Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Echowords, a creative platform founded by singer, songwriter and author, Elu Emina, has launched the maiden edition of its Spoken Word Contest to amplify youth voices and empower young Nigerians through poetry and performance.

The competition attracted more than 103 contestants, with stage voting narrowing the field to 30 before the final winners emerged. Iyenemi Muriel Ogbole claimed the first prize of N500,000 with her piece Life. Ogbu Joy Chiamaka came second with To those things hurting childhood, winning N150,000, while Favour Chinaza Basil’s Struggle of the Girl Child secured third place with N50,000.

Founder Echowords, Elu Emina, said that the contest was designed to give young Nigerians a platform for self-expression, healing and empowerment.

‘In a country where more than 60 per cent of the population is under 25, too many young people still feel unseen, unheard and undervalued. With youth unemployment hovering around 40 per cent, countless bright voices are left on the sidelines, their stories silenced before they’re ever told. That’s where Echowords comes in. A movement created to amplify youth voices, celebrate their stories and turn their words into power,’ he said.

He noted that the initiative will not end with the contest, as plans are in place to extend spoken word performances to schools, local communities and end-of-year events.

‘Our goal is simple: to amplify youth voices, nurture creativity, and make spoken word a force for social change,’ he added.

Ogbole, who won the contest, described her journey as one of resilience and creativity. She urged other young Nigerians to embrace spoken word as a medium of expression and self-discovery.

Author and musician, Emina, also published Night Market, a book that tells the story of a young girl navigating a world of witches, gods and phantoms. His music equally experiments with culture and sound, with his Afrobeat single Oya blending Hausa, English and the Chinese Guzheng. He is also set to release a song in the ancient Coptic language later this month.

Nigeria’s pension assets under the management of Pension Fund Administration (PFA) and supervision of the National Pension Commission (PenCom) has grown by N97.88 billion between July and August 2025, reaching N25.895 trillion, or about 0.38per cent month-on-month.

The total net asset value of pension funds stood at N25.895 trillion in August, up modestly from N25.797 trillion recorded in July, with pension sector demonstrating both resilience and strategic progress.

Key insights from PenCom Monthly Industry Summary August 2025 shows that while the gain signals continuity, it masks stress as Fund I and Fund II of the asset both posted declines of N10.185 billion and N8.104 billion respectively.

These figures confirm that even the more conservative portions of pension portfolios are susceptible to market volatility.

Meanwhile, dominant exposure to FGN securities, and rising allocations in infrastructure, real estate, and private equity, reflect a cautious yet diversified strategy.

Going by the report, this incremental growth of N97.9 billion signals that the system remains resilient even as macroeconomic headwinds and regulatory demands press upon it.

Moreover, the Retirement Savings Account (RSA) membership at 10,882,661 contributors seems to testify that Nigerians are embracing the scheme daily.

Yet, the report also reveals pressure points. In several fund tiers, there were negative movements in value as Fund I shrank by N10.185 billion and Fund II decreased by N8.104 billion

The August 2025 summary suggests that Nigeria’s pension industry is not collapsing-it’s adapting. The system shows resilience, but with cracks that need repair.

As we move deeper into 2025 and beyond, performance alone won’t win trust-*consistency, transparency, and accountability* will. If the industry delivers also where data is now scarce, the pension ecosystem stands to become a pillar of financial stability rather than just a safety net.

A closer look at asset class allocations showed that FGN Securities remain the backbone of pension portfolios, with holdings amounting to over N15.8 trillion across all funds.

Domestic equities holdings, while significant at N3.607 trillion), reflect careful balance.

On the other hand, Corporate debt, money market instruments, and real estate also feature meaningfully in portfolios.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has criticized what it described as the anti-masses stance of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and denounced the alleged forced unionization of workers at the Dangote Refinery.

The student body also declared its unwavering support for the Dangote Refinery, warning against actions capable of sabotaging Nigeria’s economic growth and discouraging indigenous investment in the oil and gas sector.

