Category: PM News

Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, has claimed that the naval officer who was involved in an altercation with Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, did not break any law.

While speaking with DCL Hausa, Matawalle claimed that officer Yerima will not face any disciplinary action, emphasisisng that he kept his interaction with Wike respectful.

“The minister should not have confronted him. Lieutenant Yerima was acting on orders. If Wike had any concerns, he should have spoken to his superiors or to me directly since I oversee naval affairs. You can clearly see that he was respectful while standing his ground. As far as we are concerned, he did not break any law or military regulation. This whole situation was avoidable. Before the minister went there, he had already spoken with the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff, who assured him that the matter would be looked into,” he said.

By Tiamiyu Prudence Arobani

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) says two Nigerian nationals are missing while two others died after a vessel carrying 49 people capsized while crossing the Mediterranean.

IOM said 42 people are missing and presumed dead and seven rescued following a shipwreck off Libya, the latest fatal crossing in the Central Mediterranean. More than 1,000 lives have been lost in 2025 in the Mediterranean, according to IOM.

The Nigerians were among 49 migrants and refugees aboard a rubber boat that departed from Zuwara in northwest Libya around 3am on November 3, IOM said, citing survivors.

“The vessel capsized roughly six hours later after high waves caused the engine to fail. All passengers, 47 men and two women, were thrown overboard. The boat drifted for six days before Libyan authorities rescued seven men four from Sudan, two from Nigeria and one from Cameroon on Nov. 8. The missing passengers include 29 from Sudan, eight from Somalia, three from Cameroon, and two from Nigeria. IOM’s team provided the survivors with emergency medical care, water, and food upon arrival at the disembarkation point in coordination with relevant authorities,” IOM said.

The tragic event comes just weeks after other deadly incidents off Surman, Libya, and the island of Lampedusain southern Italy.

Latest data from IOM’s Missing Migrants Project reveals that the death toll in the Central Mediterranean has already surpassed 1,000 this year, as people attempt the treacherous sea journey to Europe.

“With this latest shipwreck, the total has risen even further, reinforcing the urgent need for strengthened regional cooperation,” IOM said.

The agency also called for “expanded safe and regular migration pathways and more effective search and rescue operations to prevent further loss of life”.

“IOM upholds that humane and orderly migration benefits both “people on the move” and society as a whole.”

Since 2014, more than 25,600 people have died or disappeared in the Central Mediterranean, which spans from North Africa to Italy.

It is the world’s deadliest migration route due to factors that include the length of the journey, which can take days.

Other factors include increasingly dangerous smuggling patterns, gaps in search-and-rescue capacity and restrictions on the work of NGOs saving lives at sea.

In addition, migrants often make the crossing in unseaworthy, overloaded inflatable boats.

IOM said because many of the unseaworthy vessels can be launched at one time, this can complicate search and rescue efforts.

NAN

In the dynamic world of business and leadership, challenges often serve as the ultimate test of character, resilience, and integrity. For Dare Osamo, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Impact Energy and Logistics Ltd, the path to success has been marked not only by professional achievements but also by profound personal trials. With over 16 years of experience spanning banking, oil and gas, aviation, and corporate finance, Osamo has built a reputation as a strategic leader and visionary entrepreneur.

Yet his journey was not without turbulence. At the peak of his career, a major business dispute tested his values, integrity, and faith. Falsely accused and embroiled in a prolonged legal battle, he faced one of the darkest chapters of his life. Through perseverance, faith, and unwavering commitment to truth, he emerged stronger, wiser, and more determined.

In this interview, Osamo, the former Managing Director of Star Orient Nigeria Ltd, shares insights into his early beginnings, rise in the corporate world, the ordeal that nearly broke him, and the lessons he learned about resilience, trust, and divine justice.

I completed my primary and secondary education in Ekiti and graduated with some of the best results in my community. Those early years shaped the person I am today.”

What early experiences influenced your career choice?

“After secondary school, I moved to Festac, Lagos, to live with my uncle, who worked with the Federal Housing Authority. Nearby, there was a community bank called Festac Community Bank, where I started as an office assistant.

What drove your higher education choices?

Who has been the most influential person in your life?

Without a doubt, my grandmother. Her strength, compassion, and determination continue to inspire me every day.

How did your professional journey begin?

