Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Kiddwaya, son of billionaire Terry Waya has revealed that his ‘occupation’ is living off his dad’s wealth and enjoying life to the fullest.

The BBNaija star said he’s a man of leisure, not interested in work or business and prioritises having fun and travelling with friends.

In a podcast appearance on ‘Off The Record’, Kiddwaya said his idea of living life to the fullest involves waking up, deciding on a destination, and partying with friends.

According to him, he’s unapologetic about living off his dad’s wealth and says he’s giving the world ‘the truth they want to hear’, that he’s a rich man’s son living life to the fullest.

He said: ‘What I do for a living is that I wake up, I decide what destination I want to fly to, I go that destination, I’m with my boys and girls and have fun; we drink, eat, and party. And we repeat.

‘I’m a man of leisure. My view on life is live it to the fullest. I’m not interested in working. I can tell you I am into oil and trade but that is not my truth. It was my truth before, trying to figure out how to tell the world what I do. The world is not trying to hear that. So, I’m giving them my truth and also the truth they want to hear, which is I am a rich man’s son and I’m living my life January to January. I’m having fun.’

Kiddwaya also shared his views on marriage, saying he’d marry someone who shares his love for fun and doesn’t plan to change his lifestyle.

He claims to ‘work hard’ to maintain his integrity and family’s reputation by avoiding scandals, arguing that many would misuse his privileges if they were in his shoes.

MEYER PLC, paint manufacturer, has upskilled painters and others, in an interactive and empowernent outing, called the Painters’ Forum, in Lagos. It brought together painters from Abeokuta, Ibadan, Lekki, Badagry, and others.

The event served as a platform for the company to deepen its relationship with painters while unveiling innovations in its product range.

Managing Director, Henshaw Nwaorgu, introduced the firm’s latest product, Meyer Sleek Emulsion, and highlighted modern safety practice for painters as part of the company’s 2025 technical update.

Nwaorgu noted that the Meyer brand had undergone improvement over the years, assuring that the company would attain the apex of quality and customer satisfaction.

‘Meyer paints have improved, and this progress will not stop until we achieve the highest quality and ensure full satisfaction,’ he said.

He lauded painters for their loyalty and contribution to the company’s growth, describing them as ‘indispensable partners’ in Meyer’s success story.

The interactive session saw Technical Head, Makendi Ayodeji; National Sales Manager, Curtis Adekunle; and Eniola Kehinde engage participants on issues from product performance and safety standards to marketing strategies and the firm’s wall-satin paint.

Participants took part in a gift bonanza and lucky-dip, where winners got protective gear, tools, and other items.

A beneficiary, Mr. Ola, a Meyer user, described the forum as ‘one-of-a-kind.’ Having won a modern spray machine, he praised the brand’s quality and affordability, noting that his new tool now enables him to complete a three-hour job in just ten minutes.

Other participants lauded the forum for its practical insight, strong networking, and demonstration of Meyer’s commitment to uplifting the painting profession in Nigeria.

An Osun East Senatorial District aspirant, Francis Olaniyi, has lauded the conferment of award of honorary Fellow of the Centre for Leadership and Management on the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, by the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), in recognition of what it called his exceptional contributions to national development, public service and visionary leadership.

The conferment took place at the university auditorium during the institution’s first Distinguished Lecture and Conferment of Award Ceremony, organised by the UNILORIN Centre for Advancement.

Olaniyi, who was at the event to felicitate the former Osun State governor, congratulated him on the honour bestowed on him by the institution.

Olaniyi, the Majobaote of Ipetu Ijesa, said: ‘The award is a well-deserved one. It’s a recognition of our leader’s selfless service to the people of Nigeria. It’s a recognition of his sterling performances in the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.”

Olaniyi, whose political structure is popularly known as Ijoba Federal, told the audience that naming the centre after the minister was a good step in the right direction,

‘The minister is working effectively to transform the country’s blue economy into sustainable national development,’ he said.

The ceremony featured unveiling of Adegboyega Oyetola Centre for Blue and Regenerative Economy, established by the university to promote research, innovation and sustainable development in Nigeria’s maritime sector.

The centre was named in honour of the minister for his role in advancing the nation’s blue economy agenda.

Delivering the maiden Distinguished Lecture titled: ‘The Nexus between Blue Economy and Higher Education for Sustainable Development in Nigeria’, Oyetola described the blue economy as a transformative pathway for sustainable national growth, driven by the responsible use of ocean, sea and inland water resources..

