Category: The Nation – Nigeria

The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) have met to strengthen their efforts in improving safety and emergency response on Nigerian roads through the Motor Third Party Insurance Scheme.

A statement made available to journalists stated that this development follows a courtesy visit by the FRSC Corps Marshal Shehu Muhammed to the Commissioner for Insurance Mr. Olusegun Ayo Omosehin at NAICOM Headquarters.

During the meeting, NAICOM said, the Corps Marshal congratulated NAICOM on the signing of the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA) 2025 and acknowledged the Commission’s efforts in driving reforms in the industry.

‘He emphasised the need for enhanced data exchange between NAICOM and FRSC to develop a robust system for quick response to road accidents and compensation. The Corps Marshal also stressed the importance of digitising the process for prompt emergency response and eliminating fake motor insurance policies.

‘The Commissioner for Insurance, in his response, thanked the Corps Marshal for the visit and commended his efforts in upgrading the licensing system.

He highlighted that NIIRA 2025 has strengthened the compulsory third-party motor insurance policy and established a fund for compensating road accident victims, which will be administered by a committee that includes FRSC representation.

‘The Representative of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Mr. Ajodi Nuhu Nasir expressed profound satisfaction at the collaborative efforts among the agencies, noting that this synergy will culminate in a robust system that not only safeguards our roads but also ensures prompt and quality medical treatment for accident victims, thereby reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with road crashes.

The meeting culminated in agreements such as Data Sharing Integration where NAICOM and FRSC will integrate their data sharing systems to enable seamless information sharing; and Joint Awareness Campaign where the agencies will develop a joint awareness campaign strategy to educate the public on insurance benefits and road safety. Others are Enforcement Committee where a joint committee will be established to collaborate on enforcement of proper insurance coverage and address cases of fake insurance policies; and Inclusion of Insurance Requirements: FRSC will include insurance requirements, especially for valid third-party motor insurance, in its awareness and enforcement efforts’, the statement read.

The collaboration aims to promote road safety, ensure prompt treatment for accident victims, and protect the interests of motorists and other road users. A date will be announced for the inauguration of the joint committee.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has rescheduled the planned arraignment of Senator Andy Uba and Benjamin Etu in the alleged N400 million fraud case for November 6.

Uba and Etu were to be arraigned yesterday but for the absence of the judge, Justice Mohammed Umar, who was said to be sitting at another division of the court outside Abuja.

With the agreement of lawyers in the case, officials of the court rescheduled the arrangement for November 6.

The judge, on September 24, threatened to issue a bench warrant for the arrest of Uba, the former Senator representing Anambra South, should he fail to appear in court on October 28.

The threat to issue bench warrant was informed by an application by the prosecuting lawyer, Aminu Abdullahi, that the court should compel UBA to attend court.

Uba’s lawyer, C.F. Odiniru pleaded with the judge to reject the prosecution’a request for a bench warrant.

Odiniru attributed Uba’s continued absence to ill health.

In count one of the two-count charge, Uba, Etu and Hajiya Fatima now at large, are alleged to have, sometimes in 2022 conspired amongst themselves to commit the offence.

Uba and others were accused of obtaining by false pretence, by making a presentation to Mr George Uboh that they had perfected ways for the appointment of the Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to any interested persons who could afford N400 million.

Uboh, in a letter dated April 5, 2023, and addressed to the I-G, said the petition was based on documentary and voice recording.

According to Uboh, the evidence is overwhelming and irrefutable.

No fewer than six witnesses had been listed to testify against the ex-lawmaker and Etu.

Sir: The recent inauguration of 13 new Emirates by the Bauchi State governor, Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has once again drawn public attention – and criticism – over the government’s misplaced priorities. While palaces are rising and traditional titles multiplying, the essential pillars of society – education and health – are collapsing in silence.

Across the state, schools are falling apart. Children sit on bare floors; many classrooms have broken roofs and no learning materials. Some teachers go months without proper teaching aids. In many rural areas, pupils still learn under trees. In the same state, hospitals are struggling. Patients sleep without proper attention, drugs are scarce, and healthcare workers operate under poor conditions. Yet, huge sums of money are being spent on building palaces, buying luxury vehicles, and hosting ceremonies for newly appointed Emirs.

The painful truth is that Bauchi State has lost its sense of priority. Instead of investing in classrooms and hospitals – the real engines of human progress – the government appears focused on showy projects that do not improve the lives of ordinary citizens.

Development is not about how many palaces, flyovers, or investment summits a state can boast of. True development is about people – about children who can read and write, mothers who can give birth safely, and youths who can find meaningful opportunities to work and dream.

