Category: The Nation – Nigeria

General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM), Pastor William Kumuyi, has said he is in the Republic of Benin to deliver what he described as a divine message of power capable of bringing solutions to the problems confronting the people.

Kumuyi spoke ahead of the commencement of the five-day Global Crusade with Kumuyi (GCK), which begins today at Sékou, in the Allada commune of the Republic of Benin.

The crusade, which runs from September 25 to 29, is themed ‘Divine Visitation from the God of All Possibilities.’

Speaking at a press conference in Cotonou on Wednesday, Kumuyi said: ‘Dear brothers and sisters, I am with you and for you. This crusade is for the entire Beninese nation.’he told the people, assuring them that the programme was for the entire nation.

Kumuyi said he believed God had prepared him for the assignment and that the crusade would witness a fresh manifestation of divine power.

‘The fire of God will be rekindled. God has prepared wonderful things. The power of God will move. Heaven is more than ready for you. God has prepared me and I am ready,’ he said.

He particularly invited people facing difficult circumstances, including the sick and those seeking solutions to seemingly intractable problems.

According to him, he was bringing a message from God that would address the needs of participants physically, spiritually and otherwise.

‘God has given me a message of power from heaven to solve the problems of all the participants who will come to this revival,’ Kumuyi said.

He added: ‘There will be a bulldozer power that will break all the mountains.’

The cleric said the expected impact would not be restricted to those physically present at Sékou, stressing that those participating through the live broadcast would also be part of the programme.

Kumuyi’s return to Benin Republic comes about 12 years after his previous crusade in the country.

He acknowledged the passage of time, saying he had become more mature in the intervening years.

‘In twelve years, I have matured more,’ he said, expressing confidence that the current crusade would produce greater impact.

The GCK will hold every evening at the National Deeper Life Bible Church Camp in Sékou, Allada, with the programme scheduled to begin at 5pm.

The crusade is expected to draw participants from Benin Republic and neighbouring countries, while the proceedings will also be transmitted globally through the GCK and DCLM digital platforms.

Kumuyi also disclosed that the Benin programme would extend beyond the evening crusade.

An Impact Academy for youths is scheduled for Saturday, September 26, at the Palais des Congrès in Cotonou. It will focus on helping young people discover the key to success.

The All Believers’ Conference will hold on September 28 and 29, also in Cotonou, with ministers and Christian leaders expected to participate.

For Kumuyi, the Benin assignment is therefore both an evangelistic and transformational mission.

‘Let us all be there and see God in action,’ he urged the people of Benin.

The GCK convener has in recent years taken the crusade to several countries and Nigerian states, with the outreach combining evangelism with programmes targeted at youths, ministers and professionals.

As the Benin edition opens today, Kumuyi’s central message remains that of divine intervention, salvation, healing, deliverance and transformation – with the preacher urging participants to come expecting what he described as ‘the God of all possibilities’ to act in their lives.

President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians not to lose hope in the face of the country’s security challenges and economic difficulties, assuring that better days are ahead.

The President said peace was gradually returning to the country and that his administration was taking steps to put Nigeria firmly on the path of development.

Tinubu spoke on Friday at the 66th Independence Anniversary Juma’at Service held at the National Mosque, Abuja.

He was represented at the ceremony by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas.

The President acknowledged that Nigeria had faced numerous challenges and missed opportunities over the years but said his administration was working to address the mistakes of the past.

He said, ‘Peace is coming back to this country. Development is coming back to this country. Things will get better as we progress in this democracy’.

Tinubu urged Nigerians to use the Independence anniversary to reflect on the country’s past while looking ahead to a more prosperous future.

He said the administration’s focus was to correct the cumulative mistakes and missed opportunities of previous years, stressing that the country was now on the right path.

According to him, both the government and citizens had made sacrifices to rebuild the nation and restore its prospects.

‘We should give this government more opportunity for it to come back and finish the good work,’ the President said.

The Independence prayer service was attended by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin; Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago; Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo; Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, and other dignitaries.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is targeting a 17 per cent year-on-year growth in real output, thereby pursuing an increase in real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to N23.2 trillion by implementing a new Bill mandating 30 per cent value addition to raw materials before export.