The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, has urged Nigerians to remain resolute in protecting the rights of women and the girl-child.

Abubakar made the call yesterday during a high-level town hall meeting on promoting peace and security through women’s inclusion and access to justice, in Sokoto.

The meeting, organised by Global Rights in collaboration with UK International Development and The Kukah Centre, served as a platform for inclusive dialogue on the interlinking issues of peace, justice, and women’s participation in conflict response and recovery.

Abubakar, represented by the District Head of Gagi, Alhaji Sani Umar, emphasised that Gender-Based Violence (GBV) has become a growing phenomenon that requires an all-inclusive approach, describing it as a grave offense against humanity.

‘We must stand for women. They are our mothers, wives, and daughters. Violating their rights is a violation of humanity, and protecting them is non-negotiable.

‘ It is evidently clear that ending GBV in Sokoto and Nigeria is possible, and the path is clear for all of us.

‘Moreover, women are peacebuilders and community-oriented; they remain the foundation of our brighter future,’ he said.

Abubakar commended the state government for its sustained efforts in including more women in decision-making processes, noting that such initiatives have continued to yield positive results.

He also appreciated Global Rights and its partners for organising the meeting and urged participants to take full advantage of the opportunity to strengthen the initiative’s success.

In her remarks, Mrs Abiodun Baiyewu, Executive Director of Global Rights, expressed concern that the North-West region continues to face persistent security challenges.

‘In the face of insecurity and violence, women continue to demonstrate resilience, sustaining families and building communities.

‘Their experiences and leadership are of immense value, yet they continue to suffer various forms of violence.

‘ Women’s participation in peace and security processes, as well as their access to justice, remain very limited,’ she said.

Baiyewu stressed the need to change societal perceptions about women, urging communities to recognise women as agents of peace, security, and justice.

She called on the participants to use the dialogue as a platform to promote inclusion, equity, and justice for sustainable peace in the North-West and across Nigeria.

Also speaking, Mr Cliff Gai, Senior Programme Manager, UK Integrated Security Fund (UK ISF), described the meeting as a strong demonstration of commitment to promoting access to justice in Sokoto and across the country.

‘This gathering is not just a meeting but a strong commitment to promoting community participation in ensuring justice and addressing all forms of violence in our society,’ he said.

The Kogi West FGYB Legacy Group, comprising stakeholders from the seven Local Government Areas of Kogi West Senatorial District, has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for re-election.

The endorsement is contained in a communique at the end of a strategic meeting held in Kabba, Kogi State, on Saturday, October 11, 2025.

The communique was signed by its Drafting Committee Chairman, Kingsley Olorunfemi Fanwo; Secretary, Tanko Mohammed; and Member, Shaibu Ipinmisho on behalf of the group.

The stakeholders unanimously passed a vote of confidence in President Tinubu, citing his bold economic reforms, efforts towards energy stability, and massive infrastructural development across the nation.

They pledged over 90 percent of the votes from Kogi West Senatorial District in future elections, in recognition of his people-oriented leadership.

The meeting commended Ododo for his impactful leadership and remarkable achievements in infrastructure, education, healthcare delivery, agriculture, youth and women empowerment, and humanitarian development.

The stakeholders particularly lauded the governor’s strategic approach to tackling security challenges across the State, especially in Kogi West, and for fostering peace and stability in all communities.

The meeting applauded the Governor for his ongoing and completed projects across Kogi West Senatorial District.

These include: including massive projects at the Kogi State University, Kabba, the Model Secondary School, Okebukun, and the Township Road reconstruction projects in Mopa and Ayetoro Gbede.

The stakeholders commended the take-off of projects at the U.K-funded College of Education (Technical), Mopa.

They expressed deep appreciation for the Governor’s personal visit to troubled areas and his efforts in ensuring security in the Senatorial District.

The group called on traditional rulers, community leaders, and citizens to support government efforts towards restoring and sustaining peace across Kogi State.

They reaffirmed their unwavering support for the administrations of President Tinubu and Governor Ododo, pledging to mobilize citizens in support of government policies.

The meeting commended security agencies for supporting Governor in ensuring security in District. Local hunters also commended for complementing security agencies in Kogi West.

The stakeholders resolved that leaders of every LGA in Kogi West should mobilize people to participate in Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), and commended the stakeholders’ turnout.

Earlier, during the meeting, the APC Chairman, Kogi State, Hon. Abdullahi Bello, said party is for progressive people with loyal leaders.

