Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Sixth Gamathon, Africa’s convention for video games and immersive media, has opened in Lagos, bringing together innovators for a week of creativity and economic opportunity.ing on October 4, it is the finale of a regional tour that has taken in Kenya, Ghana and South Africa.

Speaking on the theme, ‘Bridge’, Convener of Africacomicade, Michael Oscar, said it is aimed at connecting talent, investors and firms in Africa’s creative technology sector.

‘The regional tours in Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa have shown the huge talent and potential on the continent. Gamathon Nigeria 2025 creates bridges between regions and sectors while setting pathways for youth empowerment, jobs, and growth,’ he said.

The event features workshops, studio tours and networking, with exhibitions in video games, animation, extended reality and digital fashion. A highlight will be the pitch competition for PC and mobile game developers, offering a $2,000 prize pool and direct access to investors.

Backed by the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Lagos State agencies and private sector partners, the organiser, Africacomicade noted that Gamathon is designed to drive investment, youth empowerment and job creation in Africa’s digital creative industries.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has launched a comprehensive strategy and roadmap for the regulation of Trans Fatty Acids (TFAs) in Nigeria. The event, which was held last Friday in Lagos, had in attendance officials from the Federal Ministry of Health, NAFDAC, industry stakeholders, civil society organisations and development partners.

Director-General NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, said the initiative was aimed at protecting Nigerians from the harmful effects of trans-fats, which are widely recognised as a major contributor to heart disease and other non-communicable diseases.

Prof. Adeyeye said that the agency must protect Nigerians from invisible dangers in their diets, adding that the strategy is not about penalizing industry, but about transitioning to healthier food systems. ‘We will support industries in reformulation, but compliance is non-negotiable,’ she noted.

On why NAFDAC decided to prioritise TFA regulation at this time, she said the roadmap was rooted in the gazetted regulation on fats and oils published in 2022.

‘Many of us in Nigeria think the more oil in the food, the better it is – no. We must reduce the oils we use in our foods and ensure they do not contain trans-fatty acids or saturated fats, which cause cardiovascular diseases. WHO has shown that almost 300,000 deaths every year are linked to trans-fatty acids. We cannot ignore this,’ she stated.

She disclosed that manufacturers have been given an 18-month moratorium since 2023 to exhaust old labels and packaging stocks, after which new labels will indicate the presence or absence of TFAs. She also stressed that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) would be carried along through capacity-building and awareness programmes.

Trans fatty acids are a type of artificial fat produced through industrial processes such as partial hydrogenation of vegetable oils. They are commonly found in baked goods, margarine, fried foods and processed snacks. According to the World Health Organization, TFAs raise ‘bad’ cholesterol, lower ‘good’ cholesterol and are linked to thousands of premature deaths globally each year.

Studies suggest that reducing TFA exposure in populations can avert thousands of premature deaths. For example, research indicates that enforcing stricter TFA limits in Nigeria could prevent about 10,000 heart disease deaths over a decade and save significant healthcare costs.

It was gathered that the roadmap provides for a phased implementation, including an 18-month moratorium granted to manufacturers to exhaust old labels before full enforcement begins on February 1, 2026. The policy also mandates clearer nutrition labelling and sets a limit of not more than two grams of TFAs per 100 grams of oils and fats, in line with international best practices. Representatives of the Federal Ministry of Health, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission pledged their support for the implementation. Development partners such as the World Health Organization and Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL) also commended the move as a step towards safer food environments.

Industry stakeholders present expressed readiness to cooperate but called for clarity on technical standards and support for small and medium enterprises.

The roadmap, developed with input from a technical working group and validated at a stakeholders’ workshop in 2024, will guide enforcement, capacity building and public awareness campaigns. The overview of this road map was presented by Deputy Director (Food R and R)- Dr Tinuola Akinnubi

By this move, Nigeria joins countries implementing best-practice policies to eliminate industrially produced trans fats from national food supplies, in line with the World Health Organization’s global target.

The Edo State Government has announced that it has concluded plans for the effective collection and conversion of all waste into useful purposes, including power generation.

Edo Commissioner for Water and Energy Resources, Washington Osifo, disclosed this in Ologbo, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, during an awareness campaign to mark this year’s World Rivers Day, themed ‘Clean Rivers, Healthy Communities.’

