Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Lagos has again taken the continental spotlight as it hosts the 2025 International Conference on Sustainable Urban Mobility (SUMConference25), a landmark platform convened by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) to drive Africa’s transition toward cleaner, smarter, and more inclusive transport systems.

The conference with the theme: ‘Harnessing clean urban transport innovation and investment in Africa.’ brings together policymakers, financiers, engineers, and development partners from across the continent to explore sustainable pathways for transforming urban mobility through innovation and strategic investment.

Declaring the summit open, Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by his deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, described clean transport as ‘a prerequisite for competitiveness and public health, not a luxury.’ He said the conference should not be seen merely as an event but as ‘a foundational movement for continental renaissance’ anchored on sustainable mobility.

‘This conference represents a defining moment for Africa’s cities,’ he said. ‘We must harness innovation and direct investment towards building transport systems that are climate-smart, people-focused, and future-ready. Lagos is leading this charge with policies that promote electric mobility, CNG adoption, and sustainable transport integration.’

Sanwo-Olu noted that the rapid urbanisation confronting African cities also presents a rare opportunity to lead the global clean-transport revolution. He cited the successes of Dakar’s Electric Bus Rapid Transit and Kigali’s cycling lanes as examples of African ingenuity that prove sustainable mobility is achievable on the continent.

‘Our goal,’ he said, ‘is to create an African Platform for Sustainable Mobility that will harmonize standards, pool resources, and advocate fair financing for clean transport development.’

The Managing Director of LAMATA, Engr. (Mrs.) Abimbola Akinajo, underscored the significance of the gathering, describing it as a shift ‘from dialogue to concrete action.’ She said the conference was conceived to turn shared ideas into measurable outcomes that advance Africa’s clean mobility agenda.

‘This platform is not just about talk,’ she said. ‘It is about collaboration, innovation, and investment that can make clean transport achievable and profitable across the continent. Our responsibility is to forge a future defined by efficiency, equity, and sustainability.’

Akinajo outlined LAMATA’s commitment to scaling up clean transport technologies, including compressed natural gas (CNG) and electric buses, and to promoting initiatives such as SHE-CAN, which prioritizes safety and inclusiveness in urban mobility.

She noted that the summit, which evolved from the Africa Sustainable Mobility Course hosted in 2022 and 2023, has grown into a full-scale international dialogue aligning with the United Nations Decade of Sustainable Transport (2026-2035). ‘We are creating a continental network of actors committed to low-carbon transport systems that support social inclusion and economic resilience,’ she said.

In his remarks, the Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to policies that align with global sustainability standards. ‘Our goal is to ensure that transport in Lagos evolves with technology and environmental responsibility at its core,’ he said. ‘Through strategic planning, we are integrating electric vehicles, expanding CNG infrastructure, and modernising traffic management to make Lagos a clean, efficient, and resilient megacity.’

The high-level attendance reflected the growing momentum behind the clean mobility agenda. Dignitaries present included the Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Transport, Hon. Temitope Adewale; Commissioner for Transport, Ogun State, Hon. Gbenga Dairo; Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Olawale Musa; General Manager, LASPARK, Mrs. Adetoun Ibilola; and General Manager, LASPA, Mrs. Adebisi Adelabu.

Delegates from more than 12 African countries, including Kenya, Rwanda, Ghana, South Africa, and Ethiopia, joined representatives from the African Development Bank (AfDB), UN-Habitat, and C40 Cities. Discussions centred on financing frameworks, alternative fuels, carbon markets, intelligent transport systems, and air quality management, which are all key to positioning African cities for sustainable economic growth.

Akinajo said Lagos’s growing reputation as a hub for clean transport reform and knowledge exchange places it at the forefront of Africa’s sustainable mobility movement. ‘From our waterways to our roads, Lagos is embracing innovation not as an experiment, but as a necessity,’ she said.

The three-day conference continues with technical sessions, exhibitions, and investment forums showcasing innovations in electric vehicles, smart mobility, and climate-resilient infrastructure.

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has promised to demolish buildings of land grabbers.

