Category: The Nation – Nigeria

The Grassroots Movement for Tinubu 2027 has commended President Bola Tinubu for steering Nigeria through a complex economic landscape with courage, innovation, and a firm commitment to national renewal.

The organisation noted that under president Tinubu’s leadership, the nation has witnessed unprecedented strides across the key pillars of economic stability, infrastructural growth, youth empowerment, and national security.

It noted that two years of Tinubu’s administration has enthroned purposeful and progressive governance, characterised by bold reforms, infrastructural expansion, and renewed national confidence.

National Coordinator, Grassroots Movement for Tinubu 2027, Dr. Sani Zangina, in a statement on Saturday applauded the administration’s sweeping economic reforms that have repositioned Nigeria as a strong and competitive player in the global market.

The statement read: ‘President Tinubu’s bold decision to clear over $10 billion in foreign exchange liabilities has restored investor confidence and contributed significantly to the stabilisation of the naira.

‘As a direct result of these policy initiatives, Net Foreign Exchange Reserves have grown from $3.99 billion in 2023 to $23.11 billion by 2024, signaling restored fiscal discipline and confidence in Nigeria’s macroeconomic management.

‘Furthermore, the administration has successfully attracted over $50 billion in new Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) commitments and unlocked more than $8 billion in oil and gas investments. The mining sector has also seen renewed vibrancy, with over $800 million in solid mineral processing investments realized in 2024 alone.

‘These milestones are a testament to the President’s strategic vision and unwavering focus on rebuilding Nigeria’s economic foundation.’

On infrastructure, the group said that President Tinubu’s administration has embarked on one of the most ambitious infrastructure development drives in Nigeria’s history.

‘Over 440 road projects are currently ongoing nationwide, including the construction of more than 2,700 kilometers of modern superhighways that connect states, foster trade, and enhance national unity.

‘The administration has also championed critical legislative milestones, such as the passage of four landmark Tax Bills, and the establishment of five new Regional Development Commissions, designed to accelerate growth in historically underdeveloped regions of the country.

‘These projects are not merely physical constructions, but symbols of a nation on the rise, a Nigeria being rebuilt with purpose and inclusion,’ the statement said.

The organisation also commended the president for prioritising youth empowerment and education.

‘Under the Presidential Loan and Grant Scheme, over 900,000 Nigerians have directly benefited from access to capital and support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), while another 300,000 students have accessed the Students’ Loan Scheme, enabling greater participation in tertiary education and entrepreneurial ventures.

‘These initiatives have reignited hope among millions of young Nigerians. They represent the President’s enduring belief in the creativity and resilience of Nigeria’s next generation,’ the statement added.

The Movement described President Tinubu’s two-year performance as a blueprint for transformative governance, urging Nigerians to remain steadfast and supportive as the administration continues to consolidate the gains achieved so far.

Nigeria has intensified efforts to reduce salt consumption and promote healthier eating habits as part of a broader push to combat the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, stroke and heart disease.

Speaking during a stakeholders’ engagement on sodium reduction and front-of-pack labelling in Abuja, the Special Adviser to the President on Health, Dr. Salma Anas, emphasised that cutting sodium intake and promoting clear food labelling are vital to improving national health and productivity.

The meeting, held to mark World Food Day 2025, drew participants from the World Health Organization (WHO), the Federal Ministry of Health, Network for Health Equity and Development (NHED), Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), and Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL) and the private sector.

The presidential aide described this year’s theme ‘Hand in hand for better good and a better future’, as timely, noting that excessive salt consumption is silently fueling preventable illnesses among Nigerians.

‘We used to associate hypertension and cardiac problems with the elderly, but now we are seeing these conditions in people under 50 and even in their 20s,

‘Almost every home in Nigeria has a story to tell about someone living with or lost to heart disease or stroke,’ she said.

Anas said Nigeria’s sodium reduction and front-of-pack labelling (FOPL) campaign will help consumers make informed choices.

