Category: The Nation – Nigeria

The Olalekan Ayinla Foundation has distributed over 500 school kits to pupils across eight primary schools in Ikeja, Lagos State.

This was part of its Back-to-School Programme designed to support widows, orphans, indigent children, and senior citizens.

The items, which included school bags, uniforms, sandals, and writing materials, were shared among pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds to ease the financial burden on their parents and encourage learning.

Founder of the foundation, Olalekan Ayinla, said the initiative was born out of a conviction that education remains the most powerful tool for empowerment and national development.

‘Education is very important in Nigeria. These children are the future of tomorrow. We all passed through this same road, so it is only right that we give back to society,’ he said.

Ayinla listed the benefiting schools to include Ukera Primary School, Adeniji Jones Primary School, Tokunbo Alli Primary School, Shogunle Primary School, Estate Primary School, Ogba, St. Peter’s Anglican School, Alausa, Opebi Primary School, and Osubiniye Primary School.

‘In total, we are distributing nearly 500 items today across eight schools. This is our way of empowering children. Beyond this, we also plan to extend support to widows, senior citizens, and orphans,’ he added.

According to him, the foundation remains committed to expanding its reach with interventions that will continue to cover pupils, widows, less privileged families, and senior citizens.

‘Nigeria’s growth is not the responsibility of the government alone. Every one of us must play a role in helping others. Through little acts of giving, we can change lives and build the country we want,’ he noted.

An official of the Social Mobilisation Department of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Sumbo Omobolanle, lauded the actions of the foundation.

She called for more private interventions to complement government efforts in tackling the issue of out-of-school children.

‘The reality is that many pupils cannot even afford exercise books or school bags. We appeal to more well-meaning Nigerians and NGOs to step in, because the government alone cannot do it,’ she said.

Head Teacher of Estate Primary School, Ogba, Mrs. Olanrewaju Funmilola, described the donation as a huge relief to parents struggling with the rising cost of basic school items.

‘On behalf of the school management, parents, and pupils, I express heartfelt gratitude to the Foundation. This will bring joy to families that could not afford basic school items,’ she said.

Assistant Head Teacher of Adeniji Jones Primary School, Mrs. Aishat Mohammed, said the initiative would boost the morale of pupils who had been struggling without adequate learning materials.

‘The children are so happy to receive these gifts. We pray that more pupils will benefit in the future,’ she said.

A new winner of the Lekki Scrabble Classics has emerged as Abdulmumin Jimoh strode through the field to clinch the one million naira cash prize and a trophy in the Premier Division while Bukunmi Afolayan picked the Championship title at the end of the two-day championship over the weekend.

Both winners engraved their names on their respective trophies in Round 17 with a game to spare.

Jimoh sustained his push for the title and averted the ‘Day One Champion’ curse where a leader fails to continue his run as he maintained his focus and confidence on Table One where he played mostly.

He ramped up the title with 14 wins, 4 defeats and +1569 ahead of John Ayedun (12-6, +820), David Ojih (12-6, +475), Larry Etuwa ( (12-6, +421) and Khaleel Adedeji ( (12-6, +217) in the top five

His devastating form in recent times has propelled him to top podium finish at the Bubble International Scrabble Tournament and the National Sports Festival where he represented Ogun State.

He said: ‘I’m quite excited with this victory at Lekki Scrabble Classics 2025. It was a tough tournament but hard work and continuous training played a key role.I want to appreciate Cyril Umebiye who is my best captain ever and the Ogun State Scrabble family.

‘This tournament is one of the toughest having to compete with players from different countries. I commend Lekki Scrabble Club for giving us one of the best tournaments in Africa.’

Rave of the moment and Best World Best Youth Female Player Sophia Ekeruche rattled the Championship Division with her dexterity on the board but the more experienced Bukunmi Afolayan halted her run as she finished second with 13½ points and a +1239 cumulative points.

The Ogun State based Amazon claimed the coveted title with 16 wins and +1357.

One of the highlights of the tournament was the strong proposition presented by the youth players who created some buzz and unsettled the older players.

Lekki Scrabble Club President Samuel Anikoh in his closing remarks commended every participants as well as all sponsors on the successful conclusion of the tournament.

