Category: The Nation – Nigeria

In only his first start for Atalanta in the on-going campaign, Ademola Lookman had an impressive performance as La Dea beat Club Brugge , 2-1.

Atalanta had to come from behind through Lazar Samardzic and Mario Pasalic to claim their first Champions League victory of the season over the Belgian side at the New Balance Arena last night.

There was no Isak Hien, Giorgio Scalvini or Sead Kolasinac in defence for La Dea, nor Charles De Ketelaere, Gianluca Scamacca or Nicola Zalewski further up the pitch.

That, however, meant that Ademola Lookman was called into the starting line-up for the first time this season, following his attempts to leave the club over the course of the summer transfer window. There was also a first start of the campaign for Brazilian midfielder, Ederson.

Atalanta threatened early on through Lorenzo Bernasconi, who thundered a fierce volley just wide of the target from 25 yards out after less than four minutes.

Ederson, Lookman and Mario Pasalic all tried their best to get Atalanta ahead, but it was the visitors who would claim the first-half lead.

Atalanta had to wait until the final 20 minutes to find the equaliser. Nordin Jackers did brilliantly to stop Musah while charging into the area, but the Brugge goalkeeper overcommitted and brought down Mario Pasalic on the follow-up.

Samardzic stepped up to convert the penalty just inside the right post to level for Atalanta with what was his first competitive goal this calendar year.

Then, with three minutes of regular time remaining, Pasalic stole the lead with a well-placed header from Samardzic’s corner delivery, sending the New Balance Arena into a frenzy.

Atalanta, who had been eliminated by Club Brugge in the Champions League play-off round last season, are now off the mark with their first victory in Europe this season.

Incidentally before the game, Atalanta coach Ivan Juric said he called on Lookman and Emerson in the starting line-up for the match because they are ‘excellent athletes’.

‘They’re quality players. They’ve been training with us for a while, I think that today is a good opportunity for them to start playing in matches,’ Juric told Sky Sport Italia about the return of Lookman and Ederson to the starting line-up. ‘They’re two excellent athletes, we’ll see how they get on during the game.’

The University of Arkansas, Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences’ School of Art hosted internationally acclaimed artist and scholar Prof Peju Layiwola for a two-day workshops culminating in a student fashion show. The show, which was held last Thursday at the School of Art’s Studio and Design Center lobby featured no fewer than 125 students who modeled the clothing made by the participants and from Layiwola’s fashion line. It also featured varieties of Nigerian food.

The fashion show marks the end of a weeklong resist-dyeing workshop series, where students from across disciplines will study àdìr?, a centuries-old Yoruba textile tradition from southwest Nigeria. Their finished creations made debut on the runway alongside designs by Layiwola and by Edward Osei, a University of Arkanasas art education master’s student from Ghana.

Participants learned the entire batik process, from making foam stamps, to producing designs with wax, to dyeing, and dewaxing. Participants also learned about adire eleko and adire oniko.

According to Prof Layiwola, the initiative is to help the students learn about other textile cultural practices, engage with a genre that would illuminate their art practice, and great satisfaction from the university community. The programmes refreshing and some ‘think that this should be annual event. Students were thrilled at the experience, which they thought was unique,’ Layiwola added.

Layiwola, professor of art and art history at the University of Lagos and Mellon Curatorial Fellow at the Stanley Museum of Art at the University of Iowa, is recognised as a leading voice in African art and material culture. Her career includes numerous awards, grants and fellowships, as well as ties to Arkansas through the 2020 Ambassador of Goodwill Award from the state of Arkansas and the 2019 Tyson Scholar Fellowship at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Layiwola’s work is also represented in major collections, including Microsoft Lagos, the Yemisi Shyllon Museum at Pan Atlantic University and with private collectors such as JP and Ebun Clark and Hs Royal Majesty Nnaemeka Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha.

Assistant Professor of art history, Janine Sytsma, noted that these events demonstrate how the school is providing students with unique opportunities to engage with a respected artist and to learn firsthand a resist-dyeing tradition from southwest Nigeria. ‘Through this workshop,’ she explained, ‘students gain knowledge of Yoruba textile design that will enrich their development as artists, scholars, educators and designers.’

Layiwola’s visit is a collaborative effort between the school’s art history and art education programs, demonstrating their shared commitment to interdisciplinary, experiential learning in arts scholarship and practices. Kathy Brown, director of graduate studies in art education and endowed assistant professor of art education, noted, ‘Art education is excited to collaborate with art history to bring Prof. Layiwola’s workshops to our students. We are looking forward to participating in cultural traditions and situate the workshops’ themes and experientiality within the wider arts-based research discourse.’

John Blakinger, art history programme director, explained that the School of Art is a hub where local and worldwide art practices converge, calling the events prime examples of how the school engages in meaningful outreach, ‘Her visit reflects the global reach of our program and demonstrates how we connect local partnerships – such as with Crystal Bridges – with international, cross-disciplinary projects that strengthen the arts in Arkansas.’

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has rewarded Team Edo with the sum of N10 million for their impressive outing at the 9th National Youth Games held in Asaba, Delta State.

Team Edo secured third place with a total of 79 medals, comprising 33 gold, 18 silver, and 28 bronze.

Announcing the reward while receiving the athletes at the Government House in Benin City, Governor Okpebholo commended their resilience, commitment, and dedication, noting that their performance brought pride and honour to the state.