During a peaceful protest at Oworo Berger, Lagos, students and youths carried placards bearing messages such as ‘Dangote Refinery-Pride of Africa,’ ‘Stop the Sabotage,’ and ‘Support Indigenous Industries, Not Monopoly.’ The demonstration, held under the supervision of officers of the Nigerian Police, called on stakeholders to protect local enterprises driving national development.

NANS President, Comrade Olusola Oladoja-represented by the association’s National Public Relations Officer, Comrade Adeyemi Ajasa-said the demonstration served as a national warning to both the government and industry stakeholders that Nigerian students and youths would not tolerate economic sabotage.

Oladoja cautioned international saboteurs and their local collaborators against frustrating operations at Dangote Refinery and other emerging private refineries, drawing parallels with the collapse of Nigeria’s once-thriving textile industry due to policy neglect and unfair competition.

He alleged that importers of petroleum products, international oil companies (IOCs), and certain trade unions were conspiring to undermine private refineries through undue pressure and regulatory manipulation.

Reacting to reports of PENGASSAN’s attempts to compel Dangote Refinery workers to join its union, Oladoja described the move as unconstitutional and a violation of Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of association.

‘Private refinery workers have every right to decide whether or not to join any union,’ he said. ‘Just as lecturers in private universities are not forced to join ASUU, and teachers in private schools are not under COEASU, refinery workers must not be coerced into union membership.’

Oladoja outlined four key demands from the federal government: ‘Prioritize crude oil supply to all Nigerian refineries, including private ones; end crude under-valuation and the practice of selling cheaper crude to foreign refineries; incentivize local refineries to strengthen domestic production and reduce dependence on petroleum importation in favor of supporting indigenous refining capacity.’

He reaffirmed that Nigerian students stand firmly for industrial growth, job creation, and economic independence, declaring that NANS would resist any attempt to sabotage private investments in the oil and gas sector.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed into law the Nigeria Police Training Institutions (Establishment) Bill, 2024, a landmark legislation that provides statutory backing for 48 police training institutions across the country.

The new Act, sponsored by Senator Ahmed Abdulhamid Malam-Madori, is designed to institutionalise police education, promote continuous professional development, and align Nigeria’s law enforcement standards with global best practices.

The law categorises the nation’s police training infrastructure into five major groups – Police Colleges, Police Training Schools, Police Tactical Schools, Police Technical Training Schools, and other specialised institutions – all strategically distributed across the six geopolitical zones.

Among the foremost institutions now formally recognised by law are the Police Colleges in Ikeja (Lagos), Kaduna (Kaduna), Maiduguri (Borno) and Oji River (Enugu), as well as the Police Staff College in Jos (Plateau) and the Police Detective College in Enugu.

Also listed are several Police Training Schools in Bauchi, Minna, Sokoto, Benin, Wanune, Calabar, Ilorin, Ibadan, Iperu, Jos, Owerri, Nonwa-Tai, Oyin-Akoko, Ekiti, Gwaram, Malabu-Fufore and Bende, among others, aimed at strengthening capacity building across all levels of the force.

The Act further establishes elite Police Tactical Schools such as the Mobile Training Schools in Gwoza (Borno), Ila-Orangun (Osun), and Ende-Hill (Nasarawa); the Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) Schools in Nonwa-Tai (Rivers) and Gombe; the Special Protection Unit (SPU) School in Kafin Hausa (Jigawa); and other specialised centres including the K9 Training School in Bukuru-Jos, the Mounted Troop Training School in Jos, the Marine Training School in Toru-Orua (Bayelsa), and the Police Pre-Retirement Training School in Kudan (Kaduna).

Under the Police Technical Training framework, the law recognises the Police Public Relations School in Lafia (Nasarawa) and its Abuja campus, the Central Planning and Training Unit in Jos, the Police School of Intelligence in Shere (Kwara), the Schools of Communication in Kudan and Ikeja, the Police School of Music and Driving School (Ikeja), and the Police Veterinary Training School (Abuja).

