Category: The Nation – Nigeria

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has reaffirmed his support for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid, citing his belief in the President’s vision and reforms, while dismissing speculation of a political ‘rainbow coalition’ involving former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike in Ebonyi State.

Umahi spoke while inspecting Phase Two of the Calabar-Abuja Superhighway at Ado, Benue State, where he reviewed progress on the project and directed contractors to accelerate construction.

On his support for Tinubu, Umahi said continuity was important for major infrastructure projects requiring several years to complete, warning that a change of administration could stall ongoing projects.

‘What gave rise to this is because I believe in President Bola Tinubu. I believe that he’s the one called by God. I believe in his vision. I believe in his reforms. I believe he’s the best person that I have worked with and for, and I’m very proud of working for him and working with him.

‘If, God forbid, another person says he’s President, all these projects will be stalled. And I don’t think Ebonyi wants their projects to be stalled,’ he said.

Responding to questions about his relationship with Wike and claims that they were forming a ‘Rainbow Coalition’ in Ebonyi, Umahi said any candidates backed by the former governor would not be part of his political structure.

‘If Wike has candidates here, he has not told me. And his candidate cannot break our relationship, but his candidate is not part of our relationship,’ he said.

Umahi reaffirmed his alignment with the All Progressives Congress (APC), while criticising the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which he left after what he described as its failure to adequately serve the interests of the Southeast.

‘We supported the PDP. We voted for presidents in the PDP. And when it was our time for them to honour us, they did not honour us. They maltreated us,’ he said.

He, however, said political opponents were free to campaign in Ebonyi provided they avoided hate speech.

‘Anybody that wants to campaign, come and campaign. But don’t dish out hate speech and you want to take those speeches, and you want that we should lay a red carpet for you. We will not do that,’ he said.

The Minister also rejected claims that he had concentrated Federal Government projects in the Southeast, saying the infrastructure programme was a national initiative under Tinubu.

‘I saw on social media where they say I cornered all projects to the Southeast. That is very wonderful. But we have the publication of all projects ongoing by President Bola Tinubu, so they darken counsel without knowledge.

‘I’m not on my own. The President is my boss. So where will he be when I corner all projects to Southeast?’ he asked.

According to Umahi, the Southeast was receiving infrastructure attention as part of the national distribution of projects, although it might not rank first, second or third under the administration.

‘But definitely they will not be the last,’ he said.

He said the administration’s performance should be assessed through projects already under execution rather than promises.

‘We tell our story. It’s not a question of saying, ‘I will do this, I’ll do this.’ What about the one that the person is doing? Let us compare the past with the present,’ he said.

On the Calabar-Abuja Superhighway, Umahi directed contractors handling the 173-kilometre Phase Two, valued at ?683 billion, not to demolish or touch any building along the current alignment pending the Federal Government’s review and any necessary realignment.

‘My directive is that no building should be touched. Even if it’s within the alignment, I have to come and realign it. So you just have to continue your work and go around those buildings until we come to look at it,’ he said.

He also directed contractors to strengthen sharp curves where necessary and open at least three sections of the first element of Phase Two simultaneously to accelerate construction.

Umahi said the contractor had opened the first element of the first eight kilometres, while engineers were working to resolve the challenge around the Ado Bridge.

‘I do not believe in engineering that anything is impossible,’ he said, directing the contractor to open another section from the Ado River while engineers worked on the bridge solution.

The Minister also highlighted additional works under Section One, including dualisation at Onueke and Chainage 0 around Ndibe Beach, which he said were outside the initial scope.

He said the project was being executed under an EPC Plus Finance arrangement without provision for variations, requiring careful management of quantities and resources.

Umahi said four legacy infrastructure projects under the Tinubu administration were being financed through 30 per cent naira funding by the Federal Government and 70 per cent foreign financing.

He also rejected suggestions that the administration had abandoned existing roads for new projects, saying several legacy projects involved the expansion and reconstruction of existing road corridors.

The federal government has announced plans to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital technology into Nigeria’s tourism and creative industries to accelerate economic growth and job creation.

?Speaking at the 2026 World Tourism Day celebration in Abuja on Sunday, the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hanatu Musa Musawa, stated that adopting cutting-edge technology is essential for the nation to compete on the global stage.

