Category: PM News

Nigerian agritech startups supported by First City Monument Bank are preparing to expand into other African markets as part of a broader push to scale homegrown agricultural technology solutions across the continent.

FCMB noted in its AgriTech Alumni Impact Report that ventures such as AgroCist and Crop2Cash have demonstrated the potential to scale their solutions beyond Nigeria into other African markets.

The report traces the evolution of the bank’s agritech programme from its 2018 launch to what it described as an ‘Impact Era’ focused on commercially viable, investment-ready agricultural businesses.

Crop2Cash emerged as the inaugural winner of the programme with a USSD-based platform designed to improve access to financial tools for unbanked farmers. Since then, the initiative has expanded through collaborations with innovation hubs, development finance institutions and startup enablers.

FCMB stated that its approach increasingly considers opportunities beyond traditional lending, including the use of weather data, soil information and other digital tools to support better decision-making, manage risk and enhance agricultural productivity.

The bank also highlighted increasing interest in climate-conscious agriculture, regenerative farming practices and ecosystem partnerships designed to improve food security and rural livelihoods. Development partners supporting the programme include FMO, the Mastercard Foundation and UNDP.

The report added that the bank intends to continue investing in user-centred agricultural innovation that can scale beyond Nigeria.

One of the leaders of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Oyo State, Alhaji Adebisi Aremu Olopoeyan, has reaffirmed his commitment to the party, declaring that neither he nor registered members of the party in the state has any intention of abandoning the platform.

Olopoeyan made the declaration on Wednesday while hosting 24 of the 30 members of the APM State Executive Committee and party chairmen from 32 of the 33 local government areas of Oyo State at his residence.

The meeting came amid growing disagreements within the party over the management of its affairs and the process that produced its consensus candidates for the forthcoming local government elections.

Olopoeyan said the internal disagreements should not be interpreted as an attempt by him or his supporters to leave the APM, stressing that their agitation was aimed at securing proper recognition and participation for members who, according to him, had contributed significantly to building the party’s structures across the state.

He maintained that the party belonged to all its members and not to any individual or group.

‘APM belongs to all its members. I am not leaving APM, and nobody should think that our agitation means we want to abandon the party. We have built this party together, and we will continue to defend the interests of genuine members,’ Olopoeyan said.

Olopoeyan Dismisses Fears of APM Chairman’s Suspension

Olopoeyan also addressed the absence of the APM state chairman, Otunba Fagbemi Adegbenro, from the meeting, saying he was not concerned by the chairman’s decision to stay away.

He alleged that Adegbenro had been advised to avoid the meeting over fears that it was convened to suspend or remove him from office.

Olopoeyan, however, dismissed the allegation, insisting that there was no plan to suspend the state chairman.

‘No one is going to suspend anybody. Adegbenro remains our chairman. Even if the executive members have the constitutional power to remove him, nobody is planning to do that. He remains the APM state chairman,’ he said.

He also appealed to party members to reassure Adegbenro that there was no threat to his position.

‘Anyone who sees our state chairman should tell him to put his mind at rest. Nobody will suspend him. He is our chairman, and he will remain our chairman,’ Olopoeyan added.

Alleged Pressure on Adegbenro

The APM leader further alleged that he had been informed that some political figures, including Seye Famojuro, Double T and the party’s deputy governorship candidate, Engr. Muftau Open Salawu, had advised Adegbenro to distance himself from him and stop visiting his residence.

Olopoeyan said the alleged pressure would not affect his commitment to the party or his relationship with registered APM members across Oyo State.

He described the dispute within the party as an internal struggle over the rights and interests of genuine members, particularly regarding the process that produced consensus candidates for the forthcoming local government elections.

‘We Will Accept Court Verdict’

On the disputed candidates, Olopoeyan disclosed that the duly emerged APM candidates had approached the court with the support of the party’s state, local government and ward executives.

He said the party in Oyo State believed in the rule of law and would respect the eventual judgment of the court, regardless of which side the decision favoured.