He particularly mentioned land grabbers and encroachers on the Lot A parcel of land (popularly called Coral City), at the Obagie Acquisition, Benin City.

Okpebholo, in a statement, by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, said this was his final warning to land grabbers and encroachers to desist from selling, building, or buying any land from any speculator in the designated area.

He said the entire Obagie Acquisition belonged to the state government, adding that plans were underway to return Lots B, C and D of the Obagie Acquisition to their owners/occupants.

The governor said return of the affected Lots was part of his promise to regularise properties on government land and return the land to their owners.

The statement said: ‘Th is notice serves as a strong and last warning to land grabbers and encroachers on government land in Lot A (Coral City) and others across the state, as dire consequences await such illegal activities.

‘Any building on the designated area (Lot A) will also be demolished, while the encroachers will be prosecuted.’

Liverpool star Mohamed Salah scored twice to help Egypt beat Djibouti 3-0 in Casablanca yesterday and qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

The 33-year-old has netted nine times in a marathon qualifying campaign that began two years ago, and victory for Egypt gave them an unassailable five-point lead in Group A with one round remaining.

Twice African Footballer of the Year, Salah helped Liverpool win the Premier League a record-equalling 20th time last season, and captured the Golden Boot award with 29 goals.

But the Egypt captain has lost his spark with Liverpool this season, scoring just three goals in nine matches in all competitions.

After Ibrahim Adel put Egypt ahead on eight minutes, Salah netted six minutes later and again on 84 minutes to complete the scoring.

While Egypt have won the Africa Cup of Nations a record seven times, they have been less successful in World Cup qualifying, qualifying for the tournament just four times in 15 attempts – in 1934, 1990, 2018 and now 2026.

Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey scored as Ghana trounced the Central African Republic 5-0 in Meknes, and need one point from their final match at home to Comoros to qualify.

Mohammed Salisu, Alexander Djiku, captain Jordan Ayew 71 and Kamaldeen Sulemana were the other scorers for the Black Stars, who led 1-0 at half-time.

Cape Verde came from two goals behind in Tripoli to draw 3-3 with Libya and edge closer to a first World Cup appearance.

The island nation of about 550,000 inhabitants off the coast of Senegal will clinch first place in Group D if they defeat Eswatini in Praia on Monday.

Known as the Blue Sharks, the Cape Verdeans are two points ahead of Cameroon, who beat Mauritius 2-0 in Saint-Pierre with Manchester United striker Bryan Mbeumo among the goals.

Cape Verde have 20 points after nine rounds, two more than Cameroon, whose eight World Cup appearances in an African record.

Roberto Lopes, a defender with Republic of Ireland club Shamrock Rovers, conceded a first-minute own goal as Cape Verde made a disastrous start.

Telmo Arcanjo levelled for the island nation before goals either side of half-time from Ezoo el Mariamy and Mahmoud al Shalwi gave the Mediterranean Knights a 3-1 lead.

Sidny Cabral reduced the deficit and Cyprus-based Willy Semedo equalised on 82 minutes to set up a tense finish as Cape Verde sought a fourth goal and qualification.

A match-winner did not materialise, but they will be expected to beat Eswatini, who remained winless in the group after surrendering a two-goal advantage in a 2-2 draw with Angola in Lobamba.

Cameroon, firm pre-qualifying favourites to win the group, had to secure maximum points in Mauritius to keep alive their hopes of overtaking Cape Verde, but needed 92 minutes to ensure success.

Dynamo Moscow midfielder Nicolas Moumi Ngamaleu put the Indomitable Lions ahead on 57 minutes and Mbeumo struck in added time with his fourth goal of the qualifying campaign.

Cameroon complete their schedule at home to Angola in Yaounde and must win to have any hope of automatic qualification.

Should Cape Verde finish first, Cameroon would hope to finish among the four best-ranked runners-up and qualify for play-offs in November.

The winners of the African mini-tournament, comprising single-match semi-finals and a final, advance to six-nation inter-continental play-offs next March with two World Cup places up for grabs.