?Delivering her keynote address on this year’s theme, ‘Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism,’ Musawa highlighted how AI applications can revolutionize visitor experiences, streamline visa processes, and provide predictive data for managing national heritage sites and infrastructure.

The Minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Abdulkarim Ibrahim said, ?’Today, we stand at the threshold of the next great transformation: the age of artificial intelligence and the digital agenda.

‘The question before us is not whether this transformation will happen. It is whether we will shape it, or be shaped by it.

?Addressing potential risks associated with rapid digitization, the Minister outlined key governance priorities, stressing that technology must enhance-not replace-human connection and cultural identity.

?’As we digitalize our tourism sector and welcome artificial intelligence into our hotels, parks, airports, and booking platforms, we must do so responsibly,’ she added, emphasizing the need for strict data privacy standards, rural digital inclusion, workforce reskilling, and the preservation of cultural authenticity.

The minister, however, warned of the need for responsible deployment of AI in the tourism sector, saying that ‘We must ensure that our data is protected and our visitors’ privacy respected.’

She also said small businesses must not be left behind in the digital divide, but are actively brought along through training and support.

The minister also said the country’s cultural authenticity must be preserved. Technology should amplify our stories, not replace them.

The Minister also called for the reskilled and empowered workforce so that innovation creates opportunity rather than displacement.

?The Minister identified Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) alongside the creative sector-including Nollywood and Afrobeats-as primary drivers for non-seasonal, high-yield tourism.

?She noted that linking Nigeria’s global cultural footprint directly to structured travel experiences offers a fast track toward diversifying the nation’s economy. According to Musawa, MICE and creative-industry visitors spend more per capita, driving a broad multiplier effect across transport, hospitality, and local commerce.

?Concluding her address, Musawa called for strong public-private partnerships across tech providers, academic institutions, and traditional operators to build a smarter, more inclusive, and globally competitive tourism ecosystem for Nigeria.

‘I wish to emphasise that this transformation is not the responsibility of the government alone. It is a shared responsibility. It calls for genuine partnership between government and the private sector, between technology providers and traditional tourism operators, between our universities and our industry and between Nigeria and our international partners.

‘I therefore call on all stakeholders to join hands with the government to co-create a tourism sector that is smarter, more sustainable, more inclusive and more competitive on the world stage.’

?Musawa commended the youth for developing forward-thinking technological solutions tailored to the tourism sector and expressed gratitude to private-sector partners, including the management of Discovery Museum, for sponsoring mentorship programs and financial prize awards for the winners.

In his goodwill message, the Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Ola Awakan, said the 2026 theme provided Nigeria with an opportunity to use digital innovation and AI to enhance destination promotion, improve visitor experiences, attract investment, create employment and increase tourism’s contribution to economic development.

Awakan said the NTDA remained committed to building a digitally enabled, investment-ready, inclusive and sustainable tourism ecosystem, while encouraging responsible application of technology that protects cultural authenticity, safeguards visitor information and empowers local communities.

The UN Tourism Secretary-General, Shaikha Al Nuwais, also stressed the need for an inclusive digital transformation of tourism, noting that AI could make the sector more efficient and resilient if properly managed, but warning that disconnected digital systems could leave businesses and communities behind.

She called for greater integration of bookings, payments and data so that technology strengthens livelihoods across the tourism value chain.

The federal government has approved the modernisation and upgrade of Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, said the approval underscores Federal Government’s determination to develop a balanced, efficient, and competitive national port system.

The Minister, in a statement by his Media Aide, Dr Bolaji Akinola, explained that the latest approval was part of the administration’s strategy to reposition the maritime sector as a major driver of economic growth, trade, investment and employment under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

‘This approval marks another important step in our determination to transform Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure and unlock the enormous economic potential of our ports.

‘President Tinubu has made it clear that infrastructure renewal and economic diversification are central to the Renewed Hope Agenda. Modern, efficient and competitive ports are critical to achieving these objectives because they facilitate trade, support industry, attract investment and create jobs.’

Oyetola said extension of the modernisation programme to ports outside Lagos would complement the investments in Apapa and Tin Can Island and help reduce the concentration of cargo traffic around Lagos by creating additional gateways for international trade.

He noted that improved infrastructure and operational efficiency at Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports would enhance cargo handling, reduce vessel turnaround times, improve regional connectivity and make the movement of goods more predictable and cost-effective.