He stated that the Club’s direction is focused on developing the sport at the school level just like the way it supported some youth who have been successful at world level.

Various deserving players were presented with cash prizes and plaques at the colourful closing ceremony.

Players from Ghana, Uganda and United Kingdom participated at the annual scrabble showpiece.

The Coalition of Farmers Association of Nigeria (COFAN) and the Himma Youth Farmers Association of Nigeria (HYFAN) have raised concerns that the restructuring of the Presidential Fertiliser Initiative (PFI) by the Federal Government could lead to a sharp increase in the prices, threatening the productivity of smallholder and youth farmers.

The groups commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his agricultural reforms and programmes aimed at boosting food security, farmer empowerment, and youth inclusion.

However, they warned that the new direction of the PFI risks undermining the progress achieved under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

‘The PFI was a cornerstone of Nigeria’s agricultural transformation, ensuring affordable fertilizer through raw material importation and support for local blending plants. Millions of farmers benefitted from this intervention, which strengthened food production and national food security,’ Bamai said.

The farmers’ associations urged President Tinubu not to abandon the importation of raw materials until local production is capable of meeting national demand.

They also called for the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) to continue managing importation, arguing that this would guarantee efficiency, transparency, and stability in the supply chain.

‘Nigerian farmers cannot afford a disruption in fertilizer supply at this critical moment. We deeply appreciate your reforms, but we appeal: do not kill the legacy of Buhari’s agricultural transformation on fertiliser access. Sustain raw material importation until Nigeria’s local capacity is ready,’ Bamai stressed.

While reaffirming their commitment to work with government, private sector, and development partners to ensure success of the restructured PFI, COFAN and HYFAN insisted protecting farmers in the short term is essential to securing long-term food security.

Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has urged Nigerians to embrace unity and steer clear of factors that divide them.

Speaking on Wednesday at the Cenotaph, Asaba, during the ceremony marking Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary, Oborevwori highlighted the occasion as a moment to honour the sacrifices of the nation’s founding fathers, reflect on collective progress, and renew commitment to a prosperous future.

Represented by his deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, the governor said, ‘The true strength of Delta lies in its people. As we mark Nigeria’s independence, let us also embrace independence in our daily lives: independence from ethnic division and rivalry, independence from dependency by embracing hard work, enterprise, and creativity, and independence from forces that divide us by uniting under the common banner of One Delta.’

‘This day reminds us of how far we have come as a nation, and it also challenges us to focus on developing a paradigm shift to improve our focus on sustainable development.

‘Independence Day is a time to remember, to reflect, and to renew. We remember the sacrifices of our founding fathers and the many heroes who fought for the freedom we enjoy today. We reflect on our journey as a nation, the victories, the struggles, and the lessons. And we renew our commitment to the values of unity, peace, and progress.

‘I also thank every Delta person, both at home and abroad, for standing with this administration. Your support remains the strength behind our progress.

‘I join all Nigerians to congratulate His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on this anniversary. May God continue to guide him with wisdom and strength as he leads our country through thorny roads to prosperity and enduring peace and security.

‘Here in Delta State, we are working with focus and determination under the MORE Agenda. Our goal is simple: to improve lives, create opportunities, and secure the future of our children.

‘This administration is carrying out a sustained infrastructure development programme in the transport sector, especially in the areas of highway construction, flyover bridges, urban and rural roads development, drainage schemes, and waterways structures.

‘We are building bridges and repairing numerous roads, we have carried out urban renewal projects and improved flood control and drainage systems. These projects are connecting communities, opening up opportunities, consolidating economic bases, and making our towns and cities safer and more comfortable to live in.’

The governor believed that health is wealth, noting that the development had made it imperative to upgrade the state’s hospitals, improve primary health centres, and provide modern machines such as dialysis, CT scans, and 4D ultrasound scanners.

He further said, ‘Today, pregnant women, children under five, widows, and senior citizens enjoy free health care, while thousands more are covered under our health insurance scheme.

‘In education, we are investing in our young people. We want to prepare them for the digital age by creating ICT hubs and training centres that will make Delta a leader in technology and innovation. At the same time, we are supporting the vulnerable through job creation programmes and social welfare schemes. Here in Delta State, we are determined that nobody will be left behind.