Represented by Mr. Emma Ofordu, the Commissioner urged communities to adopt responsible practices in protecting rivers and to avoid indiscriminate waste disposal.

Managing Director of the Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority (BORBDA), Dr. Olufemi Adekanmbi, also appealed to residents of Ologbo and its environs to collaborate with the authority in preserving water bodies within the catchment areas.

Adekanmbi stressed the need to stop harmful practices that degrade rivers such as Ossiomo, noting that years of abuse have reduced aquatic resources and water quality.

He reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to restoring water quality and promoting safe environmental practices, adding that the campaign was aimed at drawing global attention to the importance of rivers in sustaining life.

According to him, ‘Abuses as a result of harmful human activities, such as pollution, over extraction, damming, deforestation, and climate change, threaten their health and sustainability, thus causing great danger to human health and existence.

‘Rivers are the lifeblood of our Planet. They sustain ecosystems, provide water for agricultural and industrial use, support biodiversity, and serve as vital sources of drinking water for billions of people worldwide. They also hold cultural, spiritual, and recreational significance, enriching the lives of communities across the globe’.

Adekambi later planted some coconuts and palm fruits along the riverbank as a symbolic commitment to preserving water bodies.

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has said that more governors from the opposition parties were putting finishing touches in preparation to join President Bola Tinubu in the ruling party, just as he noted that Nigerians were already seeing the positive outcomes of the Tinubu-led administration.

Akpabio stated this on Tuesday in his goodwill message at the launch of a book, titled: ‘Ten Years of Impactful Leadership of the APC Administration in Nigeria,’ written by Governor Hope Uzodimma and commissioning of projects by President Bola Tinubu in Owerri, Imo State.

Akpabio, according to a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, said, ‘Mr President, with what you have done in the last two years, get ready to receive more governors from the opposition parties. As I speak, there are several governors in Nigeria today who are ready to be received by you.’

He stated further that Nigerians were beginning to see the positive outcomes of President Bola Tinubu, and they are saying it.

‘The students, farmers, and businessmen are all speaking on the various reforms you have brought into governance, which are now yielding results, in the overall interest and benefit of the people.

‘If we say it, they will accuse us of rubber-stamping your achievements, but the beneficiaries are the ones talking about what you have done.

‘I believe strongly in development and progress. I thank Governor Uzodimma for deciding to put history in writing, in his 10 years of impactful leadership of the APC administration in Nigeria.

‘If you don’t tell your story, others will tell it for you. Progressiveness is not in words; it is in action. The quality of works done by the Governor is of high quality, and the people of Imo State must be very, very excited,’ the Senate President said.

Speaking further, he stressed that as the Governor of Akwa Ibom State 18 years ago, he was already a progressive based on the projects he executed.

Akpabio congratulated his host and the National leadership of the party for the achievements of the party in the last 10 years.’

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday, in his 65th Independence Anniversary broadcast, paid tribute to Nigeria’s founding fathers while defending his administration’s tough economic reforms.

He admitted that Nigerians are ‘racing against time’ to fix decades of underinvestment in power, roads, and infrastructure, but assured that the country has ‘turned the corner’ towards recovery.

Tinubu also pledged more support for youth, security and social welfare, stressing his vision of a prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria.

1. Tribute to Independence Heroes – Tinubu honoured nationalist leaders like Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Ahmadu Bello, Margaret Ekpo and others, reaffirming their dream of a prosperous and united Nigeria.

2. Acknowledgement of National Progress – He highlighted advancements since 1960 in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and technology, citing the expansion from 120 secondary schools to over 23,000, and from 2 tertiary institutions to more than 690 today.

3. Resilience Through Challenges – Tinubu reflected on Nigeria’s survival of the civil war, military rule, and political crises, stressing the nation’s determination to overcome adversity.

4. Commitment to Nation-Building – He said his administration is carrying on the ‘unfinished business’ of building a stronger Nigeria, in line with the sacrifices of past leaders.

5. Inherited a Weak Economy – Tinubu stated that his government met a near-collapsed economy due to decades of policy mismanagement.