‘These ports have strategic roles to play in our trade, industrial and regional development, and we are determined to equip them to meet the demands of a growing economy.

‘The latest approval is also part of a wider expansion of Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure. It comes in addition to the Federal Government’s approvals for the development of new deep seaports, including the Ibom Deep Seaport in Akwa Ibom State, Bakassi Deep Seaport in Cross River State, Agge Deep Seaport in Bayelsa State, Gateway Deep Seaport in Ogun State, Ondo Deep Seaport in Ondo State, and Bonny Deep Seaport in Rivers State’.

According to Oyetola, modernising existing ports and developing new deep seaports will expand Nigeria’s maritime capacity and create stronger economic corridors across the country.

‘Our approach is comprehensive. We are modernising existing ports while facilitating the development of new deep seaports. This will give Nigeria greater capacity to handle increasing volumes of trade, attract investment and position our country as a major maritime and logistics hub in Africa’.

He added that the Federal Government’s vision is to establish an integrated maritime and logistics system in which ports, roads, rail, inland waterways and other transport infrastructure work together to facilitate the seamless movement of cargo.

‘Our ambition is to build a port system that is efficient, transparent and globally competitive. We want Nigerian businesses to spend less time and resources moving their goods, while creating an environment that encourages investment and supports job creation.’

He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to working with state governments, terminal operators, investors, shipping companies and other stakeholders to ensure that the various projects translate into tangible improvements in Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.

‘Nigeria has the geography, market and maritime resources to become a leading maritime hub. Our responsibility is to provide the infrastructure, policies and enabling environment to turn that potential into sustainable economic value. This is what the Renewed Hope Agenda is about.’

AS part of its intelligence-led policing strategies, operatives of the Oyo State Police Command attached to the Command’s Safer Highway Patrol have arrested a suspected armed robber and recovered one locally made pistol with a live cartridge.

The arrest and recovery followed an intelligence-led stop-and-search operation conducted on 25 September 2026 at about 1730hrs along the Ibadan-Ife Road by Ajia Junction.

In the course of the operation, a white-coloured Mazda bus driven by one Sanusi Afeez Adedamola ‘M’ of Owena and travelling from Ibadan towards Ondo State was intercepted and subjected to a search.

The search subsequently led to the arrest of one of the passengers, identified as Emmanuel Kingsley Odoh ‘M’, for unlawful possession of one locally made pistol and a live cartridge.

According to the Command’s spokesman, Ayanlade Olayinka, in a statement, following the recovery, the firearm and ammunition were immediately secured as exhibits, while the suspect was taken into custody for further investigation.

AS part of its intelligence-led policing strategies, operatives of the Oyo State Police Command attached to the Command’s Safer Highway Patrol have arrested a suspected armed robber and recovered one locally made pistol with a live cartridge.

The arrest and recovery followed an intelligence-led stop-and-search operation conducted on 25 September 2026 at about 1730hrs along the Ibadan-Ife Road by Ajia Junction.

In the course of the operation, a white-coloured Mazda bus driven by one Sanusi Afeez Adedamola ‘M’ of Owena and travelling from Ibadan towards Ondo State was intercepted and subjected to a search.

The search subsequently led to the arrest of one of the passengers, identified as Emmanuel Kingsley Odoh ‘M’, for unlawful possession of one locally made pistol and a live cartridge.

According to the Command’s spokesman, Ayanlade Olayinka, in a statement, following the recovery, the firearm and ammunition were immediately secured as exhibits, while the suspect was taken into custody for further investigation.

‘The Command will sustain proactive patrols, intelligence-led stop-and-search operations and other strategic measures to prevent crime and maintain public safety across the State, while urging members of the public to remain vigilant and provide the Police with timely and actionable information.’

The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has given the Federal Government a two-week ultimatum to resolve outstanding welfare and professional issues affecting its members, warning that failure to act could trigger industrial action.

The ultimatum was contained in resolutions adopted at the association’s 46th Annual General Meeting in Calabar, Cross River State, on Sunday, where Dr Emmanuel Idoko emerged as the new NARD president alongside other newly elected members of the National Executive Council.

The resident doctors expressed concern over delays in implementing agreements reached with the government, saying the prolonged failure to resolve issues relating to remuneration, career progression, professional allowances, workload, and manpower shortages had become unacceptable.