He encouraged the athletes to stay focused and remain determined to achieve even greater success in future competitions.

‘I congratulate our team for putting in their best and securing third position with 33 gold, 18 silver, and 28 bronze medals. This is an impressive achievement, but I challenge you to do more and put in your best to claim first position in the next edition. Edo deserves first place, and with commitment and discipline, we will get there.

‘The state government will continue to support you, but I want to see stronger dedication and more commitment in the coming years. For your efforts, I am pleased to reward you with the sum of ?10 million. I believe with harder training, greater victories await Edo.’

Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Mr. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, thanked Governor Okpebholo for his support of sports development and stressed that the administration’s prioritization of athletes’ welfare was a decisive factor in the team’s improved performance.

He presented the second runner-up trophy to the Governor and assured that continued government support would enable the athletes to surpass their current achievement and position.

According to him, ‘We thank His Excellency for providing the enabling environment for sports to thrive. For the first time, Team Edo returned with 33 gold, 18 silver, and 28 bronze medals, an unprecedented feat in the history of our participation in the National Youth Games. The motivation came from the Governor’s commitment to the well-being of our athletes.’

The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing women’s economic participation, saying deliberate investment in women is key to inclusive growth and prosperity.

Deputy Governor Dr. Kadri Hamzat, spoke at the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA)’s flagship conference, WAPA Connect 2025.

According to him, the recently launched Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) Policy Roadmap was designed to dismantle barriers that limit women and girls from contributing fully to the economy.

‘WAPA Connect Conference is our flagship 2025 event, uniting government officials, civil society, private sector partners, and everyday women across Lagos. This year’s theme underscores our strong commitment to making policies practical and impactful, ensuring measurable outcomes for women’s empowerment. We believe that investing in women is not just an act of charity-it is a matter of economics, justice, and prosperity. A society cannot really thrive if it leaves half of its population behind,’ he said.

Sanwo-Olu explained that the roadmap, developed from real-life experiences of Lagos women across sectors, would expand opportunities in entrepreneurship, agriculture, skill acquisition, the traditional labour market and emerging industries.

He added that the state was prioritising partnerships with women-led organisations and private sectors to ensure measurable results, while improving data collection to guide targeted interventions.

Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Bolaji Dada, described the programme as a platform that enables women from all backgrounds to connect, network and explore opportunities.

She said this year’s theme serves as a reminder that empowering women benefits families, businesses and the wider economy.

Highlighting the ministry’s achievements, Mrs Dada said 28,913 students had graduated from the state’s 19 free skills acquisition centres since the inception of the administration, while 17,213 beneficiaries received equipment under the Micro Enterprise Support Initiative (MESI).

She added that 18,241 women were trained under the Life Skills and Economic Empowerment Programme (LEEP), 5,494 benefitted from agricultural programmes in Badagry, while more than 5,500 widows received cash grants and empowerment packages.

According to her, over 28,000 sanitary pads have been distributed to schoolgirls under the menstrual hygiene programme, while the ministry’s Purple Project provides shelters, psychosocial counselling and legal aid for survivors of gender-based violence across the 57 councils.

She said the initiatives have strengthened food security and created employment opportunities across the state.

The commissioner commended the state government’s continuous support and stressed that WAPA’s achievements reflect Sanwo-Olu’s vision of placing women at the heart of development.

Wife of the governor, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, represented by Mrs. Funmi Omotoso, also commended the commissioner for sustaining the conference and placing women at the centre of its agenda.

The National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu last night urged Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and other labour unions not to hurt the economy at a the government is making progress to redirect it time.

The NSA made the remark after stepping into the row between Dangote Refinery and PENGASSAN

The second day of the peace meeting initiated by the government was moved to the Office of National Security Adviser (ONSA) from the ministry of Labor and government.

‘They have not reached any conclusion yet but the NSA asked PENGASSAN not to hurt the economy,’ a source said last night.

Ribdau held talks with Dangote Group Chairman Aliko Dangote and representatives of oil workers’ union as part of steps to avoid a total shutdown of the oil and gas sector.

At the meeting were the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy Mr. Wale Edun; Minister of Labour and Employment Mohammed Dingyadi; Minister of State for Labour and Employment Mrs. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha; PENGASSAN President Festus Osifo; Secretary of the union Lumumba Ighotemu and top government officials.

The meeting, which was still ongoing as of press time at 11.24pm, was holding in the Office of the NSA (ONSA) in Abuja.

The Upstream and the Downstream of the oil sector are now feeling the impact of the lingering feud between the refinery and PENGASSAN.

A source, who spoke with our correspondent, said: ‘There is an ongoing marathon meeting between the NSA and other key stakeholders, especially Dangote and PENGASSAN leaders.

‘Ribadu, who is the chairman of the Energy Security of the government, opted to intervene following the continuous spread of the strike action by PENGASSAN.

Edun warned that the ongoing strike poses a major threat to the nation’s fragile economy. He said government was determined to limit the impact of the industrial action, which followed the dismissal of 800 workers by Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals.

Edun spoke after a nine-hour meeting convened by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, stressing that resolving the dispute was urgent to keep country’s economy on track.

According to him, the strike was threatening critical supply chains in gas and crude oil, which are essential inputs for industrial production.