‘Too often, manufacturers hide nutritional information in tiny fonts. We want clear, visible labels on food packages so Nigerians can easily see what they are consuming,’ she said.

Explaining that sodium regulation and FOPL are complementary, she said regulations set limits for salt content in pre-packaged foods, while labelling helps consumers identify high-sodium, sugar, or fat products.

‘It’s a win-win for consumers and manufacturers. Transparent labelling builds trust and encourages food producers to reformulate products to meet healthier standards,’ she added.

Commending NAFDAC and the Federal Ministry of Health for developing frameworks to promote healthier food environments, she said these efforts align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Health Agenda, which prioritizes preventive care and nutrition.

‘Sodium reduction is not only a health strategy, it is an economic investment. Healthier citizens mean greater productivity and lower healthcare costs,’ she noted.

The adviser urged food manufacturers to embrace reformulation and responsible marketing, describing the new regulations as opportunities for innovation, stressing, ‘We want industry to be our ally in ensuring that Nigerians eat food that sustains life, not disease’.

She also emphasized the need to change dietary culture, noting, ‘We have conditioned our brains to think that salt equals taste. But if you try local foods like yams or potatoes without salt, you’ll discover they have their own natural flavour. We must retrain our taste buds and our culture around food’.

She called on media, civil society, and community leaders to drive awareness, urging, ‘Media professionals are key partners. Your voices shape public opinion and can inspire change

‘Traditional and religious leaders must also help people understand that excessive salt intake causes hypertension, stroke, and kidney problems’.

She reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to achieving a 30 percent reduction in sodium consumption by 2030, in line with WHO’s global action plan.

Delta Police Command has arrested a suspected notorious drug baron in Delta State, Onos Afokoghene,

has highlighted the ongoing efforts by Nigeria Police to combat drug trafficking in the State.

Operatives from the Orerokpe Division apprehended the 37-year-old following a tip-off during a patrol led by Divisional Police Officer CSP Paul Oboware, targeting a hotspot in the Jeddo Community.

According to a statement from the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, Afokoghene, known for distributing hard drugs in Warri and nearby areas, attempted to escape upon the police’s approach.

However, he said the skilled team was able to quickly close in on him, resulting in his arrest after a brief chase.

He said this incident underscored the police’s commitment to addressing drug-related crimes and enhancing community safety.

Edafe noted that ‘a thorough search of the scene led to a startling discovery of illicit substances and paraphernalia used in large-scale drug sales.

‘Exhibits recovered include the following: 3kg of Canadian Loud, 10kg of Indian Hemp, 24 litres of soaked weed suspected to be Indian Hemp in dry gin (locally known as ‘monkey tail’), several sachets of Tramadol of various milligrams, and two (2) POS machines suspected of being used for drug sales.

‘The suspect is currently in custody while investigations continue to uncover his network of distributors and buyers.’

In another show of vigilance and tactical precision, according to the statement, operatives of the ‘C’ Division Asaba, led by CSP Ogbe Emmanuel, intercepted 400 live cartridges carefully concealed within a bus that was heading to Edo State.

The statement said: ‘On 16th October 2025, at about 1200hrs, while conducting routine surveillance and stop-and-search operations at the Head Bridge, Asaba, the operatives flagged down a Toyota Hiace Hummer Bus with registration number NGK 16 XB, driven by one Ozoemenam Sylvanus.

‘The driver, appearing uneasy during questioning, drew the suspicion of the officers who proceeded to conduct a thorough search of the vehicle.

‘Their instinct paid off; four hundred (400) live cartridges were discovered carefully concealed within the bus.

‘The suspect initially lied that it was padlocks but was left speechless when the parcel was open and the true content was seen.

‘The suspect was immediately arrested, and both he and the exhibit recovered while investigation to unravel the source, and criminal network behind the illegal arms movement is ongoing.’