According to Idoko, the association expected the government to use the two-week window to address the outstanding issues and avert a breakdown of industrial harmony in the health sector.

The association demanded the immediate implementation of previous agreements, particularly those relating to improved conditions of service and professional development.

It also called for the conclusion of the review of existing remuneration and salary structures for doctors, arguing that the current framework no longer adequately reflected prevailing economic realities.

NARD further demanded compensation for resident doctors handling workloads beyond their normal responsibilities because of manpower shortages in hospitals.

It called for standardised templates for calculating excess-workload compensation and reliable data to support payments to doctors performing additional duties.

The association also raised concerns over attacks on healthcare workers, urging the government to fully implement existing policies and anti-assault measures to protect doctors and other medical personnel in hospitals.

On the continued migration of doctors and other health professionals, NARD said the trend had aggravated manpower shortages and increased the workload of those remaining in the country.

It urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to urgently address the factors driving medical professionals’ migration.

The association also called on state governments to prioritise the welfare of doctors and other health workers employed by their institutions and implement relevant welfare policies.

It demanded improved infrastructure, adequate medical equipment and better working conditions in health facilities, saying these were essential to patient safety and effective healthcare delivery.

NARD also appealed to the National Assembly to strengthen budgetary allocations to the health sector, stressing that adequate funding was critical to addressing persistent challenges in healthcare.

The association demanded the prompt payment of outstanding salaries and other entitlements owed to house officers and their inclusion in relevant welfare arrangements.

On electronic clocking systems in hospitals, NARD said it did not oppose their deployment but insisted they be properly implemented and used to improve attendance and data management, rather than as a punitive measure against medical personnel.

The doctors said several agreements and commitments reached with the Federal Government had remained unresolved despite repeated meetings and assurances.

They therefore urged the government to utilise the two-week ultimatum to resolve the outstanding matters, warning that failure to do so could jeopardise industrial harmony in the health sector.

According to the association, addressing the disputes would improve doctors’ welfare, reduce burnout and ultimately enhance the quality of healthcare available to Nigerians.

The association charged the new leadership with implementing the resolutions and sustaining engagement with the government to improve conditions of service for resident doctors.

Former House of Representatives Deputy Speaker and Chairman, Southsouth Development Commission (SSDC), Prince Chibudom Nwuche has urged women in Rivers State to intensify their consultations and mobilisation ahead of next year’s general election.

He said women should team up with the Rainbow Coalition to deliver victory to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Rivers All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Kingsley Chinda during the polls.

He highlighted the tasks before women organisers and mobilisers during the ‘2027 Tinubu/Shettima Mobilisation and Voter Senitisation Programme’ head at Port-Hacourt, the state capital.

Nwuche hailed the state coordinator of team, and all the APC women, and those of the Rainbow Coalition for their commitment, dedication, and efforts towards mobilising and sensitising women and youths in support of the president in Rivers.

He said the programme with the theme: ‘My PVC, My Power’ would foster grassroots participation, voter education, and civic awareness, which are essential components of an effective democratic and electoral process.

Recalling his earlier letter to the state coordinator, the former Speaker said the task ahead requires the collective efforts of all stakeholders.

He said ‘women, men, and young people must work together diligently and in harmony with our leaders to secure a resounding national victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in the 2027 election.’

Nwuche added: ‘I am wholeheartedly committed to the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to sustain the current trajectory of economic recovery and national development.

‘I have already commenced personal campaign efforts and consultations with my political associates and networks, both within and beyond my constituency, towards securing victory for Mr President and Hon. O. K. Chinda, the APC gubernatorial candidate in Rivers State, as well as all other candidates at various levels under the Rainbow Coalition, championed by our leader, Chief Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Governor of our dear state.

‘When the formal campaign commences, I will personally visit every community, village, and town in Ekpeye Kingdom, in Ahoada East and Ahoada West Local Government Areas, to canvass and ensure 100% support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the candidates of the Rainbow Coalition, including our gubernatorial candidate, Hon. O. K. Chinda.

‘I believe that political leadership must be demonstrated through presence, engagement, and personal commitment. I am prepared to play my part in this effort.’

Urging the women to demonstrate greater commitment towards advancing grassroots engagement and political mobilisation, Nwuche said they should should ‘do it in unity and with a clear sense of purpose.’