He commended former Governor Yayaya Bello raising people at the grassroots and laid a solid foundation for the incumbent Gov Ahmed Ododo to build on.

He emphasised that APC stakeholders meeting would strengthen the party in the state and the country at large.

Bello urged members to be focused and united, and beware of inexperienced and self-centered politicians.

The APC Chairman commended President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for Nigerians urged party members sustain support for Tinubu and Gov. Ododo.

The Commissioners: for Education, Hon. Wemi Jones; for Finance and Budget Planning, Hon. Asiwaju Idris; and for Environment and Ecological Management, Hon. Olusegun Joseph, spoke on behalf of Kabba-Bunu, Yagba East and Yagba West respectively, lauded Gov. Ododo and President Tinubu’s unprecedented achievements.

The meeting was attended by all Commissioners, LG Chairmen, Assembly members, Federal Lawmakers and all former and present political appointees from Kogi West, as well as former Sen. Smart Adeyemi.

Other Signatories for each of the seven LGAs are: Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, Speaker, Kogi State House of Assembly – Lokoja LGA; Cdr Jerry Omodara rtd, State Security Adviser – Kabba/Bunu; and Dr. Mrs Folashade Ayoade – Secretary to the State Government – Yagba East.

Others include: Hon. Kingsley Fanwo- Commissioner for Information and Communications – Mopamuro LGA; Engr. Bashir Gegu, Commissioner for Solid Minerals – Kogi LGA; Engr. Olusegun Joseph, Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management – Yagba West; Dr. Helen Adeniyi, Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology – Ijumu LGA.

Rapper Erigga has stated that the ongoing feud between colleagues Odumodublvck and Blaqbonez is detrimental to the hip-hop scene.

In an interview on Yanga FM, Erigga claimed the beef is creating tension and forcing other rappers and fans to take sides.

According to Erigga, fans are partly to blame, as they ‘like it when rappers fight.’

He argued the feud is giving hip-hop a bad image and allowing outsiders to criticise the culture.

He added that the focus should be on celebrating hip-hop achievements, rather than fueling conflicts.

‘Nigerian fans like it when rappers fight. The ongoing beef between Odumodublvck and Blaqbonez is bad for the culture because it enables people who don’t love our culture to bring in their crazy opinions.

‘Beef isn’t really good for the music business, especially for hip-hop. It brings traction but it doesn’t help the culture. Blaqbonez and Odumodublvck are beefing, they’re both my close colleagues so the room now is a bit tensed.

‘People are hyping their beef not because they love hip-hop but because they love to see artists fight. When last did you see them celebrating hip-hop achievements? They only come around when the culture is heated. This their fight is beyond rap beef.’

Erigga acknowledged that rap battles are part of hip-hop, but thinks the current beef is causing more harm than good.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved major changes in the leadership of the Armed Forces, appointing new Service Chiefs in a decisive move aimed at strengthening national security architecture.

According to a statement on Friday by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Chief Sunday Dare, the President named former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Olufemi Oluyede as the new Chief of Defence Staff, replacing General Christopher Musa.

Major-General W. Shaibu has been appointed Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke takes over as Chief of Air Staff, while Rear Admiral I. Abbas is the new Chief of Naval Staff.

The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye, retains his position.

All appointments, the statement said, take immediate effect.

President Tinubu, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, expressed deep appreciation to the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff, General Musa, and other retired Service Chiefs for their ‘patriotic service and dedicated leadership’ during their tenure.

He charged the newly appointed military heads to justify the confidence reposed in them by demonstrating ‘enhanced professionalism, vigilance, and comradeship’ in the discharge of their duties.

The shake-up in the military hierarchy comes as part of ongoing efforts by the Tinubu administration to reposition the security sector, improve coordination among the services, and sustain momentum in the fight against terrorism, banditry, and other security challenges across the country.

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has said that the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy recognised the importance of seafood trade not only as an economic activity but also as a source of animal protein and a driver of industrial linkages.

He said the government was working towards achieving national self-sufficiency in fish production through increased public and private sector investment, improved aquaculture and marine fisheries infrastructure, enhanced capacity building for operators and regulators, and the adoption of modern technology and continued collaboration with stakeholders.

Royal Norwegian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Svien Baera, renewed the call for the inclusion of stockfish and its head in the list of goods with zero import duty to make it affordable in the country.

Baera urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the sustainability of the sector through the zero import duties on stockfish due to the low quota of cod (the primary fish for stockfish) and its subsequent price increase fundamentally due to the forces and demand and supply.

