Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Three major labour unions in Kaduna State have suspended their planned warning strike sequel to Gov. Uba Sani’s approval for the implementation of the new national minimum wage and the consequetial adjustments for local governments workers across the state.

The unions are: The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), and the Medical and the Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN).

The unions announced this at a joint press briefing in Kaduna on Thursday in Kaduna.

It was addressed by the unions’ leaders, Rayyanu Turunku for NULGE, Ibrahim Dalhatu for NUT and Umar Fatika (MHWUN).

They described the Governor’s action as a demonstration of empathy, fairness, and commitment to workers’ welfare.

They expressed happiness that the gesture would also include the workers under State Universal Education and the Primary Healthcare Boards, with effect from October 2025.

‘The governor’s decision to implement the new wage structure amid fiscal constraints shows compassion, sincerity, and respect for the dignity of labour,’ the unions said.

The unions also applauded the administration’s efforts in transforming the education and healthcare sectors.

They cited the renovation and modernization of classrooms across all 23 local government areas, the approval of the 65-year retirement age or 40 years of service policy for teachers, and the refund of over ?500 million in ENDWELL savings deductions as major milestones.

The workers further praised the restoration of monthly ENDWELL contributions, noting that the welfare scheme provides critical support for teachers and their families.

They commended the government’s correction of check-off dues and the successful staff verification exercise that improved accountability across the public service.

In the health sector, the unions lauded Governor Uba Sani’s reforms, including the revitalisation of 255 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs), establishment of 23 PHC Centres of Excellence, and the recruitment of 1,800 health workers annually for the next five years.

They also acknowledged the implementation of the 2024 CONMESS and CONHESS salary scales, and Kaduna’s emergence as the 2024 Primary Healthcare Leadership Challenge Champion for the North West Zone.

The labour leaders equally commended the governor for launching 100 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to provide free transportation for workers and students, describing the initiative as a timely measure to cushion the impact of fuel subsidy removal and reduce living costs.

Reaffirming their commitment to peaceful engagement, the unions pledged continued collaboration with the Kaduna State Government to consolidate the progress recorded under the Uba Sani administration.

‘We call on our members to reciprocate the government’s goodwill through dedication, discipline, and professionalism,’ they stated.

They expressed confidence that Sani’s leadership would continue to promote workers’ welfare and strengthen the partnership between government and labour in the state

Victor Osimhen has been named in a short-list of 10 for the prestigious CAF Men’s Player of the Year for 2025 following an announcement by the continental soccer ruling body.

The forward who grabbed a brace for Galatasaray as the Turkish giants whipped Norwegian side, Bodo/ Glimt 3-1in their UEFA Champions League tie at the Rams Park last night, will fight for the coveted individual continental award with nine other outstanding players including comprised of Andre Frank Zambo-Anguissa(Cameroun) , Fiston Mayele (DR Congo), Mohamed Salah (Egypt) , Denis Bouanga (Gabon), Serhou Guirassy(Guinea) , Achraf Hakimi (Morocco), Oussama Lamlioui (Morocco), Iliman Ndiaye (Senegal) and Pape Matar Sarr (Senegal) .

Osimhen, proud winner of the award in 2023, displayed imperious performance in his first season at Galatasaray as he helped the Turkish giants to a domestic double of Turkish Sper Lig title and Turkish Cup .He personally finished as the league’s top scorer with 26 goals in 30 games. He has equally showed his proficiency in national team colours and remarkably scored a hat trick as the Super Eagles decimated The Cheetahs of Benin 4-0 in their last group qualifier to secure a place in the African Play-Offs towards qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup .

Apart from Osimhen, Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali and Flying Eagles captain Daniel Bameyi have been nominated for this year’s continental awards.

While Nwabali is in the running for the Goalkeeper of the Year, Bameyi is in the reckoning for the Young Player of the Year after he led the Flying Eagles to the Round of 16 of the 2025 U20 World Cup in Chile.

Meanwhile, Osimhen’s rich vein of form continued last night after scored twice and contributed to another as Galatasaray recorded their second successive Champions League win in comfortable fashion against Bodo/Glimt.