Katsina State has announced plans to flag off farmers’ radio MSME Clinics and commission several other projects during Vice President Shetima’s visit to the State scheduled on Tuesday.

Commissioner for Agriculture and Livestock, Prof. Ahmed Bakori, said the farmers radio station is expected to address aspects of the state’s agricultural production

According to him: ‘The State Government is making arrangements to receive Shettima on Monday, where he is expected to inaugurate projects executed by Governor Dikko Radda on Tuesday.

‘One of the projects to be inaugurated by the vice-president is the newly established e-centre where farmers can get quick responses.

‘The government has planned planning to have the farmer radio station, so that they can communicate with all the farmers in the state freely.

‘The radio station would offer on-demand support and advice, covering topics from production management to marketing and pest control’.

According to him, the radio initiative is part of a holistic strategy to improve agriculture in Katsina, which also includes providing access to modern equipment and training programmes.

The radio station, he said, was designed to support the state’s large agricultural base, particularly small holder farmers who have a high degree of radio listenership.

He said: ‘With this development, the farmers would have three sources of information, which include the normal extension workers, and the new Katsina Sustainable Platform for Agriculture (KASPA).

‘The farmers would have a radio station where they would be able to communicate, ask questions, so that an expert would be able to respond to them.

‘With that, we believe that the management aspect of our agriculture production will be seriously addressed.

Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transportation, Alhaji Sani Magaji-Ingawa, said the Vice President would also inaugurate a 3.3 kilometer road project within the metropolis.

According to him, the road, which started from the Katsina central Mosque, and ended at the WTC roundabout, was constructed at the cost of N1.9 billion

The Director-General of the state’s Enterprises Development Agency (KASEDA), Aisha Aminu,also revealed that during the visit, Shettima would declare open the 9th expanded national Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Clinic.

From the University of Johannesburg’s Business School where a two-day Media Innovation Summit was held through the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA), down to the Department of International Relations and Corporation and Nigerian Mission in South Africa, the need for Nigeria and South Africa to set aside their differences and collaborate more across sectors in order to lift the African continent resonated strongly.

For one week, 22 students of the MTN Nigeria-sponsored Media Innovation Programme (MIP) at the School of Media and Communications (SMC), Pan-Atlantic University (PAU) were in South Africa for an exchange programme that saw them visiting landmark public institutions like the University of Johannesburg (UJ); MTN Group Headquarters; the Nelson Mandela Museum, Soweto; the Apartheid Museum, Soweto; SAIIA; Department of International Relations and Corporation, and the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, to help the students better understand the history of that country and to put xenophobia in context.

The conversations underscored that Nigeria and South Africa have more to gain as partners than as rivals.

From boosting intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to co-creating cultural content that reshapes global perceptions of Africa, both nations sit at a pivotal crossroads.

Reclaiming Africa’s story through media diplomacy

The summit in Johannesburg echoed another urgent need: re-shaping Africa’s narrative. At the University of Johannesburg (UJ), where the event coincided with the institution’s 20th anniversary, media diplomacy took centre stage.

Head, School of Communication, UJ, Prof. Rene Benecke, reminded delegates of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s warning on ‘the danger of a single story.’ She challenged African journalists to reject portrayals of the continent as a place defined solely by war, corruption, and poverty.

‘Our role is to tell the fuller, richer stories of Africa,’ introducing participants to the ‘BANI world’- a reality that is brittle, anxious, non-linear, and incomprehensible.

Prof Benecke argued that only adaptive thinking and responsible communication can help Africa navigate global uncertainties, including the rise of artificial intelligence and algorithmic biases.

Similarly, the Executive Dean of Humanities, Prof. Kammila Naidoo, described the summit as a ‘platform for examining how both traditional and digital media can strengthen African agenda in global affairs.’

With South Africa set to host the G20 Leaders’ Summit in November, she stressed that moments like this present opportunities to ‘position an African agenda and shape international discourse.’