Other specialised institutions now enjoying legal recognition include the Police Institute of Digital Studies and Cyber Security in Abeokuta (Ogun), the Police School of Nursing and Midwifery in Ezimo (Enugu), the National Institute of Police Studies in Life Camp (Abuja), the Police Short Service Training Institute in Ikot Ekpene (Akwa Ibom), and the Police School of Finance and Administration in Umueri (Anambra).

Senator Malam-Madori described the presidential assent as ‘a transformative moment in Nigeria’s internal security architecture,’ noting that the new Act would ‘professionalise police training, deepen research in security management, and align Nigeria’s policing culture with international standards.’

Security analysts have also hailed the development as one of the most comprehensive legislative reforms in Nigeria’s policing history, positioning the force for better service delivery, accountability, and operational efficiency.

The federal government has appealed to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to shelve its planned strike which is expected to start next week.

The government said there was no need for the union to embark on strike as it was committed to addressing all outstanding demands raised by the union.

The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa made the appeal in Abuja on Wednesday while briefing journalists on the progress of ongoing negotiations between the Federal Government and university-based unions.

ASUU has threatened to go on strike at the end of its 14-day ultimatum which it issued on September 28.

The ultimatum will end on Oct 12.

Alausa highlighted several steps already taken by the government to demonstrate commitment, including the release of N50 billion for earned academic allowances and the provision of N150 billion in the 2025 budget for the revitalisation of tertiary institutions.

He said, ‘The President has kept his promises. We have addressed promotional arrears, and the issues of wage awards and allowances have been resolved. By next year, all arrears will be fully cleared, including the 2025 wage award. The government is sincere and committed.’

Alausa said that the Mahmud Yayale Ahmed Federal Government Tertiary Institutions Expanded Negotiation Committee had been reconstituted and inaugurated to fast-track talks with both academic and non-academic unions in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

He stated, ‘We are finalising the components of the condition of service that ASUU has proposed. Our counterpart committee is also working to conclude its response, and hopefully, by the end of today or tomorrow, the Mahmud Yayale Ahmed Committee will present the Federal Government’s counter-offer to ASUU.’

He explained that President Bola Tinubu had given clear directives that all efforts must be made to avoid another disruption in the nation’s tertiary institutions.

Alausa said, ‘The President has mandated us to do everything humanly possible to avoid a strike. People at the highest level of government have been working several hours behind the scenes to come up with a robust but affordable response to the unions’ demands. These issues have dragged on for over 10 to 15 years, but this administration is determined to resolve them once and for all.’

The minister stated that, unlike in the past where separate committees handled negotiations for universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, the government had now adopted a unified approach to ensure efficiency and coherence in the process.

The minister added, ‘In the past, we had three different committees working, one for universities, one for polytechnics, and one for colleges of education. But that was not an efficient way to negotiate.

‘Now, we have one expanded negotiating committee that engages all tertiary institutions and all unions, both academic and non-academic, to ensure a holistic understanding of their needs.’

According to Alausa, about 80 per cent of the unions’ requests are similar across the tertiary subsectors, while the remaining 20 per cent relate to peculiar career and institutional needs.

‘We have seen all the requests, and we understand their peculiarities. The new committee has started work already and will continue to engage the unions expeditiously to reach a mutually beneficial agreement,’ he said.

The minister also urged ASUU and other unions to embrace dialogue as a first option rather than resorting to industrial action.

He said, ‘We know you have been patient, but please don’t use strike as your first resort. These are issues that have lingered for decades. President Tinubu has shown genuine political will and benevolence towards education. We will resolve this matter comprehensively, respectfully, and in a way the government can afford.’

He assured that discussions on the new conditions of service would soon be concluded, noting that this was the final component of the ongoing negotiation process.

The minister said, ‘We have resolved most of the concerns raised by the unions, and we are now at the final stage of the conditions of service.

