Category: The Nation – Nigeria

The wife of of Ikeja Local Government Chairman, Mrs. Fausat Dauda, has reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to promoting quality education and nurturing academic excellence among pupils within the council area.

She made this known while addressing participants and guests at the preliminary stage of the 2025 Spelling Bee Competition, held at the Ikeja Local Government Secretariat, Ikeja, yesterday.

Mrs. Dauda described the Spelling Bee as ‘a remarkable platform designed by the Lagos State Government to showcase the spelling skills, intellect, and confidence of pupils and students across the state.’

She announced that the winner of the primary school category would serve as One-Day Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, while the first and second runners up would assume the positions of Vice Chairman and Leader of the Legislative Arm respectively.

‘It’s a way to motivate them and let them know that excellence comes with responsibility and recognition,’ she added.

According to her, the competition, which had been inactive for some time but is now fully restored, represents ‘a celebration of language, learning, and the incredible dedication of our young learners.’

She explained that the Spelling Bee serves as a preparatory ground for pupils to face future academic challenges, in line with the directives of the Office of Education Quality Assurance, under the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.

Mrs. Dauda noted that each of the 20 Local Governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) across Lagos State is mandated to conduct the preliminary stage of the competition to select outstanding representatives for the state finals.

‘At Ikeja Local Government, we believe in transparency and objective representation. This is why our Education Department, in collaboration with the Quiz Team, visited each of the eight public primary schools to conduct the intra-school stage. The best three pupils from each school are the contestants you see here today,’ she said.

Mrs. Dauda urged the winners to give their best performances and embrace sportsmanship at the grand finale of the competition.

‘Not everyone can emerge as the winner. But every participant here today is already a champion. Those who do not win this time should take it in good faith, as greater opportunities will still come their way,’ she said.

She also used the occasion to highlight her husband’s administration’s recent educational support initiatives.

She recalled the ‘Back to School’ distribution exercise, during which school bags, notebooks, mathematical sets, and water bottles were given to pupils in public primary and junior secondary schools within the local government.

She explained that the gesture was part of efforts to cushion the effects of the current economic situation on parents, especially those of indigent pupils, and reaffirmed that more educational interventions were underway as dividends of democracy.

Mrs. Dauda expressed appreciation to teachers and education officers for their dedication to nurturing pupils and making the event a success, adding ‘We can see the impact of your hard work on these children. Beyond human appreciation, I believe the Almighty God will reward you abundantly.’

Miss Zainab Ismail, who emerged as the overall winner, said: ‘I feel good. My mummy gave me time to learn, and my auntie encouraged me.’

She thanked her family and teachers for their support and advised her colleagues to ‘keep studying hard and never give up.’

Rivers United have received a major boost ahead of the CAF Champions League group stage as the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo has been approved by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for use as the only pitch with the facilities to host CAF games.

The approval comes after CAF’s latest round of stadium inspections aimed at ensuring facilities across Africa meet international standards for safety, broadcast quality, and infrastructure.

This development means Rivers United will host their home fixtures in Uyo after their traditional ground, the Adokie Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, was declared unfit to stage CAF matches.

The Uyo arena-widely regarded as one of the finest in Africa-has consistently met CAF’s evolving requirements and has hosted several high-profile international and continental fixtures in recent years.

According to CAF’s updated list of approved venues, Morocco tops the continent with 12 approved stadiums, followed by South Africa (10), Algeria (7), Ivory Coast (6), and Egypt (5). Tunisia, despite its football pedigree, has only one approved venue, while several countries-including Sierra Leone, Sudan, and Zimbabwe-currently have none.

CAF officials are expected to continue inspections across the continent, with more venues to be added once they meet the confederation’s strict compliance standards.

The inclusion of the Godswill Akpabio Stadium highlights Akwa Ibom State’s consistent investment in world-class sports infrastructure and stands as a boost to Nigerian football’s continental image.

A new major policy requiring electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) to meet a minimum capital adequacy requirement to qualify for the renewal of their operating licenses is underway. The policy is aimed at addressing the capital adequacy requirement to strengthen the financial health and liquidity position of the utilities.

The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, made this known yesterday at the opening session of the Nigeria Energy Week 2025 which kicked off in Lagos at the Landmark Event Centre. The summit, organised by Informa Markets, has as its theme: ‘Powering Nigeria through Investment, Innovation, and Partnership.’

According to Adelabu, the sector continues to face challenges of under-capitalisation among several Distribution Companies (DisCos) and a severe debt burden.

