Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has urged Nigerians to embrace unity and steer clear of factors that divide them.

Speaking on Wednesday at the Cenotaph, Asaba, during the ceremony marking Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary, Oborevwori highlighted the occasion as a moment to honour the sacrifices of the nation’s founding fathers, reflect on collective progress, and renew commitment to a prosperous future.

Represented by his deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, the governor said, ‘The true strength of Delta lies in its people. As we mark Nigeria’s independence, let us also embrace independence in our daily lives: independence from ethnic division and rivalry, independence from dependency by embracing hard work, enterprise, and creativity, and independence from forces that divide us by uniting under the common banner of One Delta.’

‘This day reminds us of how far we have come as a nation, and it also challenges us to focus on developing a paradigm shift to improve our focus on sustainable development.

‘Independence Day is a time to remember, to reflect, and to renew. We remember the sacrifices of our founding fathers and the many heroes who fought for the freedom we enjoy today. We reflect on our journey as a nation, the victories, the struggles, and the lessons. And we renew our commitment to the values of unity, peace, and progress.

‘I also thank every Delta person, both at home and abroad, for standing with this administration. Your support remains the strength behind our progress.

‘I join all Nigerians to congratulate His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on this anniversary. May God continue to guide him with wisdom and strength as he leads our country through thorny roads to prosperity and enduring peace and security.

‘Here in Delta State, we are working with focus and determination under the MORE Agenda. Our goal is simple: to improve lives, create opportunities, and secure the future of our children.

‘This administration is carrying out a sustained infrastructure development programme in the transport sector, especially in the areas of highway construction, flyover bridges, urban and rural roads development, drainage schemes, and waterways structures.

‘We are building bridges and repairing numerous roads, we have carried out urban renewal projects and improved flood control and drainage systems. These projects are connecting communities, opening up opportunities, consolidating economic bases, and making our towns and cities safer and more comfortable to live in.’

The governor believed that health is wealth, noting that the development had made it imperative to upgrade the state’s hospitals, improve primary health centres, and provide modern machines such as dialysis, CT scans, and 4D ultrasound scanners.

He further said, ‘Today, pregnant women, children under five, widows, and senior citizens enjoy free health care, while thousands more are covered under our health insurance scheme.

‘In education, we are investing in our young people. We want to prepare them for the digital age by creating ICT hubs and training centres that will make Delta a leader in technology and innovation. At the same time, we are supporting the vulnerable through job creation programmes and social welfare schemes. Here in Delta State, we are determined that nobody will be left behind.

‘My dear people, what we see today is progress. It is proof of your resilience and the hard work of the government. Democracy allows criticism, but let us focus on constructive ideas that will build our State, not dwell on negativity that tears it and our people down.’

He appealed to the people to continue their support for this administration and not to be distracted by those who parade themselves as critics but thrive on mischief.

He added, ‘Such voices, often sponsored by vested interests, seek only to take advantage of our resilience and tolerance. We must not allow them to derail our collective progress. We are on the right path, and with your steadfast support, we will go even further.

‘The journey ahead is still long, but together we are heading towards sustainable progress, having a happy populace confident of their hopes for a better tomorrow. But the government alone cannot build the Delta of our dreams.

‘The primary responsibility of any government is to safeguard the lives and property of its citizens. This duty is even more compelling today. Since assuming office, we have pursued peace and security with great commitment, and I can say with confidence that our initiatives have recorded remarkable success, notwithstanding a few challenges.

‘Today, our waterways are safe and open for navigation and commerce. We continue to work closely with all security agencies to sustain the peace and stability we currently enjoy. I wish to sincerely thank our people, especially the youths and the various security agencies in the State, for their steadfast support in our collective pursuit of peace and security.

‘With the support of traditional rulers, religious leaders, the private sector, public servants, civil society, and every citizen, Delta will continue to rise. Our future is bright, and with unity and determination, we will achieve it. To our youths, I say: use your energy for positive ventures.’

The occasion featured an inspection of the Guard of Honour, march past by military and paramilitary agencies.

It was also well attended by top government functionaries, traditional rulers, among others.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that Nigeria is ‘racing against time’ to address decades of underinvestment in power, roads, and infrastructure.

