Category: PM News

ActionAid Nigeria says it has equipped over 135,000 smallholder farmers and youths, mostly women, with skills to adopt climate-resilient farming practices across several states.

The Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, said the intervention was implemented through the Strategic Partnerships for Agroecology and Climate Justice in West Africa (SPAC) project to promote agroecology and strengthen inclusive food systems.

Mamedu spoke at a national town hall meeting on “Land Use Act and Alternative Frameworks for Access and Control over Land for Smallholder Women Farmers and Young People in Agroecology” in Abuja.

He emphasised that land remains central to agroecology, resilience, and sustainable livelihoods, describing it as more than just a productive asset.

According to him, the organisation has also recorded progress in supporting farmers to access and control land through community and institutional engagement.

He cited several examples, including the allocation of three hectares of land to Ojoloro Agbe Farmers’ Cooperative in Ugbe community, Akoko North-East Local Government Area, by community leaders.

Mamedu added that three hectares were earlier allocated in Ibusa, Delta, by the state Ministry of Agriculture for the establishment of an agroecology model farm, while one hectare was provided in 2026 to Oke-Agbe/Irun Farmers Group in Akoko North-West Local Government Area by the traditional ruler.

He further said 17 hectares had been committed for allocation to farmers across Dutse, Kiyawa and Miga LGAs in Jigawa, alongside 1.2 hectares donated by Dutse Local Government Council in 2025.

“In the same year, two acres of land were allocated to a smallholder woman farmer in Akunnara community in Ondo West Local Government Area, while over 44 acres were accessed by women farmers across Delta State through community engagement,” he said.

He noted that the achievements demonstrated the impact of collaboration among communities, traditional institutions and government actors, but stressed that systemic barriers still limit equitable access to land; especially for women and young people.

Mamedu identified key challenges, including competing land use for residential and commercial purposes, poor infrastructure, and long distances to farmlands.

“These realities show that land access and control are structural issues requiring deliberate policy and institutional reforms,” he said.

He added that the Land Use Act, though designed to regulate land administration, has limitations in ensuring equitable access and tenure security due to bureaucratic bottlenecks, weak enforcement and socio-cultural constraints.

Mamedu said the meeting provided a platform to bridge gaps between evidence, policy and practice, particularly in addressing climate shocks, land degradation and rising food insecurity affecting vulnerable farmers.

He stressed that without secure land access, integrating economic trees and achieving sustainable income through agroecology would remain difficult, thereby constraining rural economic growth.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, said access to land remained a major challenge for millions of Nigerians, particularly women and youth.

Represented by Mr Tanimu Ibrahim, Director of Planning and Policy Coordination, Ogunbiyi noted that structural, legal and socio-cultural barriers continue to undermine agricultural productivity and inclusive economic growth.

He said the Land Use Act of 1978 has generated concerns over equity, tenure security and accessibility, especially for women and young people.

According to him, the town hall meeting offers an opportunity to examine alternative frameworks that can promote inclusive and gender-responsive land governance.

He described agroecology as a pathway that aligns agricultural productivity with environmental sustainability, climate adaptation and social inclusion.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting brought together representatives of government institutions, development partners, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, farmer groups, women, youth networks, and the private sector.

NAN

The Lagos State Government on Thursday launched its Industrial Policy 20252030, a strategic roadmap aimed at transforming the state into a leading manufacturing hub in Africa while driving investment, job creation and sustainable economic growth.

Governor He noted that evolving supply chains, technological advancements and increasing demand for efficiency and innovation require bold policy direction to secure future competitiveness.

According to the governor, the policy is aligned with the state’s T.H.E.M.E.S Development Agenda and the Lagos State Development Plan 2052, both of which envision a globally competitive megacity driven by productivity, innovation and industrial excellence.

He added that the government plans to expand industrial clusters, improve port efficiency–particularly through the Lekki Deep Sea Port and strengthen transport systems to reduce logistics costs and enhance productivity.

The governor also said the policy would support small and medium-scale enterprises to scale operations and integrate into regional and global value chains, while leveraging opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area.

A representative of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment described the policy as a practical model that aligns with Nigeria’s national industrial agenda, particularly in promoting job creation and poverty reduction.

Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, characterised the initiative as a commitment between the government and residents, urging investors, financial institutions, academia and the diaspora to take advantage of emerging opportunities.

She said Lagos remains a high-yield industrial destination and called for stronger collaboration to translate policy into measurable economic outcomes.

A leadership educator with a growing international profile, Peter Adeleke, has been nominated in the Education category of the Calgary Awards, one of Canada’s most respected civic honours.

The 2026 edition of the awards recognises individuals whose work is shaping communities through meaningful and sustained contributions. Adeleke is listed among eight nominees in the education category, each representing diverse approaches to learning and development across the city.