One of the premises of this target is that, according to the Nigerian National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigeria’s real GDP in 2024 averaged N19.83 trillion, when Quarter-on-Quarter performance stood at N18.28 trillion, N18.29 trillion, N20.12 trillion, and N22.61 trillion for Q1 to Q4 of the preceding year.

Last year, the real GDP grew by 3.87 per cent. Therefore, an increase of 17 per cent in the average real output would push GDP to N23.2 trillion. It is an ambitious target, but achievable if the foundation and strategic pillars are properly set; and if the process of legislation is appropriate, and the consequent policy is well implemented, end-to-end.

In my view, this is a very important step in the right direction. I am therefore in support of the Bill.

As the engine room of incubation and development of innovation and materials and in Nigeria; the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), will play a key ‘focal point’ role to upscale the value of our production, industrial growth to international standards and more importantly to make our products to be effectively competitive, sellable and acceptable. This will surely add value to our export earnings, enable the achievement of the ‘Nigeria First’ policy of President Bola Tinubu, and consequently significantly upscale our GDP by ensuring sustainability.

Accordingly, over a year ago, on July 2, 2025, the Senate approved an amendment to the Raw Materials Research and Development Council Act, 2022, which will mandate that exporters must process at least 30% of raw materials locally before exporting.

While the bill is undergoing legislation, I reiterate (as I have stated in other forums) that the following key points should be noted:

The value addition policy and Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global market:

According to a Global Competitiveness Report published by the World Economic Forum, Nigeria scored 48.33 points out of 100 (48.33%) in 2019. Before then, the Competitiveness Index in Nigeria averaged 13.81 Points from 2007 until 2019, reaching an all-time high of 48.33 Points in 2019 and a record low of 3.37 Points in 2011. These are key indications of how important the value addition policy will be to upscaling the competitiveness of Nigeria’s products and services in the continental and global arena.

If the value addition policy is successful, our products and services will be more competitive in the international market. For example, in the agriculture sector, fruits, vegetables, and even flowers from Kenya, Morocco, South Africa, India, etc., are very competitive in the international market. But Nigerian exporters are not competitive due to value addition, post-harvest/post-production challenges like poor storage, poor logistics and supply chain infrastructure and systems, use of some pesticides during planting or post-harvest, etc.

Consequently, a lot of Nigerian products and services are rejected or underpriced. Therefore, the value addition is a welcome development if properly formulated, and more importantly, if the policy is well implemented.

Reversing trade deficits to become a trade surplus:

Essentially, Nigeria cannot achieve its social and economic objectives by just exporting raw materials, products, and services without processing and/ or value addition. I also strongly believe that the value addition policy, if properly implemented, will significantly change Nigeria’s trade deficits to become trade surpluses, and make the country more competitive in international trade and investment. This will significantly increase foreign exchange earnings and foreign direct investments in the real critical sectors of the economy.

Technology transfer and job creation:

Furthermore, the value addition policy will anchor foreign investors to situate their industries within Nigeria, thereby ensuring employment for our teeming youth, ensuring technology transfer and achieving economic values within the country and exports with concomitant effect on our economy, while also ensuring sustainability.

Standardisation:

In my view, during the process of Legislation, some germane questions should be addressed as stakeholders distill the ‘30%’ value addition within the framework of the Bill. For example; What are the standards? What makes up 30% value addition, in terms of the products? What are the standards for that 30% value addition? Because, again, in my view, value addition should also encompass storage, logistics and supply chain, infrastructure, facilities, and systems, etc. For example, in the case of agri-products, the quality of most products degrades by the time you move the products to the seaport or airport for export. This is notwithstanding the processing and value-addition on to the products. Therefore, the products (especially fruits and vegetables, and other perishables) will not be competitive, or will not even be sellable or acceptable in the global market.

Accordioning, I hope that there will be clear definitions and boundaries of standards with regard to value addition and processing. It is also crucial that almost all our national policies key into an overarching national development strategy, in terms of industrialization, trade, and investment, etc. Thus, there should be policy coordination and policy coherence as the Bill undergoes legislation, such that when enacted into law, the policy will not be in conflict with other Bills or policies that are already in place, and if so, for a realignment or streamlining to be done, so as to ensure success.