‘What is utmost in the minds of everybody- the public, the government, investors, and economic actors generally- is that we need to limit the danger of this action to the economy. We need to resolve it and get workers back to work. We need gas flowing, we need crude flowing, which is critical to where the economy is right now,’ Edun said.

He added that government remained optimistic that a resolution would be reached when talks reconvene today, noting that sustaining momentum in economic reforms required urgent restoration of operations at the refinery. ‘We don’t want this momentum broken. That is why we spent nine hours trying to resolve the issue. We are hopeful that later today we can break the deadlock and put this behind us so the Nigerian economy can move forward,’ the minister said.

The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has expressed concern over the ongoing action by PENGASSAN, warming that it was tantamount to self-help and economic sabotage.

It warned that coercing those not interested in a strike or disrupting the operations of businesses not party to a dispute is unacceptable and against global labour practices.

In a statement, NECA’s Director-General, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, stressed that while trade unions have the legitimate right to embark on industrial action, such rights must be exercised responsibly and within the bounds of the law.

Oyerinde noted that Nigeria has statutory institutions like the Industrial Arbitration Panel (IAP) and the National Industrial Court (NICN) to resolve labour disputes. According to him, resorting to self-help or treating these institutions with disdain would undermine the country’s industrial relations system and threaten economic survival.

He reaffirmed NECA’s commitment to upholding global labour standards in line with ILO Conventions 87 and 98, stressing that protections for union officials do not cover sabotage, coercion, or actions that endanger enterprises and national security.

While acknowledging workers’ rights, he maintained that such rights cannot override employers’ rights to manage investments or jeopardize enterprise sustainability.

The NECA DG urged the Minister of Labour and Employment to act decisively to stop the ‘wanton denigration’ of Nigeria’s industrial relations system. He called for the dispute to be resolved through lawful channels, warning that failure to intervene could damage economic sustainability, job creation, investment attraction, and national development.

Works Minister to PENGASSAN: prioritise national interest

Appealing to PENGASSAN to put national interest above union grievances, Works Minister, David Umahi, warned that the strike action could derail the country’s economic recovery.

Umahi who spoke in Lagos while inspecting the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, stressed that stability in the oil and gas sector was crucial to sustaining development.

Petrol scarcity hits Abuja

In Abuja, petrol scarcity has resurfaced as most retail outlets remained shut while black marketers sold the product at inflated prices. Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) President, Abubakar Maigandi, said the disruption of supply from Dangote Refinery was the immediate cause.

PENGASSAN members continued their blockade of key regulatory agencies in Abuja, including the NNPCL, NUPRC and NMDPRA, despite a subsisting court order.

Pockets of long queues were observed at some gas stations in Lagos with private depots reported to have hiked pump prices to N980 per litre. Other oil sector groups, including NOGASA and PETROAN, appealed to government to quickly intervene, warning that the situation could spiral into a nationwide shortage.

CORAN begs govt to avert oil sector collapse

Reacting to the development, the Crude Oil Refineries Owners Association of Nigeria (CORAN) urged the Federal Government to urgently intervene to prevent looming collapse of the oil sector if the crises persist.

In a statement, the association stressed that private refineries had invested heavily to reduce dependence on imports, create jobs, and conserve foreign exchange. However, it said recurring disruptions, regulatory delays, and vested interests were threatening their survival.

‘Private refiners cannot survive in a hostile business environment where supply is used as leverage to stifle growth. Government must act impartially and decisively to protect operators and guarantee uninterrupted access to feedstock,’ CORAN said, calling for a binding framework that secures crude supply and restores investor confidence.

NISO blames power generation shortfall on gas disruption

Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) yesterday blamed the dip in electricity generation on the disruption of gas supply.

It allocated 3,656MW to the 11 Distribution Companies (DisCos) as at 15:39 hours yesterday.

The NISO said at 15:00 hours, 14 of the 26 generation Companies GenCos produced 3,798.86MW.

But its management, which made the issue of disruption known in a press statement, said it was due to the industrial actions of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) within the gas supply chain.

In s public notice titled: ‘Generation curtailment due to gas supply disruptions’, it said: ‘The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) wishes to notify the public of recent major generation shortfalls on the National Grid, caused by industrial actions of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) within the gas supply chain.’

NISO further noted that the disruptions triggered widespread gas shortages, reducing available generation from over 4,300 MW in the early hours of Sunday, 28th September 2025, to about 3,200 MW at the lowest point.

In response, NISO said it has promptly deployed contingency measures to preserve the stability, security, and reliability of the National Grid.

According to the statement, key interventions include:

Hydropower Optimization: Strategic ramp-ups from major hydro stations, contributing over 400 MW of additional output to cushion the shortfall from gas-fired plants.

ANNONTMOUS: Good day, I have been complaining of deduction of N9000 from my pension allowance since September last year. Kindly use your office to rescue me from this situation. l have written several times for correction to no avail why.

PTAD: Dear PTAD PENSIONER, please send your verification slip to our email [email protected] to enable us to investigate and respond further. However, note that PTAD obtained a directive for the re-implementation of the CPA based on grade level in line with the clarification from the NSIWC before implementing the new 20 per cent / 28 per cent increment as applicable. The CPA which was as a result of the minimum wage approval in April 2019 was implemented in May 2021 based on pay-band application with subsequent payment of 24 months arrears covering from April 2019 to April 2021. It is therefore instructive to mention that arrears reconciliation arising from the re-implementation of the CPA based on grade level is set aside pending further directive.