Bauchi’s government has spent billions on projects that have little or no direct impact on the common man. The creation of new emirates, the establishment of BAROTA, and the organization of investment summits may look impressive on paper, but they fail to address the deep problems facing education and healthcare in the state.

When schools are weak and hospitals are sick, no amount of ceremony can cure the pain of the people. The citizens of Bauchi deserve better – they deserve policies that place human development at the centre of governance.

Leadership is not about titles or thrones; it is about service. A true leader is a servant of his people – one who listens, understands, and acts in their best interest. Sadly, the current administration has repeatedly placed prestige over purpose.

The essence of democracy is simple: a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. When government actions stop reflecting the needs of the people, democracy loses its meaning.

As the next election approaches, the people of Bauchi must think deeply about their choices. We need leaders who will prioritize human welfare over political glory – leaders who will invest in books before crowns, and hospitals before ceremonies.

Our state does not need more Emirs; it needs more educated minds, more healthy families, and more opportunities for its youth. Bauchi can only rise again when our classrooms are alive with learning, our hospitals are centres of healing, and our leaders remember that power belongs to the people.

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal (AVM)Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has said air power pressure would be on terrorists such that they won’t have the time to plan attacks.

Aneke said the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) under his watch would keep the insurgents running without time to think or plan, assuring that he would lead a versatile, disciplined, and lethal service.

‘I use the word lethal in a professional sense because a man running from you will not have the time to plan to hurt you,’ he said.

A statement Wednesday by the Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI), Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the CAS gave the assurances during his confirmation before the National Assembly.

Ejodame said the Air Chief stressed that his leadership would be anchored on training, technology, safety, and strategic innovation, emphasising that ‘true military power is not measured by brute force but by superior intellect and adaptability.’

‘The new CAS vowed to build an Air Force that responds swiftly, strikes precisely, and acts intelligently across all spectrums of military operations, a force defined not only by strength, but by precision, professionalism, and purpose,’ said the DOPRI.

Aneke’s confirmation followed his nomination by President Bola Tinubu in accordance with Section 18(1) of the Armed Forces Act, Cap A20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.With this confirmation, he legally succeeds Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, joining other Service Chiefs as a member of the Armed Forces Council.

Lawmakers at the confirmation session praised AVM Aneke’s depth of experience, operational leadership, and intellectual grounding.

They particularly commended his tenure as Air Officer Commanding, Mobility Command, where he improved strategic airlift capability, strengthened joint operations, and enhanced the

NAF’s responsiveness in complex security environments. His leadership in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations was also lauded for its critical role in shaping Nigeria’s counter-insurgency efforts and internal security outcomes.

Beyond the individual merit of his appointment, AVM Aneke’s confirmation carries constitutional and strategic significance. Constitutionally, it reinforces the principle of civilian oversight in military leadership and underscores the National Assembly’s role in ensuring transparency and democratic accountability within the Armed Forces. Strategically, it marks continuity and confidence in a leadership transition aimed at consolidating NAF’s modernisation drive, expanding airpower projection, and deepening civil-military trust.

A scholar and strategist, AVM Aneke is a graduate of the United States Air War College, Montgomery, Alabama, and holds multiple advanced degrees, including Master’s degrees in Strategic Studies, International Affairs and Diplomacy, and Political Economy and Development Studies. With more than 4,300 flight hours across several aircraft types, he stands among Nigeria’s most accomplished pilots and forward-looking airpower professionals.

The confirmation session was witnessed by key dignitaries, including the Honourable Minister of Defence, Dr Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, and the Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters, Senator Basheer Lado. As he assumes office, AVM Aneke’s message to Nigerians is clear: the Nigerian Air Force under his command will be swift in action, precise in strike, and intelligent in execution, a force built not merely for power, but for purpose, protection, and progress.

The Chairman of the NEPAD Business Group Nigeria (NBGN), Bashorun J. K. Randle, has reaffirmed the pivotal role of the private sector in driving Africa’s transformation under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), ahead of a high-level business forum scheduled for Thursday, October 30, 2025, at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Themed: ‘Mobilising Africa’s Private Sector for AfCFTA towards Africa’s Economic Development Amid Global Uncertainty,’ the event will bring together leading voices from government, business, and development circles to explore how private sector innovation and investment can accelerate intra-African trade and industrial competitiveness.

Speaking ahead of the Forum, Randle emphasised that unlocking the continent’s full economic potential hinges on the active participation of private enterprises.

He said: ‘The private sector remains the engine of Africa’s transformation. Through this Forum, we aim to build actionable strategies that will strengthen Africa’s economic resilience, promote cross-border trade, and ensure inclusive prosperity for all.’