Infrastructure:

Infrastructure is crucial to the achievement of this very laudable bill. Particularly, logistics and supply chain platforms and systems (land, sea, and air), intermodal transportation networks, storage, etc., are also key to the success of the value addition policy. As an illustration, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has stated that over 50% of the agricultural products we produce in Nigeria get wasted from the farmland to the market or even to the dining table. Therefore, value addition and bridging the infrastructure deficit are crucial to our national economic diversification strategy, achieving the N2.3 trillion GDP, and also achieving the $1 trillion economy target set by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. So, I hope that the foundation laying and the strategic pillars setting will key into an overarching national strategy, so that we are moving lockstep in the right direction, to achieve successful legislation and passage of this laudable Bill, and effective implementation.

Power/ energy as a sine qua non:

Earlier on, I stated that value addition and processing, cannot be achieved without infrastructure in terms of power. Nigeria is lagging far behind in terms of meeting its power/energy requirements for any meaningful economic turnaround, growth, and development.

Last year, President Tinubu signed into law, the legislation that enables all the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, to generate, transmit, and distribute their power/energy capacities to drive socio-economic development. Thus, Nigerians want to see value innovation by the governors. We also expect decisiveness by the federal and state governments in result-oriented moves to ensure that we have enough power/ energy that will recover and sustain our industrial sector, and the Micro-Small-and-Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs) in the short to mid-term, even if it is in a phased fashion. Our expectation is that governments at the federal and state levels are able to generate, distribute, transmit, and more power/energy for industries.

Infrastructure connectivity and interlinks:

Furthermore, as stated earlier, the other critical infrastructure, i.e., intermodal transportation, rural feeder roads and bridges, logistics and supply chain, are critical to the success of the value addition policy. When production/ processing/value addition is completed, the efficient and safe movement of products from production location to the market, whether domestic or international, is also critical in the value chain. Therefore, the qualities and standard of the road network, and airports (passenger and cargo) we build, should fit into our short to long-term socio-economic visions and strategies to support and sustain the economy. It is very important for us to also have effective interlinks between land, air, and sea transportation systems so that we are able to succeed in a timely and coordinated manner.

In conclusion, I advise that there should be policy consultation, and policy coherence so that there are efficient and effective synergies coordination across; Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), to ensure success and achievement of the desirable objective(s), i.e., national economic recovery, economic growth, and sustainable economic development.

FCT Minister Wike and the Senator representing the FCT, Ireti Kingibe, continued their political bickering yesterday.

Their disagreements centre on who would or would not win the only seat for the FCT next January 16 and FCT Administration alleged borrowings.

Senator Kingibe had accused the FCTA of securing loans without the National Assembly’s nod, but Wike denied the claim last week, accusing the lawmaker of non-performance and being an ‘illiterate.’

The minister had also said Kingibe would not return to the Senate in 2027, asserting that FCT borrowings are captured in budgets that are subject to legislative approval.

Yesterday, the minister, who was on another round of inspection, took on Senator Kingibe once again for accusing him of trying to intimidate her and alter her political fate,

He dismissed the claims with disdain, saying the female Senator was not being intimidated by anyone, but by her own continuous non-performance and failure in representing FCT residents.

‘Nobody is intimidating her. Rather, she has intimidated herself by not performing. It is her non-performance that is causing her intimidation,’ Wi

He queried the lawmaker’s scorecard and challenged her to point to tangible legislative intervention or community consultations since she became a Senator in 2023.

The minister said: ‘I speak for Abuja people, and I know they want good representation. You need someone in the Parliament to speak for the people and let the government know their problems.

‘How many times has she gone to the satellite towns to consult with the residents or traditional rulers? How many times has she spoken on the floor of the Senate to highlight the problems facing FCT? How many times has she come up with bills to address Abuja’s challenges?’

But Kingibe insisted yesterday that no request for approval of loans was presented before the Senate by the minister. She challenged Wike to show proof of any such approval

‘As for not getting approval for the loans, I dare the FCT Minister to show the people of the FCT, and all who have asked, the votes and proceedings of the day the approval was given.

‘I cannot speak for the House of Representatives, but I know that it was never brought before the Senate,’ she said.

The Senator maintained that questioning government borrowings, public funds and the conduct of public officials is part of her constitutional responsibility and should not be interpreted as disrespect or a personal attack.

‘I have never been one to be intimidated by insults, threats, or political pressure, and I will not start now,’ she said.