The 26-year-old striker grabbed his first half brace in the 3rd and 33rd minute and assisted Yunus Akgun after the break to seal back-to-back wins in the competition for the first time since December 2012.

His double last night also meant he became the first Galatasaray player to score in seven consecutive games in major European competitions, breaking the mark set by Burak Yilmaz between October 2012 and March 2013.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has congratulated the first woman democratically-elected deputy governor in Nigeria, Alhaja Sinatu Ojikutu, on the celebration of her 80th birthday.

Ojikutu, who was deputy to ex-Lagos State governor, Sir Michael Otedola, during the aborted Third Republic on the platform of the National Republican Convention (NRC), turns 80 today.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued yesterday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile, described Ojikutu as an experienced technocrat and a devout Muslim.

a disciplinarian and an anti-corruption crusader, who is passionate about good governance, the development of Lagos State and the delivery of democratic dividends to the people.

Sanwo-Olu described Ojukutu as a rare example of a selfless leader, saying she deserved all the accolades at 80 for her immense contributions to the growth and development of governance, economics and politics in Lagos State.

Private equity (PE) and venture capital (VC) are reshaping Nigeria’s startup landscape, fueling innovation and driving billions of dollars into the economy, a new report by the Rome Business School Nigeria has shown.

According to the report, Nigeria now stands as West Africa’s dominant hub for startup investment, accounting for 66 percent of the region’s private capital deal volume and 52 percent of deal value between 2020 and 2024.

Within that period, the country recorded 404 private capital transactions worth over $3 billion.

The technology sector remains the biggest magnet for funding, attracting 82 percent of all VC activity, about $2.7 billion, with financial services and infrastructure following closely.

In 2024 alone, Nigeria led Africa in venture capital inflows, pulling in $1.18 billion out of the continent’s $3.6 billion total, according to data from Disrupt Africa and the African Private Capital Association.

Recent mega deals such as Moniepoint’s $110 million and Moove Africa’s $100 million funding rounds have further boosted investor confidence. PE investments also surged by 322 percent in the first quarter of 2024, data from PwC and Serrari Group revealed.

The report identifies the fintech sector as the top draw for investors, with homegrown giants such as Flutterwave, OPay, Paystack, and Moniepoint leading the charge.

Flutterwave and OPay have each surpassed the billion-dollar valuation mark, while Moniepoint’s latest funding, backed by Google, secured its entry into the coveted unicorn club.

Beyond fintech, other high-growth sectors such as edtech, healthtech, agritech, and renewable energy are gaining traction. Healthtech startups attracted over $200 million in 2022, while renewable energy ventures secured about $500 million. Agritech innovators like ThriveAgric are using PE and VC funding to expand access to finance for millions of smallholder farmers.

Rome Business School Nigeria noted that private capital firms are providing more than just funding, they are equipping startups with mentorship, governance support, and access to markets. These strategic inputs, it said, are strengthening corporate governance, scalability, and transparency among Nigerian startups.

‘Investors value companies with clear control systems, scalable business models, and strong leadership teams,’ the report stated. ‘Startups with robust management and transparent operations are more likely to sustain investor confidence.’

However, the report also highlights persistent challenges. Nigeria’s PE and VC ecosystem continues to grapple with foreign exchange volatility, high taxation, and regulatory uncertainty. The 30 percent corporate tax rate and 7.5 percent VAT have further increased operational costs, while foreign direct investment declined by 26.7 percent in 2023 due to currency instability and policy inconsistency.

Infrastructure deficits remain a major barrier. Nigeria generates only about 4,500 megawatts of power, far below the 30,000-megawatt demand-forcing firms to rely heavily on expensive diesel generators. Energy costs account for roughly 40 percent of business expenditure in several industries, according to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

Despite these hurdles, experts say the outlook for private capital investment remains bright. The country’s economic diversification, rapid digital adoption, and youth-driven innovation are fueling optimism. Institutional investors are also showing greater interest, with Nigerian pension funds investing over ?22 trillion (about $13 billion) in private equity as of October 2024.

Technology adoption continues to rise sharply. In 2022, electronic payment transactions exceeded ?387 trillion, while mobile subscriptions surpassed 190 million and internet penetration reached 45 percent by mid-2023, according to CBN and KPMG.