In his 65th Independence Anniversary broadcast on Wednesday, the President defended his administration’s tough reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy and unification of foreign exchange rates, insisting that the country has ‘turned the corner’ towards recovery.

Tinubu acknowledged the hardship Nigerians are facing but assured that his government is channelling resources into education, healthcare, security, and critical infrastructure to secure a prosperous, self-reliant future.

President Bola Tinubu says Nigeria’s founding fathers envisioned the country as a global leader of the black race, given its vast human and material potential.

ý

ýThe President stated this on Wednesday during a televised address on Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.

ý

ýHe paid tribute to national icons such as Herbert Macaulay, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, and Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

ý

ýOther heroes mentioned include Sir Ahmadu Bello, Margaret Ekpo, Anthony Enahoro, Ladoke Akintola, Michael Okpara, Aminu Kano, and Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti.

ý

ý’Today marks the 65th anniversary of our great nation’s Independence. As we reflect on the significance of this day and our journey of nationhood since October 1, 1960, when our founding fathers accepted the instruments of self-government from colonial rule.

ý

ý’Let us remember their sacrifice, devotion, and grand dream of a strong, prosperous, and united Nigeria that will lead Africa and be the beacon of light to the rest of the world.

ý

ý’Our founding heroes and heroines-believed it was Nigeria’s manifest destiny to lead the entire black race as the largest black nation on earth.’

ý

ýTinubu acknowledged Nigeria’s path since independence has been shaped by deep social, political, and economic challenges.ý

‘While we may not have achieved all the lofty dreams of our forebearers, we have not strayed too far from them.’

ý

ýHe noted that in 65 years, Nigeria has made measurable progress in economic growth, infrastructure, and national cohesion.

ý

ý’Although, it is much easier for those whose vocation is to focus solely on what ought to be, we must recognise and celebrate our significant progress.’

ý

ýTinubu highlighted key improvements in education, healthcare, and access to opportunities across the country.

ý

ý’Nigerians today have access to better education and healthcare than in 1960. At Independence, Nigeria had 120 secondary schools with a student population of about 130,000.

ý

ý’Available data indicate that, as of year 2024, there were more than 23,000 secondary schools in our country.

ý

ý’At Independence, we had only the University of Ibadan and Yaba College of Technology as the two tertiary institutions in Nigeria. By the end of last year, there were 274 universities, 183 Polytechnics, and 236 Colleges of Education in Nigeria, comprising Federal, State, and private institutions.’

ý

ýHe reflected on Nigeria’s turbulent history, while commending its resilience and shared spirit through decades of challenges.

ý

ý’Our country has experienced both the good and the bad times in its 65 years of nationhood, as is normal for every nation and its people.

ý

ý’We fought a bitter and avoidable civil war, experienced military dictatorships, and lived through major political crises. In all these, we weathered every storm and overcame every challenge with courage, grit, and uncommon determination.’

ý

ýTinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to unity, inclusion, and progress for all Nigerians.

ý

ý’We will continue to strive to build a more perfect union where every Nigerian can find better accommodation and find purpose and fulfilment.’

Kaduna-based NNL side, Ranchers Bees FC, will continue their build up to the upcoming Nigeria National League season with friendly games with EFCC and City FC in Abuja .

As part of their meticulous preparations, the team has scheduled two high-profile pre-season friendly matches in Abuja with the test game against EFCC FC coming up on October 4th before the tie with City FC the following day.

The game would help to fine-tune the team skills and build team cohesion ahead of their NNL opener against Gombe United in November.

The team’s top hierarchies, backed by Super Eagles striker Sadiq Umar and Lawmaker Bello El-Rufai, have spared no effort in providing the necessary resources to ensure a smooth transition into the new season.

With Sadiq Umar’s decade-long experience playing professional football in top European leagues, including Croatia, Italy, Holland, Serbia, and Spain, the team is poised to showcase a high level of professionalism.

Football enthusiasts in Kaduna State and beyond can expect an exciting season from Ranchers Bees FC, as they aim to make a strong impression in the NNL.

Victor Osimhen last night scored the winner as Liverpool slumped to a shock 1-0 Champions League defeat to Galatasaray as the Nigeria International’s 16th-minute penalty handed the Turkish giants victory.