I became a chartered accountant while still in college. Over time, I held key roles in stockbroking, investment banking, and commercial banking, managing multimillion- and even multibillion-naira portfolios. Later, I transitioned into entrepreneurship, founding advisory and energy companies, which broadened my leadership experience and allowed me to work with top-tier clients.

How do you define success?

“For me, success isn’t measured by money. It’s about the number of lives you impact, the people you mentor, and the value you create for society. Money is secondary; real success comes from solving problems and improving lives.”

What do you enjoy outside work?

“I’m a quiet person. I love reading, writing, football, and occasional workouts. Mostly, I spend my free time learning and reflecting.”

What advice would you give your younger self?

“I’d tell myself to be assertive, not aggressive. Let your results and voice be seen. Don’t just do the work–make an impact.”

How was the transition from banking to entrepreneurship?

“It felt natural. My experience in banking and advisory gave me insight into how successful people think and operate. Those lessons prepared me to launch my own ventures.”

What has been the most challenging moment in your career?

The new partner opposed me, and other directors pressured me to deny the founder who brought me in. I refused, saying, ‘No, I can’t lie to protect greed.’ That refusal sparked a serious crisis that nearly ruined my career and reputation.

Can you explain what you mean by crisis?

“They ganged up against me, filing petitions with the police, EFCC, and Special Fraud Unit. My name was everywhere in the newspapers, accused of embezzling from a struggling company. Everything I had built–my reputation, the company’s progress–was under threat.”

What impact did it have on you personally?

“It was devastating. My business partners turned against me, I was forced out of the company with nothing, and my reputation was questioned. For over four years, I moved from one investigating agency to another. It was exhausting, humiliating, and deeply painful.”

How was the case resolved?

“On January 24, 2024, before Justice Ogala of the Lagos State High Court, I was discharged. That day brought immense relief. I thanked God, my family, and the friends who stood by me during those dark years.”

How did this experience affect you?

It nearly broke me. My health suffered, my marriage collapsed, and my business was scattered. Everything I had worked for over forty years was lost due to greed and power struggles. I had to start over. But through it all, I found strength in God.

What key lessons did you learn?

Three lessons: God is greater than man, never lose hope as light will come and in business, there are no permanent friends, only permanent interests. People act according to where their benefit lies.

How has it changed your approach to people?

I now judge people by actions, not words. That experience reshaped my view of loyalty and reinforced reliance on God rather than men. It made me stronger, wiser, and more cautious.

What message would you give others facing tough times?

Don’t give up. Keep your faith. Guard your integrity. Truth will always prevail. People may try to pull you down, but if your heart is clean, God will lift you again.

Nigeria’s World Cup destiny goes under the microscope this evening, as the Super Eagles face Gabon in a high-stakes semi-final playoff in Rabat.

This is a match that could define their 2026 qualification hopes, their coach’s job, and the nation’s footballing pride.

After a bumpy qualification journey that mixed flashes of brilliance with frustrating inconsistency, Nigeria finally found their rhythm last month with a convincing 4-0 victory over Benin. That win secured second place in their group and earned them a place in this playoff stage, where three more wins would take them to North America next summer.

Now, all eyes are on Rabat. The Super Eagles know what’s at stake. Failure tonight could be disastrous, as it would mean missing back-to-back World Cups for the first time since their debut in 1994. That kind of result would not only sting fans at home but could also seal the fate of head coach Eric Chelle, whose job is already under quiet scrutiny.

Gbon, however, are not here to play the supporting role. The Panthers, led by veteran striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, are unbeaten in their last seven matches and full of confidence. They finished just one point behind Ivory Coast in qualifying and have shown the kind of form that makes them a dangerous opponent.

Osimhen Ready to Lead Again

If there is one man who can drag Nigeria through this moment, it is Victor Osimhen. The Galatasaray striker has been unstoppable this season, currently sitting as the top scorer in the UEFA Champions League with six goals in just three matches. He was also the hero in the rout of Benin, scoring a hat-trick that reignited belief among Nigerian fans.

Osimhen will be joined in attack by Ademola Lookman, who returns from suspension. With both men in form, Nigeria’s forward line promises energy, pace, and goals. Behind them, the midfield trio of Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, and Moses Simon will need to control the tempo and protect a backline marshalled by William Troost-Ekong and Calvin Bassey.

A andgtabon Confident Despite Injuries

For Gabon, tonight’s clash is another chance to prove they can mix it with the continent’s big boys. Aubameyang, still their talisman at 36, remains the heart of the team. His leadership and experience will be key if Gabon are to pull off an upset.