‘Technology is likely the most transformational force shaping the future of PE and VC in Nigeria,’ the report noted. ‘As the country embraces digital innovation and sustainable development, the demand for private capital will continue to grow.’

Analysts say the ripple effect of private equity and venture capital is already evident. PwC estimates that every $1 million invested in PE or VC-backed firms creates about 40 direct and indirect jobs. With unemployment hovering around 38 percent, these investments have become vital lifelines for young entrepreneurs and small businesses.

‘Nigeria remains one of Africa’s top destinations for private capital,’ the report concluded. ‘The impact of PE and VC is visible in their contribution to job creation, innovation, and sustainable economic growth.’

The Federal Government has announced plans to invest $220 million in creating job opportunities for young Nigerians under a new collaborative framework with the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Vice President Kashim Shettima disclosed this yesterday at the official flag-off of the second phase of the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP 2.0) held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The initiative aims to connect high-potential graduates with practical work experience, mentorship, and skill development opportunities across key economic sectors.

Shettima said the programme would help bridge the transition gap ‘between learning and earning’ for thousands of graduates who have education but limited opportunities.

According to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications Office of the Vice President, Shettima said ‘this will translate the nation’s demographic strength into productive economic power, proving that when government provides structure, partnership, and purpose, young Nigerians rise to the occasion’.

He stressed that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is determined to embed the NJFP into Nigeria’s national planning and budgeting systems, ensuring sustainability and stronger national ownership.

‘Our immediate goal is to raise $220 million, not as charity, but as an investment in the nation’s most valuable asset: our young people. As we launch NJFP 2.0 today, I call on our partners from the private sector, the development community, and the donor ecosystem to join us in building the NJFP Basket Fund, a sustainable financing mechanism to secure the programme’s future’ , he said.

Shettima commended the EU and UNDP for their continued support, noting that their collaboration has already demonstrated how global partnerships can produce tangible results for Nigerian youth.

‘As we scale NJFP 2.0, inclusivity remains at the heart of our design. This next phase will intentionally reach every corner of the country, aligning placements with sectors that will define our economic future: agriculture, renewable energy, digital technology, manufacturing, and the creative industries’, he said.

The Vice President expressed optimism that the new phase would showcase how Nigeria could convert its demographic advantage into economic strength, creating jobs and nurturing a generation of productive citizens.

‘The young Nigerians we seek to serve are not asking for handouts – only for a fair system that recognises effort, rewards merit, and provides opportunity. They are ready to build if we are ready to back them,’ he added.

Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, described NJFP 2.0 as a continuation of the government’s success in youth empowerment, noting that over 13,000 youths have already benefited from the programme since its inception in 2021.

He said the goal is to place 100,000 youths in jobs within five years.

In her remarks, UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, said the partnership between the EU, UNDP, and the Nigerian government had so far connected more than 40,000 young Nigerians to economic opportunities.

She said: ‘Millions more need the NJFP platform to thrive in today’s economy. The programme has proven that with the right support, Nigerian youth can excel globally.’

Also speaking, the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Gauthier Mignot, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to deepening collaboration with Nigeria and ensuring that NJFP becomes part of the country’s long-term governance and development agenda.

Delivering the keynote address titled ‘Building a National Workforce for the Future,’ the Chief Executive Officer of Sterling Bank, Abubakar Suleiman, said millions of Nigerians possess the skills required for jobs currently outsourced abroad but need structured opportunities to gain experience and exposure.

He commended the NJFP initiative for providing such a pathway, urging both public and private stakeholders to strengthen efforts in supporting youth transition from education to employment.

The Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme, launched in 2021, was designed to enhance employability and leadership skills among young graduates.

Its second phase, NJFP 2.0, seeks to scale up participation, expand sectoral coverage, and institutionalise youth employment as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Director General, Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Adewale-SmattOyerinde, said the the partnership followed a recent strategy meeting between the UNDP-NJFP team and NECA, during which both parties agreed on key actions to ensure the success of the next phase of the programme, which will be handed over to the Federal Government in 2027 for full continuation.