‘My responsibility as a Senator representing the people of the Federal Capital Territory is to ask questions, demand accountability, and defend the constitutional principles upon which our democracy stands.’

Kingibe said she would continue to scrutinise matters concerning the FCT despite the escalating political confrontation with Wike.

‘If I raise questions about public borrowing, public funds, or the conduct of government, it is not an act of disrespect; it is part of my duty as a legislator,’ she said.

On Wike’s assertion that her political fate in 2027 had already been determined, Kingibe said: ‘No minister, no matter how powerful, is above the law.

”No public office holder is above scrutiny. And no individual has the authority to decide by personal declaration who the people of the FCT will elect in 2027. That decision belongs solely to the people.

‘I will not be distracted by personal attacks. I will continue to speak when the interest of the FCT demands it, scrutinise matters that require scrutiny, and stand firmly for the people I represent.’

The lawmaker also condemned what she described as attempts to intimidate women in public office, insisting that female lawmakers should not be expected to remain silent when they raise difficult questions.

‘Women who choose to serve in public office must not be expected to remain silent simply because they ask difficult questions or refuse to compromise their principles,’ she said.

‘I did not enter public service to be intimidated. I entered it to serve. The will of the people of the FCT will prevail on the day of the election,’ the lawmaker said.

The Kebbi State Government has pledged financial support for the construction of the National Secretariat of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) in Abuja.

Governor Nasir Idris made the pledge on Thursday while declaring open the 2026 National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of NAWOJ, tagged ‘Kebbi 2026’, at the Presidential Banquet Hall, Birnin Kebbi.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Senator Umar Abubakar-Tafida, said the administration recognised the media as a strategic partner in promoting good governance, accountability and peaceful coexistence.

He commended NAWOJ for its contributions to journalism and national development, stressing the importance of responsible and professional journalism to sustainable development.

Idris specifically pledged financial assistance towards the construction of NAWOJ’s permanent national secretariat and urged the association to sustain advocacy on issues affecting women, children and vulnerable groups, particularly education, healthcare and economic empowerment.

He also said his administration prioritised inclusive governance, pointing to the appointment of women to various administrative and political positions.

The NEC meeting brought together members of the national executive council and delegates from across the 36 states.

Before the opening ceremony, members of the NEC toured major projects executed by the Kebbi State Government as part of activities showcasing the administration’s development projects.

In her remarks, NAWOJ National President, Hajiya A’isha Ibrahim, described unity as the strength of the association and thanked the Kebbi State Government for hosting the meeting.

She said the hosting demonstrated the administration’s commitment to women’s empowerment and commended Zone A for hosting two consecutive NEC meetings.

Ibrahim said the acquisition of land for NAWOJ’s permanent secretariat was a significant milestone and appealed to the Kebbi Government and other stakeholders to support the construction of the facility.

She also pledged to continue advocating greater opportunities for women in leadership and urged members to place the collective interest above personal interests.

The meeting featured two paper presentations. The first, titled ‘From the Margins to the Mainstream: Empowering Women and Youth Development’, was delivered by Dr Zainab Hasan Baba of Waziri Umaru Federal Polytechnic, Birnin Kebbi.

The second paper, ‘From Radicalism to Resilience: Harnessing the Soft Power Approach for Youth Empowerment and Community Transformation’, was presented by Hajiya Rafatu Garba Hammani, former Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Kebbi State.

The Commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed-BK, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Salihu Gunabi, urged NAWOJ members to sustain professionalism.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajiya Halima Hassan-Kamba, described Kebbi as a gender-friendly state, while the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Kebbi State Council, Alhaji Bello Abubakar-Sarki, said women remained important partners in the development of journalism.

The Chairperson of NAWOJ, Kebbi State Chapter, Hajiya Hassana Abubakar-Koko, expressed delight that the state was hosting the national NEC meeting for the first time.

She thanked Governor Idris for approving the hosting and appreciated his wife, Hajiya Zainab Nasare Nasir-Idris, for her support.

Highlights of the event included the presentation of Awards of Excellence to Governor Idris, the Commissioner for Information and Culture and other distinguished personalities for their contributions to media development and women’s empowerment.