But coach Thierry Mouyouma has his headaches. He will be without several key players, including Jim Allevinah, Shavy Babicka, Medwin Biteghe, Michel Mboula, and Junior Noubi Fotso. Those absences could stretch the Panthers’ depth, especially in midfield.

Nigeria vs Gabon: Head-to-Head

Both nations have met nine times since 1965. Nigeria have won five of those encounters, Gabon only once, while three ended in draws. Their last meeting came in 2002, when Nigeria ran out 2-0 winners in another World Cup qualifier. History, at least, is on the Super Eagles’ side.

Form Guide

Nigeria (Last 5 Matches) Nigeria 4-0 Benin Lesotho 1-2 Nigeria South Africa 1-1 Nigeria Nigeria 1-0 Rwanda Nigeria 2-0 Congo

Gbon (Last 5 Matches) Gabon 2-0 Burundi Gambia 3-4 Gabon Gabon 0-0 Ivory Coast Seychelles 0-4 Gabon Gabon 2-0 Guinea-Bissau

Nigeria vs Gabon: Probable Lineups

Nigeria (4-4-2) Nwabali (GK); Frederick, Ekong, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Chukwueze, Ndidi, Iwobi, Simon; Osimhen, Lookman.

Gbon (4-2-3-1) Mbaba (GK); Onfia, M’bemba, Manga, Averlant; Lemina, Kanga, Ndong; Obiang, Bouanga; Aubameyang.

The Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher

For Nigeria, this is match about pride, redemption, and restoring confidence in a team that once struck fear across Africa. The sting of missing Qatar 2022 still lingers. Another failure would be unforgivable for a country that lives and breathes football.

But with Osimhen’s form, Lookman, and a squad packed with solid football experience, the Super Eagles have no excuses. They must win, and they must win convincingly.

Expect a cautious start as both teams test each other, but once Osimhen finds his rhythm, the game could open up quickly.

PM News Prediction:

Nigeria 31 Gabon. Osimhen to score twice, Lookman to assist, Aubameyang to grab a late consolation.

A win this evening would set up a mouth-watering final against either Cameroon or DR Congo on Sunday, a clash that could ultimately decide Nigeria’s World Cup fate.

Nigeria has slipped further in the global ranking of countries protecting their public health policies from tobacco industry influence, according to the 2025 Nigeria Tobacco Industry Interference (TII) Index released in Lagos on Thursday.

The report, produced by Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), shows that Nigeria’s score worsened from 60 in 2023 to 62 in 2025, indicating growing interference from tobacco corporations in policymaking. Out of 100 countries assessed globally, Nigeria now ranks 54th.

The findings, covering April 2023 to March 2025, form part of the global civil society-led initiative grounded in Article 5.3 of the World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO-FCTC), which warns that the interests of the tobacco industry and public health are irreconcilable.

In his opening remarks, CAPPA’s Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, said the Index exposes how the tobacco industry continues to exploit weak enforcement of Nigeria’s tobacco control laws to disguise itself as a partner in national development.

“Despite operating a business of addiction, disease, and death, tobacco companies continue to gain access strategically and persistently into Nigeria’s policy spaces,” he said. “This year’s score of 62 confirms that industry interference remains a systemic threat to our public health architecture.”

Oluwafemi noted that the industry’s so-called corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, such as borehole donations, scholarships, and reforestation drives, are used to mask interference and buy legitimacy.

“These are not acts of generosity, but manipulation designed to whitewash an image built on addiction and profit,” he warned. “Even worse, government officials continue to attend and praise these events, helping the industry greenwash its deadly business.”

He described the tobacco industry’s growing participation in policy discussions as “deeply troubling,” particularly regarding emerging nicotine products such as e-cigarettes, snus, and other novel products marketed as harm reduction tools.

“The tobacco industry is not a stakeholder in public health. Its interest is in selling more cigarettes, more nicotine, and more death and disease,” Oluwafemi stressed.

While acknowledging progress in some areas, Oluwafemi pointed to the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission’s (FCCPC) $110 million fine against British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) in 2023 and the National Film and Video Censors Board’s ban on the glamorisation of smoking in Nollywood as major wins.

However, he lamented inconsistent policies, including the suspension of tobacco excise taxes in 2023, which reversed earlier gains and weakened Nigeria’s alignment with WHO and ECOWAS tax standards.