The clarification from the NSIWC which revised the implementation of the CPA to Grade level was taken into cognisance and accordingly implemented on the payroll before the application of the new pension increment of 20-28% as applicable which will take effect from September 2024.

Further to the above, the Executive Secretary gave directive to pay the 20%/ 28% pension increment arrears to ONLY the pensioners whose monthly pension have been correctly computed and implemented as per the August payroll.

In line with the directive of the Executive Secretary, the Department reviewed the August 2024 pension payroll to ascertain that only pensioners who are on their correctly computed monthly pension are paid the 20 – 28% pension increment arrears and thereafter identified and excluded the following categories of pensioners:

Pensioners on the payroll with inherited monthly pension and whose monthly pension entitlement is yet to be computed to date;

Pensioners on the payroll with inherited monthly pension but whose monthly pension entitlement have been computed but not yet implemented;

Pensioners on the payroll with monthly pension figure that appears to be higher than the maximum monthly pension for their Grade Level.

Thank you.

OJO: Our Dear Sister, I am one a Heritage bank customer at Ado Ekiti. I am one of those who were not paid their pension since May. I sent a message to you with all my particulars. Please, I am waiting for your help. Ojo from Ado Ekiti.

PTAD: Dear Mr. Ojo we are not in receipt of your new bank statement from UBA as we discussed with you and your daughter on the phone. Thank you.

MABAWONKU: My Name is Mabawonku, a federal/State pensioner. I worked at the Nigeria Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) from September 14, 1982 to July 6, 1993. Thereafter, I joined the Lagos State government on July 15, 1993 and retired on January 28, 2008 as a Director. Despite several demands in writing, calls and physical presence the gratuity has not been paid. I did physical verification with PTAD at Lagos in 2019. On request, I have sent my verification certificate and bank details from 2008 till date to PTAD. With all the conditions met since 2019, still my gratuity of 11 years and pension arrears of six months (January to July 1993) has not been paid. The Nation newspaper through you (Omobola) should please help me. Thank you.

The 2025 campaign carries the slogan ‘Strive for Five’, urging communities to mobilize at least 5 percent of their populations. Research indicates that this percentage marks the tipping point necessary to drive systemic societal and environmental change.

This year’s focus highlights one of the most pressing yet under-discussed waste issues: the pollution caused by the fashion and textile industry. Globally, an estimated 92 million tonnes of textiles are discarded annually, the equivalent of a garbage truck full of clothes being dumped every second. Addressing textile waste is closely tied to promoting sustainable consumption and transitioning toward circular economies.

World Cleanup Day directly supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 13: Climate Action, SDG 14: Life Below Water and SDG 15: Life on Land

Over the years, many national, regional, local governments and communities have been undertaking clean-up activities. Globally World Cleanup Day represents the reflection on their achievements. The clean-ups serve as a reminder of the collective responsibility we share in preserving and maintaining a clean and healthy environment as well as sustainable waste and resources management.

Solid waste management affects every single person in the world, whether individuals are managing their own waste or governments are providing waste management services to their citizens. As nations and cities urbanize, develop economically, and grow in terms of population, the World Bank estimates that waste generation will increase from 2.01 billion tonnes in 2016 to 3.40 billion tonnes in 2050. At least 33 percent of this waste is mismanaged globally today through open dumping or burning.

This year’s World Cleanup Day in Nigeria paraded NGO’s, Students, Banks, Agencies of government and Corporate Organisations and others.

For instance in a bid to mark this year’s World Cleanup Day, the National Association of Nigerian Students, Lagos State Chapter, mobilised students to lead what it described as the ‘largest environmental cleanup in Lagos State.’

The event took place at Iyana-Iba Market in Ojo Local Government Area, with hundreds of student volunteers, community members, and partner organisations removing solid waste, promoting recycling, and educating traders and residents on sustainable environmental practices.

The exercise featured collaboration between development partners, student bodies, and local NGOs.

The large-scale activation, hosted at Iyana-Iba Market, Ojo Local Government Area, brought together hundreds of student volunteers, student leaders, community members, and partner organisations, including GenImpact Africa, Lima Adejoke Foundation, and the Rotaract Club of Lagos State University (LASU). Participants worked collectively to remove solid waste, promote proper recycling practices, and sensitise traders and residents on sustainable environmental management.’

The Lagos Waste Management Authority helped to evacuate the collected waste.

The organisers said, ‘The initiative formed part of an ongoing collaboration between UNICEF and NANS Lagos aimed at advancing youth engagement on climate action and the Sustainable Development Goals.’ They also expressed appreciation to all parties involved in the activity.

‘The organisers expressed profound appreciation to all volunteers, market stakeholders, and partner agencies whose contributions made the World Cleanup Day event a benchmark for coordinated environmental action in Lagos,’

Among the corporate organisations that participated actively in this year’s clean-up was Wema Bank where volunteers took on the vital work of cleaning and restoring their communities. 133 staff members of the Bank spread across Lagos, Abia, Nasarawa, and Ogun State showed up with gloves on and bags in hand to contribute to the initiative.

At the end of the exercise, the numbers spoke volumes: These volunteers had cleared 3,962 kilograms of waste from streets, drains, beaches and markets. 89.5 kilograms of the waste were recyclable materials that will now be re-channeled into the circular economy.