Eswatini looked set to end an eight-match winless run in the mini-league when South Africa-based Justice Figuareido pounced on long passes to score twice early in the second half.

Angola, with French coach Patrice Beaumelle in charge for the first time after the sacking of Portuguese Pedro Goncalves, halved the deficit through Jonathan Buatu.

Then slack Eswatini marking at a corner enabled Papel Ary to head the equaliser with 10 minutes of regular time remaining.

Afrobeats singer Adekunle Gold has described his creative partnership with his wife and colleague, Simi as seamless and collaborative.

In a recent interview, he explained how Simi effortlessly contributes to some songs by adding to the chorus while mixing it in the studio.

According to him, their process involves mutual input, with Simi often enhancing his tracks with backups or adjustments during mixing, even without him present.

Similarly, he said he provides feedback on her songs, making their collaboration smooth and intuitive.

Adekunle Gold said, ‘My partnership with Simi is very seamless. When I write. So, Don Corleone, when I made the song, I think she was listening to the chorus when I made it, and she just said, well, she has an idea, that she wanted to add something to it. I’m like, okay, go for it.

‘And then she just went, go Kunle, and that was it. I’m like, oh, this is smart. And that’s it.

‘And we’re just in the studio right there, because she was mixing the song. She mixed the song at first, right? She was mixing the song and then she just added to it. Sometimes one of the benefits I enjoy is when I send my song to Simi to mix, you know, she does like some. I don’t have to be there.

‘She just does some backups, things that the song needs, and then that’s it. It’s just very easy. When she writes the songs, when she sends to me, I tell her what I think she should add to it, and that’s easy’.

Addressing claims about Simi prioritising his career over hers, Adekunle dismissed the speculation, emphasising that both he and Simi are unaffected and content with their dynamic.

‘All of these things don’t faze me, nor my wife or anything. We’re good’, he said.

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Alhaji Olayide Abas, has expressed confidence that the long-standing internal crisis within the party, which has hindered its return to power since 2019, will soon be resolved.

Abas assured that stakeholders across the party are now committed to working together to rebuild a stronger and more united progressive front in the state.

Speaking at the party’s Secretariat in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, the APC chairman noted that conflicts are natural in any human organisation and are often the result of interactions, competition, and differing interests.

He added that the true measure of leadership lies in the ability to effectively manage such inevitable crises, stressing that this capacity determines a party’s growth, cohesion, and eventual electoral success.

He said, ‘In Oyo APC today, we have gone through a lot in the last seven or eight years and the beautiful thing now is that we have got to a point where virtually everyone is saying ‘enough is enough’.

‘We had a Leadership Summit on Tuesday and its outcome reflected a bright future of hope, unity and progress for our great Party in the state. The Summit was well attended by invited dignitaries from across the state and it signalled a new beginning with a promise of huge success.

‘I must appreciate Party leaders such as; His Excellency Chief Iyiola Oladokun, Chief Akin Oke, Senator Ayo Adeseun, Sen. Brimo Yusuf, Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle among other stakeholders as well as all the members of the Peace Advocates (a group of eminent APC leaders in the state) for their contributions to the success of the Summit which rekindled the spirit of togetherness, love and service in our people as evident in the feedback generated during and after the programme.

‘We have carried out series of reconciliation efforts since I assumed office as the state chairman late last year and the results are manifesting.

‘Even the Summit which we organized successfully on Tuesday was sponsored by eminent party members who wanted the best for the APC in the state and the next thing is for us to set up an Implementation Committee for the resolutions reached at the summit to see the light of the day while efforts are being put in place to organize an expanded Stakeholder Meeting as soon as possible with a view to bringing everyone on board.’

Rangers International FC of Enugu continued their impressive run in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) with a 2-0 victory over Abia Warriors in a keenly contested Oriental derby played at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium on Tuesday.

Goals from Chigozie Iwundu and Godwin Obaje in the 15th and 33rd minutes sealed the win for the Flying Antelopes, who have now climbed to fifth place on the log with 11 points from seven matches.