Adeleke’s nomination reflects his growing influence as a leadership educator whose work spans community spaces, academic institutions and international platforms.

Known for his practical teaching style, he focuses on equipping learners with essential skills such as communication, decision-making and personal development.

He has consistently advocated for leadership to be taught as a structured discipline, comparable to subjects like mathematics, science and the arts.

According to him, embedding leadership education into formal curricula could better prepare individuals for real-world challenges and societal impact.

His global recognition gained momentum following his achievement of a Guinness World Record for the longest leadership lesson, a marathon session that attracted participants from multiple countries.

However, observers note that his current nomination reflects more than a single milestone, highlighting instead the consistency of his work and the breadth of his reach over time.

Established in 1994, the Calgary Awards represent the highest level of civic recognition in the city, celebrating individuals whose contributions have made a lasting difference.

Being shortlisted is widely regarded as a strong endorsement of impact and service.

For Adeleke, the nomination signals a broader shift in how leadership education is perceived globally. His teachings have also been compiled into a book structured as a practical curriculum for schools and higher institutions, further extending his influence within the education sector.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated Mr Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe as Minister of Power, subject to confirmation by the Senate.

The nomination has been transmitted to the Senate for screening and confirmation in accordance with the Constitution.

The nomination follows the resignation of the former Minister, Adebayo Adelabu, who stepped down from office to pursue elective office.

Mr Tegbe, from Oyo State, is a fiscal and economic reform expert with over 35 years of experience spanning the public and private sectors.

He is a former Senior Partner and Head of Advisory Services at KPMG Africa, where he led wide-ranging initiatives in fiscal policy reform, institutional transformation, and governance. He has also advised key government institutions and private sector organisations on strategic reforms, regulatory frameworks, and investment structuring.

He is at present the Director General and Global Liaison for the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), where he is responsible for strengthening bilateral development cooperation between Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China.

The NCSP also coordinates engagements with public sector stakeholders to advance economic and social development in line with FOCAC objectives.

Mr Tegbe’s experience includes significant engagements within the power sector, particularly in regulatory and institutional reform involving agencies such as the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Company (NBET).

His nomination is expected to strengthen further ongoing efforts to reform the power sector, enhance grid stability, and attract sustainable investment in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The President expects the Minister-Designate, upon confirmation, to bring his extensive expertise to bear to advance critical reforms and deliver improved outcomes for Nigerians in the power sector.

Former Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has officially endorsed Obafemi Hamzat, the Lagos State Deputy Governor, as the consensus governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 elections.

In a personal letter signed on Thursday, Ambode expressed his full support for Hamzat’s candidacy, praising his loyalty, hard work, and dedication to the party over the past two decades.

Ambode’s congratulatory message came shortly after Abdul-Azeez Adediran, widely known as Jandor, announced his withdrawal from the race to become the APC’s candidate for Lagos State Governor.

“I join my fellow members of the All Progressives Congress to congratulate my brother and friend, Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, on his emergence as the Consensus Governorship Candidate of our great party, the APC,” Ambode said in the letter.

He highlighted Hamzat’s commitment to the party’s ideals and values of unity and progress, noting that the adoption of Hamzat as the APC’s candidate reflected his decades of service and loyalty to the party.

Ambode also expressed confidence in Hamzat’s leadership abilities, saying, “I am sure that our State will benefit immensely from your wealth of experience and skills.”

Ambode reiterated his unwavering support for President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid, emphasizing the importance of backing the president’s leadership for the continued prosperity of Lagos and Nigeria.

“As I congratulate Dr. Hamzat on his adoption, I restate my unshakeable commitment to support the re-election of our leader, President Bola Tinubu, GCFR. I strongly believe that the greater prosperity of Lagos and indeed Nigeria is firmly tied to the continued governance of Mr. President,” Ambode said.

Ambode further pledged his commitment to helping deliver a landslide victory for the APC at both the state and federal levels, with a goal of securing at least 3 million votes for President Tinubu and ensuring the re-election of APC senators and representatives in the National Assembly

By Perpetua Onuegbu

Abia governor Alex Otti declared that Labour Party (LP) presidential ticket is open to all qualified members ahead of the 2027 general elections, while expressing confidence in its newly constituted National Working Committee (NWC).

Otti who is the National Leader of the party stated this on Thursday in Abuja after observing the inaugural meeting of the NWC.

Otti said the new leadership, which emerged from the party’s recent national convention, had the backing and capacity to reposition the party.

He congratulated the National Chairman, Sen. Nenadi Usman, and members of the 13-member committee, noting that the high physical attendance at the meeting reflected unity and commitment.

“I would like to congratulate the National Chairman and members of the National Working Committee for being found worthy to lead the party for the next four years. We have absolute confidence in her ability to lead,” he said.