A massive crowd of All Progressives Congress (APC) youths and other supporters, on Wednesday welcomed the party’s deputy governorship candidate in Oyo State, Adesoji Adedeji, and his entourage to Saki, Ogbomoso, Iseyin and Oyo.

While he was in Ogbomoso and Saki on Wednesday, his train moved to Iseyin and Oyo yesterday with crowds of APC youths and supporters thronging venues of the engagements.

An elated Adedeji took the opportunity to outline key areas the APC administration would prioritise if elected in 2027.

The gatherings, held at Saki City Hall and Soun Ogunlola Town Hall, Ogbomoso, on Wednesday, was organised under the theme: ‘Building APC Youths for Electoral Success in Oyo State,’ and formed part of the party’s ongoing grassroots mobilisation and engagement ahead of the 2027 general election.

The venues were enlivened by political and solidarity songs as APC members and stakeholders from Saki and Ogbomoso converged to receive Adedeji and discuss strategies for strengthening the party’s grassroots structures, particularly through increased youth participation. The experience was the same at the MKO Events Centre in Iseyin and Labamba Hotel, Oyo yesterday.

Addressing the crowds at the venues, Adedeji thanked the party leaders, candidates and members for their support, urging APC youths to take a more active role in grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.

He stressed the need for the party to strengthen its presence beyond Ibadan, noting that Ogbomoso, Oyo, Ibarapa and Oke-Ogun are important components of the state, whose contributions should be reflected in the party’s political and development strategies.

Adedeji likened the strength of the party to a forest, stressing that ‘a single tree cannot make a forest,’ and called for collective efforts among party members across the various zones.

He commended the youth for their commitment and resilience, stressing that they are the cornerstone of the APC.

He added that the party prioritised youths in the planning and execution of party manifesto and other activities.

The deputy governorship candidate highlighted some of the policy priorities which the Alli-Soji ticket would pursue if elected, with particular emphasis on functional local government system, workers’ welfare, education and youth development.

According to him, education and youth development would receive priority attention because of their importance to human capital development and the overall progress of the state.

He promised that the APC administration would intensify efforts to attract investors to Oyo State, with the aim of expanding economic activities, creating opportunities and improving the welfare of residents.

On workers’ welfare, Adedeji said the proposed administration would give attention to payment of salaries, allowances, gratuities and pensions, stressing that the welfare of workers is an important component of Oyo AHEAD agenda.

His emphasis on education, investment and workers’ welfare adds to previous public statements from the APC ticket outlining priorities, including infrastructure, health care and agriculture.

Adedeji urged the youth to take the Oyo AHEAD agenda to the grassroots across the state to enable people key into it.

Party leaders addressed the gatherings, including the APC candidate for Ogbomoso North, Ogbomoso South and Oriire Federal Constituency, Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, who commended the party’s leadership and youths for their continued commitment.

Alao-Akala urged members to remain united and sustain their mobilisation efforts towards the forthcoming elections.

The APC Youth Leader, Remi Adepoju, assured the gathering that the youth wing was prepared to intensify its mobilisation activities, while appealing to party leaders to continue supporting young members.

Other speakers at the programme expressed support for the Alli-Soji ticket and called for greater mobilisation across the various communities in the state.

In Ogbomoso, a minute silence was observed in honour of the late former Oyo State governor, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, followed by special prayers.

Among those present were Odedunmi Bunmi Olubukunmi, Glory Olalekan, Sayo Ifatoki, Alhaji Wasiu Olukan and Ajagbe Ibrahim, as well as other APC leaders, women leaders and members of the City Boys Movement.

At Saki, the APC deputy governorship candidate visited the Olere of Saki, Oba Khalid Olabisi.

The zonal engagements underscore APC’s continuing effort to strengthen its grassroots structures and deepen youth participation ahead of the 2027 elections.

Rivers Hoopers forward Peter Olisemeka has expressed delight after helping the club reclaim the Nigeria Premier Basketball League title and qualify for the 2027 Basketball Africa League.

Hoopers completed an unbeaten Final Four campaign in Port Harcourt to secure their seventh domestic title, a year after losing the championship decider 74-72 to Maktown Flyers.

Olisemeka played a key role in the 88-76 victory over Gboko City Chiefs, recording 14 points, 12 rebounds and five assists. Hoopers later defeated Maktown Flyers 92-90 in overtime to complete their perfect run.