‘As the tenure of their operational licenses approaches renewal, the government intends to introduce a minimum capital adequacy requirement as part of the license renewal process, to strengthen the financial health and liquidity position of the utilities,’ Adelabu said.

The minister also disclosed that prior to the coming of the present administration, Nigerians spent about N15 trillion on diesel and fuel to power their generators in a year because of unreliable public power services.

He, however, said that given the reforms of the President Bola Tinubu’s administration the narrative has changed as he claimed that there is better power provision currently.

Adelabu’s disclosure corroborates with the report of the National Bureau of Statistics which stated that the cost of petrol imports rose by 105.3 per cent to N15.42tr in 2024 from the N7.51tr recorded in 2023.

He therefore charged the private investors to invest more in the nation’s power sector, adding that the federal government alone does not have the capacity to fund all the investment needed to make very efficient.

The minister also used the occasion to give updates on critical infrastructure projects. He confirmed that contracts for the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI) Phase One have been signed, with the aim of adding 7,000MW of operational capacity to the grid. He also revealed that generation capacity has been sustained at an average of approximately 5,300MW in 2024, up from 4,200MW in 2023.

‘In parallel to the grid expansion, generation capacity is being expanded through the rehabilitation of existing NIPP plants to unlock about 345MW, alongside the successful integration of the 700MW Zungeru Hydropower Plant into the grid.

‘Collectively, these interventions have helped sustain an average generation capacity of approximately 5,300MW in 2024 up from 4,200MW recorded in 2023’.

The Minister disclosed further that the government has operationalized the Presidential Metering Initiative, with N700 billion already secured to deploy 1.1 million meters by the end of 2025.

He also noted that the unbundling of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) into two organisations: the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), which manages the operation of Nigeria’s electricity grid and coordinates the electricity market, and the Transmission Service Provider (TSP), which owns, maintains, and expands the physical transmission infrastructure marks a long-awaited and critical structural reform in the power sector.

Adelabu direct appealed for investment, emphasising that Nigeria’s power sector remains open and ready for business more than ever before. He pointed to the over 10 GW of stranded generation capacity as a critical opportunity, assuring stakeholders that market fundamentals are improving, policy environment is clear, and the national leadership is committed.

‘As we commence today’s forum, let me once again emphasise to our investors, financiers, and innovators that Nigeria’s power sector remains open and ready for business more than ever before. We recognize that achieving the scale of investment required to transform the sector requires greater private sector participation across the entire value chain, particularly in the transmission segment.

‘A useful reference is South Africa’s ambitious $25 billion transmission grid expansion initiative, which seeks private developers to deliver 14,000 kilometers of new power lines and connect over 59 GW of new capacity within the next 14 years. This is remarkable when compared to Nigeria’s Presidential Power Initiative (the Siemens project) valued at $2.3 billion.

‘In Nigeria today, we have over 10 GW of stranded generation capacity. Energy that could power industries, create jobs, and even support electricity exports to our neighbouring countries through the regional power pool. We are therefore open to strategic partnerships to mobilize the necessary investments and unlock this potential. Our market fundamentals are improving, our policy environment is clear, and the national leadership is committed to creating the enabling conditions for long-term investment and innovation,’ Adelabu said.

He also spoke of the comprehensive reform agenda for the sector since 2023, describing it as a multi-pronged approach to reposition the Nigerian power sector for sustainability, efficiency and growth.

He said: ‘This approach spans critical pillars which include legislation, policy reforms, infrastructure development, energy transition and access expansion, and local content and capacity development with each designed to address structural challenges, unlock private capital, and enhance service delivery across the electricity value chain.’

The Minister highlighted the Electricity Act 2023 as a foundational milestone, which has already granted regulatory autonomy to 15 states. On the policy front, he revealed that the first comprehensive, sector-wide policy in nearly two decades, the Integrated National Electricity Policy, has been approved.

He said: ‘This represents a clear shift towards a liberalized and investment-friendly electricity market. Since its passage, 15 states have received regulatory autonomy to establish subnational electricity markets with one fully operationalized. We are working actively with these states to ensure strong alignment between the wholesale market and the retail market. In this regard, we believe the active involvement of state governments, particularly in the off-grid segment is critical, given the series of roundtable engagements held with governors by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), as well as the ongoing efforts to closely track the Distribution Company (DisCo) performance within their respective jurisdictions.