6. Bold Economic Reforms – He justified ending fuel subsidies and unifying the exchange rate system, noting these steps freed funds for education, healthcare, security, agriculture, and infrastructure.

7. Economic Recovery Signs – Nigeria recorded 4.23% GDP growth in Q2 2025 (fastest in 4 years), inflation dropped to 20.12%, and external reserves grew to $42bn.

8. 12 Key Economic Milestones –

o Record non-oil revenue above ?20 trillion by August 2025.

o Debt service-to-revenue ratio reduced from 97% to below 50%.

o ‘Ways and Means’ debt repaid.

o Foreign reserves at a 6-year high.

o Tax-to-GDP ratio up to 13.5%.

o 5 consecutive quarters of trade surplus, with non-oil exports rising to 48%.

o Oil production rebounded to 1.68m bpd, with local PMS refining resuming.

o Naira stabilised; multiple FX rates abolished.

o ?330bn disbursed to 8m poor households.

o Coal and solid minerals sector booming.

o Major rail, road, seaport, and airport projects ongoing.

o Stock market hit record highs; credit rating upgraded; CBN cut interest rates.

9. Infrastructure Gap Acknowledged – Tinubu admitted Nigeria still lacks sufficient electricity, modern ports, and world-class roads due to past underinvestment, but vowed to correct this.

10. Improved Security Situation – He praised the armed forces for victories against Boko Haram, IPOB/ESN, and banditry, noting peace has returned to many communities in the North-East and North-West.

11. Youth Empowerment Measures – He called youths Nigeria’s greatest asset and highlighted programmes such as:

NELFUND: Over 510,000 students benefitted with nearly ?100bn in loans.

Credicorp: ?30bn loans granted for vehicles, housing, solar energy, and devices.

YouthCred: NYSC members accessing consumer credit.

iDICE: Multi-billion Naira programme to support digital and creative industries.

12. Support for Vulnerable Citizens – Over 8 million households have benefitted from social investment cash transfers.

13. Global Recognition of Reforms – Sovereign credit ratings improved, foreign investors are showing confidence, and the Nigerian stock market hit unprecedented highs.

14. Central Bank Policy Shift – Interest rates were cut for the first time in 5 years, reflecting restored macroeconomic stability.

15. Message of Hope Amid Hardship – Tinubu acknowledged inflation and rising living costs but insisted reforms were necessary to avoid bankruptcy and secure the future.

16. Call for Productivity and Patriotism – He urged Nigerians to produce more, patronise made-in-Nigeria goods, pay taxes, and reduce dependence on imports.

17. Unity and Shared Responsibility – He appealed for collaboration across federal, state, and local governments, stressing that everyone must play a role in nation-building.

18. Vision of a Self-Reliant Future – He assured Nigerians that ‘the dawn of a new, prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria’ is here, closing with a prayer for God’s continued blessing on the nation.

Singer Spyro has recounted an emotional encounter with his longtime mentor, veteran musician Faze, during a visit to his home.

According to Spyro, the meeting left him overwhelmed, prompting tears as he reflected on the profound influence Faze has had on his musical journey and personal growth.

He revealed that listening to Faze’s old songs after the visit stirred deep memories and inspired his resolve to create music that carries the same richness and emotional depth.

Sharing his experience on X, Spyro wrote, ‘Yesterday I lost every ounce of steeze and composure as Faze came to my house. When he left, I started playing old songs, and I lost it; I cried like a baby. Those were the songs that formed me, songs that moved my heart. This is what I feel the new generation music lacks, which is what I am trying to bring back with my new album, ‘The Men, the Boys and Your Guy.’

In response, Faze praised Spyro’s authenticity, describing him as ‘totally different and too real,’ and commended him for staying true to himself.

He replied, ‘Can’t lie.’ I’ve got so much for this young man. One very important thing you guys need to know is that this guy is totally different and too real. @spyro__official I want you to know really i appreciate you and appreci ‘HATE’ anybody wey nor like you (if there’s a word like that) you didn’t have to do what you did for me yesterday. You and I know what I’m talking about. Una kuku know say I nor like take but this one I must talk am later. God bless you. Much.’

The Chairman of Amuwo-Odofin Local Government, Prince Lanre Sanusi, has presented free General Certificate Examination (GCE) forms to 500 indigent pupils in the council.