According to NBGN, the Forum will serve as a platform to promote partnerships and facilitate practical dialogue on the private sector’s role in achieving sustainable and inclusive economic growth across Africa. Discussions will focus on ‘policy alignment, trade facilitation, investment promotion, value-chain development, and industrial cooperation’ among African economies.

The event is expected to attract participants from federal and subnational government ministries, departments, and agencies, as well as financial institutions, regional economic communities, chambers of commerce, business associations, development partners, and captains of industry from across the continent.

Organisers said the outcomes of the Forum would inform policy formulation and implementation frameworks designed to enhance regional trade integration and support Nigeria’s long-term development goals. The deliberations are also expected to contribute to the realization of Nigeria’s Agenda 2050, the African Union’s Agenda 2063 (The Africa We Want), and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The NEPAD Business Group Nigeria (NBGN) is a private sector-led platform dedicated to advancing the objectives of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD).

The Group works to promote sustainable economic growth, regional integration, and public-private partnerships across Africa. It serves as a bridge between government, business, and development partners, driving investment, trade, and industrialisation initiatives that align with Africa’s long-term development agenda.

Oyo State governorship hopeful on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Adewale Kareem (AKK), has announced plans to present copies of his new book, Our Realistic Tomorrow, to prominent traditional rulers in Oyo State by December.

The announcement follows the hosting of his Town Hall Meeting, Book Launch, and Fundraising in Doonside, Sydney, Australia – an event that drew Yoruba leaders, professionals, and community figures from New South Wales.

Kareem lauded Nigerian Association of New South Wales, Odua Group, Newcastle Muslim Brothers, and other community bodies for support. He said the gathering is a blend of cultural pride, intellectual dialogue, and shared vision.

According to him, the book, his roadmap for sustainable development and people-centred governance, will be presented to Olubadan, Alaafin of Oyo, Soun of Ogbomoso, and others ahead of Oyo State AKK Town Hall Meeting and Book Launch, in January.

‘Our mission is not only politics; it’s about purpose, vision, and unity,’ he said. ‘Our fathers will be first to get my book because their blessings and guidance are central to the progress of the state and realisation of our dream.’

Dr. Kareem also revealed that following the success of the Sydney event, similar engagements would be held in Western Australia, the United States, and Canada before June 2026, targeting members of the Oyo and Nigerian diaspora to further strengthen the movement.

The Doonside event, characterized by rich cultural displays and robust discourse, also served as a rallying point for supporters of the ‘Oyo 2027 Project,’ with participants pledging moral and financial commitment to the cause.

Dr. Kareem, widely respected for his humility and vision, reaffirmed that the slogan ‘Aseyori ni tiwa’ – meaning Success is Ours remains the driving spirit of his campaign for a more united, progressive, and prosperous Oyo State.

About Dr. Adewale Kolapo Kareem (AKK)

Dr. Adewale Kolapo Kareem is a scholar, community leader, and development advocate with a record of excellence in both public service and the private sector. A native of Oyo State, he is deeply committed to promoting education, innovation, and inclusive governance.

His book, Our Realistic Tomorrow, presents a comprehensive blueprint for Oyo State’s socio-economic transformation. As the APC’s 2027 gubernatorial aspirant, Dr. Kareem’s campaign is anchored on accountability, infrastructure renewal, job creation, and human capital development – guided by his conviction that ‘good governance must be felt, not just promised.’

Arsenal pair William Saliba and Gabriel Martinelli have been ruled out of today’s Carabao Cup fourth-round tie against Brighton.

Defender Saliba was forced off at half-time of Sunday’s 1-0 Premier League win over Crystal Palace, while forward Martinelli limped down the tunnel after coming on as a second-half substitute.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta, who confirmed Riccardo Calafiori, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka will be available to face the Seagulls, is unsure how long the duo will remain sidelined.

Asked about Saliba, Arteta replied: ‘He’s out. We are assessing him but he won’t be involved in this match.’

Speaking of Martinelli, the Spaniard said: ‘It looks as well he’s going to be out.

‘We have to do some more tests and see the extent of the injury but this game is going to be too early for him.’

The loss of Martinelli adds to Arsenal’s attacking issues, with Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus already unavailable due to injuries.

‘In the front line, that’s where we have more difficulties with Noni out, with Kai out, with Gabi Jesus out, with Gabi Martinelli out as well,’ Arteta, who plans to rotate his squad, said. ‘That’s the area where we have to be more careful, more conscious, because we don’t have that many options.