For Wema Bank, this was no one-off show of goodwill. The Bank has been an active participant in the global World Cleanup Day movement, evacuating over 13,000kg of waste and recyclables over the last 7 years. In previous years, the bank has proudly joined this cause by actively partnering with community groups and organizations to commemorate the day each year. From restoring the Kids Beach Garden in Lekki (2018) to collaborating with Ibadan Catholic Youth Organization (IBCYON) and the state government to revitalize communities in Ibadan (2019), the Bank has expanded its impact.

In the following years, the Bank joined forces with prominent cleanup initiatives like theAfrican Clean-Up Initiative (ACI) and International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) to restore vital coastal and urban areas such as Eleko-Idado Beach and Ojuelegba, Navy Beach and Makoko (2020-2025) respectively.

So far, statistics say over 63,730 beneficiaries have been impacted with this initiative.

Since its launch, the World Cleanup Day has stood as a global movement dedicated to uniting millions in the fight against environmental pollution. The event mobilizes millions across continents for a single 24-hour wave of action. Let’s Do It World NGO’s data notes that more than 20 million volunteers across 191 countries took part in the 2024 edition, just one year after the UN officially proclaimed September 20 as the annual observance day. The participants were all united by a simple but powerful mission: rid the planet of waste and mismanaged trash, one community at a time. If left unchecked the consequences are stark experts say suggesting increased greenhouse gas emissions from decomposing waste, microplastics in oceans, and the growing economic costs of cleaning and managing refuse.

The bank has worked on building a culture of environmental consciousness that is as consistent as it is impactful. This custom is embedded in staff and recreated across the bank where waste management and recycling is a big part of how its amenities are managed. What began as a single day of volunteer action in 2018 has become a daily and by extension, yearly tradition that reflects the bank’s broader commitment to sustainability and community stewardship.

‘Our job as a financial institution doesn’t end at providing banking solutions. We are deeply invested in the communities we serve, and part of that responsibility is making sure those communities are healthy, safe, and sustainable. World Cleanup Day gives us a chance to put our values into practice,’ says Managing Director and CEO of Wema Bank, Moruf Oseni,. ‘It allows us to roll up our sleeves and show that we care, not just about today’s business but about tomorrow’s environment. Over the years, our involvement in World Cleanup Day has allowed us to bring staff, partners and local stakeholders together to leave a meaningful footprint on our localities.’

Wema Bank’s actions on World Cleanup Day are not just about filling trash bags; they are about reducing disease vectors, protecting waterways, restoring civic pride, and demonstrating that collective action works. This year’s cleanup was a logistical feat. In Lagos, where urban density makes waste management a perennial challenge, Wema Bank partnered with Ocean Conservancy Nigeria to mark the 40th International Coastal Cleanup under the theme Seathechange.

At Alpha Beach in Lekki, 70 volunteers joined other stakeholders to tackle marine pollution head-on, preventing 285kg of debris from reaching the ocean. In Ogun State, the team turned its attention to Kuto Market in Abeokuta, partnering with Orange Strategy Waste Value Ltd for a cleanup that drew 75 volunteers. The volunteers split into two teams, one focusing on plastics and community advocacy, the other on general waste. In just ninety minutes, they cleared 720kilo gramme of refuse, including 68kilo gramme of plastic to be recycled.

Children came out to watch, some even joining in, turning the day into a spontaneous community learning moment about environmental hygiene. The effort earned praise from the Baba Oloja of Kuto Market.

In Abia, where market districts are often overwhelmed with post-trading waste, Wema Bank partnered with Sosocare for a cleanup at the bustling Shopping Clothing Center in Aba. Volunteers from the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Health, Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) and National Environmental Standards and Regulation Enforcement Agency (NESREA) joined the effort.

By the end of the exercise, 121kilo gramme of waste had been cleared and properly disposed of, leaving the market cleaner and more accessible. The recyclables were sorted and transported for proper reprocessing, making a small but significant contribution to Nigeria’s growing recycling value chain.

The market cleanup continued in Mararaba Market, Nasarawa State, where it partnered with SproutBud , a community-driven social enterprise dedicated to waste recovery and recycling. Twenty Wema Bank volunteers, joined by representatives from Nasarawa State Waste and Sanitation Agency (NASWASA), Karu Youth Group, and PathShaker, began the day with a talk on responsible waste management and community participation.

By the end of the exercise, an impressive 2,800kg of waste had been cleared from the market and surrounding areas, making it one of the most impactful cleanups of the year and a powerful example of what corporate and community collaboration can achieve.

For volunteers like Victor Olajumoke, the experience went beyond corporate responsibility; it was deeply personal. ‘Walking through a beach littered with plastic, wrappers, bottles and even food waste, you see how ugly nature can look like when littered and how much of a difference a few hands can make. As I joined in the cleanup at Alpha Beach, I felt an immense sense of purpose,’ she says. ‘This is my community where I live and being able to take action to keep it clean means so much. It was also inspiring to see strangers join us along the way, asking for bags so they could help too. It reminded me that sometimes, people just need to see someone else take the first step.’

Her words capture the heart of World Cleanup Day as a movement built on the quiet power of example and community.

In the same vein, Wema Bank’s cleanup campaign is never done in isolation. The bank works with state and local government authorities, sanitation agencies, community leaders, and private waste operators to ensure that the cleanup is not just symbolic but part of a sustainable waste management chain. Trucks, waste bags, disposal points, and other logistical support are coordinated ahead of time so that what is collected is disposed of responsibly.