Forging a future beyond oil, tarrifs and imports

At SAIIA, Programme Head of African Governance and Diplomacy, Steven Gruzd, who hosted the visiting fellows at the University of the Witwatersrand re-echoed that both nations must move beyond dependence on oil, tariffs, and imports to build resilient partnerships.

‘With the way Trump has been acting on tariffs and using them as weapons, I do not think AGOA is going to continue in the same form that it was,’ he said, warning that Africa’s reliance on the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) leaves it vulnerable. ‘South Africa and Nigeria do need to put their heads together as to how to industrialise, diversify and develop really dynamic business relations,’ he added.

Gruzd highlighted the growing presence of Nigerian businesses in South Africa and South African firms in Nigeria as proof of untapped opportunities. He urged both countries to invest more aggressively in the blue economy (marine resources, shipping, and shipbuilding) as well as the creative sector, citing Nollywood and Afrobeats as cultural exports with unmatched global influence.

‘These sectors offer untapped potential for growth and regional leadership,’ he said, adding that greater collaboration could boost job creation, reduce economic shocks, and strengthen Africa’s global competitiveness.

Building bridges through Education, Collaboration

For MTN Nigeria, which launched MIP in 2022 in partnership with Pan-Atlantic University (PAU), the summit was also a reminder of the power of corporate-backed capacity building. Over 3,700 Nigerian journalists applied this year, but only 20 were selected – an indication of the programme’s growing prestige.

‘This programme has become the most sought-after media partnership in Nigeria. If Nigeria and South Africa get it right, the continent gets it right. That is why we bring journalists here, to deepen understanding and foster collaboration,’ said Funso Aina, Senior Manager for External Relations at MTN Nigeria.

Prof. Isaac Ezechukwu of PAU’s School of Media and Communication echoed this, describing MIP as Africa’s most transformative media education initiative. He called for greater investment in media education from governments and corporate actors, noting that ‘media is an infrastructure for national development, deserving commensurate policy attention.’

Appreciating the gains of the programme, MTN Group in collaboration with UJ and The African Editors Forum (TAEF) on September 12, launched the Pan-African MIP to equip journalists with digital, entrepreneurial and policy-reporting skills.

The 12-week programme would blend online modules with in-person training in Johannesburg and a two-week placement with an MTN partner company.

Fellows will study digital transformation, sustainability of independent media, ethics, entrepreneurship, and the impact of emerging technologies across MTN’s 16 markets to strengthen African journalism at a time of growing disinformation and fragile media business models.

The Grassroots Movement for Tinubu 2027 has commended President Bola Tinubu for steering Nigeria through a complex economic landscape with courage, innovation, and a firm commitment to national renewal.

The organisation noted that under president Tinubu’s leadership, the nation has witnessed unprecedented strides across the key pillars of economic stability, infrastructural growth, youth empowerment, and national security.

It noted that two years of Tinubu’s administration has enthroned purposeful and progressive governance, characterised by bold reforms, infrastructural expansion, and renewed national confidence.

National Coordinator, Grassroots Movement for Tinubu 2027, Dr. Sani Zangina said in a statement on Saturday applauded the administration’s sweeping economic reforms that have repositioned Nigeria as a strong and competitive player in the global market.

The General Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries Worldwide, Dr. Daniel Kolawole Olukoya, has recently dedicated a one-storey building chapel, built by the MFM Tent Makers Pastoral Ministry Lagos Region 15, Victoria Island, for use by the students at the King’s College, Lagos.

Olukoya, during the well-attended brief ceremony, emphasised that God does not need you to know any big or influential person to help you, or move you to the next level; ‘He uses the unexpected things of this world to help whoever He wants to help,’ the man of God said.

‘God does not need VIPs (Very Important Persons) to promote you; God does not need to go to something big to push you forward. God can use somebody that you do not even know; somebody that is small, to move you to your next level,’ he emphasised.

