.

overnor Yusuf explained that the historic budget size reflects his administration’s determination to consolidate the ongoing massive infrastructure, urban renewal and expand socio-economic development across the state.

He attributed the increase in the proposed budget to the significant improvement in internally generated revenue (IGR) and the blocking of leakages within the system.

“Our administration has strengthened internal revenue mechanisms and sealed leakages, which now allows us to plan boldly for transformative projects in 2026,” the Governor said.

He further stated that the 2026 budget will focus on housing development, agriculture, education, healthcare, and support for small and medium enterprises, aimed at stimulating economic growth and creating sustainable livelihoods for the people of Kano State.

The Statement added that, “once concluded, the proposed budget of over one trillion will be transmitted to the Kano State House of Assembly for legislative consideration and approval.”

The Governor reaffirmed his commitment to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and ensuring that every sector receives the necessary support to deliver quality services to the citizens.

ccording to the Statement, ‘if presented, the appropriation bill will be the first ever biggest budget from any northern state of Nigeria.”

Monday Okpebholo of Edo has called on the Muslim community in the state to sustain their prayers and support for President Bola Tinubu administration.

Okpebholo also urged them to “stand firmly behind the president’s reform-driven leadership, ahead of the 2027 general elections”.

He spoke during a special Walimah, entitled “365 Days in Office Celebration Walimah of His Excellency, Sen. Monday Okpebholo” on Thursday in Benin.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the celebration was part of the activities, lined up to mark Okpbeholo first anniversary in office.

ddressing the large gathering, Okpebholo expressed gratitude to them for their prayers, loyalty, and partnership with his administration.

He described their unwavering support as a vital pillar of his administration’s success.

He said: “It has been a long and challenging journey, but by the mercy of Allah, who presides over the affairs of men, we have come this far.

“From the beginning, we made it clear that Edo belongs to all of us, irrespective of religion or background.

“Our appointments and decisions are guided strictly by competence and capacity.”

The governor affirmed that the unity and prosperity of Edo remained his topmost priority.

ccording to him, governance must be driven by service and shared purpose rather than personal ambition.

“The interest of Edo is greater than any personal or sectional interest.

“That is why I continue to call on all to pray for our president. Nigeria is one.

“President Tinubu is a man of courage, character, and truth, committed to repositioning our nation through bold reforms.

“He deserves our collective prayers and support,” the governor said.

He announced his commitment to deliver a resounding victory for Tinubu in the 2027 elections.

“I have promised the President that we will deliver 2.5 million votes to him in 2027,” Okpebholo said.

He also affirmed his solidarity with the Muslim community, assuring them of continued engagement and support.

He pledged to remain open to their advice and also sustain collaboration with religious and traditional leaders across the state.

“One love binds us together as a people,” he said

Delivering goodwill message at the event, former Edo Deputy Governor, Lucky Imasuen, lauded the governor’s people-focused leadership.

Imasuen said that Okpebholo’s administration represents the unity and inclusiveness Edo had long desired.

NAN reports that major highpoints of the event included the conferment of an award to the governor, in recognition of his inclusive governance, humility and dedication to service. (NAN)

The Edo chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has described the first year of Senator Monday Okpebholo as Governor of the State as a lost year that was marked by drift, decline, policy paralysis and collapse of governance structures. The party further accused the Okpebholo’s administration of mismanaging the State resources, adding that contracts are awarded with complimentary cards, in the absence of a tenders’ board in the last one year. The State chairman of the party, Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, made the claim while addressing journalists on Thursday in Benin.

He claimed that the Okpebholo administration was yet to initiate any capital project, “apart from ill-conceived flyover contracts designed to siphon public funds.” The Edo PDP chairman noted that while ex-Governor Godwin Obaseki received 154 billion over 10 months in 2024, his successor had received 236 billion within the same period without any tangible development. “For months, the State had no functioning cabinet. When finally constituted, it became an over-bloated team of recycled aides without vision or coherence,” he alleged. Aziegbemi condemned the “destruction” of the Edo Geographic Information Service (EdoGIS), which he described as one of Obaseki’s landmark reforms. According to him, “For almost a year, no Certificates of Occupancy have been signed. This failure has stranded investors and reignited land disputes. Responding to the plethora of allegations, the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, dismissed the opposition party’s claims, alleging that the PDP strives in lies, and deep in deceit. “Responding to PDP is like watching bunch of comedians looking for spectators. We are too busy to be distracted by the rantings of such political party with dithering nomenclature,” he added.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has pledged to conduct its 2025 Asset Disposal Exercise with transparency, accountability, and observation of relevant due process

This pledge was made by the Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, during his address to auctioneers at the official bid opening ceremony held at the ICPC Headquarters, Abuja, on Thursday.

The ICPC Chairman who was represented by the Director of the Systems Study and Review Department, Mr. Olusegun Adigun, emphasised that the entire process would be guided by transparency, integrity, and merit.

He noted that the Commission’s credibility depends on how faithfully it upholds these core principles.

The ICPC Chairman further assured that the Commission would continue to ensure that all recovered assets are utilised for national development.

“As an institution, the ICPC remains resolute in ensuring that every kobo recovered on behalf of the Nigerian people is properly managed, transparently utilized, and ultimately channeled toward national development,” he said.

Dr. Aliyu also emphasised that all submissions from the auctioneers would be evaluated strictly on merit, in accordance with laid down criteria and without bias or favoritism.

In her remarks, the Director of the Proceeds of Crimes Department (POCD), Mrs. Grace Aga-Ibe, echoed the Chairman’s position, reaffirming that the Commission remains deeply committed to ensuring that every process reflects integrity and fairness.

Similarly, the Executive Director of the Center for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity (CeFTPI), Mr. Umar Yakubu, commended the ICPC for conducting a transparent and credible process consistent with the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC).

Other auctioneers present at the event also applauded the Commission for its openness and professionalism. They were informed that only those who met the stipulated requirements would be invited to the next stage of the exercise.

Representatives from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) were also in attendance.

It may be recalled that the Commission had, in October, publicised the recovery outcomes from its 2024 Asset Disposal Exercise.

Nigerian influencer and model, Diana Eneje, has taken to social media to express frustration after discovering that a painter working in her home allegedly drank her luxury bottle of Ace of Spades champagne worth N950,000.

Eneje made the revelation in a lengthy post on Snapchat, telling followers she was shocked to find the three-year-old bottle missing, only to later discover it hidden in her wardrobe after being emptied.

ccording to her, the painter not only consumed the expensive champagne but tried to conceal the evidence.

“If I want to start suing people, I would have a very long file,” she wrote.

“I don’t know why it’s always the mad people on my projects, and the service has been paid for.”