Oyerinde said that the association would play a central role in connecting employers to the growing pool of trained fellows by co-leading a Job Fair, which will be held as a side event during the official launch of NJFP 2.0.

According to him, the job fair will bring together major employers across key sectors to interact with NJFP Fellows and explore placement opportunities.

He explained that the association will be at the forefront of recruiting and placing 20,000 program fellows with employers by leveraging its network to secure industry buy-in and advising the NJFP team on aligning training with sector-specific skills demands.

He added that the association would also provide insights into future skills and labour trends to ensure that fellows remain relevant in Nigeria’s evolving world of work.

He said that the association would support the NJFP by generating and providing data on skilling demands across industries, driving policy advocacy, and creating a systemic, industry-driven training framework for the country. Other partnership details include joint training sessions for employer focal persons to deepen their understanding of mentorship roles during placements.

According to him, the intention is to provide fellows with technical exposure, career guidance, and soft skills development. He stressed that the association has made arrangements to organise the NJFP Industry Summit in 2026 to review progress, share lessons, and strengthen partnerships among government, employers, and development partners.

Obviously, food is important to terrorists because it energises them. Therefore, it makes sense to arrest people who supply food items to them, and also seize food items being transported to them.

The Chief of Military Public Information Office, Lt. Col. Kamarudeen Adegoke, said in a statement that personnel of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), on October 11, intercepted 466 bags of food items, comprising 364 bags of beans and 102 bags of corn. They also arrested ’40 terrorist logistics suppliers’ on a suspected supply route in an operation against terrorist activities in the Lake Chad region, he stated.

He added that troops of 68 Battalion on a joint patrol with the Civilian Joint Task Force in the Mallam Fatori- Bandamari- Bari – Korarawon area, discovered and confiscated 12 bags of fish and nine donkeys allegedly used to carry supplies to terrorists in the Lake Chad basin region.

There are questions that demand answers. For how long have the arrested alleged suppliers been transporting food items to terrorists using the suspected routes? Why were they not caught before now? What will happen to them after their arrest?

Notably, the police, last year, had accused some arrested terrorism-related suppliers of criminal conspiracy. There is no doubt that such suppliers help terrorists to sustain their criminal activities. The fight against terrorism should be not only against terrorists but also those who aid them.

Such arrests should be a means of gathering intelligence that would advance the country’s fight against terrorism. It is not enough to arrest suppliers. Such arrests should lead to the capture of terrorists.

In a case that grabbed the headlines last year, the Force Intelligence Bureau -Intelligence Response Team (FIB-IRT) arrested members of a group that allegedly supplied drugs, bread and other food items to bandits operating in Zaria, Kaduna State and its environs.

They were apprehended at the Rigachikun base following a tip-off, and revealed that they usually supplied bread to bandits at Galadimawa, Damari, Kidandan and Awala camps in Birnin Gwari and Giwa local government areas, Kaduna State. One of them said they also supplied information to bandits which helped their kidnapping and cattle rustling operations.

Bakery owner Hassan Magaji, who was arrested, said: ‘The boom in my business began when I started supplying bread to bandits.’ He had an agreement with them that they would pay upfront for their bread supplies, and he made good profit doing business with them. ‘They started with bread worth N20, 000 and gradually increased it to N50, 000 a day,’ he said, adding that he made as much as N150,000 a week ‘after removing the cost of the ingredients.’

Nothing was heard about the food suppliers and their criminal customers after the report. There have also been reported arrests of suppliers of arms to bandits. Even, in one striking case, a housewife identified as Maryam Abubakar, in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State, was arrested for allegedly supplying women, including her daughters and nieces, to bandits in Galadimawa forest to satisfy their sexual needs. Lamentably, these arrests led nowhere.

The point bears repeating: It is pointless announcing the arrest of terrorism enablers, whether they are suppliers of drugs, food items, weapons or sex, if such arrests lead nowhere. Arresting suppliers should not be an end in itself, but should be a means to an end, which is the arrest of those who receive the supplies.

The large number of bags of beans, maize and fish seized from suspected suppliers recently can be said to suggest a great number of terrorists. Fighting terrorism must go beyond arresting suppliers. They should be tried and penalised. But ultimately, terrorists should be caught, prosecuted and punished.