He charged the staff and students of the school, who filled the hall to pray: ‘O God, raise a voice for me where I have no voice,’ as he declared that God can use servants to move one forward.

The General Overseer cited his personal experience, whereby he went to submit his application form for the Commonwealth scholarship to study abroad, after two months of the closure of the form’s submission.

According to him, when he got to the office to submit his application for the scholarship, the official he met in the office made a jest of him for coming to submit the form two months after the official closing date to do so, and they drove him out of their office.

Dejected and downcast, the young Olukoya said that he went to stand at the entrance of the office, where he was bemoaning his fate, when a young man, carrying food plates, came out of the premises and enquired of him what he was doing at the entrance to the premises.

Olukoya said that he explained his mission to the man, who asked what class of certificate he had and to which he responded that he had a first class. On hearing this, the man told him to wait for him, with a promise to assist him in submitting the form once he returned from his errand.

This promise, the messenger fulfilled by taking Olukoya to his boss, who happened to be the one in charge of the Commonwealth scholarship beneficiary’s selection. That was how Olukoya was offered a scholarship to do his doctorate in the United Kingdom. God used a messenger to help him fulfil his destiny.

‘God raised a voice for me where I had no voice,’ the man of God stressed and charged the audience to pray a simple prayer point, ‘God, raise a voice for me where I have no voice.’ Olukoya charged the students to do whatever they do very well, so that somebody can make a recommendation of them, even behind them.

According to him, ‘There are three pillars of success. One, if you want to be great in any subject, the trick is that you must be a master of that subject. Once you master that subject, you will be great at that subject.

Number two is that anything you know how to do and you do well, wherever you are, people will look for you. People will cross the borders to look for you, and number three is that everybody created by God is a solution to a problem, and wherever you are, people will come to look for you.

The event, which was attended by senior pastors in the MFM Tent Makers Pastoral Ministries, led by Pastor Clement Imoru, also had in attendance the principal, vice principal and all senior teachers at the King’s College, who expressed excitement and appreciation at the kind gesture of the MFM Ministries.

It is noteworthy that the Ministry has provided similar gestures in the University of Lagos Staff School, the Methodist Boys High School, and the Queen’s College, while more are in the pipeline, as part of the corporate social responsibility of MFM.

The Katsina State Government said it plans to procure 30 hybrid buses as part of efforts to modernise public transportation and promote environmental sustainability across the state.

The new hybrid buses, which will run on fuel and electricity, are designed to reduce carbon emissions, cut fuel costs, and improve mobility for residents.

The initiative. which will start this month, is expected to transform intra-city movement in Katsina, Daura, and Funtua, with plans for future expansion across the state.

Speaking at the unveiling, Business Partner of the Project, Oshi Bernard, commended Governor Dikko Umar Radda for his commitment to sustainable development.

He described the Governor as ‘hard-working, industrious, focused and dedicated,’ adding that the project reflects his passion for improving the lives of ordinary citizens and empowering youth in Katsina State.

The initiative, according to him, aligns with the state’s vision to provide a safe, affordable, and eco-friendly transport network that meets the mobility needs of its growing population.

He said: ‘We want to specially thank Governor Diko for giving us this great opportunity to promote a world-class project.’

Project Manager of Zhong Tong Bus, Mr. Wei Yanbin, disclosed that the state government will initially procure 30 city buses for the first phase of the project.

According to him, the company will also construct three bus terminals and 60 bus stops along designated routes.

‘This project will commence this October and will be delivered within six months,’ Yanbin said.

Explaining the benefits of the hybrid system, he noted that the buses will convert diesel and electric energy to minimise fuel consumption and lower emissions.

He added that each bus has a capacity to transport between 45 and 55 passengers.

The Chairman of the Ogun State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Apostle Biodun Sanyaolu, has said that the Commission’s whistleblower policy and other strategic initiatives are designed to uphold integrity, accountability, and ethical standards within the state’s teaching workforce.