“Nigeria cannot afford to take one step forward and two steps back,” he said. “Strong laws mean little without consistent enforcement.”

Presenting the report, CAPPA’s Assistant Executive Director, Zikora Ibeh, said the 2025 Index assessed seven key areas: policymaking participation, CSR, benefits to the industry, unnecessary interaction, transparency, conflict of interest, and preventive measures.

She said the worsening score reflects how “for every rule that should keep the industry out of policymaking, another action quietly lets it in.”

The report’s findings include:

CSR as a Gateway: The British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF) continues to partner with state ministries and local governments in defiance of national laws, using empowerment programmes as a “sophisticated strategy to embed itself in governance systems.”

Policy Reversal: The 2023 suspension of tobacco excise taxes weakened Nigeria’s fiscal and health response, shifting costs to citizens while protecting industry profits.

Political Familiarity: High-level government officials, including Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, a former BAT employee, have attended tobacco-linked events, which CAPPA said “signal complicity, not neutrality.”

Transparency Gaps: Despite Section 25 of the National Tobacco Control Act mandating disclosure of official interactions with the industry, most government agencies fail to make such information public.

Weak Preventive Systems: Few government officials have received training on Article 5.3 of the WHO-FCTC, leaving many unaware that participating in tobacco-funded events violates public health ethics.

“At 62 points, Nigeria’s interference score is a wake-up call,” Ibeh said. “Our laws are strong, but their guardianship is weak. The state legislates against tobacco influence but legitimises it through partnership and praise.”

The 2025 Index calls for urgent government action to strengthen policy independence and transparency in tobacco control. CAPPA’s recommendations include:

“Enforce full disclosure of all government interactions with tobacco companies.

“Ban tobacco industry-led CSR across all public institutions.

“Strengthen conflict-of-interest safeguards requiring public officials to declare any personal or financial ties to tobacco companies.

“Restore a predictable, inflation-adjusted tobacco tax system aligned with WHO and ECOWAS standards.

“Enforce pictorial health warnings covering at least 60 percent of tobacco packaging.

“Institutionalise Article 5.3 training within the public service.

“Exclude tobacco companies from policy consultations and regulatory discussions, including those concerning emerging nicotine products.”

Ibeh added: “To safeguard one, we must disentangle completely from the other. There can be no middle ground between public health and corporate interest.”

Oluwafemi concluded by urging the Nigerian government to see tobacco control not only as a health priority but as a matter of governance and democracy.

“What is at stake is not just the health of individual smokers but the health of our democracy the ability of our public institutions to act independently of corporate capture,” he said.

The Nigeria Tobacco Industry Interference Index is part of a global project coordinated by the Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance (SEATCA). The Index aims to support governments and civil society in implementing Article 5.3 of the WHO-FCTC, which requires countries to protect public health policies from tobacco industry interference.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday stated that his administration was committed to empowering the nation’s defence and military institutions to develop a crop of sufficiently trained officers

The President noted that this will enhance national power in the defence and security environment.

He also restated his administration’s resolve to ensure that Nigeria maximises its human, material, and intellectual potential for enhanced industrialisation, peace, and prosperity.

He spoke at the Council Chambers in Abuja as he received in audience members of Course 33 of the National Defence College.

He charged the participants to view themselves as agents of positive national development and commended them for their patriotic duty and commitment throughout the programme.

“I congratulate all of you, the leadership of the college, the participants and resource persons. We are building a political, economic and security future here. We must develop Nigeria. The strategic path to industrialisation, as enumerated in your presentation, gives credence to that,” President Tinubu stated.

In the research paper titled, ‘Harnessing Indigenous Manufacturing for Enhanced National Security by Year 2040, President Tinubu assured that his administration will carefully study the recommendations for implementation and challenged the participants to be committed towards intellectual analysis of the nation’s emerging challenges.

“I have listened attentively to your presentation. We must develop future strategic leaders sufficiently equipped with the requisite knowledge and analytical skills necessary to enhance the instrument of national power in a dynamic defence and security environment.

“It is our joint responsibility to ensure that this nation, Nigeria, is productive, it is governed inclusively, and takes care of the future of our generation yet unborn.

“It is our patriotic duty to look further into the horizon, to be determined and be resilient, to invoke our spirit that can achieve greatness, to train our people, develop our economy, promote industrial development, and ensure that sovereignty is assured, protected, and will remain resilient.