He added: ‘The 2027 presidential election is about 120 days away; every day must therefore, be used productively to strengthen our organisation, engage our communities, sensitise voters, and build the relationships necessary for success.

‘I commend the leadership of this programme for taking this important initiative; you can always count on my support. I will provide my goodwill and financial support to your leaders. They may wish to make the details known as appropriate.’

Nwuche reflected on his grassroots connection, saying that he has always maintained a close relationship with his people by regularly visiting his village, attending village town hall meetings, and participating in local festivities.

He said the grassroots constitute the foundation of every successful political movement, adding that no political organisation can achieve sustainable success without meaningful engagement with the people.

Tracing his family’s political history, he said: ‘Even before I became actively involved in politics, around 1996, I established a group called Umesama Ekpeye, which means ‘to open and develop our area.’ We appointed a young man called Benji Okoji as the president of the group.

‘We held regular meetings to discuss politics, community development, and ways to advance the interests and aspirations of the Ekpeye people. Although I was not publicly at the forefront of the organisation, the initiative was my idea.

‘Perhaps this commitment to grassroots engagement was influenced by my late father, Eze Clifford Cheta Nwuche, who was himself a grassroots politician and community leader.

‘My late father was elected a councillor at one point and served as a member of the 1988/89 Constituent Assembly during the military administration of General Ibrahim Babangida.

‘Though he was a prominent oil and gas businessman, he remained deeply connected to the people at the grassroots. He was a dedicated community leader and served for many years as President-General of Uzugbani Ekpeye, the apex sociocultural and political organisation of the Ekpeye people, before he was crowned Eze (King) of Upata Kingdom, a sub-unit of the larger Ekpeye Kingdom.

‘I recall this story to reinforce the imperative of combining leadership with service, accessibility, and a genuine understanding of the people.’

Nwuche said ‘in politics, it is non-negotiable to maintain strong and meaningful relationships with citizens, particularly those at the grassroots,’ adding ‘their voices, aspirations, concerns, and interests should be reflected in the pothat licies, programmes, and decisions of government.’

He also emphasised that ‘political mobilisation should be founded on sustained engagement, trust, communication, and a commitment to the welfare of the people.’

The former Speaker said the role of women in politics and the electoral process cannot be overemphasised, stressing that through their passion, organisational capacity, community networks, and leadership, they make significant contributions to political mobilisation, voter education, civic participation, and democratic development.

He added: ‘You are not merely participants in the political process. You are important stakeholders whose influence extends across families, communities, institutions, and society.

‘God has endowed you with unique abilities. Your ability to connect with people, communicate ideas, build relationships, and mobilise communities places you in a strategic position to advance the objectives of this programme.

‘I therefore encourage you to approach this responsibility with dedication, discipline, integrity, and a clear understanding of the importance of your contribution.’

Nwuche conveyed warm greetings to the women from the Managing Director of the South-South Development Commission, Ms Usoro Akpabio.

He described her as ‘a pragmatic, hardworking, and dedicated daughter of the South-South, from Akwa Ibom State, who is doing commendable work in advancing the mandate of the Commission and making us proud.’

He said: ‘When the Commission is fully operational and mobilised, there will be programmes and initiatives designed to encourage, empower, and improve the lives women and youth across the South-South region.’

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Drug Enforcement Authority (NDEA) of the United Arab Emirates, marking a new chapter in the fight against drug trafficking between both countries.

The MoU, according to a statement by NDLEA’s Director, Media and Advocacy Femi Babafemi, was signed yesterday on the sidelines of the ongoing 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice holding in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), described the agreement as the culmination of years of steady engagement between the two agencies, noting that it would deepen intelligence-sharing and joint enforcement action along the Nigeria-UAE corridor.

Marwa disclosed that between 2021 and 2026, NDLEA intercepted about 354.7kg of illicit drugs including cocaine, cannabis, tramadol, rohypnol, ecstasy and khat, concealed in consignments going to the UAE, resulting in the arrest and prosecution of 47 suspects. He said this underscored the urgency of the new partnership.

He further highlighted NDLEA’s nationwide record between January 2021 and July 2026, which includes over 91,000 arrests (among them 243 drug barons), the seizure of more than 15.5 million kilograms of illicit drugs and precursor chemicals, 16,469 convictions, and the counselling, treatment and rehabilitation of over 53,000 drug users. He added that the Agency’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy campaign had reached nearly 5.9 million Nigerians through community and school engagements.