Otti added that the party remained focused on strengthening its internal processes, including primaries and voting procedures, ahead of future elections.

On concerns about internal divisions, he said the outcome of the convention demonstrated broad participation, with more than 25 state chairmen; including some from previous leadership structures in attendance.

According to him, this signals that the party is gradually overcoming its challenges and consolidating unity.

Speaking on the 2027 presidential race, Otti said the party would provide a level playing field for all aspirants.

“If you meet the requirements of the party and you want to run, we will give you a ticket. Democracy does not stop anybody who wants to contest. It is the people that will decide who leads them,” he said.

He outlined key conditions for aspirants, including party membership and financial standing, stressing that no qualified member would be excluded.

On speculations about political alignments, Otti dismissed claims of external influence, maintaining that all registered parties, including the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), would continue to operate within the democratic space.

“There is no substance to claims of any hidden hand. APC was there in 2023 and remains a political party. The same applies to other parties,” he said.

The national leader reiterated the party’s commitment to internal democracy and inclusiveness as it positions itself for the next electoral cycle.

Usman was elected National Chairman at the party’s national convention held in Umuahia, Abia, after serving as interim chairman since Sept. 4, 2024.

Her emergence makes her the first woman to be elected National Chairman of a political party in Nigeria. (NAN)

Authorities in the United Kingdom have launched an investigation following the discovery of a man and a woman, both believed to be in their 20s, dead in a hotel room in The bodies were found on Tuesday afternoon at a Premier Inn Ipswich Town Centre, prompting an emergency response to the scene.

Emergency services, including multiple police units and an ambulance, were dispatched to the premises, an 85-room facility spread across six floors, shortly before 2:30 p.m.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing at least five police cars and two police vans stationed outside the three-star hotel during the operation.

According to a statement from The police confirmed that the families of the deceased have been informed, adding that investigations are still at an early stage.

The deaths are currently being treated as unexplained, although authorities indicated that there are no immediate indications of suspicious circumstances.

By Angela Atabo

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has declared that Thursday’s Supreme Court judgement has finally laid to rest all disputes over parallel leadership structures within the party

Wike said this while speaking at a press conference he called after the Supreme Court judgement that nullified the national convention conducted by a rival faction of the party led by Governors Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed in November 2025.

The FCT Minister whose faction conducted its own national convention some weeks ago said the PDP) has emerged united and free of internal factions following the Supreme Court judgment. The Minister claimed the apex court judgment affirmed the legitimacy of his faction’s national convention.

He dismissed insinuation that the Supreme Court affirmed the suspension of the PDP National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, saying there was no such issue for determination before the court.

“Today, the Supreme Court has brought to an end the so-called factions of the PDP.

“There is no more faction in the party. There is only one PDP,” he said.

The minister explained that the court dismissed appeals challenging earlier judgments from lower courts, thereby upholding the legitimacy of the party’s convention and its current leadership.

According to him, attempts by aggrieved groups to overturn the outcome of the convention failed at all judicial levels.

“The Supreme Court has validated our convention and set aside all claims to any parallel structure.

“What this means is that the PDP has come to stay as one united party,” Wike stated.

He stressed the need for political actors to operate strictly within the framework of the law, warning against actions capable of undermining party constitutions and electoral regulations.

“The fact that you are in a position does not mean you can act outside the law. There are rules guiding party activities, and those rules must be followed,” he added.

Wike also dismissed the relevance of some defectors who exited the party during the crisis, describing them as politically insignificant, while leaving the door open for others to return.

“Those who left are not electoral assets; they are liabilities. However, those who left out of uncertainty may reconsider and return now that the situation is clear,” he said.

On ongoing coalition talks among opposition figures, the minister ruled out participation in alliances that lack clear national interest or constructive engagement.

“We do not believe in opposition for opposition’s sake. Our approach is constructive, not destructive,” he said.

He further noted that recent judicial pronouncements in political matters reinforce the need for due process, urging aggrieved parties to always seek redress through the courts.

Wike maintained that the PDP remains Nigeria’s foremost opposition platform, expressing confidence in its readiness to provide credible alternatives in the country’s democratic process.

“The PDP is stable, united and ready to play its role effectively. What has happened today is a victory for the rule of law and internal democracy,” he said.(NAN)(

Samuel Ajose has picked up his nomination and expression of interest forms to contest for the position of Governor of Lagos State on the platform of the All Progressives Congress.

Ajose, who hails from Badagry, made the move on Wednesday despite the endorsement of Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat, by the Governance Advisory Council, the highest advisory body of the All Progressives Congress in Lagos.

Speaking on Wednesday, Ajose noted that he will not back down, as this is his personal commitment to purposeful leadership, inclusive governance, and the kind of progress that every Lagosian can feel.

