Category: The Nation – Nigeria

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Kano State Chapter, has called for collaboration by all stakeholders in tackling Nigeria’s challenges.

In his independence anniversary speech, Chairman, ACF Kano Chapter, Goni Faruk Umar, said the challenges before the country were formidable, including pervasive poverty, widespread unemployment, the scourge of insecurity, the menace of drug abuse, the decline in educational standards, and the erosion of moral values.

He, however, noted that these adversities were not a sentence of despair, calling on all to commit to purposeful action.

He said, ‘As a Forum consecrated to dialogue, unity, and service, the ACF asserts that our collective strength lies in our ability to build bridges across divides, nurture the potentials of our youth, and harness the abundant human and natural resources entrusted to us by Providence’.

He added, ‘Sixty-five years ago, our visionary founding fathers, through uncommon courage and sacrifice, secured for us the priceless gift of sovereignty. They bequeathed a Nation consecrated to the ideals of liberty, dignity, and collective destiny.

‘Today, as we commemorate their triumph, we must not merely luxuriate in nostalgia but renew our sacred covenant to safeguard their legacy and bequeath to posterity a Nigeria worthy of their dreams.

‘The narrative of our Nation is one of resilience and renaissance; a people who, despite trials of adversity and the tremors of division, have remained indivisible and resolute. Yet, independence will find its truest expression not in ceremonial remembrance but in the tangible realities of peace, prosperity, equity, and justice for every citizen irrespective of creed, culture, or circumstance’.

Umar called on parents and guardians to know that the crucible of Nigeria’s future is in their homes.

‘Guard your children, mentor them with love, and instil in them the virtues of discipline, honesty, and service. To our youth, we affirm: you are the pulsating heart of this Republic. Reject the snares of drugs and despair; embrace the path of knowledge, creativity, and productivity.

‘And to our leaders, we appeal: let integrity, vision, and statesmanship govern your stewardship, for history will measure us not by lofty rhetoric but by the lives we uplift and the destinies we transform.

‘The ACF Kano State Chapter remains unwavering in its resolve to empower communities, advance education, preserve our cultural heritage, and safeguard the peace and security of our people. We shall continue to be a voice of conscience, a pillar of unity, and a beacon of hope.

‘As we hoist our cherished green-white-green standard this day, let it be a solemn reminder that independence is not an end but an eternal journey of vigilance, sacrifice, and renewal,’ Umar said.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has destroyed seized fake, expired, substandard, and falsified drugs and products worth N15 billion in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

According to the Director General of the Agency, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the destruction, held in Ibadan, became necessary to prevent reintroduction of the drugs into circulation.

Adeyeye, who was represented at the event by NAFDAC Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Dr. Martins Iluyomade, said NAFDAC as lead agency and chair of the Federal Task Force on Fake and Counterfeit Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods is resolutely committed towards ensuring that foods, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, chemical, packaged water and drinks are safe, wholesome and effective for human consumption.

She said, ‘There is no doubt that drugs are a critical aspect of NAFDAC’s mandate, and the agency has established strict guidelines governing the licensing, sale, and distribution of drug products.

‘The products we destroyed today include expired, counterfeit, uncontrolled, unregistered, and banned drugs such as Analgin, Cocodamol, Codeine cough syrup, Tramadol, Oxytocin, and various types of vaccines.

‘The estimated street value of these products being destroyed today stands at fifteen billion naira only.’

She stated that the destruction of those products will eliminate the risk of their re-entry into the Nigerian market.

She thanked the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), which handed over 25 40ft containers of pharmaceutical products, including Tramadol 225mg, Artesunate injection, CSC cough syrup with codeine, as well as frozen chicken, which is prohibited.

She also appreciated the Police, Nigerian Army, DSS, NDLEA, NSCDC, and Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria, among others, for their support.

She urged stakeholders to educate their families and wards about the dangers of patronizing quacks and unauthorized medicine dealers.

She, however, sought the cooperation of Nigerians in providing information to help prevent and ultimately eradicate the presence of unregistered and dangerous medicines and other volatile products from society.

In his remark, SK Tijani, who spoke on behalf of the Controller General of the Nigerian Customs Service, Bashir Adeniyi, said there is synergy between Customs and NAFDAC in the fight against fake, expired, substandard, and unwholesome drugs and products across the nation.

He said all stakeholders must play their role in making sure that the nation is free from criminal activities, such as importing and producing the products and drugs.

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday returned to Abuja after a week-long international mission where he represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York and concluded strategic engagements in Germany.

During the high-level meetings in New York, the Vice President delivered President Tinubu’s national statement in which Nigeria called for comprehensive reforms of the United Nations, including a permanent African seat on the Security Council.