‘My dear people, what we see today is progress. It is proof of your resilience and the hard work of the government. Democracy allows criticism, but let us focus on constructive ideas that will build our State, not dwell on negativity that tears it and our people down.’

He appealed to the people to continue their support for this administration and not to be distracted by those who parade themselves as critics but thrive on mischief.

He added, ‘Such voices, often sponsored by vested interests, seek only to take advantage of our resilience and tolerance. We must not allow them to derail our collective progress. We are on the right path, and with your steadfast support, we will go even further.

‘The journey ahead is still long, but together we are heading towards sustainable progress, having a happy populace confident of their hopes for a better tomorrow. But the government alone cannot build the Delta of our dreams.

‘The primary responsibility of any government is to safeguard the lives and property of its citizens. This duty is even more compelling today. Since assuming office, we have pursued peace and security with great commitment, and I can say with confidence that our initiatives have recorded remarkable success, notwithstanding a few challenges.

‘Today, our waterways are safe and open for navigation and commerce. We continue to work closely with all security agencies to sustain the peace and stability we currently enjoy. I wish to sincerely thank our people, especially the youths and the various security agencies in the State, for their steadfast support in our collective pursuit of peace and security.

‘With the support of traditional rulers, religious leaders, the private sector, public servants, civil society, and every citizen, Delta will continue to rise. Our future is bright, and with unity and determination, we will achieve it. To our youths, I say: use your energy for positive ventures.’

The occasion featured an inspection of the Guard of Honour, march past by military and paramilitary agencies.

It was also well attended by top government functionaries, traditional rulers, among others.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that Nigeria is ‘racing against time’ to address decades of underinvestment in power, roads, and infrastructure.

In his 65th Independence Anniversary broadcast on Wednesday, the President defended his administration’s tough reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy and unification of foreign exchange rates, insisting that the country has ‘turned the corner’ towards recovery.

Tinubu acknowledged the hardship Nigerians are facing but assured that his government is channelling resources into education, healthcare, security, and critical infrastructure to secure a prosperous, self-reliant future.

President Bola Tinubu says Nigeria’s founding fathers envisioned the country as a global leader of the black race, given its vast human and material potential.

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ýThe President stated this on Wednesday during a televised address on Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.

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ýHe paid tribute to national icons such as Herbert Macaulay, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, and Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

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ýOther heroes mentioned include Sir Ahmadu Bello, Margaret Ekpo, Anthony Enahoro, Ladoke Akintola, Michael Okpara, Aminu Kano, and Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti.

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ý’Today marks the 65th anniversary of our great nation’s Independence. As we reflect on the significance of this day and our journey of nationhood since October 1, 1960, when our founding fathers accepted the instruments of self-government from colonial rule.

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ý’Let us remember their sacrifice, devotion, and grand dream of a strong, prosperous, and united Nigeria that will lead Africa and be the beacon of light to the rest of the world.

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ý’Our founding heroes and heroines-believed it was Nigeria’s manifest destiny to lead the entire black race as the largest black nation on earth.’

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ýTinubu acknowledged Nigeria’s path since independence has been shaped by deep social, political, and economic challenges.ý

‘While we may not have achieved all the lofty dreams of our forebearers, we have not strayed too far from them.’

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ýHe noted that in 65 years, Nigeria has made measurable progress in economic growth, infrastructure, and national cohesion.

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ý’Although, it is much easier for those whose vocation is to focus solely on what ought to be, we must recognise and celebrate our significant progress.’

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ýTinubu highlighted key improvements in education, healthcare, and access to opportunities across the country.

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ý’Nigerians today have access to better education and healthcare than in 1960. At Independence, Nigeria had 120 secondary schools with a student population of about 130,000.

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ý’Available data indicate that, as of year 2024, there were more than 23,000 secondary schools in our country.

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ý’At Independence, we had only the University of Ibadan and Yaba College of Technology as the two tertiary institutions in Nigeria. By the end of last year, there were 274 universities, 183 Polytechnics, and 236 Colleges of Education in Nigeria, comprising Federal, State, and private institutions.’