‘We believe in the rule of law. Whatever the court decides, we will accept it. Our concern is that the rights of genuine party members must be protected and that the processes through which candidates emerge must be transparent and credible,’ he said.

Olopoeyan Questions Knowledge of APM Candidates

Olopoeyan also expressed concern over the emergence of several candidates under the APM platform, saying that, despite being a major stakeholder in the party, he was unfamiliar with many of those contesting under its banner.

He said the APM candidates he personally recognised included Governor Seyi Makinde, whom he identified as contesting for the presidency; the party’s governorship candidate, Chief Bimbo Adekanmbi; his running mate, Engr. Muftau Open Salawu; Hon. Shina Peller, contesting for the Oyo North Senatorial District; Dr. Oluwafemi Ajadi, contesting for Oyo Central Senatorial District; and Hon. Biodun Babalola, the candidate for Ibadan North East State Constituency.

Olopoeyan argued that stakeholders who had invested in building the party should not be sidelined from decisions affecting its political future.

He called for greater inclusion of genuine party members in the affairs and decision-making processes of the APM, particularly as preparations intensify for upcoming elections.

He maintained that his current position was not driven by a desire to leave the party but by the need to strengthen its internal structures and ensure that members who had worked to build the platform were adequately recognised.

‘We are not fighting APM. We are fighting for APM and for the members who built it,’ Olopoeyan said, reaffirming his commitment to the party.

Presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has asked Nigerians to support his bid to lead the country, promising to tackle insecurity, unemployment, poor infrastructure and the high cost of doing business.

Obi made the appeal in Onitsha, Anambra State, on Friday while announcing the start of his campaign activities for the Jan. 16 presidential and National Assembly elections.

He said the country was facing challenges of serious, and in some cases existential, proportions, but insisted that Nigeria could be rebuilt.

‘I consider myself quite privileged to be one of those seeking your mandate to deal with these challenges facing our country.

‘Each year, millions of young people enter the labour market, yet too many struggle to find productive opportunities.

‘Weak infrastructure, unreliable power, insecurity, and excessive cost of doing business continue to burden households and constrain enterprise.

‘With your mandate, our economic agenda will put production, investment, enterprise, and human capital at the centre of how we lead,’ he said.

Obi said his private-sector background, academic training and experience as Anambra governor had prepared him for the presidency.

He described his running mate, Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso, as bringing complementary experience from his time as Kano governor, particularly in education, technical training, scholarships, infrastructure and human-capital development.

‘In Anambra, I prioritised the foundations of long-term development: education, healthcare, infrastructure, fiscal discipline, and institutional capacity.

‘Our experiences are different but our conclusion is the same: Nigeria must invest in its people and manage public resources with discipline,’ he said.

Obi urged voters to scrutinise the records and programmes of all presidential candidates, while calling for peaceful campaigns.

‘I urge Nigerians to examine each candidate’s record and proposals, ask tough questions, and demand evidence behind every promise.

‘We should debate ideas without hatred, compete without violence, and disagree without weakening the bonds that unite us.

‘When Nigerians make their choice, that choice must be respected,’ he said.

The NDC candidate pledged to boost agriculture by improving security in farming communities, expanding irrigation, upgrading rural roads and storage facilities, and connecting farmers with finance and markets.

He also promised to promote manufacturing and agro-processing to increase exports and ensure Nigeria derives greater value from its resources.

‘We will create a business environment where entrepreneurs can invest, hire, and grow without unnecessary regulatory or infrastructure barriers.

‘We will manage public finances responsibly, every naira should have a clear purpose, and major public investments should have measurable outcomes.

‘The goal is not growth for its own sake but an economy that produces more, employs more people, creates wealth, and improves living standards,’ he said.

On security, Obi promised better intelligence sharing, stronger coordination among security agencies, improved policing and border management, as well as greater use of technology.

‘The imperative of decentralising security management but with strong systems of coordination between the levels, is critical to our plans.

‘Farmers cannot produce food if they cannot reach their farms safely, children lose the chance to learn when they cannot attend school safely and businesses cannot create jobs when they cannot move goods securely,’ he said.