In a keynote presented during a one-day Interactive seminar between stakeholders and regulatory authorities involved in stockfish and seafood import and export trade in Nigeria organised by Norwegian Seafood Council at Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, he said the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has intensified efforts to strengthen the policy and institutional framework for the development of fisheries and aquaculture.

Represented on the occasion by the Director of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Dr Mr. Wellington Omoragbon, the minister said key policy instruments such as the Marine and Blue Economy Policy, National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy, the Fisheries Bill, Draft Fisheries Management Plan and the Marine and Blue Economy Strategy and Implementation Plan which have been developed to ensure responsible management of fisheries resources and to promote competitive and sustainable seafood production and trade in Nigeria.

He said in recent years, the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has intensified efforts to strengthen the policy and institutional framework for the development of fisheries and aquaculture. Key policy instruments such as the Marine and Blue Economy Policy, National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy, the Fisheries Bill, Draft Fisheries Management Plan and the Marine and Blue Economy Strategy and Implementation Plan which have been developed to ensure responsible management of fisheries resources and to promote competitive and sustainable seafood production and trade in Nigeria.

According to the minister, the focus of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is to increase domestic fish production through aquaculture expansion and improved marine fisheries management; strengthen regulatory compliance for fish with import and export to ensure quality, traceability, and conformity with international standards; ensure that fish consumed or sold in Nigeria is safe for consumption and does not pose any health risk to consumers through regular food safety tests conducted in our ISO 17025-accredited laboratory; and establish a National Residue Monitoring Laboratory for aquaculture fish to ensure continuous monitoring of chemical and antibiotic residues in line with international requirements for export certification. Others are to establish a National Fish Terminal to serve as a central hub for fish landing, processing, cold storage, and distribution, thereby reducing post-harvest losses and enhancing quality assurance; and strengthen capacity building for fisheries officers, fisherfolks, and fish farmers through training, extension services, and technical support.

He said: ‘While Nigeria continues to import fish to meet domestic demand, the long-term vision is to achieve national self-sufficiency in fish production through increased public and private sector investment, improved aquaculture and marine fisheries infrastructure, enhanced capacity building for operators and regulators, and the adoption of modern technology and continued collaboration with stakeholders.

‘Efforts are also being directed towards strengthening the cold chain system, promoting value addition through fish processing and packaging, improving access to quality feed and seed, developing functional hatcheries, expanding extension services, and facilitating access to finance for fish farmers and entrepreneurs.

‘Furthermore, the Ministry is partnering with development partners such as World Bank, research institutions, and coastal communities to promote innovation, ensure environmental sustainability, and enhance data-driven planning for fisheries and aquaculture development. In addition, the Ministry is also working to ensure that fish is affordable and available for the ordinary Nigerian.

‘The Ministry is equally working towards streamlining seafood import and export processes, thereby reducing administrative bottlenecks, and ensuring regulatory harmony through collaboration with relevant agencies such as NAFDAC, SON, the Nigeria Customs Service, and the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, as well as through the National Single Window platform and the digitalization of the entire fisheries and aquaculture processes.’

According to Oyetola, under the Blue Economy framework, government is implementing measures to strengthen monitoring, control, and surveillance systems to address Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing; promote private sector investment in aquaculture and fisheries infrastructure; upgrade fish handling, processing, and certification systems to meet international export standards; and enhance collaboration with international partners on research, innovation, and digitalization of fisheries management.

The minister acknowledged the fact that the government alone cannot do everything. Therefore, partnership and collaboration are needed. ‘Let me emphasize that the government’s efforts alone will not be sufficient to achieve the desired outcomes. Stakeholders must continue to cooperate with regulatory authorities, comply with established standards, and support the implementation of government policies and programmes. I encourage all stakeholders to freely express their concerns and share practical suggestions that will enable the government to address existing challenges and strengthen the regulatory environment.

‘I reaffirm the commitment of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to the development of a sustainable, efficient, and inclusive seafood value chain that will contribute to national food security, employment generation, and economic growth. Working together, we can transform Nigeria’s fisheries and aquaculture sector into a globally competitive industry that not only feeds our people but also advances the national Blue Economy,’ Oyetola said.

The Norwegian envoy said Nigeria remained one of its largest markets in the world, adding that government intervention would help drive affordability among the large consuming population.

‘Nigeria is consistently one of the largest importers of Norwegian stockfish in the world. It is an important part of the Nigerian kitchen.