‘I’m excited that we won the championship and qualified for the BAL,’ Olisemeka said. ‘It has been a challenging season for me personally, but I’m happy that at the end of the day we achieved our goal.’

The forward is now looking forward to the BAL and wants the Nigerian champions to begin preparations early.

Hoopers return to the continental competition after missing the last edition. They finished third in 2024, their best BAL performance.

Immediate past Federal Character Commissioner for Anambra State, Rev. Uche Ibeabuchi, has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu deserves to be re-elected in the 2027 general elections, citing what he described as the President’s courage, visionary leadership and achievements in office.

Ibeabuchi stated this while speaking with journalists on Friday, arguing that the country’s development required leaders willing to confront structural challenges and implement difficult reforms.

He said great nations were not built on convenient decisions, but through the willingness to address fundamental challenges and make necessary adjustments.

According to him, sustainable progress requires a collective vision, while countries that have achieved industrial development have had to undergo periods of transition and fiscal adjustment.

His comments came amid preparations for the 2027 general elections and debates over the performance of the Tinubu administration.

The Federal Government has pointed to economic and structural reforms, infrastructure development, investment initiatives and changes in the power and energy sectors as areas of focus since Tinubu assumed office in 2023.

Ibeabuchi said the reforms and policies pursued by the administration should be considered in assessing its record, maintaining that long-term development could require difficult policy choices.

Tinubu emerged as the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 election after winning the party’s presidential primary in May 2026.

‘President Tinubu’s reforms represent the deliberate choices required to secure a self sustaining economy.

‘By dismantling long standing structural inefficiencies, expanding social safety programs, and investing heavily in youth, housing, and infrastructure, the President is demonstrating the resolute leadership needed to guide Nigeria toward enduring economic prosperity.

‘For decades, Nigeria stood at a critical economic crossroads relying on unsustainable fiscal policies and short term palliatives that deferred structural growth.

‘When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office, he inherited an economy in need of urgent restructuring.

‘Rather than adopting soft measures to preserve short term political popular appeal, President Tinubu chose the path of statesmanship.

‘He initiated structural economic reforms designed to shift Nigeria from consumption to sustainable production.

‘Real national growth requires initial sacrifices, but the foundations being laid today are laying the groundwork for a prosperous future,’ he stated.

Ibeabuchi listed Tinubu’s achievements that qualified him for second term to include end to fuel subsidy, Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which he said empowered thousands of youth with higher education and technical skills, mass housing and infrastructure development, tax reforms, among others.

Moses Simon is on the verge of joining Nigeria’s exclusive international century club when the Super Eagles begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Madagascar in Uyo on Friday.

The Paris FC winger has made 99 senior appearances for Nigeria and will earn his 100th cap if selected by head coach Éric Chelle against the Barea at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.

The Nigeria Football Federation has already concluded arrangements to honour Simon for the landmark, which would make him the fifth Nigerian player to reach 100 senior international appearances.

Simon would follow Joseph Yobo, Vincent Enyeama, Ahmed Musa and Alex Iwobi into Nigeria’s century club. Iwobi became the country’s fourth centurion when he made his 100th appearance in Nigeria’s 2-1 friendly defeat to Portugal in Leiria in June.

Simon potential milestone would cap more than a decade of service to the national team since making his Super Eagles debut against Uganda on March 25, 2015.

The winger has since established himself as one of Nigeria’s most dependable attacking players, remaining a regular presence across different generations of the national team and under successive coaches.

Simon has scored 12 goals in his 99 appearances for Nigeria, with the NFF recording 64 competitive matches and 35 friendlies during his international career. The Super Eagles have won 49 of the matches in which he has featured, drawn 30 and lost 20.

His international career has also taken him to major tournaments, including the Africa Cup of Nations finals and the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Simon has featured in 23 AFCON finals matches and 22 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixtures, highlighting his longevity and importance to the Super Eagles over the past decade.

One of the memorable moments of his early international career came during Nigeria’s 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign against Swaziland, now Eswatini.

After the first leg ended goalless in Mbabane, the Super Eagles needed a victory in the return fixture in Port Harcourt to progress in the qualifying race.

With the match approaching its final stages, Simon produced the breakthrough by scoring directly from a 22-yard free-kick as Nigeria secured a 2-0 victory.