Despite the loss, Abia Warriors remain in fourth position with 12 points.

In another NPFL fixture decided in Kano, Rabiu Ali’s 23rd -minute goal handed Kano Pillars a narrow 1-0 win over Kwara United at the Sani Abacha Stadium.

The result moved Pillars up to 16th place with seven points, while Kwara United sit just above them in 13th position with eight points.

1. Nigeria’s Only Single-Mode Open and Distance Learning University: NOUN is the only university in Nigeria dedicated exclusively to Open and Distance Learning (ODL), allowing students to learn flexibly without attending regular on-campus lectures.

2. No Academic Strike Ever: Thanks to its flexible and non-residential structure, NOUN has never gone on strike meaning classes, exams, and graduations continue smoothly even when other universities are shut down.

3. Study Anytime, Anywhere: Students can study from anywhere in Nigeria or even abroad using NOUN’s online platforms, printed modules, and multimedia resources. It’s education that fits your lifestyle!

4. 100% Digitally Driven: NOUN is one of Nigeria’s first fully digitized universities registration, course materials, assignments, and even examinations are conducted online through the NOUN e-Learning portal.

5. No Hostel or Campus Accommodation: Unlike conventional universities, NOUN students don’t live on campus. This significantly reduces living costs and promotes independence and self-discipline.

6. Self-Paced Learning: Students progress at their own pace meaning you can finish your program faster or slower, depending on your personal schedule and level of commitment.

7. Over 100 Study Centres Nationwide: NOUN has study centres in every state of Nigeria, ensuring university education reaches even the most remote and underserved communities.

8. Designed for Working Adults: It’s the ideal university for professionals, parents, and entrepreneurs who wish to further their education without leaving their jobs, businesses, or families.

9. First in Africa to Join the OER Movement: NOUN is among the first African universities to adopt Open Educational Resources (OER) providing free and accessible learning materials for students and the general public.

10. Flexible Admission and Learning Structure: Admission into NOUN is open all year round. You can apply at any time and begin studies at your convenience no strict academic calendar or UTME restriction.

11. Multimedia Learning Experience: NOUN offers a diverse learning mix from radio and television broadcasts to online lectures and printed study guides catering to different learning styles and preferences.

12. Produces Leaders from All Walks of Life: From military officers and civil servants to clergy, artists, and entrepreneurs, NOUN graduates are shining examples of how education can fit around one’s career and lifestyle.

13. Easy and Transparent Payment System: All payments including admission, registration, and course fees are made safely online through the NOUN Remita payment platform, ensuring accountability and convenience. Students can pay in instalments and confirm payments immediately on the university portal.

14. Instant Admission Status Confirmation: After applying online, candidates can check their admission status instantly via the NOUN portal. Once admitted, they can immediately proceed with fee payment and course registration without waiting for lengthy admission lists

As the Super Eagles prepare to take on the Crocodiles of Lesotho in tomorrow’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, key members of the squad have expressed determination to secure victory and get their campaign back on track.

The quartet of captain Wilfred Troost-Ekong , Wilfred Ndidi. Terem Moffi and Calvin Bassey, told NFFTv that the Super Eagles will ride their luck and grind the much-needed wins in their two remaining matches to boost their chances nicking the Mundial ticket at all cost.

Midfielder Ndidi stressed the importance of the fixture, noting that the team is fully aware of the stakes.

‘We know where we are at the moment. These two games are very crucial. We shall first focus on Lesotho before the one with Benin Republic,’ the Besiktas’ man said.

Defender Bassey who scored a vital equaliser for the Super Eagles in the 1-1 away draw to Bafana Bafana of South Africa on Match day 8, emphasized the need for composure and unity as the team looks to bounce back from recent setbacks.

‘We have to remain calm and do what we know how to do best. This is not the first time we shall be in this tough moment,’ the hard-working Fulham defender noted confidently.

Speaking in the same vein, OGC Nice crafty striker Moffi echoed similar optimism, assuring that the players remain focused on their responsibilities on the pitch.