On stabilisation of the market and sector commercialization, he said the government is deepening power sector commercialization to strengthen revenue, liquidity, and investor confidence. ‘Through tariff policy reforms which enabled cost-reflective tariffs for select consumers, supply reliability has improved while reducing energy costs for industries, and industry revenue has increased by 70 percent to N1.7 trillion in 2024 compared to previous year and the revenue is expected to exceed N2 trillion for 2025.’

To stabilise the market, he revealed: ‘Mr. President has approved a N4 trillion bond to clear verified GenCo and gas supply debts. Alongside this, a targeted subsidy framework is being developed to protect vulnerable households and ensure a sustainable path toward full commercialisation and viable industry,’ the minister concluded.

Tragedy struck along the Otedola Bridge, inward Berger-Ojodu corridor of Lagos, on Wednesday, following a violent collision between two heavy-duty trucks, leaving one driver critically injured.

The incident, which occurred involved a 14-tyre Scania truck loaded with tonnes of wheat and a 6-tyre Iveco mini-truck carrying cartons of Gala sausage rolls.

LASTMA said both drivers were locked in a reckless struggle for the Right of Way (ROW) before the fatal impact occurred.

Operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), led by the Director of the Incident Management and Enforcement Unit, Mr. Akeem Adeoshun, swiftly arrived at the scene to conduct rescue operations.

According to Adeoshun, the driver of the 14-tyre Scania truck sustained severe injuries to legs and head.

‘Our foremost duty in any rescue mission is the preservation of human life,’ he said, confirming that the victim was carefully extricated from the mangled vehicle with assistance from officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Nigeria Police Force before being rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent treatment.

He added that the magnitude of the crash necessitated the temporary closure of the expressway from Otedola Bridge inward Berger to allow for safe recovery operations. Rescue personnel and heavy-duty machinery were deployed to transload the truck’s contents and clear the wreckage. Normal traffic flow was restored after the successful evacuation.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, condemned the crash, describing it as ‘an avoidable tragedy that should never have transpired.’

He lamented the increasing recklessness among truck drivers who engage in dangerous manoeuvres and unlawful competition for the Right of Way, noting that such indiscipline continues to endanger lives and disrupt order on Lagos roads.

The Chairman and Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), has said the agency recorded 45,853 arrests of drug traffickers and users, secured 9,263 convictions, and seized over 8.5 million kilograms of assorted illicit drugs in the past 30 months.

He added that 26,613 drug users were counselled and rehabilitated in the agency’s treatment facilities nationwide.

Marwa said that the agency’s unwavering commitment to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda has yielded remarkable results in the ongoing war against drug abuse and trafficking.

He said said this on Wednesday, when he presented commendation letters and awards to 220 personnel for outstanding performance in the discharge of their duties while 15 senior officers were decorated with their new ranks.

Marwa further revealed that the agency carried out 9,848 sensitisation activities under its flagship War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, reaching schools, workplaces, markets, motor parks, worship centres, and communities across Nigeria.

‘These figures are not just numbers; they reflect the growing impact of our renewed intelligence-driven operations and the collective national resolve to make Nigeria a drug-free nation,’ Marwa stated.

He reaffirmed the NDLEA’s resolve to sustain the momentum, noting that the agency’s efforts are aligned with the Tinubu administration’s drive for a more secure, productive, and healthy society.

‘The fight against drugs is a fight for the soul of our nation,’ he said. ‘Our commitment remains total, and our results so far show that Nigeria is winning this battle, one community at a time.’

He commended operatives of the NDLEA for raising the momentum of the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking across the country in the past two and a half years of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

A 23-year-old woman has been arrested over alleged involvement in abduction and robbery of a businessman of ?24 million and his Toyota Highlander SUV in Nkwelle-Ezunaka in Umuoji in Idemili North local government area of Anambra state.

Police Spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga who disclosed this on Wednesday, said Okonkwo Onyinye, was arrested by Police operatives in collaboration with members of Agunechemba Security outfit.

He said the victim was forced into the boot of his vehicle after his abduction and driven to a bush and dumped after being dispossessed of the ?24 million.

Ikenga however revealed that the stolen vehicle with registration number RBC 649 CN was recovered while the suspect was assisting assisting with credible information to arrest her accomplices.

He said: ‘Anambra State Police Command operatives attached to the 3-3 Police Station, in collaboration with Agunechemba Security, Nkwelle-Ezunaka Unit, in the early hours of October 27, 2025, arrested one Okonkwo Onyinye, aged 23 years, a female accomplice in a reported case of armed robbery and kidnap incident.

‘The team also recovered a snatched Toyota Highlander SUV of the victim in Ogidi.