“We challenge our intellectual curiosity by being highly inquisitive and looking at what other nations are doing, where we are today, how we got here, and where we are headed tomorrow,” the President further stated.

President Tinubu also told the management of the College to be ‘patient’ on the request for the full development of the college’s permanent site, which started in 2010.

Commandant of the College, Rear Admiral A. Ahmed, informed that the College, established in 1992, is the highest professional military educational institution in Nigeria.

The Commandant told President Tinubu that the theme of Course 33 was “Strengthening Institutions for National Security and Development in Nigeria.”

According to the Commandant, Course 33 had 99 participants made up of 25 from the Army, 16 from the Nigerian Navy, 12 from the Nigerian Air Force, five from the Police and 18 from different MDAs, as well as 23 international participants from Africa, Asia and South America.

He said the College had so far graduated 3,097 participants, comprising military officers from the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Police, as well as friendly African countries.

The leader of the team, Captain M.A. Ahmed, informed President Tinubu that the course’s research topic aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in terms of economic diversification through industrialisation, digitalisation, creativity, and manufacturing.

According to him, the National Defence College sent study teams to over 23 countries worldwide, including eight in Africa, nine in Europe, and six in Asia, to study the indigenous manufacturing sector. This is due to the sector’s significant role in generating wealth, creating jobs, driving economic development, and contributing to the country’s overall growth.

He explained that nations actively pursue industrialisation, economic diversification, national security and national development. He said that the case of Qatar particularly struck a chord with the team because it shares similar characteristics with Nigeria as part of its economy’s makeup.

“Notably, Qatar had a mono-economy in which oil and gas accounted for about 90% of exports and about 51% of the GDP, which was similar to the situation in Nigeria as of 2007. The Qatari government enacted several strategic interventions, and our team drew lessons from the infrastructure. The government of Qatar invested over $300 billion between 2011 and 2022,” he further stated.

The Research Team, while commending the economic strides of the Tinubu administration, noted that only two countries had better GDP growth projections in 2026 than Nigeria.

The study recommended massive investment in infrastructure, product standardisation, and patronage of the nation’s military industry complex, the Defence Industrial Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), for industrial and backward integration, as well as a quantum leap in employment.

The presentation concluded with a call for presidential directives to implement Project Native 2040, emphasising that visionary leadership and strategic execution will enable Nigeria to harness indigenous manufacturing for national security and development by 2040.

Cryptocurrency has taken the financial and entertainment worlds by storm. From online trading to casino gaming platforms, like 22Bit, accepting Bitcoin and Ethereum, digital assets have become mainstream. Yet, there’s one thing even the biggest crypto enthusiasts can’t deny — its wild price swings. One day, your wallet is up 30%, the next, it’s down just as much. So, why is cryptocurrency so volatile? Let’s break down what drives these unpredictable waves.

A Young and Emotionally Driven Market

Unlike traditional assets that have evolved over centuries, crypto is still a teenager in the financial world. This youth makes it exciting — but also unstable.

Market Size and Liquidity

The global crypto market, though massive in buzz, is relatively small compared to gold, stocks, or forex. This means that even a moderate transaction or a shift in sentiment can send prices soaring or tumbling.

For instance, when a few large holders — known as whales — sell or buy in bulk, the shockwave ripples through the entire market.

Emotional Investors

Most crypto investors aren’t institutions with risk models and analysts; they’re individuals reacting to emotion.

A tweet from an influential figure can spark a buying frenzy. Negative news can trigger mass panic and sell-offs. This roller coaster of human emotion — greed, fear, excitement — is one of the strongest engines of volatility.

The Power of News and Regulation

Crypto’s value lives and dies by headlines. No other market responds so dramatically to news events, tweets, or government statements.

Regulatory Uncertainty

overnments are still figuring out how to treat cryptocurrencies.

When the U.S. or Canada announces friendlier policies, investors rush in. When countries like China or India crack down, coins lose billions in value overnight. Until there’s global regulatory stability, crypto prices will remain at the mercy of legal and political winds. ;hMedia and Public Hype

Social media has turned crypto into a 24/7 news cycle. A single Reddit thread or influencer video can trigger a wave of speculation.

But this cuts both ways — scandals, hacks, or lawsuits can erase weeks of gains in hours. In essence, crypto thrives on attention, and attention is fickle.

Supply, Demand, and the Scarcity Factor Limited Supply = Big Price Reactions

Bitcoin’s supply is capped at 21 million coins. That scarcity gives it value, but also fuels volatility — any perceived shortage or surge in demand pushes prices rapidly.