This year, the Lagos cleanup was supported by partners like Lagos Waste Management Agency (LAWMA), the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Plastic Evolution, and the Nigerian Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research.

In Ogun State the support came from the Ogun State Waste Management Authority officials. Such partnerships are crucial as Nigeria generates an estimated 32 million tonnes of solid waste annually, of which only about 30 percent is collected. By collaborating with public institutions, Wema Bank ensures that its efforts plug into formal systems, amplifying impact and avoiding duplication.

Head of Corporate Sustainability, Wema Bank, Abimbola Agbejule, sees these collaborations as essential to the bank’s long-term strategy.

She shared, ‘World Cleanup Day is our opportunity to bring people together, to inspire action, and to demonstrate what corporate social investment looks like. But it’s also a launchpad for the relationships we build with government agencies, local waste managers, and community groups that allow us to keep the conversation going all year long. Our long-term goal is to see cleaner cities, healthier citizens, and stronger recycling habits in the communities where we operate. That can only happen when we all work together.’

The impact of cleanup actions like Wema Bank’s extends far beyond what can be measured on the scale.

Removing nearly four tonnes of waste means fewer clogged drains and reduced risk of flooding, which is a real benefit for public health in urban areas. Diverting 89.5 kilograms of recyclables means lower demand for virgin raw materials and a small but measurable reduction in carbon footprint.

Each volunteer hour contributes to a shift in culture, signaling that waste management is everyone’s business.

The work also maps neatly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, showing that cleaner environments reduce the spread of waterborne diseases, making progress toward good health and well-being more attainable. Also, cleaner streets and well-managed waste make cities more livable and resilient; recycling and waste sorting encourage responsible consumption and production; and reduced landfill waste means lower methane emissions and climate action.

Going further, the effects of a well-organized cleanup day means there would be less plastic entering waterways and that protects marine life and supports life below water. Healthy terrestrial ecosystems also benefit when litter and hazardous waste are removed from soil, and the collaboration between private sector, government, and civil society demonstrates that partnerships are key to driving lasting change.

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, yesterday hosted the Russian Chapter of the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance at the State House in Abuja.

She said Nigeria is a fertile ground for global partnerships and a dependable ally of the BRICS bloc.

Welcoming the business alliance’s delegation, led by its Chairperson, Anna Nesterova, Mrs. Tinubu described Nigeria as ‘a very interesting place that you will find rewarding for partnerships’.

The First Lady assured the visitors of her office’s continued advocacy for women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship.

She stressed the statutory role of government ministries in driving concrete economic engagements, saying: ‘My office will continue to provide advocacy and encouragement, but the ministries have the statutory responsibilities and budgets to support your mission.

‘I do a lot of programmes through my foundation, but when it comes to women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship, the ministries are the right partners. My role is to complement, advise, and facilitate.’

Mrs. Tinubu highlighted her humanitarian work through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), saying she has personal commitments to education, women, and children.

The First Lady recalled that she dedicated her 65th birthday to raising funds for a national library project and announced plans to distribute sanitary kits to schoolgirls in Gombe State as part of her outreach to rural communities.

Nesterova praised Mrs. Tinubu as ‘an incredible woman who not only changes lives for the better but also paves the way for a prosperous future for the Nigerian people’.

The BRICS Women’s Business Alliance chairperson announced the group’s plans to establish a regional office in Nigeria to serve as a gateway for women entrepreneurs into international markets.

She also announced a donation of 1,000 labour and delivery kits to support maternal health in Nigeria.

The chairperson highlighted the alliance’s global reach, saying: ‘Our Common Digital Platform currently connects more than 3,000 businesswomen from 60 countries. Last year, the BRICS Women’s Startups Contest attracted 50 applications from Nigeria alone.’

The Russian delegation included senior executives and academics, such as Ms. Liudmila Shcherbakova of VET PHARM Group, Ms. Natalia Vershinina of United Migration Centre, Prof. Liudmila Popova of Orel State University, and Ms. Anna Meshcheryakova of Third Opinion AI.

They expressed readiness to collaborate in the areas of pharmaceuticals and labour mobility to financial literacy and AI-driven healthcare solutions.

The visitors joined Nigerian officials at a technical session, which held at the State House Banquet Hall and focused on the topic: Strengthening Bilateral Ties and Exploring Investment Opportunities between Nigeria and Russia.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, described the engagement as a new chapter in Nigeria-Russia relations.

‘This gathering must go beyond symbolism. It should deliver actionable frameworks for cooperation, joint ventures, and enduring networks between Nigerian and Russian women entrepreneurs,’ she said.

The minister linked the talks to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope foreign policy agenda, stressing that empowering women is ‘not just a moral duty but a strategic investment in national growth and stability’.

Also, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, delved into over six decades of Nigeria-Russia cooperation in education, technology, defence, and energy.

She noted that Nigerian women own over 40 per cent of small and medium enterprises and constitute nearly 39 per cent of registered exporters.

‘With Nigeria’s demographic strength and entrepreneurial dynamism, and Russia’s technological expertise, our two nations can pursue mutually beneficial partnerships in agriculture, food security, mining, energy, the digital economy, and healthcare,’ Oduwole said.

