Category: The Nation – Nigeria

In the run-up to her 65th birthday on September 21, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator (Mrs) Oluremi Tinubu, CON, requested that all those who planned to congratulate her through media adverts, send gifts or organise parties on her behalf should channel the funds earmarked for such activities to a special fund established to facilitate the completion of the Headquarters of the National Library in Abuja.

Tagged the ‘Oluremi @ 65 Education Fund’, the account is domiciled in the Federal Ministry of Education and has as its signatories the Minister of Education and the Chief Librarian of the Federation.

That the sum of N20.7 billion had been realised in the account within a short interval is a reflection of the high esteem in which the First Lady is held and illustrative of the fact that a person does not have to hold formal office to contribute concretely to national development.

The calibre of those who contributed to the rescue fund for the completion of the National Library, including President Bola Tinubu, Vice-President Kashim Shettima and his wife, governors and their wives, ministers, state and national legislators, heads of government departments and agencies and titans of the private sector, among others, could only have been mobilised for this effort by a person of the caliber of Senator Tinubu.

The idea of utilising the opportunity of her birthday for the completion of the National Library project shows a very thoughtful disposition on the part of Mrs Tinubu and her advisers.

For, the project which ought to be a critical national legacy had been uncompleted since it was first conceived by the government of President Shehu Shagari in 1981. The actual construction which started in 2006 was awarded at a cost of N8.5 billion and was scheduled for completion within two years.

As at 2023, unfortunately, the project was only at 44% rate of progress and the cost had escalated to nearly N120 billion. This is thus another regrettable example of how delays in project execution compound costs, to the detriment of the public interest.

It is thus not surprising that the Nigerian Library Association (NLA) has commended Mrs Tinubu’s vision and patriotic spirit. We agree with the body that the initiative is ‘a visionary act that turned a personal celebration into national call to action’.

The NLA was certainly spot on when it described Mrs Tinubu’s gesture as reflecting a deep commitment to education and the recognition of the central role a modern National Library plays in nation-building.

The First Lady’s life demonstrates a consistent love for education.

As the First Lady of Lagos State between 1999 and 2007, her pet project, the New Era Foundation sponsored different activities to promote education among the youths. One of the most prominent of these was the Spelling Bee Competition which saw winners emerging as governor of Lagos State for one day. Many of the successful participants have gone on to achieve enviable attainments in life.

It is unfortunate that some critics have sought to demean and ridicule Mrs Tinubu’s philanthropic gesture towards the completion of the library project by arguing that public funds should have been utilised for the purpose rather than a private fundraising initiative.

This is mischievous and misleading. However, responding to such cynical views, the First Lady stressed that the initiative had no political undertones whatsoever. In her words, ‘This is not the first time I have raised funds for causes close to my heart. For my 45th birthday, I raised N50 million to complete the National Sickle Cell Foundation Centre, which has since become fully operational. For my 50th birthday, I raised N200 million for the New Era Foundation.I even donated to the post-war rebuilding of schools in Liberia’.

The First Lady has shown a stellar example which other eminent citizens should emulate. Apart from the National Library, for instance, the various states and local government areas also require community libraries which wealthy private individuals can support financially, especially in the face of acute insufficiency of public funds to meet the many challenges of providing public infrastructure in diverse sectors.

Ahead of the 2nd edition of the 10th c Football Championship, top officials of the Grassroots Sports Federation (GRASOF) has paid a courtesy visit to its patron, Distinguished Senator Dr. Mao Ohanbunwa and the Ambassador of Burundi, His Excellency Hon. Edward Nduwimana. The delegation was led by Hon. Alhaji Ali Gombe, Chairman of Mobilization, Marketing, and Sponsorship, and Hon. John Ekpenyong, Tournament Coordinator.

During the visit, the GRASOF team briefed Senator Ohanbunwa, Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Port Harcourt, on the forthcoming 2nd edition of the 10th Senate President’s U-18 Unity Football Championship. The tournament is scheduled to take place from November 7th to 17th in Abuja.

Senator Ohanbunwa expressed his enthusiasm for the tournament and promised to be fully involved in this year’s edition. He commended GRASOF’s efforts in developing and discovering young talents, urging the organization to continue the good work.

The visit is part of GRASOF’s efforts to engage with stakeholders and partners to ensure the success of the tournament. The Senate President’s U-18 Unity Football Championship aims to promote unity, sportsmanship, and healthy competition among Nigerian youths while identifying and nurturing budding football talents.