Speaking with newsmen in Abeokuta, Apostle Sanyaolu explained that the measures were introduced to safeguard the moral conduct of the teaching profession at ensuring that learners are educated in a safe, disciplined, and supportive environment.

He stressed the need to guide against mediocrity and malpractice at all levels, noting that TESCOM had intensified efforts on schools’ monitoring and supervision to enhance efficiency and productivity in the system.

‘The present Board has expanded monitoring activities across schools on a 24-hour basis by introducing the Whistleblower Scheme, the first of its kind in Ogun State’s education sector

‘This initiative empowers teachers, non-teaching staff, stakeholders, and the general public to confidentially report unethical practices such as absenteeism, extortion, harassment, and misconduct through a dedicated hotline – 0801 475 78497 (SMS and WhatsApp only),’ he added.

The Chairman stated that the commission had systematically categorised all public secondary schools in the state into three groups to promote excellence in service delivery and enhance professional standards, especially among Principals and Vice Principals.

Apostle Sanyaolu further disclosed that the TESCOM is currently redistributing teaching and non-teaching staff across schools to address the existing imbalance between rural and urban areas, noting that the exercise aims to ensure fair and equitable deployment of personnel, based on the number of available staff in each location.

Filindabo community in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) came alive with excitement and cultural display as the Founder and CEO of Sagesse College of Traditional Carpentry (SCTC), Mr. Musa Moses Amiebenomo, popularly known as Celebrity Carpenter, tied the knot with Princess Aishatu Mamman Daksiri, from the royal dynasty of Adamawa State.

The royal Nikah ceremony began with the wedding Fatiha at the Central Mosque, Abuja, presided over by Imam Prof. Luqman Zakariya and His Royal Highness Edris Musa, the Emir of Giwa.

The solemn ceremony was witnessed by the Hakimi of Filindabo (Dekashi) Muhammed Sani Paga, Chief Abubarka Hassan, community leaders, friends, associates, and other dignitaries from across the country.

His Royal Highness Dr. Idris Musa (MFR), Emir of Jiwa, represented the groom and accepted the marriage on his behalf, while former Minister of Health (State) and former Minister of Foreign Affairs (State), Dr. Aliyu Idi Hong, served as the bride’s guardian (Wali), giving her out in marriage. Their distinguished presence added prestige to the royal occasion.

After the mosque ceremony, a colorful convoy accompanied by a herd of horses moved to Filindabo for the grand reception, where guests were treated to a vibrant celebration of cultural diversity.

Various ethnic groups showcased traditional dances, songs, wrestling, and other cultural exhibitions in honor of the couple.

The reception, hosted by Abuja’s renowned Master of Ceremony, Sarkin Dariya, was graced by several traditional and community leaders, including the Emir of Giwa, H.R.H. Edris Musa; the Hakimi of Filindabo, H.R.H. Muhammed Sani Paga; Oba Tajudeen Kolawole, the Yoruba community leader; Chief Tochukwu Nzegbo, the Igbo community leader; and other local chiefs and youth leaders.

The visibly elated bride, Princess Aishatu Daksiri Musa, expressed her joy, saying:

‘I’m so elated with what I saw here today. The love shown to me and my husband is overwhelming. I will never forget this day.’

She described her husband as ‘a strong, compassionate, and caring man.’

In his remarks, the groom, Mr. Musa Moses, expressed gratitude to the Emir, traditional rulers, friends, associates, and community members for honoring the occasion.

Widely known as Celebrity Carpenter within Abuja’s entertainment and traditional circles, Mr. Musa is also the traditional titleholder of Garkuwan Matasa of Fillin-Dabo Dei-Dei in the FCT.

Through his institution, the Sagesse College of Traditional Carpentry, he has empowered many young Nigerians, providing them with practical skills and sustainable livelihoods.