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ýHe reflected on Nigeria’s turbulent history, while commending its resilience and shared spirit through decades of challenges.

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ý’Our country has experienced both the good and the bad times in its 65 years of nationhood, as is normal for every nation and its people.

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ý’We fought a bitter and avoidable civil war, experienced military dictatorships, and lived through major political crises. In all these, we weathered every storm and overcame every challenge with courage, grit, and uncommon determination.’

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ýTinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to unity, inclusion, and progress for all Nigerians.

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ý’We will continue to strive to build a more perfect union where every Nigerian can find better accommodation and find purpose and fulfilment.’

Kaduna-based NNL side, Ranchers Bees FC, will continue their build up to the upcoming Nigeria National League season with friendly games with EFCC and City FC in Abuja .

As part of their meticulous preparations, the team has scheduled two high-profile pre-season friendly matches in Abuja with the test game against EFCC FC coming up on October 4th before the tie with City FC the following day.

The game would help to fine-tune the team skills and build team cohesion ahead of their NNL opener against Gombe United in November.

The team’s top hierarchies, backed by Super Eagles striker Sadiq Umar and Lawmaker Bello El-Rufai, have spared no effort in providing the necessary resources to ensure a smooth transition into the new season.

With Sadiq Umar’s decade-long experience playing professional football in top European leagues, including Croatia, Italy, Holland, Serbia, and Spain, the team is poised to showcase a high level of professionalism.

Football enthusiasts in Kaduna State and beyond can expect an exciting season from Ranchers Bees FC, as they aim to make a strong impression in the NNL.

Victor Osimhen last night scored the winner as Liverpool slumped to a shock 1-0 Champions League defeat to Galatasaray as the Nigeria International’s 16th-minute penalty handed the Turkish giants victory.

The English champions were punished for the latest in a series of poor performances in Istanbul as they suffered back-to-back defeats for only the second time under Arne Slot.

Liverpool were beaten for the first time this season at Crystal Palace on Saturday, but a series of late winners have masked an unconvincing start since a summer transformation of the squad that strolled to the Premier League title last season.

Slot responded by leaving Mohamed Salah and £125 million ($168 million) signing Alexander Isak on the bench among four changes.

The Dutchman was scathing in his assessment of Liverpool’s first-half performance at Palace as only Alisson Becker prevented an embarrassing half-time score.

However, Slot got little in the way of a response in another disjointed display from his array of star names.

Galatasaray had been thrashed 5-1 at Eintracht Frankfurt to start their Champions League campaign.

The Turkish champions are a far more formidable force on home soil, though, and made the most of Liverpool’s defensive deficiencies.

Slot’s decision to play midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai at right-back backfired.

Baris Alper Yilmaz gave the visitors a warning of the threat down Galatasaray’s left when he failed to beat Alisson when one-on-one with the Brazilian.

Liverpool should have led just seconds before they fell behind.

Hugo Ekitike was denied by Ugurcan Cakir as he tried to round the goalkeeper and Ismail Jakobs cleared Cody Gakpo’s follow-up effort off the line.

Galatasaray swiftly broke upfield and Yilmaz was awarded a soft penalty for a stray Szoboszlai arm into the Turkish international’s face.

Osimhen had previously seen a Champions League penalty saved by Alisson, but this time converted the resulting spot-kick.

Florian Wirtz has struggled badly to deliver on his £100 million price tag and is still waiting for his first Liverpool goal after his effort was turned behind by Cakir, while Ibrahima Konate headed just off target from a corner before half-time.

Konate’s poor form has been a major factor in the Reds’ defensive issues at the start of the season and the Frenchman nearly cost his side a second goal early in the second half.

Alisson saved his teammate’s blushes with another save from Osimhen but at a cost as the Liverpool number one suffered an injury sprinting off his line and had to be replaced by Giorgi Mamardashvili.

Slot introduced Salah and Isak on the hour mark, but Liverpool were still an impotent attacking force.

Isak fired tamely into the arms of Cakir with his first touch.

The closest the visitors came to a response was when French referee Clement Turpin initially pointed to the spot by a foul on Konate, but overturned his decision after a VAR review.