‘What started as a trade relationship many decades ago has now grown into something mutually beneficial. This is not just a story of commerce; it is a story of cultural exchange.

‘Both our nations share a strong commitment to sustainability to ensure that our oceans continue to provide for generations to come.

‘As part of this responsible approach, we have in recent years seen a reduction in cod quotas, reflecting the need to protect fish stocks and support long-term marine health.

‘Unfortunately, this necessary reduction has led to increased prices for both stockfish and stockfish heads, impacting both producers and consumers.

‘Hence, we respectfully appeal once again for zero import duty on stockfish heads as a meaningful step towards ensuring continued accessibility and affordability for Nigerian consumers,’ Baera said.

Also speaking on the occasion, both the Director of Africa, Norwegian Seafood Council, Mr Johnny Haaberg, and Fisheries Consultant to Norwegian Seafood Council, Ms. Abiodun Oritsjemine Cheke also supported the envoy’s call for zero-duty on the importation of fish head to promote the health of Nigerians.

‘We try to share our knowledge about aquaculture and management of fisheries, also with Nigeria, and we have been doing that for many years, and we think the cooperation is very good.

‘We have been raising the issue of zero duties for stockfish imports because we think the Nigerian consumers deserve better access to cheaper stockfish heads.

‘Actually, we would wish to have more stockfish heads and stockfish at a good price to offer to the Nigerian market.

‘But because of the lowering of our quotas, the exporters that are here, they sell everything they have, and they are not able to access more,’ Haaberg said.

Ms. Cheke said Norway is ready to increase the training of local fish farmers in the country to increase local export opportunities.

‘In the coming year, we will embark on the training of fish farmers and government officers in fisheries in the sustainability aspect and the documentation aspect of the trade.

‘Nigeria’s product is banned from international trade simply because of documentation, sustainability and quality assurance.

‘So, with this, we intend to leverage it to complement the last training we did for the fish farmers and fisheries officers.

‘And we are also appealing to the Federal Government that stockfish, especially the heads, is for everybody and is about the cheapest protein in Nigeria.

‘Stockfish heads should be placed on zero per cent import duties for a 150-day period, like the other staple foods. We are also praying for our appeal on zero per cent to be heard and for stockfish heads,’ Cheke said.

MTN Nigeria yesterday reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening business ties between Nigeria and South Africa.

The techco gave the assurance at the economic diplomacy roundtable held at the MTN Rooftop in Lagos, to promote people-to-people collaboration.

Themed: ‘Africa’s Twin Engines: How Nigeria-South Africa Relations Can Position Africa as a Global Middle Power,’ the event brought together policymakers, business leaders, and government officials. It was convened under the auspices of South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) with support from the Lagos State Government.

Speaking at the event, Lagos Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, described the state as Africa’s commercial nerve centre, stressing that stronger South Africa-Nigeria ties were vital for the continent’s collective growth.

South Africa’s Deputy Minister of DIRCO, Thandi Moraka, called for practical collaboration between the two nations, adding that both countries must turn shared aspirations into concrete policies and opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

MTN Nigeria CEO, Karl Toriola, said the roundtable was designed to move from dialogue to action by identifying cross-border projects that will boost trade and innovation.

Key outcomes from the session include plans to launch a Nigeria-South Africa standards and e-certification pilot under AfCFTA; establish a digital payments corridor for SMEs, and create a talent mobility framework for shared digital skills.

The roundtable underscored MTN’s ongoing commitment to driving regional integration, trade facilitation, and sustainable growth across Africa, the company stated in a release last night.

Leaders of the All Progressives Congress in Auchi community, Etsako West Local Government have presented Hon Abubakar Igbei as its consensus candidate for next year’s local government elections in Edo State.

The Edo APC primaries for local councils’ election have been scheduled for November 2025.

A leader of the APC in Auchi , Chief Jim Garuba, Daodu of Usogun Village, who spoke in an interview, said the consensus to pick Igbei was arrived at a stakeholders meeting attended by members of other political parties.

He said the stakeholders agreed to woo Governor Monday Okpebholo and other leaders of the party to accept their consensus candidate.

Chief Garuba described Hon Igbei as an established politician with a strong track record of community service.

According to him: ‘Uzairue has already secured the senatorial seat through Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, the APC state chairman, and has also received other key appointments.

‘We have remained ardent supporters of the APC and all her candidates including Comrade Senator Adams Oshiomhole and Governor Monday Okpebholo.’