‘We are going to try to manage the load as good as possible, to make sure that the players are fresh, they can compete really well, and the team can maintain the level that it is showing.’

Victory over London rivals Palace left Arsenal four points clear at the top of the Premier League, with seven wins, a draw and one defeat from nine fixtures.

Arteta is embracing the optimism around the club.

‘That’s what we want,’ he said. ‘When our people are excited and you see that the team is competing at the level consistently, they are the right reasons to believe.

‘If you want to win big trophies, you certainly have to install that feeling amongst the team, the club, and around it.

‘We are in a really good position at the moment but we know how early it is and how difficult every game is.’

English League Cup Fixtures

Arsenal vs. Brighton

Liverpool vs. Crystal Palace

Swansea versus Man City

Wolves vs. Chelsea

Newcastle United vs. Tottenham

The Abia chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed reports that the Federal High Court issued an order compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to investigate or prosecute the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha.

The party’s Legal Adviser, Vigilus Nwankwo, described the claims as politically motivated, aimed at discrediting the minister ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In an interview monitored on Arise News, Nwankwo clarified that the court merely granted Amobi Ogah an order of leave, a procedural approval to apply for an order of mandamus, and not a substantive order directing INEC to act.

He said: ‘The court is yet to make any order compelling INEC. What was granted was only an order of leave for him to apply for an order of mandamus. He is yet to apply for that order, so it has not been granted.’

The APC legal adviser stated that the suit was part of a wider political scheme to weaken Onyejeocha’s growing influence within Abia politics, describing it as a pre-emptive move ahead of future elections.

‘All this tango is coming because of the future elections in 2027. The Minister is being targeted because she remains the face of the APC in Abia and enjoys strong grassroots support,’ Nwankwo said.

Nwankwo further maintained that the basis of the suit had already been settled during the 2023 election litigation process. He explained that both the Tribunal and the Court of Appeal made no findings against Onyejeocha when Ogah challenged her election victory.

According to him, the present case amounts to issue estoppel, as it seeks to reopen a matter already determined by a competent court. He added that the Court of Appeal’s decision to void the election was based on technical grounds, specifically the non-presentation of polling agents as witnesses, rather than any allegation of forgery.

Onyejeocha said she remains focused on her responsibilities in President Tinubu’s administration under the Renewed Hope Agenda and will not be distracted by politically motivated claims.

It had been widely reported that a Federal High Court in Abuja granted a member of the House of Representatives, Amobi Godwin Ogah, leave to compel the INEC to prosecute the Minister of State for Labour, Onyejeocha, for alleged forgery of election results in 62 polling units during the 2023 general elections.

Justice M.G. Umar of the Abuja Federal High Court, in his ruling dated September 23, 2025, on an ex-parte motion brought by Ogah, said he was satisfied that the applicant had placed relevant materials in his affidavit to warrant the judgment.

Onyejeocha had dragged Ogah, representing Isikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia State, to the National and State Houses of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal after the 2023 elections, claiming victory.

But Ogah accused her of forging the results she tendered before the tribunal and Onyejeocha eventually lost the case.

Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will grow by four per cent, and the Naira will further strengthen in 2026, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has projected.

Director, Research and Economic Policy Division, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Dr. Oluwasegun Osidipe, who made the projections yesterday in Lagos at a news conference on the 2025 MAN Think Tank Session, also projected sustained decline in inflation, and improved access to credit in 2026.

He predicted these projections on favourable oil prices, rising foreign investments, stable energy costs, and the effective implementation of key industrial and fiscal policies.

Osidipe said the projections, if actualised, would lead to higher manufacturing output.

He said: ‘For manufacturers, naira is projected to appreciate further to N1, 300 to N1, 400 per dollar, driven by global oil price recovery, stronger external reserves, robust export earnings, increased foreign investments, and remittance inflows.

‘Headline inflation will decelerate further to 14 per cent, supported by easing food prices, stable energy prices, and appreciation of the naira.

‘The Central Bank of Nigeria is anticipated to implement further cuts in the benchmark interest rate to about 23 per cent, in line with disinflationary trend, and to stimulate credit expansion and output growth.

‘Further reduction in lending rates and completion of the bank recapitalisation exercise will enhance credit availability to manufacturers, strengthening investment and capacity utilization’.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that Osidipe said that for manufacturing output, real growth was projected to reach 3.1 per cent while contribution to real GDP was expected to rise to 10.2 per cent.

He, however, said the expected gains will be propelled by the effective execution of new tax laws’ incentives, operationalisation of the National Single Window Project, and purposeful implementation of the Nigeria Industrial Policy in close alignment with the ‘Nigeria First’ policy framework.