Other coins operate on similar models, often “burning” tokens to reduce supply. When demand increases during these periods, the price jumps sharply, much like a limited-edition collectible suddenly trending again.

Demand Shifts Across Industries

Crypto isn’t just for investors — it’s now used in gaming, decentralized finance, and even online casinos. When adoption grows (like new payment integrations or NFT projects), demand spikes. But if the trend cools off, the price drops. This cyclical hype contributes to wild short-term fluctuations.

The Influence of Whales and Market Manipulation

small number of wallets hold a large portion of the total cryptocurrency. These “whales” have the power to swing markets with a single move.

Pump-and-Dump Dynamics

Smaller coins (altcoins) are especially vulnerable to manipulation. Influencers or private groups artificially inflate prices (“pump”), attract retail buyers, and then sell off (“dump”) for profit.

This happens less often with Bitcoin or Ethereum, but remains a major cause of instability in newer coins.

Limited Transparency

Otherwise, crypto markets are not as transparent as they are in regulated markets. Unless supervision is highly rigorous, insider trading and collusive activities can be undetected, causing unexpected and apparently random fluctuation.

Technological Risk and Market Development Quick Innovation and Continuous Change

The technology of cryptos advances at a very fast rate. New tokens, DeFi platforms, and blockchain protocols are being launched nearly weekly. All innovations generate hype and anticipation, and not all projects make it. Unsuccessful launches or dropped roadmaps cause a collapse of prices.

Hacks and Security Issues

Although blockchain is a secure system, the platforms surrounding it are not always impenetrable. Fear is transmitted rapidly when significant exchanges or wallets are breached. The money that had been invested is withdrawn, the liquidity is drained, and the prices are free-falling.

Online casinos and gaming sites that allow the use of crypto have been taught to reduce such risks by multi-level encryption and cold storage wallets, but the fear of cyber attacks will continue to impact market confidence.

Psychology and Herd Mentality

The human brain wasn’t designed for markets that never sleep. Crypto trades 24/7 — no closing bell, no pause for reflection — which magnifies emotional decision-making.

The FOMO-FUD Cycle;/h FOMO (Fear of Missing Out): Investors rush to buy when prices climb. FUD (Fear, Uncertainty, Doubt): Panic selling happens when prices dip. This feedback loop keeps volatility alive and well. The Casino Parallel

Much like a player in an online casino, many traders experience “tilt” — the loss of rational thinking after a win or loss streak. The rush of seeing your assets rise or fall in real time can be addictive, leading to impulsive choices. Responsible risk management is as essential in crypto as it is at the blackjack table.

How to Navigate the Volatility

Volatility cannot be stopped, but it can be controlled, just like knowing the chances of you winning a game.

Witty Ways to Keep Yourself Down to Earth;/h Diversify: Do not keep all your crypto in a coin. Scattered across a number of powerful projects. Use Stablecoins: Transfer profits to such an asset as USDT or USDC to prevent losses. Limit Leverage: Extreme leverage increases wins and losses. Think Long-Term: Short-term fluctuations are not as important when you have years in your perspective, but not weeks. Play Responsibly: You should deposit only what you can afford to lose in case you are using crypto on gaming or casino platforms. Work on it, not like a paycheck. ;hConclusions: The Beauty and Burden of Volatility.

The biggest threat and the greatest appeal of Crypto is its fluctuation. It is what attracts traders to hope to make large returns and it is why the traditional investors keep them at a distance.

However, with the maturation of the markets, stricter regulation, and spread of adoption, the chaos can die down. So far, volatility is the cost of admission to one of the most interesting financial frontiers of our era.

No matter whether you are spinning slots in a bitcoin casino, exchanging tokens, or long-term investing, the principle remains unchanged: you need to be informed, you need to remain balanced, and you should never bet more than you are willing to lose.

Environmental rights organisations advancing climate justice have condemned Vice President Kashim Shettima’s recent call for new finance mechanisms to harness the economic value of nature”, describing it as an attempt to commodify the environment.

Speaking in Belem, Brazil, ahead of the ongoing United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 30), the Vice President had urged the creation of finance systems that would monetise the nation’s natural assets.

‘But the groups, includingCorporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA),Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF),Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN),Lekeh Development Foundation, andSocial Action, warned that such a move undermines true climate justice.

In a joint statement, they said the proposal reflects “a concerning misinterpretation of true climate justice.”