He said: “I have officially picked up my nomination and expression of interest forms, taking a definitive step forward in my aspiration to serve as Governor of Lagos State on the platform of our great party, the APC.

This moment is bigger than a political process. It is a personal commitment to purposeful leadership, inclusive governance, and the kind of progress that every Lagosian can feel and point to.

My resolve is rooted in service, anchored in a clear vision, and driven by one conviction; that Lagos deserves development which reaches every community, creates real opportunities for its people, and leaves no one behind.

I begin this journey with humility, courage, and complete faith in God and in the good people of Lagos. Together, we are building something this state will be proud of.

Irorun Ipinle Eko 2027.”

Earlier, Ajose, who is also the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Levitikal Group, kicked against the endorsement of Hamzat by GAC members, insisting that all aspirants must agree before such a process can be considered valid.

He questioned the push for a consensus arrangement within the party, suggesting that Hamzat is afraid of going into the primaries.

“We understand what consensus means. Consensus says that every aspirant who has picked the party and nomination form must consent to it. We don’t know why Hamzat is scared of going into the primaries.

“If you are big, you have the popularity, the networks and the grassroots support, then let’s go into the primaries. Why is everybody scared of the primaries? Everybody must go into the primaries; that is what the constitution says,” Ajose stated.

The Lagos governorship aspirant maintained that the party’s constitution provides for a primary election where aspirants can test their popularity, expressing confidence that the process would reflect the will of party members.

“We are all going to meet in the primaries and let everybody come in to test their strength, and we will see the results in the next few weeks.

“The masses are tired of how Lagos is being run. The masses are tired of the leadership in Lagos, and they want something new,” said Ajose.

The aspirant also dismissed recent endorsement claims within the APC, insisting they did not originate from President Bola Tinubu.

He alleged that certain party actors were attempting to pressure the President into backing a preferred candidate, describing the move as a “kangaroo endorsement” carried out without the consent of other aspirants.

Ajose stressed that no formal meeting had been convened to decide on a consensus candidate, noting that such a process would require the involvement of all aspirants.

According to him, if a consensus arrangement were to be adopted, the President would invite all contenders to deliberate and reach a collective agreement.

The GAC, chaired by Tajudeen Olusi, reportedly reached the decision at a meeting held at Lagos House, Marina, on Tuesday, citing party unity as the reason for opting for consensus over primaries.

The sitting governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has also publicly endorsed his deputy, Hamzat, alongside party leaders and local government chairmen, describing him as experienced and well-prepared for leadership.

Hamzat, who has served as deputy governor since 2019, has in recent days intensified consultations with key stakeholders, including the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, as part of efforts to consolidate support for his governorship ambition.

The GAC, the highest decision-making body of the APC in Lagos State, was established in 1999 by President Tinubu and plays a key role in shaping succession plans, appointments and zoning arrangements within the party.

The The Managing Director of the corporation, Opeifa said the initiative marks a significant step in repositioning the railway system, stressing that sanitation standards are now a core component of modern rail operations rather than a routine support service.

“Today marks an important milestone in our collective effort to transform the Nigerian Railway into a model train service not only in transportation but also in the quality of the environment we provide for our passengers,” he said.

The workshop, organised by the corporation’s Business Processes, Efficiency and Due Diligence (BuPED) unit, brought together cleaning contractors from across the country to align them with uniform standards and newly developed Quality Control Cleaning Codes.

Opeifa charged the service providers to adhere strictly to the new guidelines, noting that the success of railway services extends beyond punctuality to include the cleanliness and comfort experienced by passengers.

“The success of train service is not measured only by the number of trains that run on time, but also by the quality of sanitation at the stations and inside the coaches,” he added.

He stressed that maintaining clean stations and welcoming coaches is essential to sustaining public confidence in rail transport, particularly as the government intensifies efforts to expand the network nationwide.

According to him, the SOP is designed to ensure consistency, professionalism and safety in cleaning operations across all stations, with the operational manual distributed at the workshop serving as a daily guide for contractors.

“We want consistency, professionalism and safety in every aspect of our cleaning operations,” he said.

Opeifa also linked the reform to broader developments in the railway sector, urging contractors to position themselves for emerging opportunities as new rail corridors come on stream.

He cited ongoing and planned projects, including the KanoKaduna, KanoMaradi, IbadanOsogboIlorin and EnuguAba rail lines, describing them as part of a growing multi-billion naira ecosystem within the industry.

“Those who have contributed to its growth today will also be part of those that will manage and sustain these new corridors when they become operational,” he said.

Also speaking, the Director of BuPED, He noted that future performance evaluations would be based strictly on adherence to the SOP and operational codes introduced by the corporation.

Oyewole urged contractors to take full advantage of the training, assuring them of continued support from the department to enhance efficiency and service delivery.