He said the gesture was part of his commitment to fulfilling his promise to support and empower the next generation of leaders.

Sanusi encouraged the pupils to take their studies seriously, while promising to place the best GCE candidate in the council, on scholarship.

‘You have been carefully selected because everybody deserves opportunity. We will not leave you all by yourselves. We are also working on the tutorial exercise so that you can be well prepared. The best among you will be under scholarship by the council. Take this very seriously, and make us proud,’ he said.

The council boss, also noted that the council is resolute in its commitment to education through scholarships, infrastructural development and empowerment programmes aimed at uplifting youths and securing brighter future for Amuwo-Odofin.

A beneficiary, Aisha Ademide lauded the gesture, while expressing gratitude to the chairman.

‘I am very grateful for this. I am most grateful because a burden has been lifted off my mother’s shoulder. I promise to do well in my examination,’ she said.

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has faulted the suspension of coach Aluma Napoleon by Warri Wolves on the ground that it did not adhere to procedures for contracting coaches.

In a letter titled, ‘Notarization and Registration of Contracts’ addressed to the club and signed by Davidson Owumi, the NPFL Chief Operating Officer, the club was mandated to ensure full compliance by submitting its contract with all of the club’s technical and management officials.

The NPFL letter read: ‘Information reaching us from the media space suggest that the Delta State Sports Commission has suspended your head coach Mr. Aluma Napoleon with immediate effect.’

The NPFL cited its Frameworks and Rules for 2025/26 in demanding compliance by Warri Wolves, stating that ‘you are aware that the framework and rules of the NPFL 2025/2026 season , Section B, article 6 and 11, clearly states the requirements for engagement and procedure for registration of contracts for all club officials.

‘You are however in breach of these sections as Warri Wolves FC have not submitted the contracts of its officials to the League Board. You are hereby requested to within twenty-four hours of receiving this letter, submit all relevant contracts of your technical team, including that of the assumed suspended head coach, Mr. Napoleon Aluma to the Secretariat of the NPFL’.

The letter warned that the club may have to play its future matches without a bench on account of failure to comply with the directive.

‘Note that failure to comply with this instruction will lead to the restriction of your technical team from accessing the technical area in future NPFL matches,’ the club was warned.

Owumi, in a related statement to the NPFL Media made it clear that the Warri Wolves case is not an isolated instance. He said this applies to all clubs that are yet to domicile the contracts with their technical officials with the NPFL.

‘I must admonish all Coaches to get hold of their contracts and lodge a report with the NPFL when there is a violation of the terms. It is the responsibility of the aggrieved to petition the league at all times’, he reminded the Coaches.

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.

Former Nigerian international, Dimeji Lawal, has cautioned the Super Eagles not to get carried away by FIFA’s sanction against South Africa, stressing that the real challenge lies in their capability to win their remaining qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin.

The world soccer ruling body, FIFA, on Monday docked South Africa three points and overturned their previous 2-0 victory over Lesotho after fielding ineligible midfielder Teboho Mokoena in a preliminary qualifier on March 21, 2025. The disciplinary ruling awarded Lesotho a 3-0 win, while South Africa was fined CHF 10,000. Mokoena also received a formal warning from football’s governing body.

Speaking on the development, Lawal acknowledged the significance of the ruling but insisted that Nigeria’s qualification hopes depend on the Super Eagles’ performances in their last two fixtures.

‘I don’t get excited about the sanction of South Africa because one thing is to get three points taken away from South Africa. Another thing is for us to be able to win our remaining games,’ Lawal posited. ‘The bottom line is: can we win the last two games?

‘That’s the question and this is the crucial part of it. I’m not so excited about removing South Africa’s points. What I am looking forward to is how we can prepare ourselves in a manner that we can win the next two games.’

Lawal, who represented Nigeria at both youth and senior levels before moving abroad to play in Spain, Belgium, and South Africa, emphasized that FIFA’s decision was expected given their long-standing stance on player eligibility.

‘They won’t bend their rules at that level. They will not like to undermine their own regulations. So for sure when South Africa made that mistake, I knew they were going to forfeit the three points and three goals,’ he added.