The Federal Government has commended member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, (ASEAN), for consistently engaging Nigeria through established diplomatic channels, describing the practice as vital to mutual respect and effective bilateral relations.

ASEAN is a regional organization of 10 Southeast Asian countries focused on political, economic and security cooperation. Five ASEAN countries currently maintain diplomatic missions in Nigeria: Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines and Vietnam.

The commendation was given on Thursday in Abuja by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, while receiving the Ambassador of the Philippines to Nigeria, His Excellency, Mersole J. Mellejor, on a courtesy visit. This was disclosed by the minister’s media office.

Ambassador Enikanolaiye noted that while many partners, particularly within ASEAN, have upheld diplomatic decorum and proper channel of communication, some other Embassies in Abuja have developed the habit of bypassing official protocols. He warned that such undiplomatic conduct will no longer be tolerated.

‘Our job is to make your work easy. I am pleased that you respect our diplomatic protocols. You did not take advantage of any of our lapses, as some have been inclined to do,’ the Minister said. ‘We will be meeting with the Diplomatic Corps to address these concerns. Going forward. Bypassing diplomatic channels will no longer be welcome.’

The Minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening ties with The Philippines and other ASEAN countries under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He said the Nigerian economy is stable and open to partnerships, and that government reforms are focused on agriculture, commerce, manufacturing, oil and gas.

He disclosed that Nigeria has signed visa-waiver agreements for holders of diplomatic and official/service passport holders – government officials with about 20 or so countries to ease doing business. He therefore urged The Philippines to fast track the signing of such an agreement with Nigeria.

He further stressed that further agreements are also in the pipeline to cement relations between the two countries. He also expressed appreciation that The Philippines is building a permanent embassy structure in Abuja, which he described as a clear expression of confidence in Nigeria-Philippines relations.

On bilateral relations, Ambassador Enikanolaiye noted that Nigeria and The Philippines are marking 65 years of diplomatic relations this year. He said both countries are looking forward to exchange of visits at the highest and other levels between Nigeria and the Philippines in no distant future.

‘Our economy is on the right trajectory, and we are pleased about that as the strong foundation for the pursuit of mutually beneficial economic relations between our two countries. Even at international fora, our two countries cooperate including support for each other’s candidates; that shows the strength of our friendship,’ Enikanolaiye stated. He added that the Federal Government would pursue stronger diplomatic ties through exchange programs and the convening of a Joint Commission.

The need to accord proper and dignified immigration treatment to Nigerians visiting the country was also stressed by the Minister.

Earlier, Ambassador Mellejor commended the long-standing friendship between Nigeria and the Philippines. He noted that about *9,000 Nigerian students* are currently studying in the Philippines without any incidents and described it as a testament to the cordial relations between both peoples.

The Ambassador expressed his country’s interest in expanding cooperation beyond gas to include urea, manufacturing, labour exchange, and online seminars.

The Federal Government reiterated its readiness to work with all diplomatic missions that respect Nigeria’s laws and procedures, while strengthening trade, investment, and cultural exchanges with ASEAN and other global partners.

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Osun State Council, on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, inaugurated two new chapels at the council’s secretariat, raising the total number of chapels in the state to fifteen.

This development follows the recent approval of the Osun NUJ Online Media Chapel and the Broadcast Consolidated Chapel by the NUJ national body. The inauguration took place during the August Congress at the Press Centre, NUJ Osun State Council Secretariat, Oke Fia, Osogbo, and was conducted by the Council Chairman, Comrade (Dr.) Adeyemi Aboderin.

Aboderin explained that efforts to register the chapels had been ongoing for a long time, with several hurdles to overcome. He noted that his administration had championed the cause from the outset, determined to ensure the chapels’ establishment.

According to him, the creation of the new chapels was necessary to regulate activities in two critical sectors of news dissemination, especially in light of the growing influx of fake and unprofessional practitioners.

He emphasised that the public, particularly institutions that rely on accurate information to operate, deserve access to authentic bodies of journalists who uphold professionalism.