It begins with something as ordinary as a fever. A mother rushes her child to the hospital, expecting a quick fix – a few antibiotics, a few days of rest. But days turn into weeks. The child doesn’t improve. The drugs don’t work. The doctor frowns, orders more tests, tries stronger medicines. Still nothing. What once was a routine infection has turned into a fight for survival. This is not an isolated story. It’s happening quietly, every day, across Nigeria. The culprit? Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) – a slow but relentless crisis that is rewriting the rules of modern medicine.

AMR occurs when microorganisms – bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites – evolve and stop responding to the medicines meant to kill them. It means that infections we once treated easily are now harder, sometimes impossible, to cure. The World Health Organisation lists AMR among the top ten global public health threats. Already, it claims five million lives every year. In Nigeria alone, more than 65,000 people die annually from drug-resistant infections – more than HIV and malaria combined.

The implications are staggering. Beyond the human toll, experts warn that AMR costs Nigeria billions of naira yearly – in prolonged hospital stays, productivity losses, and the heartbreak of untreatable illnesses. But behind every statistic lies a name, a face, a family – people whose lives are being undone by bacteria that have learned to fight back.

How did we get here? The answer lies in how freely – and carelessly – we use antibiotics. Walk into almost any pharmacy in Lagos, Kano, or Aba, and you can buy antibiotics without a prescription. Many Nigerians pop them for malaria, typhoid, or even a common cold. Some stop midway through treatment once they ‘feel better.’ But that single act gives surviving bacteria the chance to adapt – to grow smarter, tougher, deadlier. Over time, they evolve into ‘superbugs’ that no longer respond to medicine.

And it’s not just about human misuse. Across farms in Nigeria, antibiotics are routinely mixed into animal feed or sprayed on crops to make them grow faster and ward off disease. These drugs then seep into the soil, the water, and eventually, the food we eat. Resistant bacteria don’t need visas – they travel easily from farms to kitchens, from animals to humans, from one community to another.

Globally, the alarm bells are deafening. The United Nations has pledged to cut AMR-related deaths by 10 percent before 2030. Health experts warn that if we fail, we could return to a world where a minor wound or sore throat becomes life-threatening. Imagine a future where childbirth, surgery, or even dental care becomes a gamble because the drugs we rely on no longer work.

Nigeria is not standing idle. In October 2024, the Federal Government launched the Second National Action Plan for Antimicrobial Resistance (2024-2028) – an ambitious blueprint to tackle the crisis. It builds on earlier efforts and embraces what scientists call the ‘One Health’ approach – recognising that human health, animal health, and the environment are deeply intertwined. The plan aims to strengthen surveillance, regulate drug use, upgrade laboratories, and raise awareness nationwide.

And the world is watching. In June 2026, Nigeria will host the Fifth Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on AMR – the first on African soil. This is more than just a conference; it’s a statement that Nigeria is ready to lead the fight for Africa. The event will bring global health leaders, scientists, and policymakers to Abuja to discuss one of the greatest medical threats of our time – and Nigeria will be at the heart of it.

Yet, let’s be clear: the real battle will not be won in conference halls but in homes, farms, clinics, and communities. Every Nigerian has a part to play. It starts with the simplest step – stop self-medicating. Not every fever is malaria, and not every infection needs antibiotics. Get tested. Follow your doctor’s prescription strictly. Never share leftover drugs or save them for ‘next time.’ Each misuse makes bacteria stronger.

Preventing infections in the first place is just as vital. Wash your hands often. Eat well-cooked food. Stay vaccinated. Keep your surroundings clean. Every infection you prevent is one less reason to use antibiotics – and one less opportunity for resistance to grow. Farmers must also join the fight. Avoid using antibiotics to fatten animals or prevent disease unnecessarily. Seek veterinary guidance before treating livestock. Resistant bacteria from animals can easily reach humans through meat, water, and the environment.

Healthcare professionals, too, must hold the line. Doctors, nurses, and pharmacists need to resist patient pressure for antibiotics ‘just in case.’ Hospitals must strengthen infection control to prevent resistant germs from spreading. Of course, individuals alone cannot fix this. Government must ensure laboratories are equipped to detect resistant infections and that laws against over-the-counter antibiotic sales are enforced. Investing in clean water, sanitation, and hygiene will help prevent the infections that make antibiotic use necessary in the first place.