He also championed Africa’s sovereignty over its estimated $700 billion mineral resources, urging global equity in resource governance.

Shettima also met with United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, who commended Nigeria’s bid for a permanent Security Council seat, and later showcased Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to global investors in line with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Vice President strengthened strategic partnerships with the United Kingdom, the Gates Foundation, and other international stakeholders while assuring the Nigerian diaspora community of robust engagement in the policies and programmes of President Tinubu’s administration.

Shettima proceeded to Germany where he held further talks with financial and development partners, rounding off what observers described as a highly successful diplomatic mission before returning to Abuja.

Satellite operators are asking the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) to help maintain lines of communication among them to deal with potential conjunctions and other space safety issues.

During a panel at the International Astronautical Congress in Sydney, Australia Sept. 30, representatives from constellation operators in the United States (US) and China emphasized the need to better coordinate when their satellites make close approaches to one another.

According to Space News report, Vice President of satellite policy at SpaceX, David Goldmanm said: ‘We see satellites getting launched into operational orbits of other systems without talking to each other, without sharing data.’

He stressed the need to share orbital ephemerides. ‘That is the single most important thing you can do to help decrease risk in space.’

The issues, he said, are largely not with other operators of large constellations. ‘SpaceX and Amazon work really closely on making sure that our satellites are working well together,’ he said. That includes coordination each time Amazon launches a set of Project Kuiper satellites, which must pass through shells of Starlink satellites to reach higher operational orbits.

‘We really have not had issues because we’re talking to each other closely. You can have a lot of satellites operating if you’re communicating well and working together well,’ he concluded.

An Amazon official on the panel agreed. ‘We work very closely together on space safety. We share our ephemeris, our maneuver plans and, at the technical level, we’re screening our orbits,’ Head of Space Safety and Sustainability for Amazon’s Project Kuiper, Josef Koller, said.

His concern was with satellite operators Amazon does not, and cannot, communicate with. He estimated about 1,500 operational payloads pass through Kuiper orbits, only half of which Amazon has contact information for.

‘That’s really not a very safe environment. It seems like such a simple thing to do to share your contact information or your email address so we can reach out to you about who is going to maneuver or not, but that is the most critical item today that I see that we have not accomplished yet,’ he said.

A Chinese satellite operator on the panel said they face similar problems. ‘We always know who to contact for frequency coordination, but we don’t know who to talk to about satellite operations,’ General Manager of the Solutions Department at GalaxySpace, Peng Zhang, said.

Industry officials suggested one mechanism for sharing that information could be through the International Telecommunication Union, or ITU. ‘Around the world, there’s trust issues between operators, between countries. I think the ITU can play a pivotal role in trying to bring people together and share information in a trusted place,’ Goldman said.

The ITU is hosting its second Space Sustainability Forum next week in Geneva, where improving communications among operators will be a topic, said Jorge Ciccorossi, head of the Space Strategy and Sustainability Division of the ITU Radiocommunication Bureau.

‘One of the things we’re going to coordinate among the key LEO operators is trying to exchange direct points of contact,’ he said. That will include asking member states and satellite operators to provide information that the ITU can post online. ‘It’s really important to have quick access to this,’ he said, noting it could also help address radio-frequency interference issues among operators.

‘It’s very important to have certainty and transparency, because these are the two pillars if you want to have sustainability,’ he said.

While operators agreed that sharing contact information, through the ITU or other means, was important, there was less consensus on what else the organization should do to promote space safety. Peng suggested developing a ‘code of conduct’ for satellite operators but did not elaborate.

Goldman cautioned against rushing into regulations. ‘Sometimes, when there is an effort to rush to regulation before people really understand the issue, you can have counterproductive rules,’ he warned.

He suggested the ITU focus on improving communications among operators, noting the slow pace of developing regulations at World Radiocommunication Conferences, held every four years. ‘That is a very slow cycle compared to what is happening in space right now,’ he said. ‘If you try to get regulations on this, you’re going to miss the issues by the time you get there.’

Having the ITU serve as a facilitator of communications, he concluded, ‘is the single best thing that we can do to lower the risk.’

Nigeria Distilleries Limited, makers of Seaman’s Schnapps, traditional prayer drink, has said the association between the Olubadan throne and the prayer drink was symbolic. Gbemileke Lawal, Marketing manager, spoke at the coronation of Oba Rashidi Ladojaas the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.

The ceremony, which attracted monarchs, dignitaries and cultural leaders, including President Bola Tinubu, highlighted the grandeur of Yoruba tradition and heritage.

At each stage of the rites, Seaman’s Schnapps featured in prayers and blessings, underscoring its cultural and spiritual significance. The brand also served as official sponsor of the event.