‘We are pleading for patience. The government is truthful and genuinely interested in resolving this crisis once and for all.’

ASUU has already begun full mobilisation of its members in preparation for a possible nationwide warning strike ahead of its 14-day ultimatum, which is set to expire on Sunday this week.

Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting and assisting refugees, asylum seekers, migrants, and internally displaced persons (IDPs).

The commitment was made at the 76th session of the Executive Committee (ExCom) meeting of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) where over 150 countries presented their statement concerning refugee affairs in their countries.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Yakubu Kofarmata, with the support of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), highlighted Nigeria’s efforts to provide durable solutions for displaced populations.

According to Kofarmata, as of September 2025, Nigeria hosts over 142,000 refugees and asylum seekers and has received over 24,000 documented returnees and spontaneous returns.

He added that the country has a population of over 6.7 million internally displaced persons.

He however, noted that Nigeria was keen to adopt innovative measures to ensure efficient and quality service delivery to displaced populations.

He further hinted that significant progress has been made in promoting refugee protection and solutions by providing access to national services for refugees and asylum seekers and documenting refugees and asylum seekers.

‘In 2025, the government, with UNHCR support, has worked hard to complete the outstanding registration and refugee status determination backlogs, and hopefully by December 2025, all things being equal, this shall be done.’

On other measures to better the lives of the vulnerable, he said, ‘In 2025, state authorities across six Nigerian states, in close collaboration with the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, accompanied by UNHCR, provided agricultural land on lease, for use by IDPs, refugees and returnees.

‘These are in the states of Akwa Ibom, Nassarawa, Benue, Cross River, Katsina and Taraba, amounting to a total of 2,705 hectares of land, to be used for solar-powered irrigation crop production for the most part, fisheries and poultry breeding, amongst others.

‘This support will enable displaced populations not only to have a sustainable livelihood but to regain their dignity and ensure stability of movements. For IDPs and returnees, this promises to be a game-changer in terms of actively promoting solution initiatives. For refugees, they will not have to be subject to dwindling and fluctuating donor funding.’

He also hinted that efforts have been put in to ensure that refugees, asylum seekers, Stateless Persons, returnees, as well as IDPs and host communities, including those in the hard-to-reach locations, are enrolled on the National Identity Number (NIN).

He explained that the enrolment will enable them to freely open bank accounts, telecom services, school children registration and access to other social services like ordinary citizens of the country.

Nigeria, however, called on the international community to strengthen collective action in five critical areas.

‘We recognise that the magnitude of displacement today demands not only resilience from host countries, but also deeper global solidarity and innovative approaches. There is a need to ensure timely, people-centred responses and invest in digital innovation to develop secure and inclusive platforms that safeguard data while empowering refugees with direct access to their information.

‘We also need to encourage responsibility-sharing to ease the disproportionate burden on frontline host countries and advance durable solutions that foster education, livelihoods, and social cohesion, enabling displaced populations to contribute meaningfully to host societies.

‘Enhancing active engagement of private sector actors and the strengthened participation of development partners in advancing sustainable humanitarian solutions and related interventions is key.’

The Managing Director of FirstBank Group, Olusegun Alebiosu, says the bank is committed to bridging financing gaps and leveraging digital solutions to tackle business challenges across key sectors of the economy.

Alebiosu stated this at a breakfast session during the 31st Nigeria Economic Summit, themed ‘Expanding Access to Finance and Driving Growth Across Middle Market and Emerging Corporate Segments,’ held in Abuja on Tuesday.

He said that a prosperous nation is built on the backbone of its real sector, adding that access to finance remains fundamental to unlocking the sector’s full potential.

‘That is why we have placed this subject at the heart of our discussion – to catalyse sustainable growth and inclusion where it matters most,’ he said.

According to him, FirstBank empowers Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and emerging corporates through tailored products and services designed to stimulate growth across their value chains and support Nigeria’s economic evolution.

He stressed that collaboration among policymakers, industry players, and technology partners was vital to achieving lasting impact.