The Steering Committee of the Southwest Citizen-Government Engagement Summit has announced the postponement of the summit originally scheduled for October 9-10, to October 29-30.

Invited participants are expected to attend on the new dates, with arrival scheduled for October 28.

The summit with the theme: ‘Strengthening Democracy Through Dialogue: Assessing Progress, Charting the Future’, will still be held at the International Conference Centre (The Dome), Akure, Ondo State, with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa as chief host.

Dr. Akin Onigbinde, SAN, the chairman of the Steering Committee, says the decision reflects the committee’s commitment to ensuring the summit provides a truly meaningful platform for engagement between citizens and the government.

‘The additional time will enable us to conduct comprehensive consultations with participating ministries, agencies and stakeholders; ensure optimal logistical arrangements that facilitate substantive dialogue; and coordinate effectively with the six Southwest state governments and participating institutions,’ he said.

Onigbinde apologised for any inconvenience the postponement might cause and assured stakeholders and the public of commitment to deliver an impactful, inclusive and productive summit that would serve as a landmark platform for citizen-government engagement in the Southwest.

First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has launched a national menstrual health project under her Renewed Hope Initiative, tagged: ‘Flow with Confidence’, with the distribution of 370,000 sanitary pads to teenage girls across the country.

The programme is aimed at empowering schoolgirls, promoting menstrual hygiene and restoring their dignity during their menstrual cycle.

At the Ekiti State launch at Lady Jibowu Hall, Ado-Ekiti, Senator Tinubu was represented by the governor’s wife, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, who also serves as the state coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative.

She said Ekiti received 10,000 sanitary pads to be distributed equitably across the state, particularly in rural communities where many girls struggled to access such products.

Dr. Oyebanji described the programme as a timely intervention to address the challenges faced by adolescent girls, especially the stigma, ridicule and loss of self-confidence that often accompanied menstruation in schools.

‘It is wrong for girls to miss school during their periods because they cannot afford sanitary pads or fear stained clothes. Through this initiative, young girls will not only receive sanitary pads, but also gain the confidence to embrace their education without disruption. This gesture is about health, dignity and self-esteem,’ she said.

She urged beneficiaries not to sell the pads, but to use them properly, emphasising that the project was designed to safeguard their health and prevent infections linked to unhygienic alternatives such as rags or tissues.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji, represented by his deputy, Chief Monisade Afuye, lauded Senator Tinubu’s compassion and dedication to the welfare of women and girls nationwide.

He said the initiative would reduce school absenteeism among girls and protect their dignity.

‘This is a laudable step towards ensuring menstrual health, reducing the risk of infections and enabling our girls to stay in school with confidence. We appreciate the First Lady for extending this support to every state. We are particularly grateful for the 10,000 pads allocated to Ekiti,’ he said.

The event also featured a lecture delivered by Dr. Olukemi Akinyemi of the Department of Guidance and Counselling, University of Ibadan, who encouraged the girls to view menstruation not as a source of shame, but as a natural process and a sign of strength.

‘Menstruation is not something to hide or be embarrassed about. It is part of womanhood. Use your sanitary pads correctly, maintain good hygiene and talk to your mothers, sisters, or trusted adults whenever you need guidance. Above all, never let menstruation hold you back from achieving your dreams,’ she said.

The gathering, attended by state officials, members of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), women’s groups such as Amazons, and schoolgirls, underscored the importance of menstrual health in sustaining girls’ education. Beneficiaries expressed joy and gratitude, noting that the pads would help them attend school regularly and boost their confidence among peers.

JMG Limited has reaffirmed its commitment to powering homes, businesses, and industries through innovative, sustainable energy solutions that support economic growth and national development.

Group General Manager, JMG Limited, Rabi Jammal, said it remains committed to being more than a solution provider but a company that has positioned itself as a reliable partner in nation-building by ensuring clean, efficient, and dependable energy for generations to come.

Jammal re-enforced this commitment when his company joined Nigeria as it marked its 65th Independence Anniversary on October 1, 2025. He joined the nation in celebrating this milestone under the theme ‘Nigeria @ 65: All Hands-on Deck for a Greater Nation.’

He emphasised the importance of unity, resilience, and innovation in shaping Nigeria’s future. ‘This anniversary is not just a commemoration of our past triumphs; it is a call to action for every Nigerian.’

‘Like our founding nationalists, we must recommit ourselves to values of service, innovation, and shared progress. At JMG, we remain steadfast in delivering the power and solutions that fuel growth, enabling Nigerians to dream bigger and achieve more,’ he said.