Lawal said: ‘The Olubadan throne is most revered in Yorubaland. We are proud Seaman’s Schnapps once again served as official prayer drink at this coronation’ he.

Mrs. Nnenna Uche-Onyenacho, senior Brand manager, said the event is an affirmation of the drink’s custodianship of tradition.

‘Seaman’s Schnapps symbolised blessings, respect, and ancestral reverence. We are honoured to have accompanied this sacred moment for the Olubadan throne, praying for long life, wisdom, and a peaceful reign,’ she said.

Before the coronation, Oba Ladoja expressed appreciation to the Seaman’s Schnapps team and Nigeria Distilleries Limited for their support. He commended the company’s role in sustaining Yoruba culture.

‘I sincerely express appreciation for your support. May your efforts aimed at upholding our culture continue to thrive. May God bless you and your organisation,’ the monarch said.

The brand reaffirmed its commitment to preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage by supporting the Olubadan stool-an institution regarded as one of the most significant in Yorubaland.

Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Limited, a member of Coca-Cola Hellenic Beverage Company (CCHBC), has again shown its commitment to sustainability and community partnership with an awareness walk in Apapa, Lagos, to mark World Clean-Up Day.

The initiative brought together volunteers, including employees from the company’s Ikeja Plant, HeadOffice at Iddo House, and its recycling plant in Apapa.

Walking with officials of Apapa Local Government, community leaders, and youth groups, volunteers engaged residents on importance of proper waste management and recycling as a way of life.

The activity, from Liverpool Roundabout to NBC rPET Hub in Apapa, was an opportunity for interaction with the community, raising awareness on environmental stewardship and reinforcing role of recycling.

Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Director, Soromidayo George, said the walk was part of a wider Waste-to-Wealth drive.

‘What we are doing goes beyond picking plastics; it is about creating awareness and changing mindsets. Recycling also provide economic opportunities. Our employees who volunteered are sustainability champions and with the community, we will build a cleaner and greener Apapa,’ she said.

Since the launch of its Apapa recycling plant in January, NBC has continued to strengthen its role in Lagos State’s green economy. The facility has provided jobs and become a model for other operators in the recycling sector.

Community voices also noted impact of the collaboration. Youth Coordinator in National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) in Apapa, Samuel Idoko, noted that NBC’s initiative complements youth-led recycling efforts.

Chair of Azare Community Development Association, Jide Santos, lauded NBC’s role in encouraging environmental consciousness in Apapa.

Through this, NBC shows that environmental protection is a shared mission with companies, governments, and communities.

The Place of Liberty School for Special Needs Children has restated its commitment to special needs children, stressing that many children with disabilities risk being neglected or forced to beg on the streets with their parents.

Speaking at its fourth anniversary celebration in Lagos, a board member of the school, Olusoji Oluwole, said: ‘Education for special needs children is very expensive, but with the support of our donors, we have been able to provide everything free of charge – uniforms, feeding, physiotherapy, speech therapy, and even training for our teachers,’

According to him, since its establishment four years ago, it has been dedicated to providing education for children with disabilities whose families cannot afford the huge cost of special education.

He said the school recently established a vocational training centre, where pupils now produce items by themselves as part of their foray into independent living.

He said the school is poised for free education, therapy and vocational skills for children from indigent families, ensuring that they become self-sufficient and not dependent on charity.

‘We’ve had some interventions; food donations, healthcare services, but more government support would allow us to do much more,’ he said.

Oluwole acknowledged support from institutions such as Randle General Hospital, which provides healthcare and physiotherapy.

The school’s administrator, Mrs. Olufunke Lipede, said the journey has been challenging and deeply rewarding, notwithstanding the difficulties involved in caring for children with disabilities.

She said: ‘If you spend just one minute with these children, you will see how wonderful they are. They are very loving and caring. You don’t even see any disability in them. Teachers at the school approach their work with love and patience. They didn’t look at the children’s conditions. They just believed that the more they try, the better for the children.’

Another board member, Oladipo Oluwole, noted that it was established to honour the legacy of his late parents, who were deeply passionate about supporting the poor and children with special needs.

Tickets to next year’s FIFA World Cup officially went on sale yesterday despite the fact that not even half of the spots in the 48-team 2026 World Cup field have been claimed.

What’s more, the schedule of matches won’t be finalized until December. And other than host nations U.S., Canada and Mexico, nobody has any idea where or when they’ll be playing.

But millions of fans worldwide evidently don’t seem to mind any of those points.

The buyers will be those who were selected, out of 4.5 million applicants in a lottery that took place last month, to have the first formal chance to purchase tickets over the next few days. FIFA said lottery winners have been, or will soon be, informed by email.