Osidipe said overall GDP growth was expected to reach four per cent in 2026 due to higher oil output and further improvement in fiscal space.

He added that expansion in financial and manufacturing sectors, and heightened consumption during the election campaigns in fourth quarter 2026, would also spur GDP growth.

Vice Chancellor of Augustine University, Ilara-Epe, Prof. Anthony Akinwale, has urged government to support private universities.

Speaking at a briefing to herald the seventh convocation, Akinwale said 148 students would get first degrees, while 21 would receive diplomas.

He said 22 had first-class honours, 57 in second class upper, 57 in second class lower and 12 in third class division.

The vice chancellor lamented exclusion of private universities from Tertiary Education Trust Fund, and others..

‘If we want to build a nation, we must build education. Unfortunately, government has not sufficiently invested in university education, public or private. We need to spend more on education spend on running government.’

He said we need more universities, contrary to belief the nation had too many. ”Our population of over 230 million warrants more institutions.”

Chancellor of Crescent University, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, also urged Tertiary Education Trust Fund support for private universities, to boost academic performance.

Gambari, who spoke at the institution’s 17th Convocation, where 667 students graduated for 2024/2025 session, said governments should also waive taxes for private universities. He lamented that most of them were struggling to survive due to the high costs of goods and services caused by removal of fuel subsidy.

He cited an instance where monthly electricity bill, about one million naira two years ago, rose to over N20 million.

Gambari stressed that costs for security, solar energy, water, Internet and WiFi subscriptions, library resources, and other overheads have increased.

He emphasised that the quality of education provided by private universities in the country cannot be overemphasised, especially in bridging the widening gap of admission-seeking youths, where government or state-owned institutions are unable to admit them. He appealed to the Federal Government to view private universities as partners in progress rather than merely revenue generators.

The Chancellor cited an instance where the university’s monthly electricity bill, which was around One Million Naira two years ago, has now risen to over N20 million. He emphasised that costs for the provision of security, solar energy, a constant water supply, internet and WiFi subscriptions, library resources, and several other overheads have significantly increased.

Gambari said: ‘I charge the Federal Government to include private universities in TETFUND. It should find ways and means to support private universities through competitive research grants and ensure that such support is spread across the six geopolitical zones in the country. Let me conclude by stressing that the government should see private universities as partners in progress rather than money spinners.

‘It is therefore apposite to propose to the Federal, State and Local Governments, a tax waiver for private universities, given their huge contributions to human capital development of Nigerian citizens. Many of these academic institutions are overburdened and struggling with financial difficulties. The government should value their social responsibility and the value they add to their communities.

‘At this juncture, attention of government must be drawn to the challenges private universities encounter daily. For instance, our monthly electricity bill alone at Crescent University, which used to be around One Million Naira two years ago, is now over N20m.

This includes the provision of security, solar power, a constant water supply, internet and WiFi subscription, library resources, and several other overheads. It is the responsibility of the constituted authority to ensure that private universities survive for the good of society.

‘Contributions of private universities to the nation’s development cannot be overemphasised. They have, no doubt, closed to an appreciable extent, the widening gap of admission-seeking youths in our country. These institutions have also substantially contributed to the provision of quality education at the tertiary level in Nigeria. The quality of private university graduates is seen in the performance of Crescent University alumni who replicated their exceptional academic performance in European and American universities with distinctions and PhD grades at the Master’s level.’

The Vice Chancellor of Crescent University, Prof. Ibraheem Gbajabiamila, also appealed to the FG to urgently extend the benefits of TETFUND grants and projects to private universities across the country. He expressed regret over the large amount of money spent by the administrative body of the institutions to run school activities during these current economic hardships.

Gbajabiamila, who congratulated the overall best graduating students for the 2024/2025 academic session, Ganiyu Feranmi of the Bola Ajibola College of Law, said that the school had, over the years, provided excellent brains in various fields of endeavours celebrated within and outside the country for their contributions to research and human development.

He said that the university had continued to uphold zero tolerance for examination malpractices, indecent dressing, cultism, drug abuse, anti-social vices, among the students, while urging parents to counsel their children on the importance of being law-abiding, and challenging the graduands to confront challenges head-on through hard work and innovation in order to achieve greatness in life.

Earlier, the Proprietor and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Crescent University, Prince Muhammad Ajibola, emphasised that his late father, Prince Bola Ajibola’s legacy, continues to motivate the management to enhance the academic performance of students through advanced learning in modern technology, innovations, and research to make them exceptional in their respective fields.