Jammal further stated that Independence Day, celebrated annually on October 1st, is a reminder of the sacrifices of visionary leaders who secured freedom and laid the foundation for a united Nigeria.

He said in honoring their legacy, JMG encourages Nigerians to embrace the spirit of collaboration, resilience, and creativity needed to build a brighter future.

Jammal said JMG Limited, with solutions that offer unrivaled comfort, safety, and efficiency to the structures where people work and live, has expertise in power generation, electrical infrastructure, vertical transportation, cooling systems, and air compressors.

In line with its clean energy initiative, the company, according to him, prioritises sustainable power solutions, offering solar and cost-effective hybrid options, including Lithion inverters and batteries since 2018, as well as Livfast inverters and batteries in 2022.

The company expanded its solar power offerings with LONGi solar panels, Deye lithium batteries, and Must solar inverters in 2024, with alternative power solutions to customers.

Team Brazil by Claure Group claimed its maiden victory at the E1 Lagos Grand Prix presented by FirstBank. They made history as the world’s first all-electric race boat Championship staged its inaugural race in Africa.

The action-packed race ended with Team Brazil by Claure Group taking the top step of the podium, fending off fierce challenges from Virat Kohli’s Team Blue Rising in second place and Team Drogba Global Africa in third.

The team’s first win followed a delay to racing as a tropical storm moved over Lagos Lagoon.

It was Team Brazil by Claure Group’s pilots Timmy Hansen, named PIF Pilot of the Race, and Ieva Millere-Hagin, who proved most adept at weathering the storm, building on its pole position secured in Saturday’s qualifying session.

The result extends the battle for the coveted Champions of the Water title as the season approaches its climax in Miami in November. Team Brady retakes the World Championship lead and continues its tense duel with Team Rafa.

The race brought thousands of fans to the waterfront, creating a festival atmosphere as Nigeria proudly hosted one of sport’s most innovative global Championships.

Football legend Didier Drogba, who played a key role in bringing E1 to Africa, attended the event along with co-owner Gabrielle Lemaire to support his team and be part of their podium celebrations.

Lagos, Africa’s most populous city, now joins an illustrious list of iconic global cities to have hosted an E1 race that includes Monaco, Dubrovnik, and Doha.

Speaking to journalists during the final of the competition ,f Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described the first-of-its-kind event in Africa as a demonstration of innovation and progress.

He said the event showcased Lagos’ creativity, resilience and commitment to clean energy and sustainable solutions.

‘Hosting the E1 Grand Prix is not just about sport. It is about innovation, environmental responsibility, and putting Lagos on the global map for future-focused development,’ Governor Sanwo-Olu said.

Equally, Rodi Basso, founder and Chief Executive Officer of E1, was equally excited, saying: ‘We made history in Lagos today. This weekend’s race is a landmark moment for our World Championship and for Africa – proving the continent’s appetite for motorsport, sustainability, and technological innovation.’

‘Our vision is to build a legacy here, inspiring new generations of fans and paving the way for cleaner marine mobility. Today’s racing was electric in every sense.’

Following the historic stop in Lagos, the UIM E1 World Championship presented by PIF now turns its attention to a mouth-watering season finale in North America, where the battle for the 2026 Champions of the Water crown will reach its dramatic conclusion. With the Championship wide open, the Miami showdown promises to deliver the most thrilling racing yet as the teams fight to make history.

Nollywood actor and filmmaker Tobi Makinde has announced his engagement.

Makinde, best known for his role as Timini in Jenifa’s Diary, took to Instagram to share the happy news, revealing that his fiancée said ‘yes’ some months ago.

He wrote: ‘Some months ago, the love of my life said YES to me and I was most delighted. I’m excited for this new journey that I’m about to embark on. Truthfully it has always seemed far-fetched but just like every other big step I have taken in life, I sought God’s face and, trust me, He has always led me aright.’

Fans and colleagues flooded his page with congratulatory messages following the announcement.

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), has charged all stakeholders involved in the ongoing development of the next National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP 2026-2030) to ensure that the strategy document addresses new and emerging threats that sustain the illicit drug trade in Nigeria.

Marwa gave the admonition on Monday in Niger state in his opening remarks at a five-day workshop to develop the fifth National Drug Control Master Plan for the country, according to a statement by the Agency’s Spokesman, Femi Babafemi.

The residential retreat is funded by the ECOWAS Commission and supported by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

The NDLEA boss, ‘The task before us over the next few days is both strategic and historic. The drug problem continues to evolve, and so must our response. The NDCMP 2026-2030 must be visionary yet practical; comprehensive yet targeted; and nationally owned yet regionally and globally aligned.