UCL: Yesterday’s Results

Atalanta 2-1 Brugge

Kairat 0-5 Madrid

Atletico 5 -1 Frankfurt

Bodø / Glimt 2-2 Tottenham

Chelsea 1 -0 Benfica

Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool

Inter 3-0 Slavia Prague

Marseille 4 -0 Ajax

Pafos 1-5 Bayern

AIICO Insurance Plc, a trailblazer in Nigeria’s insurance industry, has bagged the Outstanding Insurance Company of the Year award at the 2025 MARKETING EDGE Brands and Advertising Excellence Awards held in Lagos.

This recognition marks the third consecutive year that AIICO has been celebrated at the prestigious event, reinforcing its stature as a leading composite insurer that continues to define excellence in the marketplace.

In 2023, AIICO was named ‘Insurance Company of the Decade’, followed by another top industry honour in 2024, before emerging this year’s Outstanding Insurance Company of the Year.

The organisers of the award noted that AIICO’s selection was based on its sterling performance and the remarkable positive impact it continues to make on the Nigerian financial services industry.

The company’s consistency in delivering value to customers, while driving innovation and service excellence, has positioned it as a brand of choice across generations.

Speaking on the recognition, Head of Marketing and Communications, at AIICO Insurance Plc, Mr. Segun Olalandu said the recognition affirms their strength and relevance in the marketplace.

At AIICO, we will not rest on our oars. We remain intentional about delighting our customers, meeting their needs, and surpassing their expectations with innovative solutions and superior service. This latest award further strengthens AIICO’s long-standing reputation as a trusted brand and a consistent leader in Nigeria’s insurance sector, he said.

The Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) has unveiled the ISO 37003:2025, Fraud Control Management System, noting that this is a powerful instrument to strengthen transparency, accountability and good governance in Nigeria,

The SON Director-General, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke said, the ISO 37003 2025 is a standard that provides a globally recognised framework for preventing fraudulent activities before they occur, detecting fraud efficiently when it arises, and responding decisively to ensure accountability by minimising damage.

More importantly, it fosters a culture of integrity by embedding fraud prevention into the very DNA of organisational operations.

Dr. Okeke spoke at the official launch of ISO 37003:2025, fraud control management system in partnership with British Standards Institutions BSI, in Abuja, stating that for the public sector, adoption of this standard will enhance transparency and accountability, reduce leakages, and rebuild public confidence. For the private sector, it will serve as a mark of integrity, signalling to partners and investors that Nigerian companies operate with the highest standards of governance.

He said: ‘For the economy as a whole, its widespread adoption will help improve Nigeria’s global rankings, attract foreign direct investment. SON is fully committed to ensuring that this standard does not remain on paper but is implemented effectively.’

He added that SON will roll out awareness campaigns, provide training for implementers and auditors, and establish a credible certification scheme. This he said is not a task for SON alone, it requires the active commitment of leaders in the public sector, captains of industries, professional bodies, and civil society organisations.

Convener, ISO/TC309/WG8, Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor, said the 37003 of 2025, which is a fraud control management system is the guardians for organisations managing the risk of fraud, this is intended to promote standard, not only in this country, but internationally. He explained that the making of ISO 37003 started on the sidelines of ISO TC 309 plenary in Sydney, Australia in November 2018.

‘There was awareness of fraud risks in organisations and existing fraud controls within the organisations, including internal fraud, whistleblowing, code of conduct, anti-fraud policies, fraud training, and management reviews to mitigate the impact of fraud.

‘With the existence of these internal mechanisms and statutory regulations, there was a clear need for an ISO standard dealing with fraud control. Research findings from the literature published by reputable sources show that fraud costs the global economy about $4 trillion per year. The chief executive of the Strategic Institute of Forensic Examiners puts it at $4.7 trillion a year, so it is increasing,’ he said.

He added that this Amounts to a total loss of seven per cent in the annual turnovers of the organisations. Based on the findings, the leadership of TC309 in 2022 approved the proposal and established Working Group 8 to develop a fraud control management system standard. After going through all the different stages of development, of working draft to committee draft, draft international standard to final draft international standard, the document was published as an international standard on 29th May 2025.