‘We are in a world where almost everybody parades themselves as journalists. As a result, there is a lot of unprofessionalism and misinformation. The world has gone digital, making online publication the most consequential and far-reaching medium today. Therefore, it is necessary to establish an approved online chapel in Osun State, as has been done in some other states,’ he said.

The Online Media Chapel was initially constituted with Mr. Francis Ezediuno as Chairman, Mr. Omidiran Seun as Vice Chairman, Mr. Nicolas Adekeye as Secretary, Mr. Isa Isawade as Financial Secretary, and Mr. Seyi Akanni as Treasurer. However, Ezediuno later resigned due to conflicting engagements.

Following his resignation, the Council Chairman on Thursday 20 August convened an emergency meeting with the chapel’s executive members, who unanimously selected Isawade as Interim Chairman.

The Council expressed confidence that Isawade’s emergence would strengthen the administration of the newly approved chapel as it begins formal activities and engages more actively with online journalists in Osun State. The Online Media Chapel is expected to provide a platform for journalists working with online media organisations to promote professionalism, unity, ethical journalism, and members’ welfare.

Members of the chapel voiced optimism that the new leadership would build on the foundation already laid and collaborate with NUJ stakeholders to advance the interests of online media practitioners in the state.

In his acceptance remarks, Isawade who is the Osun State Chief Correspondent of PM NEWS, thanked his colleagues and the NUJ leadership for entrusting him with the responsibility and pledged to justify the confidence reposed in him.

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has ordered the immediate harmonisation of the 2023 and 2025 Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) for workers at the Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH), Aba.

Otti gave the directive on Thursday while receiving a report from the hospital’s Board and Management, led by its Chairman, Dr Ezinne Kalu, at the Governor’s Office.

He said improving the welfare and working conditions of healthcare workers remained central to his administration’s efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery in the state.

‘The huge investment my administration is making in the health sector, including the consistent allocation of 15 per cent of the state’s annual budget to healthcare, is driven by my desire to provide affordable and quality healthcare to Abians, not to make profit,’ he said.

The governor said his administration was also working to reposition ABSUTH as a world-class tertiary health institution, adding that efforts had restored accreditations lost before he assumed office.

Otti further disclosed that facilities previously concessioned to private operators had been recovered and returned to the teaching hospital.

‘The facilities have now been returned to the management of the Teaching Hospital,’ he said.

On the salary structure, Otti said he was surprised that the 2023 CONMESS he had approved was not fully implemented before the 2025 review.

‘When the request came, my understanding is that it was going to be better than the Federal. Before I approved it, I asked a question about total cost of employment so that I could cross-check with my budget. So, when I looked at it, I found that we could accommodate it, and I approved it,’ he said.

He added: ‘Going back to what you have is strange; let us make this job easier for ourselves.’

Otti directed the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Ifeyinwa Uma-Kalu, and ABSUTH Chief Medical Director, Prof Nneka Okoronkwo, to harmonise both salary structures and submit their recommendations.

Earlier, Kalu presented the board’s report, while Okoronkwo thanked the governor for interventions that had addressed several challenges, including salary arrears, promotion approvals and other staff-related issues.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday tackled former Vice President Atiku Abubakar who is also the presidential candidate of African Democratic Congress, ADC, in the 2027 general election over his promise to restore fuel subsidy if elected.

Atiku, had in a widely circulated interview he conducted on Wednesday pledged to restore fuel subsidy if he was elected as president in 2027.

Tinubu had announced end to payment of subsidy on petrol by the government when he was being sworn in for his first term of office on May 29, 2023.

However, speaking when he received the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, at Aso Rock presidential villa, President Tinubu described the promise by one of his ‘opponents in the 2027 general election to restore payment of fuel subsidy as a ‘ demonstration of serious ignorance on governance and economy,’

Tinubu, who did not mention the name of Atiku directly insisted that removal of the fuel subsidy by his administration has put states in better fiscal position.