‘Preliminary information revealed that the victim was double-crossed by five armed men operating in a Toyota Corolla car at Nkwelle GRA Gate.

‘The suspects forcefully placed the victim in the boot of his vehicle and drove off to a bush in Umuoji Town, where they dispossessed him of his phone and transferred the sum of ?24,000,000 from his account before abandoning him and escaping with the vehicle.

‘Following the report, the Joint Security Team, acting on technologically driven intelligence, traced the movement of the suspects to Nawfia and subsequently to Ogidi, where the armed hoodlums engaged the operatives in sporadic gunfire before fleeing the scene.

‘Meanwhile, the Toyota Highlander, white in colour with registration number RBC 649 CN, was recovered and the female accomplice, Okonkwo Onyinye, was later arrested at the scene.

‘She is currently assisting Police detectives with credible information that will aid in the arrest of other fleeing gang members.

‘Furthermore, the Police have intensified patrols within the State, ahead of the Anambra State Governorship Election scheduled for November 8, 2025. Further developments will be communicated accordingly.’

The Social and Integral Development Centre (SIDEC) has begun mobilising traders across Anambra State to actively participate in the forthcoming governorship election. It said their involvement is crucial to achieving a higher voter turnout.

SIDEC noted that only 92,000 out of over 2.6 million registered voters participated in the 2021 governorship election-a figure the organisation described as worryingly low.

The group is currently implementing the Inclusive Mobilisation for Participation, Advocacy and Civic Transformation (Project IMPACT) in partnership with the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, with funding support from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (UK-FCDO).

Speaking during a voter education session at Ochanja Market, Onitsha, SIDEC’s Executive Director, Mrs Ugochi Ehiahuruike, stressed that good governance depends on the active involvement of citizens, not just elected leaders.

‘It is not their government but our government,’ she said. ‘We all must take ownership, and one way to do that is by casting our votes for candidates of our choice.’

Ehiahuruike urged traders not to stay away from the polls or allow a few voters to decide the future of the state.

‘November 8, 2025, is not a day for football matches or movie marathons. It is a day to decide the destiny of Anambra State for the next four years.

Even if you choose not to vote, those who do will determine our collective direction. Come out and be counted. INEC has assured that every vote will count-speak loudly with your voter’s card.’

She also appealed to candidates, supporters, and the electorate to maintain peace before, during, and after the election, stressing that development can only thrive in a peaceful environment.

Stardust Media Services Limited has rewarded outstanding children with cash prizes at the maiden edition of the Abuja Creativity, Innovation, and Nutrition Gathering, aimed at unveiling and nurturing the unique abilities of young Nigerians.

The event, themed ‘Igniting Creativity, Innovation and Nutrition for Young Minds in Nigeria,’ brought together over 1,000 children from schools and families across the Federal Capital Territory and other states.

Speaking at the colourful occasion, the Chief Executive Officer of Stardust Media Services, Queen Irene Onwuka, said the programme was designed to provide a platform for children to showcase their technical skills, inventive ideas, and nutritional awareness.

The carnival featured cultural dance performances, innovation exhibitions, traditional food displays, and a creative cultural march-past that celebrated Nigeria’s diversity and young talents.

The event climaxed with an award ceremony recognising exceptional young innovators. Igbabee Terkuma from Philips St. Dominik School, Makurdi, Benue State, emerged the overall winner in the Creativity category, receiving a star prize of ?1,000,000.

Chukuma Miracle of JSS Kuje Central, FCT, won ?500,000 as the first runner-up in the Nutrition category, while Isaac Oluwatobiloba Faloye received ?300,000 for his outstanding performance in the Innovation category.

Queen Onwuka expressed delight over the success of the event, describing it as a milestone in empowering children to think creatively, eat healthily, and dream boldly. She said the initiative was a step toward nurturing future innovators who will drive Nigeria’s growth and cultural vibrancy.

Dignitaries from the public and private sectors attended the occasion, including representatives from the Federal Ministry of Education, Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, FCT Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB), Niger State SUBEB, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Science and Technology, and the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on School Feeding.

Ivorian international Jonathan Bamba has stirred debate after omitting the Super Eagles from list of favourites for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

Despite Nigeria finishing as runners-up in the last edition hosted by Côte d’Ivoire, the AFCON 2023 winner, failed to shortlist the three-time African champions among likely to lift the trophy.

Speaking ahead of the tournament, the Lille forward backed his country to perform strongly despite the fierce competition expected at the continental showpiece.