‘We are confident about qualifying for the World Cup. We have to do our part. We shall do our part and hopefully results from other games are in our favour,’ he stated.

Concluding, William Troost-Ekong reaffirmed the squad’s fighting spirit, insisting that the Super Eagles are ready to give their all for qualification.

‘We are going to fight until we achieve our aim,’ the experienced defender declared.

Currently in Polokwane, South Africa, where they will face Lesotho tomorrow, the Super Eagles will wrap up their qualifiers at home in Uyo against Cheetahs of Benin .Both matches are expected to play a pivotal role in determining Nigeria’s World Cup qualification hopes.

Chairman of MTN Nigeria, Dr Ernest Ndukwe has described telecom as Africa’s ‘invisible infrastructure,’ stating that the sector underpins trade, financial inclusion, innovation and more, across the continent. He made the remarks at the 31st Nigerian Economic Summit (NES) in Abuja during the plenary session titled: ‘Titans on the Move: Africa’s Multinationals.’

Ndukwe said MTN has grown to become one of the largest operators globally, ranking among the top mobile operators in the world, with MTN Nigeria itself placed within the top 20 by subscriber numbers. ‘These rankings demonstrate that Africa is not just a consumer of global innovations; it can also create companies that compete at the highest levels. Expansion across African markets has proven that multinationals from this continent can shape the global conversation,’ he said.

He pointed out that the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated how indispensable telecom has become, as businesses, institutions, and governments relied heavily on mobile and digital platforms to continue operating. ‘It showed us that without robust telecoms networks, national economies would have been paralysed. This is why continued investment in telecoms infrastructure must be prioritised if Africa is serious about integration and growth,’ he added.

According to Ndukwe, telecom does more than connect people. It creates access for millions who are excluded from formal banking and education systems. He cited the rise of mobile money as an example of how African innovations are solving uniquely African problems, with telecoms operators driving financial inclusion in markets where banking penetration is low.

On the challenges facing African multinationals, he stressed the need for regulatory precision and long-term policy stability. ‘Telecom companies make investments that run into billions of dollars. Without consistent regulatory environments, it becomes extremely difficult to plan and sustain such levels of capital deployment,’ he said.

Other panelists from different sectors reinforced these views. Olugbenga Agboola, CEO of Flutterwave, explained how fintech is bridging fragmented payment systems to make cross-border trade possible, while Girish Sharma, MD/CEO of Guinness Nigeria Plc, emphasised that building trust with local communities is key to sustainability.

The session concluded that African multinationals, from telecoms to fintech to consumer goods, are not only expanding across borders but also reshaping how economies integrate. For Ndukwe, the central message was clear: Africa’s prosperity will rest on how well its invisible infrastructure – telecoms, is strengthened and shared.

Nigerian Army headquarters has deployed a full brigade and heavy equipment in parts of Kwara South Senatorial District, it was gathered yesterday.

Troops were yesterday already milling around through communities inward Oke Ode and Babanla, both in Ifelodun Local Government.

The operation is also extending to Edu and Patigi to comb through thick forests from where kidnappers have launched cowardly attacks on communities and abducted people in return for ransom, it was gathered.

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the issue at the weekend on the sidelines of the visit to Jos, Plateau State capital, hailed the President for the support, and the military high-command and allied security forces for the renewed intervention to eliminate threats to public safety.

‘We will not spare resources in support of the Military, DSS, Police and other security agencies as they work to strengthen security of lives and property,’ the governor said in a statement welcoming the army deployment.

‘We are upbeat that this operation, as part of the ‘Operation Fasan Yanma’, will eliminate all of forms of threats in affected areas in Kwara South and Kwara North. I thank the President and the security agencies for the efforts so far. As I said a few days ago, we just need to double our efforts to save the people. We are confident that the Brig.-Gen. A. A. Babatunde-led Army Brigade will succeed in this important task and clear the entire areas.’

He also commended the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Army Staff, the General Officer Commanding 2nd Division, and every other officer for their support.