He said the states are now able to pay salaries and pensions without resorting to borrowing from banks

Tinubu noted that 27 state governments were unable to pay salaries and pensions before he assumed office in 2023 and depended on the Federal Government for regular bailouts.

‘Okay, let’s look at the trajectory of history. I saw one of my opponents now say he will go back to subsidy. I read it. That is a demonstration of serious ignorance on governance and economy,’ he said.

‘Before I came here, 27 states were unable to pay salaries, not to even talk of pensioners, salaries of workers.

Making reference to Governor Adeleke, the President recalled that one of his predecessors as Osun governor was nicknamed ‘Half Salary’ because of his inability to pay full salary to workers.

The President noted that with the removal of fuel subsidy, governments at the subnational levels are now able to pay salaries regularly and embark on infrastcture projects to the benefit of their people.

The salary you pay feeds families. They were at the local governments. They are in the states. Where is the concentration of population? They are in the states.

‘Take out the President. Regard every other person as common men, their families to feed.

‘The infrastructure you embark upon on the road network, housing, school rehabilitation, hospital, healthcare pronouncements, resuscitation of healthcare, training of teachers, training of health workers to protect our vulnerable families is part of your responsibility,’ he added.

Recall that the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Prof. Taiwo Oyedele had at a press briefing on Thursday noted that ?15.8 trillion accrued to the federation account between June 2023 and December 2025 from as a result of removal of fuel subsidy.

He added that ?5.4 trillion of the amount accrued to the Federal Government, while ?10.4 trillion was shared to states and local governments.

According to him, the federal government used its share of the subsidy savings to partly fund wage adjustments, minimum wage increases and allowances for public servants which he put at ?9.39 trillion for the period.

Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has disclosed that he earns a monthly salary of N503,000, saying Permanent Secretaries in the state now receive N900,000.

Oborevwori made the disclosure in Asaba on Thursday while inaugurating 12 four-bedroom terraced duplexes and presenting official vehicles to 12 newly appointed Permanent Secretaries.

‘When the Permanent Secretaries said most of the Directors are receiving almost the same thing with them, we increased their money. Today, Permanent Secretaries… Your salary is 900, my salary is 503,000, Governor’s salary.

‘Head of Service is one million. It’s clear. So, you know some of them don’t want their husbands to know how much they are receiving,’ he said.

The governor said his administration had introduced several welfare measures for civil servants, including vehicle and housing loans, farm inputs and training opportunities.

He said 302 public officers had benefited from vehicle loans, while 119 had received housing loans. Another 450 senior management staff, he added, participated in a seven-weekend training programme.

Oborevwori also announced that the state had approved a 13th-month salary for civil servants from December, with an executive bill being prepared to make the payment a legal entitlement.

‘Not to forget that recently we approved the payment of 13th month salary for civil servants, beginning from December this year.

‘It might interest you to know that we are in the process of sending an executive bill to the Delta State House of Assembly to give this gesture legal backing.

‘So, it is something that is compulsory. By the time it has legal backing, even when I leave office in 2031, they will still be paying you your 13th month salary,’ he added.

The governor said the 12 Permanent Secretaries appointed in May were selected on merit and ensured that every local government area was represented in the state’s civil service leadership.

‘The process was properly done. Not by saying, even the one that was appointed in my place, I don’t even know the person. All the Permanent Secretaries appointed, no one was recommended by anybody, but by merit,’ he said.

He urged civil servants to avoid absenteeism, nepotism, waste, inefficiency, bribery and corruption, while calling on beneficiaries of the new residential facilities to maintain and protect them.

The Kogi State Police Command has stepped up operations in forest corridors considered vulnerable to criminal activities, targeting hideouts around Kabba/Bunu, Obajana and Lokoja.

The exercise, conducted from about 7am on Wednesday, August 20, involved the police, military, local vigilantes and other security auxiliaries. It followed a directive by the Commissioner of Police, Naziru Kankarofi, as part of efforts to prevent criminals from using remote forests as operational bases.

Police spokesperson, Salisu Afusat, said the joint team moved through the Daji 2 Forest Zone, a major corridor connecting Kabba/Bunu, Obajana and Lokoja.