The NDLEA boss said the new partnership with NDEA would build on the exchange of liaison personnel, sharing of operational information, and technical cooperation already established between both agencies, including plans for the UAE to provide Nigerian travellers a comprehensive list of prohibited items to guard against inadvertent violations.

In his remarks, the Chairman of NDEA, His Excellency Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad Al Nahyan, reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to working closely with Nigeria to disrupt trafficking networks exploiting the strong trade, travel and people-to-people ties between both nations, describing the MoU as a natural evolution of an already productive relationship.

Both agencies expressed confidence that the agreement would translate into stronger intelligence-sharing, more successful joint operations and the dismantling of trafficking networks operating along the Nigeria-UAE axis, in line with the shared global responsibility championed by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

The Mechanics and Technicians Association of Nigeria (MOMTAN) has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for putting in place reforms and initiatives that are aimed at strengthening human capital, technical education, vocational training, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and job creation.

The national president of the association, Alh. Arowolo Morufu, gave the commendation on Wednesday during the 2026 delegates’ conference of the association in Abuja.

According to him, the reforms are significant because, for decades, artisans, mechanics and technicians had contributed immensely to the development of the economy without receiving commensurate recognition, structured training opportunities, access to modern technology or adequate institutional support.

He stated that the renewed emphasis by the Tinubu administration on technical and vocational skills, entrepreneurship, employability and job creation has improved the economic status of artisans and technicians in the country.

Arowolo praised the Federal Government’s efforts to reposition skills acquisition and technical training as important instruments for reducing unemployment, empowering young Nigerians, promoting enterprise and building a productive workforce.

According to him, the future of Nigeria cannot be built only through academic certificates, adding that the nation needs skilled hands, competent technicians, innovative artisans, entrepreneurs, and problem-solvers.

Morufu commended President Tinubu for recognising the strategic importance of skills and human-capital development in the nation’s economic transformation agenda and assured the Federal Government that MOMTAN is ready to partner in translating the policy objectives into practical outcomes at the workshop and community levels.

He stressed the importance of mechanics and technicians in the development of the economy, adding that the emerging automotive technology will require trained Nigerian professionals capable of understanding, diagnosing, maintaining and servicing it.

Morufu lauded the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Industrial Training Fund (ITF), National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Special Adviser to the President on Job OfficerCreation and MSMEs and Toyota’s contributions to the nation’s automotive ecosystem.

Apparently worried about the stifling environment that confronts most of the budding talents across the different verticals of the creative arts and culture sector, a group under the aegies of the Nehemiah Project has set machinery in motion to turnaround the fortunes of the practitioners.

The initiative, a brainchild of

Apostle Obii Pax-Harry, founder of the Nehemiah Apostolic Centre, for starters, has set in motion a 12-weeks talent incubation project with plans to discover, mould and transform raw talents to national assets and ultimately boost the Gross Domestic Product to over 3 percent up from its current 2.3%.

Following a meeting with some of the resource persons and facilitators last July, this culminated in an interface and discussion session with some select team of journalists in Lagos, recently, where the programmes and objectives were laid bare to the public.

Speaking separately during the media briefing, the trio of Eniola Akinbo-Niyola, Maliz Mahop and Shawn Faqua not only shared interesting insights on the modus operandi but the thematic areas of the initiative.

Firing the first salvo, Akinbo-Niyola, singer, actor, filmmaker, presenter/TV show host, who justified the need for the initiative, said human capacity development is shared responsibility, hence the Nehemiah Project is the immediate response to the clarion call to support the budding talents.

‘It is a structured mentorship initiative designed to connect emerging creatives with experienced professionals who can provide guidance, knowledge, access and practical industry experience.

‘The aim is to help young creatives develop not only their craft, but also the professionalism, discipline and understanding required to build sustainable careers and contribute meaningfully to the creative economy.

‘By 2050, one in every four people on the planet is projected to be African. We have a responsibility to prepare the people who will shape that future. So today, we are inviting our pioneers, senior colleagues, industry leaders, institutions, organisations and potential partners to be part of this work. Nation-building can begin in many places. Sometimes, it begins when an experienced person sits with someone coming behind them and says, ‘I’ve walked this path before. Now, Let me show you the way.’ That is where the Nehemiah Project begins.’