His journey from that early contribution to the brink of 100 caps has seen him become one of the more experienced players in Chelle’s current squad.

The 31-year-old is part of the 24-man squad selected for Nigeria’s opening AFCON 2027 qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

Simon’s potential landmark comes at an important point for Nigeria, with the Super Eagles looking to begin their qualifying campaign with a victory.

The Super Eagles will host Madagascar in Uyo on Friday before travelling to Bissau for their second Group L fixture on September 29.

Chelle has emphasised the importance of collecting points early in the campaign, with Nigeria aiming to establish a strong position in Group L from the opening fixtures.

The NFF’s Acting General Secretary, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, praised Simon’s contribution to Nigerian football and described him as a committed servant of the national team.

‘I can testify that Moses Simon is an incredible player and a wonderful human being, having related with him at close quarters for several years. He is a patriot to the core, and forever passionate and dedicated to the Nigeria cause,’ Ikpeme said. ‘The NFF celebrates him on this special occasion and wish him many more caps with the Super Eagles.’

If Simon features against Madagascar, he will join Iwobi as the latest member of Nigeria’s century club, with the pair having progressed through the national team ranks during the same era.

Simon’s milestone would represent more than a numerical landmark. From his debut in 2015 to 99 appearances and 12 goals, reaching 100 caps would mark a decade of service to the Super Eagles.

With the NFF preparing to celebrate him and Nigeria beginning another AFCON qualification campaign, Simon now stands one appearance away from becoming the fifth Nigerian centurion.

There was celebration yesterday in Oke-Oyi community, Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State, as Federal Government launched 581 kilowatt of interconnected mini grid acceleration scheme (IMAS).

The solar power project will supply 24 hours electricity to Oke-Oyi and neighbouring communities.

Scores of elated villagers chanted ”President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for second term.”

The community said the project had renewed its confidence in the commitment of the Federal Government for rural development, adding that Oke-Oyi was not left behind.

The project, developed by Nayo Tropical Technologies Limited, with support from German Cooperation and European Union through GIZ, is designed to expand access to reliable electricity, while supporting economic activities and improving livelihoods at Oke-Oyi community, the Federal Government has said.

Chairman, Oke-Oyi community, Alhaji Oseni Elemoso, said: ‘Today is a day of joy for the people of Oke-Oyi community. We are honoured to welcome you all as we celebrate the inauguration of this 581 kilowatt interconnected mini-grid project implemented by Rural Electrification Agency (REA).

‘For many years, we have longed for reliable electricity to improve our lives and economic activities.

”This project has renewed our confidence in the commitment of the government and its partners to rural development and has shown that Oke-Oyi is not forgotten.”

The local government Chairman, Luqman Agbelere, says community members will now have access to electricity to grow their businesses.

Represented by Head, Department of Administration, Abdulkareem Kolapo, Agbelere said ‘the provision of reliable electricity remains an important driver of economic and social development.”

The Federal Government inaugurated the project through REA under the Rural Electrification Fund.

The project has a total installed capacity of 581kWp, comprising 1,336 solar panels and 84 batteries, with approximately 10 kilometres of distribution cables and transformers supporting the electricity distribution network.

The project serves a community with an estimated population of 13,000 people, with electricity connections extended to residential and productive users.

Minister of Power, Chief Joseph Tegbe, said the inauguration reflected Federal Government’s commitment to expanding electricity access and ensuring that energy investments translated into improved livelihoods and economic opportunities.

Said he: ‘The purpose of electrification is ultimately to improve lives and create opportunities. What we are inaugurating today at Oke-Oyi is an investment in the productive capacity of the community. When electricity enables a welder to expand his business, a grain miller to operate more efficiently or a new enterprise to emerge, we are seeing the direct connection between energy access and economic development.’

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq welcomed the intervention and noted the importance of reliable electricity to economic activities and community development.

Represented by Speaker of the House of Assembly, Yakubu Salihu, the governor said: ‘For Kwara State, every intervention that expands reliable electricity access to our communities is an important step towards creating a more conducive environment for enterprise, employment and improved livelihoods.

”We appreciate the Federal Government, REA and all development and private-sector partners for this investment at Oke-Oyi and look forward to its continued contribution to the development of the community.’