There are unique questions for consumers heading into the tournament, particularly about how they’ll get visas, if necessary, to visit the U.S. as the country cracks down on immigration. There are also more traditional concerns such as who, when and where – and none of those will be answered until the draw on Dec. 5. FIFA knows many fans won’t fret about those answers; they’ll just want tickets now and will figure out the rest later.

‘These are not only outstanding figures, but also a strong statement,’ FIFA president Gianni Infantino said on social media, reacting to the 4.5 million applicants for a spot in the purchase window that opened Wednesday.

‘The whole world wants to be part of the FIFA World Cup 26, the biggest, most inclusive and most exciting event ever. From Canada, Mexico and the United States, to countries big and small across every continent, fans are proving once again passion for football truly unites.’

The Zamfara State Police Command has said a nationwide enforcement of the Tinted Glass Permit (TGP) will begin today.

Police Commissioner Ibrahim Balarabe Maikaba said the enforcement is in strict compliance with the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, 2004, a vital security regulation aimed at curbing criminal activities and enhancing public safety.

‘The grace period previously granted for motorists to obtain or renew their Tinted Glass Permits has now expired. Consequently, all vehicles with tinted glass must present valid and verifiable permit documents when requested by enforcement officers,’ he said in Gusau, the state capital.

The police commissioner said henceforth, driving a vehicle with tinted glass without permit is an offence.

A statement by the spokesman, ASP Yazid Abubakar, said checks would be conducted in Zamfara and Niger states, as well as FCT, by designated enforcement teams.

‘Defaulters risk vehicle impoundment and possible legal prosecution. Motorists are strongly advised to abide by the law,’ the statement said.

It added that compliance with this directive is not only a legal obligation but a shared responsibility in ensuring public safety and national security.

The police command urged all residents to cooperate with law enforcement personnel.

The NetClan Initiative has achieved another milestone in its quest to promote gender inclusion in technology with the graduation of its second cohort of the Ladies in Network Engineering (LINE) programme, with the majority of participants became Cisco Certified Network Associates (CCNA).

Founded by Abigail Jeffiah and Theodore Chukwudi, the initiative aims to provide opportunities for aspiring network engineers, particularly women, to establish careers in a field often overshadowed by software development and cyber-security.

‘There was no platform where network engineers could motivate each other to upskill,’ Jeffiah explained.

‘We observed more individuals leaving network engineering for other fields, creating a gap, because at the end of the day, every organisation requires a network engineer. That is why we started NetClan-to build that missing community.’

According to Jeffiah, the initiative has steadily grown, with over 30 women sponsored for certification exams since its inception. In the recently concluded cohort, more than 20 participants received full sponsorship, while others were provided vouchers covering up to 50 percent of their exam fees.

‘Seeing another set of students graduate means a lot to me personally,’ she said.

‘This initiative is dear to my heart because, as a female network engineer, I was often the only woman in technical workshops. Now, more women are embracing the field, and we are changing the narrative.’

For Emmanuel Samuel, one of the instructors, the achievement of the cohort reflects the power of mentorship and inclusivity.

‘This milestone is highly significant because it signifies the growing inclusion of women in a field traditionally dominated by men,’ he noted.

‘Seeing a majority of women succeed as CCNA holders demonstrates that, with the right support and opportunities, women can thrive in technology,’ he added.

Graduates of the programme also attested to its impact. Network Security Engineer Odoh Ifunanya JaneFrances described her experience as transformative.

‘I joined because I wanted to understand the underlying operations of networking, especially after failing a job interview,’ she said.

‘Through this program, I gained more than I expected, and it played a key role in helping me land my first job. My advice to aspiring students is that joining NetClan might be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make in your career.’

Other facilitators highlighted the distinct contributions of women in the cohort. Ketcha Karen, a network and network security engineer, praised the collaboration and openness that defined the class.

‘The women demonstrated remarkable teamwork, consistency, and confidence,’ she observed.

‘When women publicly share their achievements, it inspires others to join and assures them they won’t be isolated. That sense of belonging can break barriers in tech.’

Mayaki Ujeh Emmanuel, a network operations engineer, explained that his teaching approach for the second cohort went beyond theory, emphasizing real-world application. ‘Networking is more than configuration and labs. I pushed the ladies to also understand sales, which exposes beginners to different technologies,’ he said.

‘We also gave group projects to build teamwork because, in reality, they will always have to work with others.’

On the value of CCNA, he added: ‘Though it is entry-level, CCNA amplifies knowledge in networking and is highly recognized across the IT industry.’

Mentorship was another key pillar of the programme. Olumayowa Akinkuehinmi, one of the mentors, described it as a fulfilling experience.