It must build on the achievements of the past while boldly addressing new and emerging threats, from synthetic drugs to dark-web trafficking, from poly-substance use to the illicit financial flows that sustain the drug trade.’

He reminded all the stakeholders that the workshop offers the rare opportunity to deliberate, analyse, and agree on strategic priorities that will shape the trajectory of Nigeria’s response for the next five years.

‘It is here that we will identify what has worked, acknowledge the gaps, and design innovative pathways for the future’, he added.

He urged all participants to bring to bear their expertise, experience, and commitment, adding that the workshop is not just about producing another document but about charting a collective vision to safeguard the health, security, and well-being of Nigerians.

He reaffirmed the Agency’s readiness to provide leadership, coordination, and technical support to ensure that the new Master Plan is not only developed but also effectively implemented.

‘I also pledge that we will continue to strengthen collaboration with our partners, both within Nigeria and across the ECOWAS sub-region, for we know that the drug challenge recognises no borders’, he stated.

He thanked ECOWAS Commission ‘for sponsoring this workshop, and all our partners – the European Union, UNODC, civil society organisations, professional bodies and the private sector – for their continued collaboration. Together, we are shaping a future where Nigeria and West Africa will be safer, healthier, and more secure.’

Speaking at the workshop, UNODC Country Representative, Cheikh Ousmane, who was represented by Dr. Akanidomo Ibanga, commended Nigeria’s drug control efforts so far.

‘Yet, we are all aware that the drug situation continues to evolve. Global and regional dynamics – whether related to new psychoactive substances, organized crime networks, or the impact of conflict and economic pressures – all shape local realities. Our response must therefore be adaptive, coordinated, and inclusive. The Master Plan is the instrument through which this can happen.

‘This workshop offers a unique opportunity to review the draft chapters, harmonize perspectives, and ensure that the priorities identified reflect both national realities and international standards, including those enshrined in the three international drug control conventions, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the African Union Plan of Action on Drug Control’, he stated.

While commending the leadership of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Federal Ministry of Health, as well as all members of the inter-agency working groups, for the dedication and expertise they bring to the process, he said that their work will serve as a compass for coordinated action over the coming years.

Also speaking during the opening ceremony of the workshop, ECOWAS Commission Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, Prof Fatou Sow Sarr, represented by Dr. Daniel Amankwaah, noted that Nigeria, as a key stakeholder in regional drug control efforts, has taken proactive steps to develop national strategies aligned with international best practices.

‘Nigeria’s current National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP) will expire this year, and a new plan needs to be developed to address the emerging drug threats, trafficking patterns, and the increasing burden of substance use disorders. The new NDCMP will effectively respond to current and future drug-related challenges.

‘The ECOWAS Commission, in line with its mandate to support Member States in addressing drug-related issues, is providing technical and financial assistance to Nigeria in the elaboration of the new NDCMP. This initiative aligns with the objectives of the ECOWAS Drug Prevention and Control Programme and the broader regional efforts to strengthen drug demand and supply reduction mechanisms.

‘This support is a strategic step toward strengthening Nigeria’s drug control framework and aligning it with regional and international best practices. The ECOWAS Commission remains committed to supporting Nigeria in this effort, ensuring that the new National Drug Control Master Plan is robust, evidence-based, and effectively addresses the country’s drug-related challenges’, the ECOWAS Commission chief assured.

Other stakeholders who spoke at the ceremony include representatives of the Federal Ministries of Education, Health, Agriculture, Budget and Planning as well as NACA, NAFDAC, EFCC, and NFIU.

Nigeria’s cost of living varied widely across states in August 2025, with some regions offering significantly lower expenses for households and businesses.

From lower rent to cheaper food prices, these places offer a better chance to manage your budget, whether you’re a young professional, a retiree, or just want a break from high expenses.

According to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), several states maintained a slower pace of price increases compared to the national average, making them more affordable destinations.

Below are the 10 most affordable Nigerian states to live in 2025

Zamfara became Nigeria’s most affordable state, with headline inflation dropping to 11.8% and food inflation plunging to just 3.3%. Improved food supply, security, and market access drove the gains, backed by large-scale distribution of seeds, fertilizers, and farm inputs. Agriculture remains the backbone, with over 85% of residents dependent on farming.

Headline inflation fell sharply from 20.3% to 14.2%, but food inflation rose to 23.4%. Gains came from lower non-food costs through digital payment rollouts and water boreholes, but food transport disruptions from fuel scarcity lifted grocery prices.