The English champions were punished for the latest in a series of poor performances in Istanbul as they suffered back-to-back defeats for only the second time under Arne Slot.

Liverpool were beaten for the first time this season at Crystal Palace on Saturday, but a series of late winners have masked an unconvincing start since a summer transformation of the squad that strolled to the Premier League title last season.

Slot responded by leaving Mohamed Salah and £125 million ($168 million) signing Alexander Isak on the bench among four changes.

The Dutchman was scathing in his assessment of Liverpool’s first-half performance at Palace as only Alisson Becker prevented an embarrassing half-time score.

However, Slot got little in the way of a response in another disjointed display from his array of star names.

Galatasaray had been thrashed 5-1 at Eintracht Frankfurt to start their Champions League campaign.

The Turkish champions are a far more formidable force on home soil, though, and made the most of Liverpool’s defensive deficiencies.

Slot’s decision to play midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai at right-back backfired.

Baris Alper Yilmaz gave the visitors a warning of the threat down Galatasaray’s left when he failed to beat Alisson when one-on-one with the Brazilian.

Liverpool should have led just seconds before they fell behind.

Hugo Ekitike was denied by Ugurcan Cakir as he tried to round the goalkeeper and Ismail Jakobs cleared Cody Gakpo’s follow-up effort off the line.

Galatasaray swiftly broke upfield and Yilmaz was awarded a soft penalty for a stray Szoboszlai arm into the Turkish international’s face.

Osimhen had previously seen a Champions League penalty saved by Alisson, but this time converted the resulting spot-kick.

Florian Wirtz has struggled badly to deliver on his £100 million price tag and is still waiting for his first Liverpool goal after his effort was turned behind by Cakir, while Ibrahima Konate headed just off target from a corner before half-time.

Konate’s poor form has been a major factor in the Reds’ defensive issues at the start of the season and the Frenchman nearly cost his side a second goal early in the second half.

Alisson saved his teammate’s blushes with another save from Osimhen but at a cost as the Liverpool number one suffered an injury sprinting off his line and had to be replaced by Giorgi Mamardashvili.

Slot introduced Salah and Isak on the hour mark, but Liverpool were still an impotent attacking force.

Isak fired tamely into the arms of Cakir with his first touch.

The closest the visitors came to a response was when French referee Clement Turpin initially pointed to the spot by a foul on Konate, but overturned his decision after a VAR review.

UCL: Yesterday’s Results

Atalanta 2-1 Brugge

Kairat 0-5 Madrid

Atletico 5 -1 Frankfurt

Bodø / Glimt 2-2 Tottenham

Chelsea 1 -0 Benfica

Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool

Inter 3-0 Slavia Prague

Marseille 4 -0 Ajax

Pafos 1-5 Bayern

AIICO Insurance Plc, a trailblazer in Nigeria’s insurance industry, has bagged the Outstanding Insurance Company of the Year award at the 2025 MARKETING EDGE Brands and Advertising Excellence Awards held in Lagos.

This recognition marks the third consecutive year that AIICO has been celebrated at the prestigious event, reinforcing its stature as a leading composite insurer that continues to define excellence in the marketplace.

In 2023, AIICO was named ‘Insurance Company of the Decade’, followed by another top industry honour in 2024, before emerging this year’s Outstanding Insurance Company of the Year.

The organisers of the award noted that AIICO’s selection was based on its sterling performance and the remarkable positive impact it continues to make on the Nigerian financial services industry.

The company’s consistency in delivering value to customers, while driving innovation and service excellence, has positioned it as a brand of choice across generations.

Speaking on the recognition, Head of Marketing and Communications, at AIICO Insurance Plc, Mr. Segun Olalandu said the recognition affirms their strength and relevance in the marketplace.

At AIICO, we will not rest on our oars. We remain intentional about delighting our customers, meeting their needs, and surpassing their expectations with innovative solutions and superior service. This latest award further strengthens AIICO’s long-standing reputation as a trusted brand and a consistent leader in Nigeria’s insurance sector, he said.

The Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) has unveiled the ISO 37003:2025, Fraud Control Management System, noting that this is a powerful instrument to strengthen transparency, accountability and good governance in Nigeria,

The SON Director-General, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke said, the ISO 37003 2025 is a standard that provides a globally recognised framework for preventing fraudulent activities before they occur, detecting fraud efficiently when it arises, and responding decisively to ensure accountability by minimising damage.

More importantly, it fosters a culture of integrity by embedding fraud prevention into the very DNA of organisational operations.

Dr. Okeke spoke at the official launch of ISO 37003:2025, fraud control management system in partnership with British Standards Institutions BSI, in Abuja, stating that for the public sector, adoption of this standard will enhance transparency and accountability, reduce leakages, and rebuild public confidence. For the private sector, it will serve as a mark of integrity, signalling to partners and investors that Nigerian companies operate with the highest standards of governance.

He said: ‘For the economy as a whole, its widespread adoption will help improve Nigeria’s global rankings, attract foreign direct investment. SON is fully committed to ensuring that this standard does not remain on paper but is implemented effectively.’

He added that SON will roll out awareness campaigns, provide training for implementers and auditors, and establish a credible certification scheme. This he said is not a task for SON alone, it requires the active commitment of leaders in the public sector, captains of industries, professional bodies, and civil society organisations.

Convener, ISO/TC309/WG8, Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor, said the 37003 of 2025, which is a fraud control management system is the guardians for organisations managing the risk of fraud, this is intended to promote standard, not only in this country, but internationally. He explained that the making of ISO 37003 started on the sidelines of ISO TC 309 plenary in Sydney, Australia in November 2018.

‘There was awareness of fraud risks in organisations and existing fraud controls within the organisations, including internal fraud, whistleblowing, code of conduct, anti-fraud policies, fraud training, and management reviews to mitigate the impact of fraud.

‘With the existence of these internal mechanisms and statutory regulations, there was a clear need for an ISO standard dealing with fraud control. Research findings from the literature published by reputable sources show that fraud costs the global economy about $4 trillion per year. The chief executive of the Strategic Institute of Forensic Examiners puts it at $4.7 trillion a year, so it is increasing,’ he said.

He added that this Amounts to a total loss of seven per cent in the annual turnovers of the organisations. Based on the findings, the leadership of TC309 in 2022 approved the proposal and established Working Group 8 to develop a fraud control management system standard. After going through all the different stages of development, of working draft to committee draft, draft international standard to final draft international standard, the document was published as an international standard on 29th May 2025.

Sixth Gamathon, Africa’s convention for video games and immersive media, has opened in Lagos, bringing together innovators for a week of creativity and economic opportunity on October 4, it is the finale of a regional tour that has taken in Kenya, Ghana and South Africa.

Speaking on the theme, ‘Bridge’, Convener of Africacomicade, Michael Oscar, said it is aimed at connecting talent, investors and firms in Africa’s creative technology sector.

‘The regional tours in Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa have shown the huge talent and potential on the continent. Gamathon Nigeria 2025 creates bridges between regions and sectors while setting pathways for youth empowerment, jobs, and growth,’ he said.

The event features workshops, studio tours and networking, with exhibitions in video games, animation, extended reality and digital fashion. A highlight will be the pitch competition for PC and mobile game developers, offering a $2,000 prize pool and direct access to investors.

Insurance companies have paid over N180 billion claims to restore businesses and compensate for loss of lives in the country in the first nine months of 2025.

A major chick of the claim costing N82.5 billion was paid to Brittania-U, a Nigerian indigenous petroleum company.

This marks a major feat for the nation’s insurance industry.

Brittania-U operates in the Ajapa marginal field and owns the FPSO Britannia UI, which experienced a significant fire incident in July 2024 of which its claim was filled.

Speaking at the 2025 Annual Seminar for Insurance Journalists in Abeokuta, Ogun State, the Commissioner for Insurance, National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), Segun Omosehin said these payments were a feat and a testament that insurance companies actually pay genuine claims, as against public misunderstanding about capacity of insurance in Nigerians.

Using N1,500 to a US dollar, Omosehin disclosed that the company had earlier filled a N108 billion ($72m dollars) claims to the insurance industry, which was later adjusted to N82.5 biillion and was dispatched accordingly.