‘By forging partnerships across policy, industry, and technology, we can create an enabling environment that unlocks new opportunities for businesses to thrive. That is the driving purpose of today’s session,’ Alebiosu said.

He highlighted that with a legacy spanning 131 years, FirstBank remains a trusted partner to SMEs and large corporates, offering comprehensive banking solutions that enhance innovation, resilience, and diversification in the economy.

Also speaking, the Group Executive, Commercial Banking, North Division, Mrs. Aishatu Bubaram, said the middle market and emerging corporates are central to Nigeria’s future prosperity.

She described these enterprises as vibrant drivers of job creation, innovation, and diversification across key sectors such as agribusiness, healthcare, digital services, and light manufacturing.

Bubaram noted that despite their potential, these businesses face persistent challenges, including limited access to finance, inadequate advisory support, and fragile operational ecosystems.

‘FirstBank recognises that addressing these barriers is not just a banking imperative; it is a national imperative,’ she said.

According to her, the bank has continued to support enterprise growth and resilience over its 131-year history, reaffirming its commitment to expanding access to financial solutions, deploying technology to unlock opportunities, and forging partnerships that empower businesses.

‘This session is not merely about banking; it is about reimagining how finance can accelerate inclusion, how policy can create enabling environments, and how collective action can turn Nigeria’s vast entrepreneurial energy into shared prosperity,’ Bubaram added.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu will today unveil a newly completed 420 home units at Ajara, Badagry.

The opening of the new Lagos State Housing Estate Ajara phase 1 at Badagry, will further increase the stock of model housing units and cater for accomodation needs of over 2000 individuals.

Commissioner for Housing Moruf Akinderu-Fatai during a media chats with reporters stated that the estate consists of 420 home apartments of one, two and three bedrooms.

Akinderu-Fatai said the aim is to provide affordable and quality housing in line with Governor Sanwo-Olu’s campaign promise to complete all ongoing housing projects in the state.

He expressed excitement about the project’s completion, citing its potential impact on the community’s economy.

The commissioner thanked prospective subscribers for their patience and trust in the administration.

He also advised interested subscribers who have intention to apply to visit the Estate department of the Ministry at Block 3, the Secretariat, Alausa and refrain from dealing with swindlers as the ministry does not engage agents in the sale of any of its housing units.

The Nigerian non-interest capital market has grown remarkably, now valued at N1.6 trillion, with Sukuk dominating the sector’s expansion. This milestone reflects increasing investor confidence in ethical and non-interest financial products.

Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama, disclosed this in Abuja during a joint press briefing ahead of the 7th African International Conference on Islamic Finance (AICIF), organised in collaboration with The Metropolitan Law Firm and Metropolitan Skills Limited.

Dr. Agama said the overwhelming interest in recent Sukuk issuances reflects deep investor trust in the regulatory direction of the market. ‘The 700per cent oversubscription of the last issuance underscores the massive investor confidence we have built, thus demonstrating a robust and growing appetite for ethical and non-interest financial products,’ he said.

He added that the enactment of the new Investments and Securities Act (ISA) 2025 has given the SEC a stronger and clearer legal foundation to expand the non-interest financial landscape. According to him, ‘With the new Investments and Securities Act (ISA) 2025, we have a modernised regulatory framework that provides clarity and confidence, making the outcomes of this conference more actionable than ever before.’

Dr. Agama described the new law as a ‘game-changer,’ saying it provides ‘a robust, statutory framework for Sukuk and other Non-Interest financial instruments.’ He explained that the Act empowers the SEC to register Non-Interest Collective Investment Schemes, directly fulfilling the objectives of Nigeria’s Capital Market Masterplan to deepen market development and foster innovation.

Speaking on the forthcoming 7th African International Conference on Islamic Finance, the SEC chief said the event will bring together regulators, senior financial executives, eminent scholars, and representatives from development finance institutions. ‘This convergence of expertise is by design,’ he noted, adding that the goal is to ‘foster high-level collaboration leading to the harmonisation of policies and the creation of innovative financial solutions that address the unique needs of our emerging economies.’