‘The operation involved officers and men of the police, military, local vigilante groups and other auxiliary forces.

‘The team moved through the Daji 2 Forest Zone, a strategic forest corridor linking Kabba/Bunu, Obajana and Lokoja, demonstrating strong coordination and determination among all participating units.’

According to Afusat, the security personnel discovered and cleared an abandoned settlement believed to have previously served as a hideout and staging area for criminal activities.

The team also searched Amos Camp, another abandoned hideout situated in difficult terrain surrounded by creeks and mountainous areas.

‘Despite the challenging environment, the security team successfully navigated the area and carried out a thorough clearance of the camp and surrounding forest paths.

‘Signs of recent movement were observed along routes leading towards the Oyo Forest axis of Obajana, indicating that criminal elements had vacated the area ahead of the advancing security presence.’

The command said the operation had boosted confidence among residents and farmers, with some returning to their farms and normal activities following the increased security presence.

‘The operation has significantly strengthened the confidence of farmers and residents within the affected communities, with many already returning to their farmlands and daily activities, encouraged by the visible presence and sustained efforts of the security forces,’ the statement added.

Afusat said security formations under the Kabba Area Command would continue patrols, intelligence gathering and forest clearance operations in other identified locations.

Kankarofi commended the participating personnel and community-based security groups for their courage and cooperation, particularly in navigating the difficult terrain.

He assured residents and farmers that the command would maintain the operations to protect communities and support safe economic activities across the state.

The Registrar/Chief Executive Officer of the National Examinations Council (NECO), Prof. Dantani Wushishi, has been elected Vice-President of the Association for Educational Assessment in Africa (AEAA).

The development was contained in a statement issued by Azeez Sani, Acting Director, Information and Public Relations, NECO, on Friday in Abuja.

Sani said Nigeria had also secured the hosting rights for the 2027 AEAA Conference, which is scheduled to take place in Abuja from Aug. 16 to Aug. 20, 2027.

He said the decisions were endorsed by the AEAA General Assembly at the just concluded 42nd Conference of the association held in Arusha, Tanzania.

According to him, the twin developments reflect the growing recognition of Nigeria’s influence in educational assessment at a time when the sector is experiencing rapid digital transformation and the increasing integration of artificial intelligence into testing and certification.

Sani explained that Wushishi’s election followed his previous service on the AEAA Executive Council, where he represented the West African sub-region.

He added that since assuming office as NECO Registrar in 2021, Wushishi had introduced and supervised several reforms aimed at modernising examination administration and improving the efficiency of the council’s operations.

The reforms, he said, included the expansion of NECO’s technological infrastructure and the broadening of its international presence through increased engagement beyond Nigeria.

According to him, NECO examinations are currently conducted in eight foreign countries, demonstrating the council’s expanding reach and its growing relevance in the international examination community.

He said the hosting of the 2027 AEAA Conference would provide Nigeria with an important platform to showcase its ongoing reforms and innovations in educational assessment.

‘The conference is expected to bring together policymakers, researchers, examination administrators, education experts and other stakeholders from across Africa to deliberate on emerging trends and challenges in educational assessment.’

Sani said Wushishi was born on April 5, 1965, in Wushishi, Niger State, and is a scholar of Science Education with specialisation in Chemistry Education.

Before his appointment as NECO Registrar, Wushishi built an academic career at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, and the Federal University of Technology, Minna, where he contributed to teaching, research and academic administration.

He also held several leadership positions in the university system, including Head of Department, Postgraduate Coordinator and Sub-Dean, experiences that contributed to his administrative and leadership development.

Sani further disclosed that Wushishi’s reappointment as NECO Registrar by President Bola Tinubu earlier in 2026 was widely regarded as an endorsement of his technological and administrative reforms at the council.

He said the latest developments in Arusha had further strengthened Nigeria’s standing within Africa’s educational assessment community and underscored the country’s ambition to become a leading voice in the continent’s evolving examination landscape.