He stated that the company had earlier paid N255 million, equal to $170,000 dollar as premium to underwrite the business, a figure that underscores the relevance of risks pooling in protecting business and entities.

He, however, said the N180 billion include big-ticket payments to policyholders who encountered losses during the period, aside other pockets of smaller claims paid by insurance operators in the country.

He stressed that the commission has maintained a hardline stance on any operator who refused to pay genuine claims in the country.

Claims payment is a priority for us in the commission and we are pursuing it with all the commitments it requires, he said.

As the world braces for a looming crisis in aquaculture feed, a group of bright Nigerian students is stepping forward with a solution that could reshape the future of fish farming. Students from Adiaha Obong Secondary Comprehensive School in Akwa Ibom State have captured national attention after winning the Ibom Innovation Challenge with their groundbreaking project, the Remote Fish Farming Monitoring System.

Their achievement comes against the backdrop of a sobering report by global financial services provider Rabobank, which has raised alarm over the growing shortage of fishmeal and fish oil-two key ingredients critical to the survival of the global aquaculture industry.

According to the report, titled Hooked on Scarcity, the supply of these marine-based feed ingredients is under severe strain as demand continues to outpace natural production.

Aquaculture, already one of the fastest-growing food sectors in the world, consumes nearly 90 percent of global fishmeal and about 70 percent of fish oil.

With production of salmon, shrimp, and other aquaculture staples expected to rise by 12 million metric tonnes by 2033, Rabobank warned that scarcity could begin as early as 2028, threatening both food security and livelihoods worldwide.

Against this global challenge, the young innovators in Uyo are offering hope. Known as the ‘Adisco Great Tech Innovators,’ the team’s winning project was showcased during the Akwa Ibom Tech Week 2024, where it captured the imagination of judges and audiences alike. The Remote Fish Farming Monitoring System is designed to help fish farmers oversee and control their ponds from a distance, using digital tools to track feeding, water quality, and fish health. By reducing waste and increasing efficiency, the system has the potential to make local aquaculture more resilient and sustainable-an innovation with implications far beyond Nigeria.

‘This project is not just a student experiment. ‘It is a practical response to a real problem. The new question for the youth is not ‘what do you want to become?’ but ‘what problem do you want to solve?’ These young people have answered that question brilliantly.’ said President , Ibom Innovation Network, Engr. Hanson Johnson, the organisation behind the challenge.

The Ibom Innovation Challenge, which has become a hub for nurturing grassroots technological solutions, rewarded the students with a N250,000 cash prize to further develop their idea. In addition to the financial support, members of the Ibom Innovation Network paid a celebratory visit to the school, recognising the team’s ingenuity and reaffirming the state’s commitment to fostering innovation among young people.

The Team leader, Mfoniso Patrick described the win as a turning point in her personal and academic journey. ‘This project has sparked a new interest in the world of technology for me.We started with just an idea, and now we see that it can solve real problems faced by farmers in our community. That is exciting,’ she said.

The Principal Mrs. Theresa Paulinus praised the students for their dedication, calling the achievement a reflection of both their determination and the school’s commitment to nurturing talent. ‘This victory is a testament to what our young people can achieve when they are encouraged to think critically and work together,’ she said.

Teacher and mentor Effiom Ekpo, who guided the team, added: ‘We are very proud of them. They have shown that innovation is not limited to big cities or universities-it can come from anywhere, including a secondary school classroom in Akwa Ibom.’

The breakthrough comes at a time when Nigeria, like many countries, is grappling with how to scale up fish production to meet growing demand. The country is one of the largest aquaculture producers in sub-Saharan Africa, but farmers often face challenges ranging from high feed costs to poor pond management. Observers say the innovation has symbolic value as well. It demonstrates how local ingenuity, when given the right support, can tackle challenges of global scale. While the Rabobank report paints a grim picture of looming shortages, the success of the Adisco team suggests that part of the solution may lie in empowering local communities to innovate.

The Ibom Innovation Network is already looking ahead, encouraging more students to join the movement. Plans are underway for the next Akwa Ibom Tech Week, scheduled for November 3-8, 2025. Organizers say they expect even greater participation from schools, startups, and young inventors, further cementing the state’s reputation as a hub for technological creativity.