The minister underscored Nigeria’s gateway role under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), offering investors access to a $3 trillion market of 1.3 billion people.

Other speakers at the event included the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulieman-Ibrahim, and the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, who stressed the importance of women and youth in driving innovation and inclusive growth.

As the world marked World Tourism Day 2025 last Saturday, the United Nations and key tourism stakeholders across Nigeria have called for a renewed commitment to make tourism a tool for sustainable transformation. The global celebration, held in Melaka, Malaysia, centred on the theme Tourism and Sustainable Transformation.

The UN Tourism Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili, urged nations and operators to reflect deeply on how tourism impacts societies and the planet. According to him, the sector’s future lies not only in visitor numbers but in how its growth contributes to people’s empowerment, cultural preservation, and environmental protection.

‘We must look beyond numbers and reflect on how our sector impacts societies and our planet,’ Pololikashvili said. ‘Sustainable transformation through tourism is only possible if we embrace new ideas and listen to new voices. That means reshaping business practices, investing in the right values, and focusing on innovation and entrepreneurship. It also means investing in education, jobs, and the training of young talents.’

He noted that World Tourism Day in Melaka has once again demonstrated that tourism can serve as a force for good when guided by sustainability and inclusivity. ‘By working together, we can transform tourism into a tool for empowerment, cultural preservation, and environmental protection,’ he added.

In a similar message, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres described tourism as ‘a powerful driver of transformation,’ noting that it builds bridges across cultures and fuels development. He, however, cautioned that its expansion must be managed responsibly to safeguard the very communities it celebrates.

‘Tourism creates jobs, fuels local economies, and strengthens bonds between people and places,’ Guterres said. ‘It builds bridges across cultures, preserves traditions, and restores cultural heritage. Yet tourism can also damage the very places it celebrates. As the world faces climate breakdown and rising inequalities, we need bold, sustainable action that puts people and the planet first.’

He urged countries to harness tourism as a force for resilience, sustainability, and shared progress.

Across the world, governments, operators, and civil society groups marked the day with events promoting inclusive tourism and sustainable development. In Nigeria, activities were held across several cities, including Lagos, Abuja, and Enugu, with the private sector playing a key role in mobilising awareness.

In Lagos, the State Government, through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, partnered the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) and other private operators to commemorate the day at Tarkwa Bay. The event brought together professionals, destination managers, and cultural promoters to discuss the future of sustainable tourism in the country.

Speaking on the significance of the celebration, Mr. Uche Wilson Ugwu, Vice President (South East) of FTAN, said the theme aligns with Nigeria’s need to reposition tourism as a development tool. He explained that true transformation begins when the industry is built on sustainability, cultural identity, and local participation.

‘Beyond celebrating the day, stakeholders must commit to practical actions that will make the South East a model for responsible tourism,’ Ugwu said. ‘Infrastructure development, security, and access roads remain critical to unlocking our region’s full potential. Without good roads and reliable utilities, even our best attractions remain hidden.’

He stressed the importance of capacity building and innovation, calling for continuous training of youth entrepreneurs and tour operators.

Ugwu maintained that sustainability depends on knowledge-sharing and the integration of modern technology into tourism promotion.

‘The South East must tell its story differently,’ he added. ‘We have history, cuisine, and craftsmanship that can compete globally. But this requires unity of purpose. Every operator, artisan, and policymaker must see themselves as part of the transformation process.’

Also speaking, Mr. Awomoyi Ayodeji, Principal Executive of Flyzone Tourism, said tourism remains a strategic tool for fostering peace, mutual understanding, and economic development among nations. According to him, sustainable transformation cannot be achieved without deliberate collaboration between governments, local communities, and the private sector.

‘Tourism contributes significantly to peace and development when it promotes cultural exchange, supports local economies, and encourages global citizenship,’ Awomoyi said. He identified inadequate infrastructure, insecurity, inconsistent government policies, and poor funding as some of the biggest challenges facing tourism in Nigeria.

Awomoyi stressed that capacity development and partnership are key. ‘Governments, private sector, and communities must work together to build skills, improve access, and foster partnerships. Only then can tourism reach its full potential as a tool for inclusion and sustainable change,’ he noted.

For the new Managing Director (MD) of Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority (HJRBDA), Rabiu Suleiman Bichi, his success story at the agency would not have been possible, if he was not inspired by President Tinubu’s wife, Sen. Oluremi, he says.

The Hadejia-Jama’are River Basin Development Authority was established in 1976 as an agency under the Federal Ministry of Water Resources.

Located along Maiduguri Road, Hotoro area of Kano, the agency is responsible for the development of surface and underground water resources in Kano, Jigawa and Bauchi areas.

President Bola Tinubu recently appointed Bichi, from Kano State, to serve as MD of HJRBDA, and within four months, Bichi has expanded the frontiers of vision for the agency, prioritising water resource management, youth empowerment and agricultural development.

The new MD told The Nation that he drew inspirations from the pet projects of the president’s wife, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, which he said, align with his passion for driving sustainable development and improving the lives of Nigerians.

‘The reforms we are delivering at the agency are in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, and the First Lady has inspired us a lot.

‘The First Lady’s vision for a Greener, More Self-Sufficient Nigeria, exemplified by the transformative ‘Every-Home-A-Garden’ project, is a profound inspiration.

‘We at HJRBDA are proud to align with this vision, which complements our enduring mission to promote agricultural growth and sustainable water resource management for the nation,’ Suleiman said.