According to them, by suggesting that Nigeria’s forests, water bodies, land, and biodiversity should be monetised for financial gain, Nigeria is aligning with corporate and market-driven interests rather than with the rights and aspirations of its people, especially those on the front lines of climate impacts.

“We find this framing deeply troubling because it reduces nature our collective heritage and source of life to a mere economic asset. This approach, often disguised under concepts like ‘nature-based solutions,’ ‘carbon markets,’ and ‘carbon offsetting,’ encourages the financialisation of the environment, turning ecosystems into speculative commodities traded for profit.

“Such schemes have historically led to the destruction of ecosystems, as they prioritise financial returns over preservation. They also disrupt local food systems by displacing smallholder farmers and indigenous communities from their ancestral lands, worsening food insecurity and rural-urban poverty,” the statement said.

Furthermore, the groups argued that commodifying nature not only violates human dignity and cultural rights but also strips indigenous and local peoples of their identity and traditional stewardship roles.

“It opens the door to corporate capture and greenwashing, where polluting companies buy carbon credits instead of cutting emissions, continuing to destroy the planet while pretending to be ‘climate champions.’ At the same time, this model risks an erosion of national sovereignty, as it mortgages Nigeria’s ecological wealth to volatile international carbon markets and external investors,” they warned.

The organisations urged Nigeria to resist the temptation to trade its ecological wealth for short-term financial gain. They called on the government to instead invest in building a sustainable and equitable future.

They explained that this means “prioritising renewable energy, including solar, wind, and other clean technologies that are proven to be environmentally friendly and accessible to all. It also requires supporting agroecology and community-led conservation practices that protect biodiversity while ensuring food sovereignty and resilience.”

They also stressed the importance of inclusive dialogue by the government, civil society, indigenous peoples, and local communities before Nigeria advances any policy or position on environmental or climate issues, adding that climate action “must be people-centred, rooted in justice, equity, and the protection of human and environmental rights, not dictated by the profit motives of corporations or global carbon traders.”

“We know that true climate justice demands that nature remains a shared trust, not a tradable commodity. It is the duty of the State to safeguard the environment, human culture, and dignity, not to exploit them in pursuit of inhuman market interests,” the statement concluded.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has begun investigations of two suspected oil thieves, who were arrested over alleged dealing in petroleum products without the requisite licence.

Its spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

According to him, they were arrested at Ikot Ekpene on Nov. 4, by a Joint Task Force team of officers from the 2-Brigade Nigerian Army Military Cantonment, Mbiokporo, Nsit Ibom Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

He said the suspects were handed over to the Uyo Zonal Directorate of the EFCC on Nov. 7.

Oyewale said, “At the time of their arrest, the suspects were allegedly loading petroleum products suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) from an underground dump into a truck.

“An estimated quantity of 19,400 litres of the said product were stored in the underground dump at Olive Field Filling Station Ikot Ekpene.

“Other items handed over to the commission include: The Iveco truck loaded with approximately 3, 287 litres of the illegally refined AGO and the underground dump at Olive Field Filling Station with estimated 19, 400 litres of the suspected illegally refined AGO.

“Other items include: two Yamaha pumping machines, four suction hoses, one Mercedes Benz MI 350 with registration number KRF 287 EP and a DAF 75 CF with Reg. number GGE 193 XG.”

He said Col. JK Adisa handed over the suspects and exhibits on behalf of the Commander 2-Brigade Nigeria Army, Brig.-Gen. NE Okoloagu.

According to him, Assistant Superintendent of the EFCC, ASE 1 Taiwo Habeeb, received the suspects and exhibits on behalf of the Zonal Director, Assistant Commander of the EFCC ACE1 Oshodi Johnson.

He thanked the Army for the confidence reposed in the Commission and assured them of a thorough investigation and diligent prosecution.

(NAN)

Atiku Abubakar, a former Nigerian Vice President has reacted to reports circulating on social media, claiming that he gifted Officer Yerima a brand new car.

Atiku via his media aide, Paul Ibe, on Thursday, denied the report, stating that they are false. He explained that the entire story was fabricated, urging the public to disregard such allegations.

“His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, Vice President of Nigeria (1999-2007), did not gift Lt. Ahmed Yerima or any other individual a brand new Toyota SUV, contrary to the false reports currently circulating on social media. The story is entirely fabricated and should be completely disregarded by the public,” he wrote.