While shedding more light on the initiative, Maliz Mahop, Mentor, Global Communications and Partnership Strategist, said, ‘The Nehemiah Project grew from a conversation about that power within Nigeria’s creative industry. We recognised that Nigeria already has extraordinary talent and global cultural influence. The question was: how do we intentionally develop that talent and equip emerging creatives to steward their influence with excellence, purpose and integrity? These questions became the seed of the Nehemiah Project which is what I’ll be talking about today. The Nehemiah Project is a sector-focused mentorship programme for emerging creatives in Nigeria’s entertainment industry. It is a nation building tool through talent development.’

At the centre of the programme is a structured twelve-week mentorship journey, she stressed, adding that, ‘Emerging creatives will be paired with experienced professionals based on their areas of interest, professional aspirations, experience and development needs. We are also exploring technology-assisted matching, with human oversight, to help identify areas of compatibility between mentors and mentees.’

Participants, she emphasised, ‘will have the opportunity to learn from people who have already walked the road on how to navigate the industry, build professional relationships, understand the business of their craft, develop discipline, protect their work, manage opportunities and build sustainable value from their creativity.

‘Our mentorship pipeline model is for twelve weeks where we’ll take the creatives from Talent to Professionalism and from Professionalism to National assets. Lagos is already a major creative hub, attracting talent and professionals from across Nigeria and beyond.

‘As Nigeria’s creative economy continues to grow and Africa’s population and creative markets expand, we must also think about the infrastructure required to develop and accommodate the talent that will come.

‘Our longer-term vision includes an academy and appropriate accommodation and learning infrastructure where creatives from outside Lagos, across Nigeria and eventually from across Africa can come to learn, live, collaborate and develop their craft in a structured environment an ecosystem that requires mentors, institutions, investors, industry professionals, technology partners and organisations willing to contribute their expertise and resources. The vision is to develop ethically grounded creatives who are capable of building sustainable careers and enterprises that contribute to Nigeria’s national identity and creative economy and we are inviting you to join us to build that pipeline together.’

On his part, Shawn Faqua, Actor/Filmmaker, said, ‘The Nehemiah project is driven largely by Assistive AI technology and data. One huge challenge in our creative industry is that we still do not have enough structured data both experiential or numerical without which it is harder to understand the sector, measure growth, identify gaps and design effective interventions.

‘This also makes it more difficult for investors and institutions to properly understand where opportunities exist. With the Nehemiah Project, we are designing a technology-enabled system that will use AI-assisted matching to identify areas of compatibility between mentors and mentees, while retaining human oversight in the final process. ‘Participants will provide information about their creative disciplines, experience, aspirations, goals and development needs which will be matched to the corresponding mentees. ‘The technology helps us organise the information but the relationship remains human. And importantly, this system allows us to begin building a more reliable picture of the creative ecosystem that supports better decision-making, accountability, collaboration and future investment.

‘We also believe we need to move more deliberately from an informal creative economy towards a more structured and formal ecosystem. That means better records, stronger professional networks, clearer pathways, measurable outcomes and systems that can give investors, institutions and partners greater.

‘We acknowledge that we cannot build that system without the people who built the industry in the first place. So our invitation to the older generation is very simple: come and build with us. By bringing your experience, and wealth of knowledge you can become a mentor and help us create the systems that will allow the next generation to go further and to take what they receive and build what comes next. The Nehemiah Project is about creating that connection between generations, between talent and opportunity, and between creativity and the systems required for it to thrive.’

In the view of Eliora Eberechukwu, Head of Business Lifestyle, Entertainment, T2 Mobile (formerly 9Mobile), ‘The Nehemiah Project is bigger than a twelve-week mentorship programme.

‘It is the beginning of a sustainable pipeline for African creative talent, bringing together mentorship, technology, institutional support and marketplace opportunities to develop the people who will shape our creative future. There is a role for everyone in this room, and there is a role for everyone watching. So I want to leave you with one question: What can you bring to the table? Your time. Your knowledge. Your platform. Your resources. Your network. Your investment. Your talent. Whatever it is, we invite you to bring it. If you are interested in becoming a mentee, mentoring, partnering, funding or supporting the project, we want to hear from you.’

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared itself fully prepared, politically healthy, and strategically oiled to sweep the 2027 general elections.