In November 2023, the First Lady launched the ‘Every Home a Garden’ contest, offering a N20m prize to first-time female farmers nationwide to bolster domestic food production.

Suleiman Bichi, a consummate engineer, has made giant strides in enhancing food production in the catchment areas of Kano, Jigawa and Bauchi.

Through strategic investments in irrigation infrastructure, support services for farmers and sustainable water resource management, the agency is significantly improving agricultural productivity and enhancing food security.

In a chat with The Nation, Bichi outlined his key initiatives to include, among others: Developed Irrigation Infrastructure (canals, dams, water distribution Systems); Support Services (training, extension services, improved seeds, fertilizer and farm equipment); Insured Sustainable Water Resource Management (water harvesting and conservation); and Stakeholders’ Collaboration (government agencies, farmers’ organisations and private sector partners).

Increased Food Production; Improved Livelihoods for Farmers; Enhanced Food Security; and Reduced Hunger and Poverty are some of the impacts of the initiatives on the region.

‘Our plan is to continue promoting agricultural development and food security, to drive even greater success,’ he said.

Another record set by the HIRBDA, under Bichi, is the empowerment of farmers for all year round production of food and cash crops, an initiative the MD said he copied from President Tinubu’s wife.

‘The Authority is doing this through strategic investments to farmers in Kano, Jigawa and Bauchi, particularly enabling them to access improved seeds, fertilizer and farming tools, including tractor hiring and mechanisation services, to improve their efficiency and productivity. In fact, the farmers are supported during cultivation and harvest.

‘We are also promoting crop diversification, enabling farmers to grow a variety of crops, including vegetables, fruits and grains, for enhanced income and food security,’ Bichi said.

The president had charged Bichi to use his wealth of experience in water resource development for irrigation, flood control, and water supply, as well as promote sustainable agriculture and rural development.

Bichi is also to steer the authority’s implementation of various projects such as building of dams and construction of irrigation systems, while providing technical assistance to local communities to enhance water utilisation for agriculture and other purposes.

As the Managing Director of the Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority, Bichi said he was collaborating with all stakeholders to harness the potentials of the Authority under the various efforts of the minister of Water Resources, Professor Joseph Utsev.

He described members of his team as ‘capable hands,’ saying: ‘We shall focus on improving food security and economic development in the region, leveraging the Authority’s expertise in water resources management and agricultural development. This moment is not just a personal milestone, it signifies our collective commitment to national development and community well-being,’ he emphasised.

Bichi’s Key Performance Indicators (KPI) guiding operations include water resource management by 20 percent boost in water-use efficiency, through Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) and optimised irrigation systems; increasing coverage from 54,000 to 240,000 hectares, aimed at raising paddy rice production from 216,000 tonnes to 1 million tonnes.

He said: ‘The goal is to bridge the gap between millers’ demand of 7 million tonnes and current national output of 4 million tonnes; dam rehabilitation to enhancing dam water retention capacity via de-silting and other remedial actions; crop yield improvement projected 30 percent year-on-year increase in yields through modern farming practices and improved irrigation technology; community satisfaction targeting 85 percent satisfaction among local stakeholders, being achieved through inclusive planning and a comprehensive basin management strategy.

‘A key focus of the administration is youth empowerment, with plans to train at least 5,000 youths across the three benefiting states in modern irrigation, bookkeeping, horticulture, greenhouse farming, hydroponics and fodder production.

‘The youth are central to unlocking our agricultural potential. With the right skills and innovation, they can overcome the challenges of climate change and low productivity.’

The agency embarks on training programmes in technical skills in irrigation installation and maintenance; sustainable agricultural practices, such as soil conservation and crop rotation; entrepreneurship, with modules in business management and market access; community engagement, to encourage cross-cultural knowledge-sharing and cooperation.

The aim is to strengthen the agricultural value chain, from production to marketing, by fostering partnerships with local businesses and access to finance.

The establishment is working with the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), NASENI, and the Ministry for Livestock to support farmers and trainees,’ the managing director said.

Addressing internal workforce, the MD outlined plans for improved staff welfare and transparent postings, anchored on merit and bureaucratic standards.

‘We aim to create a supportive environment that boosts morale, increases productivity, and fosters trust among employees,’ he said, adding that cooperation, not confrontation, will be the guiding principle.’

Bichi was the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign Director General of the Tinubu/Shettima ticket for the 2023 presidential race in Kano state. The president however, said Bichi’s appointment is on account of his cognate experience and management expertise in both public and private sectors.

Bichi, who obtained his BSc at the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, and MBA at Bayero University Kano (BUK), had served as Secretary to the State Government of Kano State (SSG) from 2011 to 2016, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Urban Development Bank of Nigeria Plc until 2006. He was also Chief Quantity Surveyor at the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Abuja; Managing Director/CEO at the Kano State Environmental Planning and Protection Agency (KASEPPA) between 1990 and 2002.

He also served as commissioner, Ministry of Land and Physical Planning in Kano state, Executive Chairman of Crane Builders and Engineering Limited. He also worked at the Infrastructure Bank PLC. and Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), serving as Non-Executive Director.

While thanking the president for entrusting him with the leadership of the river basin development, Bichi told The Nation that he is not only promoting food security and environmental sustainability, but youth development across Kano, Jigawa and Bauchi States.