Make no mistake: antimicrobial resistance is a silent pandemic – one that creeps forward without headlines but threatens to erase a century of medical progress. If we continue as we are, we risk returning to an era where pneumonia, childbirth infections, and minor cuts kill again. So the next time you reach for antibiotics without a prescription, pause and think. Every careless dose we take weakens our defence for tomorrow.

The Anglican Bishop of Ihiala Diocese, in Anambra State, Rt. Rev. Israel Okoye, has cautioned politicians against exploiting the vulnerability of voters for selfish electoral gains.

He warned that such acts attract grave repercussions and urged politicians to desist from them.

Speaking during his presidential charge at the third session of the fifth Synod of the Diocese, themed ‘Fear Not,’ Bishop Okoye condemned what he described as the ‘use and dump’ attitude of politicians towards desperate and impoverished voters.

He lamented that rising poverty, unemployment, parochialism, and frustration, especially during the electoral process, remain an ill wind that benefits no one.

The Bishop, therefore, urged candidates in the forthcoming November 8, 2025, Anambra governorship election to focus on issue-based campaigns and avoid what he called ‘hypocritical heroic songs.’

‘Preparations for the election of the governor of Anambra State on November 8, 2025, are on course,’ he said.

‘In democracies, election periods provide the electorate with an opportunity to interact with candidates and assess their manifestos. It is a time to determine who is best equipped to advance the cause of development in the interest of citizens.’

Bishop Okoye, however, expressed concern over the growing trend of populating campaign venues with rented crowds and the buying of votes.

‘Desperate politicians and their allies exploit widespread unemployment and hunger to turn vulnerable members of the electorate into political objects – purchased, used for a purpose, and discarded after elections,’ he lamented.

‘That inhuman practice, disguised as electioneering politics, is a deliberate dehumanisation of citizens.

‘People who sell their votes for as little as ?2,000 or less have become political toys. Such individuals often do not care whether their votes count or not.’

He urged all candidates to remain focused on issues that affect the people rather than indulging in sycophancy or manipulation.

‘Those who sing hypocritical heroic songs for politicians do so at the expense of the people’s wellbeing and ultimately subvert the future of the populace,’ he warned.

‘We call on candidates, their supporters, and anyone who trades their voter’s card or public office for monetary gain to be mindful of the repercussions of their actions. No sensible person can afford to supervise his own liquidation.’

Bishop Okoye concluded by reminding voters that the November 8 election represents a choice between progress and retrogression.

‘We have the option to choose the best candidates through rational judgment or to embrace contraction and woes. God forbid that we allow the pittances of electoral campaigns to rob us of a brighter future,’ he declared.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday swore in Professor Joash Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), formally marking the beginning of his tenure as head of the nation’s electoral body.

The ceremony took place at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja ahead of an expanded meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC).

Charging the new INEC Chairman, President Tinubu urged him to uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process and strengthen the institutional capacity of the Commission to deliver credible elections.

Amupitan’s appointment followed the unanimous endorsement of his nomination by the National Council of State, to which the President had earlier submitted his name.

His confirmation by the Senate came after a voice vote conducted by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

A Professor of law at the University of Jos (UNIJOS), Amupitan hails from Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

He became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2014 and is widely recognised for his expertise in company law, law of evidence, corporate governance, and privatisation law.

With his assumption of office, the new INEC boss faces immediate responsibilities, including preparations for the Anambra State governorship election scheduled for November this year and the Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections in February 2026.

Grammy-nominated singer David Adeleke popularly known as Davido has met French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Thursday.

The singer announced the high-profile encounter on his verified Instagram page, sharing photos of the event.

Accompanying Davido were close associates, including businessman Pascal Okechukwu, widely known as Cubana Chief Priest, and manager, Asika.

The images captured a warm exchange, highlighting the significance of the moment.

In his post, Davido expressed gratitude for the opportunity, writing, ‘It was an honor meeting @emmanuelmacron and sharing our visions for a better world.’Davido meets French President Macron