The ruling party’s National Working Committee (NWC), alongside elected members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) and state chapter chairmen, arrived at the resolution following an exhaustive three-day strategic retreat held in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

Addressing a press conference at the conclusion of the meeting, themed ‘Strengthening Party Organisation, Unity, and Electoral Readiness Towards 2027,’ the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, declared that a thorough review of the party’s operations across all levels gave the ruling party a clean bill of health.

‘At the retreat, the party took a deep dive into our structures at the national, state, local government, ward, down to the polling unit levels,’ Yilwatda stated. ‘After reviewing our performance, we gave a clean bill of health to the APC. We feel strongly that the party is strong, healthy, prepared, and oiled for the 2027 general election.’

Emphasising internal cohesion, the party unanimously passed a vote of confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, affirming its full backing for their re-election bid alongside all other candidates produced through official primary processes for the 2027 polls.

‘We strongly believe that we have produced some of the most credible, acceptable, and prepared candidates to serve the people of Nigeria,’ the Chairman asserted, calling on Nigerians and party faithful to come out in mass to re-elect the President for a second term to consolidate ongoing reforms.

Prof. Yilwatda highlighted the party’s shifting electoral fortunes, noting that the NWC will henceforth ‘drive campaigns from the front’ in off-cycle and by-elections to spotlight the achievements of the current administration.

Pointing to recent electoral outings, the national chairman noted that the APC has broken new ground in areas traditionally considered opposition strongholds.

‘We are impressed with the excellent performance of our party, even in areas and states that traditionally were weak before,’ Yilwatda noted, citing historic senatorial victories in states like Delta and God’s state, alongside a dominant performance in recent by-elections where the party won four out of five contested seats.

The APC leadership also condoled with the government and people of Niger State following the tragic loss of 37 miners.

‘Our prayers and hearts are with the people of Niger State over that painful loss,’ the Chairman expressed.

Closing the briefing, Prof. Yilwatda expressed profound appreciation to the government and people of Borno State for their warm hospitality during the three-day event, while commending Nigerians nationwide for three years of organic support for the party and the Tinubu-led administration.

Responding to questions from newsmen, the APC National Chairman noted that their party remains the party to beat in the 2027 election, describing the opposition as ‘cut-and-join political parties.’

Meanwhile, the Jigawa State Academic Forum has endorsed President Tinubu and Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, for a second term in office.

The academics announced their endorsement during an interactive session with Governor Namadi at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Dutse, the state capital.

The forum, comprising academics from institutions of higher learning across the country, said the endorsement followed their assessment of the achievements of the Tinubu administration at the federal level and Namadi’s administration in Jigawa State.

Speaking after the meeting, Chairman of the Jigawa State Academic Forum, Prof. Haruna Birniwa, said more than 2,000 academics attended the gathering physically, while others were unavoidably absent.

He said: ‘Those of us here physically present, about 2,000 plus, and others who are unavoidably absent, make an unflinching support for our amiable President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Malam Umar Namadi to continue for a second term.’

During the interaction, Governor Namadi reviewed his administration’s achievements over the past three years in education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, economic empowerment and employment, in line with his administration’s 12-Point Agenda.

He also highlighted the policies and programmes of the Tinubu administration, which he said had impacted positively on the country and Jigawa State.

Speaking with journalists shortly after the endorsement, Governor Namadi said the meeting was initially planned to attract about 700 academics but more than 2,000 attended.

He said the large turnout demonstrated the academics’ interest in developments in the country and the state.

Namadi said: ‘After all the presentations we made to them, they were able to appreciate what Mr President has done for Nigeria and what he has done also for Jigawa State.

‘At the same time, they appreciated what we have done for Jigawa State. They were very happy with what we have done and they were also happy with the President.

‘So, at the same time, they endorsed both the President and myself for a second term. That is the climax of this meeting, and we really appreciate what they have done.’

The governor said the endorsement showed that the academics were following developments in the country and assessing the performance of the administrations objectively.

He assured the academics that his administration would continue to improve the lives of the people and would not disappoint those who supported its programmes and policies.

Also speaking, Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Alhaji Ibrahim Masari, described the endorsement as significant.

Masari said he was pleased that academics in Jigawa had expressed their support for President Tinubu and Governor Namadi.

He urged the academics to continue to engage with government and encourage both administrations to sustain and improve on their achievements over the past three years.