He said promoting financial inclusion will be central to all discussions at the conference, which will feature technical sessions exploring practical financing models and strategies.

‘We will have a major conversation on ‘Unlocking Capital for Africa’s Infrastructure,’ addressing how to fund the roads, power, and technology our economies need for growth and development. We will also explore the future of sustainable development in the session, ‘Green and Ethical Investments: The Future of Energy Finance,’ and connect finance to the real economy with a paper on ‘Agricultural Financing: From Farm to Table through Ethical Options,” he said.

Dr. Agama also revealed that the conference will spotlight technology-driven finance. ‘In recognition of the digital transformation of our world today, we will address ‘The Role of Fintech in Transforming Islamic Finance and Capital Markets,’ ensuring Africa remains at the forefront of financial innovation,’ he said.

In her remarks, Managing Partner of The Metropolitan Law Firm and Chairman of the AICIF 2025 Planning Committee, Ummahani Amin, said the collaboration with SEC reflects a unified vision to strengthen the Islamic finance ecosystem in Nigeria and across Africa.

‘This collaboration between SEC and The Metropolitan Law Firm and Metropolitan Skills Ltd. underscores our shared vision to strengthen the Islamic finance ecosystem, deepen investor confidence, and support innovation that aligns with integrity and shared prosperity,’ she said.

Amin added that this year’s conference comes at a defining moment for the continent. ‘Africa continues to explore innovative, ethical, and sustainable pathways to finance development. Islamic finance has proven to be one of the fastest-growing segments of the global financial system, and AICIF provides a unique platform to bring together policymakers, regulators, scholars, investors, and practitioners to shape that future here on the continent,’ she said.

The AICIF, now in its seventh edition, has become a key platform for advancing ethical finance in Africa, supporting regulatory development, and promoting sustainable investment practices across markets.

After nearly three years away from the Nigerian national team, Mati Taiwo is back and his return couldn’t be more symbolic as Nigeria prepares to defend its men’s team title at the 2025 ITTF-African Championships in Tunis, to be held from 12-19 October.

Mati earned his place on the team through hard work, helped Nigeria to secure a men’s team victory and reached the semi-finals in singles at the 2025 West Africa Regional Championships in Lagos.

These performances were pivotal to his selection, including the ranking points he garnered at WTT Contender Lagos.

Now based in France and playing for league side Association tennis de table Le Havre, Mati has been rebuilding his form, helping his club in the French PRO B DIVISION and competing at various WTT events occasionally.

‘I feel positive and more confident to be back,’ he said. ‘I’ve been preparing really well for this tournament.’

Mati joins a familiar cast, including Muizz Adegoke, Kuti Matthew, and Abdulbasit AbdulFatai; teammates with whom he shares a successful spell during his youth-level days.

The squad will be captained by Olajide Omotayo, stepping up in the absence of Aruna Quadri, whose leadership was instrumental in last year’s men’s team triumph.

‘We’ll miss Aruna. I checked up on him after hearing he withdrew. The confidence whenever he’s on the team and the less pressure we experience because of him. But we’ll still feel the captain’s spirit that we usually get from him. Nevertheless, we’ll always try our best to be positive,’ Mati admitted

Despite the challenge posed by perennial rivals Egypt, Mati believes in the strength and energy of the younger squad.

‘We’re full of energy and can go a long way. I feel we can cause an upset,’ echoed Mati

His optimism is matched by his praise for the Nigerian Table Tennis Federation’s recent investment in youth development, which he calls a ‘great development.

‘ That investment is now bearing fruit, and he hopes that if the momentum continues, it will birth even more generations of players ready to fly the flag higher on the international stage.

Taiwo’s return is a reflection of Nigeria’s growing depth in its current squad, boosting younger and developing talents ready to carry on the torch of Nigeria’s legacy in the sport.