‘I have an excellent feeling about it. The team is good, with a rotating squad. Despite the injuries, the team remains competitive. It’s great,’ Bamba said.

‘I don’t know if we are favourites, but I have a good feeling about this CAN.

‘We know the favourites – Senegal with its top players, Morocco also present, and Algeria too. But in this kind of competition, you may be the favourite, but it’s the pitch that speaks,’ he noted.

Bamba’s omission of Nigeria – finalists just months ago – has sparked mixed reactions among fans, who believe the Super Eagles deserve recognition after their impressive run at the last edition where they finished with the silver medal.

With the tournament drawing closer, his comments could serve as added motivation for Nigeria as they seek redemption and a fourth continental title in Morocco.

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has commissioned the faculty of social sciences lecture theatre and office complex at Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK).

The agency said it spent a N717,374,213.75 on both projects.

The Chairman of TETFund’s Board of Trustees, Aminu Bello Masari, commissioned the projects at the University campus in Keffi on Tuesday.

The new facility comprises 22 en-suite offices, four 200-seater lecture theatres, and 12 public conveniences.

Speaking during the commissioning, Masari said the projects were executed under the 2020/2021 merged annual intervention and aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The former governor of Katsina praised Nasarawa State University for its record of transparency and efficiency in implementing TETFund projects, saying that it was the third time TETFund was visiting the university to commission projects within two to three years.

He said: ‘It shows the institution’s resolve to ensure funds are judiciously used with verifiable results.

‘The fused Lecture Theatre and Office complex to be commissioned shortly is of the years 2020/2021 (Merged) Annual intervention, being hosted under the Faculty of Social Sciences, and completed at a total cost of N717,374,213.75. We are optimistic that this facility will aid teaching and learning in a comfortable environment, having been furnished and adequately equipped for that purpose.’

Masari said TETFund has recorded about 71 per cent completion of infrastructure-based projects across its beneficiary institutions between January and September 2025.

He also disclosed that since NSUK became a TETFund beneficiary in 2003, it has received over N12.7 billion for infrastructure-related interventions, noting that about 80 per cent of these funds have been accessed and the evidence of utilisation is visible all over this campus.

The new facility, he added, is expected to ‘aid teaching and learning in a comfortable environment, having been furnished and adequately equipped for that purpose.’

While urging the university to ensure proper maintenance of the building, Masari reaffirmed TETFund’s commitment to supporting innovation, ICT advancement, and sustainable power supply in tertiary institutions.

He also explained that the Fund had temporarily stepped down foreign training for lecturers due to high exchange rates and issues of abscondment but was focusing more on impactful local interventions.

‘We are optimistic that these special interventions will yield appreciable dividends soon,’ he said.

Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, said the project symbolised the agency’s determination to strengthen Nigeria’s tertiary education system.

Echono, who was represented by the Director of Monitoring and Evaluation at TETFund, Mr. Babatunde Olajide, said: ‘This event stands as a testament to our shared commitment to advancing tertiary education in Nigeria. We commend the university for its prudent utilisation of funds and timely completion of projects.’

He noted that TETFund remains aware of challenges caused by inflation and exchange rate volatility, which have affected project delivery timelines.

The executive secretary urged universities to prioritise maintenance.

Echono added: ‘As we commission this facility today, let us reaffirm our collective resolve to protect and maintain it to avoid deterioration. Together, we can ensure this investment yields dividends for generations to come.’

Vice-Chancellor of Nasarawa State University, Prof. Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, described the day as a momentous occasion in the institution’s history.

She acknowledged TETFund’s role in the university’s progress, while commending the transformative impact of TETFund projects in the university.

The vice – chancellor said: ‘These interventions have improved access to education and enhanced working conditions for our staff.

‘This magnificent structure has been proudly sponsored by TETFund. It will promote teaching, enhance research, and create a truly conducive environment for our students.’

She revealed that NSUK had recently been ranked Number One University in Nigeria for Quality Education by the 2025 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings under Sustainable Development Goal 4, thanking TETFund for ‘being a worthy partner in this remarkable achievement.’

Prof. Liman assured TETFund of NSUK’s continued transparency in managing intervention projects, appealing for more additional structures for Faculties, Lecture Theatres and Solar Power.

‘We remain deeply committed to accountability and due process in all our dealings,’ she said.

Also speaking, the Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, represented at the event by the State Commissioner for Education, Dr. John Mamman, commended TETFund for its sustained support to tertiary education.

He assured that the state will continue to give maximum support to the education sector.