Enugu saw the steepest headline inflation drop (22.5% ? 14.2%), yet food inflation surged to 26.9%. Cheaper housing and transport supported affordability, but tomato blight and supply delays spiked food costs. The state launched wide-ranging farm input programs and revived agro-industrial projects to strengthen long-term food security.

Headline inflation fell from 21.4% to 14.7%, thanks to cheaper housing and transport. However, food inflation rose to 23% due to port delays. Ferry routes and rental incentives eased living costs, but kitchen staples became pricier.

Bauchi climbed to 5th position as inflation dropped to 15.3% (food inflation 11.7%). Grain reserve releases, improved roads, and farm cooperatives stabilized prices. A fertilizer plant upgrade, tractor distribution, and civil servant farming incentives further boosted agricultural support.

Nasarawa posted one of the strongest turnarounds, with inflation falling from 24% to 16.3% and food inflation down to 13.7%. Better harvests, feeder road repairs, and market levy suspensions drove the gains. Federal-IFAD support added farm inputs and tricycles to boost production and distribution.

Adamawa slipped down the ranking as inflation rose slightly to 17.2% and food inflation to 11.9%. Seasonal fuel hikes and road repairs raised costs, though steady harvests and expanded farmer markets helped ease pressure.

Taraba made major improvements as headline inflation dropped from 24.9% to 17.5% and food inflation from 25.5% to 16.5%. Reopened grain and yam markets, road repairs, and livestock vaccination cut costs, though farmers now face low prices for harvests.

Ondo slipped in the ranking despite a slight headline inflation drop to 17.6%. Food inflation spiked to 23.4% due to delayed harvests and higher staple prices. Non-food relief came from tariff rebates and roadworks, but farming challenges like high input costs and poor rural roads persist.

Yobe, July’s most affordable state, fell to 10th after headline inflation surged to 18.1%. Non-food costs rose, but food inflation dropped sharply to 3.6% thanks to strong grain harvests. Government-backed tree planting, tractor distribution, and subsidized farm transport supported agriculture, though rising fuel and utility costs drove the overall increase.

It was a moment of fun, relaxation and sober reflection when Rotary International District 9111celebrated its members who are 70 years and above and must have spent 40 years in the group.

The event, which held at the Rotary Centre, Ikeja GRA, Lagos, was attended by over 50 elders of the global organisation.

They included the Doyen of District Governors, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi; immediate past District (9111) Governors (PDG), Dr. Michael Olawale-Cole; Dr. Wole Kukoyi; Patrick Ikheloa; and Bola Ogunbade, Dr. Deinde Shoga.

Others were Dr Olatunde Ishola Aluko; Idowu Akomolafe; past president Olaniran Faforowa and Sola Benson, a past assistant governor.

Fafowora, who was chairman of the event entitled: Elders’ HangOut, said their objective was to celebrate the elders who he described as ‘champions of service to humanity’.

He said the programme was the second edition, and it was unique because of the new items they introduced to spice it such as the networking session.

DG Henry Akinyele also noted the special nature of the programme, saying it was the first being held by him since he assumed office. He said it was important that the elders were honoured as most programmes of Rotary were only focused on the youth, adding that without them, they would not be where they were.

Akinyele was happy that many of the elders were still active and apart from their financial commitment, attending meetings.

He urged them to avail the youth of their wisdom and experiences. He also urged them to attend the upcoming Endowment dinner dance in honour of Prince Adelusi-Adeluyi and sought their support for increased membership, commitment to The Rotary Foundation and Construction of the Rotary Peace Centre at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State as well as their yearly conference to Abeokuta in May, next year, promising to provide transport for them.

Aluko, who was the chairman of the occasion, tasked Rotarians on humanness, saying: ‘Let the humanity in us control our actions to our fellow brothers and sisters.’ He decried the decadence in society, asking: ‘Where is the humanity in us?’ He challenged them on upholding the Rotary’s motto

Adelusi-Adeluyi tasked his agemates on good eldership. He said it is not how many houses one built but the number of lives he touched. ‘It is not how many years you live, but what you put into it. Try to share and care. He who gives gains. Giving can never be too much, especially if it is for a good cause,’ he counselled the oldies.

The speakers, Dr. Shoga, spoke on the benefits of taking an endowment in Rotary while Dr Olufemi Adebari Oloyede of OOU gave tips on how to avoid or manage memory loss, saying as one grows old, we are likely to experience memory loss.

Aluko, Adelusi-Adeluyi, and Olawale-Cole were among those who received awards at the ceremony.