Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Media personality DJ Cuppy has celebrated Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary with a heartfelt Instagram post, proudly declaring that she would still choose to be Nigerian in her next life.

Cuppy praised the resilience and spirit of Nigerians, noting their ability to persevere and find joy despite challenges. She described Nigeria as her ‘birthplace,’ ‘home,’ and ‘country,’ sentiments that echo her message during last year’s independence celebration when she called Nigeria her ‘superpower’ and ‘piece of hope.’

As a public figure, she added that being Nigerian is central to her identity and brand, allowing her to carry a piece of the nation with her wherever she goes.

She wrote, ‘Èmi ni Omo Naija. My birthplace. My home. My country. Nigeria turns 65 today.

‘Through it all, our people keep pushing, persevering, and finding joy even in the toughest times.

‘God didn’t rush when He made us. He gave us resilience, spirit, and endless energy. In my next life, I’d still choose to be Nigerian’.

Nigeria’s independence anniversary is marked with various events and activities nationwide.

President Bola Tinubu delivered a national broadcast, urging Nigerians to work together towards building a stronger nation.

Skin care brand, NIVEA, has given N46 million to BRICON Foundation to help cancer survivors.

This was announced at its R.I.S.E. Conference in Lagos.

Raised through NIVEA’s ‘You Buy | You Save | We Donate’ campaign, the funds will be channelled into microloans, training, and emotional care to help survivors live again.

Beiersdorf Nigeria’s Country Manager, Dele Adeyole, said ‘At Beiersdorf, care is more than a brand promise; it is our corporate DNA. By channelling everyday consumer choices into over N46 million lifeline for cancer survivors, we are affirming that care must touch both skin and soul,’ he said.

Marketing Director for Central, East and West Africa at Beiersdorf, Fiyin Toyo, emphasised that cancer support is a cause close to the company’s mission.

‘Most people know NIVEA for skin care, but our mission goes deeper; we care beyond skin. BRICON Foundation is doing good work to help survivors get back on their feet, and this partnership allows us to give survivors dignity.

For the new Managing Director (MD) of Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority (HJRBDA), Rabiu Suleiman Bichi, his success story at the agency would not have been possible, if he was not inspired by President Tinubu’s wife, Sen. Oluremi, he says.

The Hadejia-Jama’are River Basin Development Authority was established in 1976 as an agency under the Federal Ministry of Water Resources.

Located along Maiduguri Road, Hotoro area of Kano, the agency is responsible for the development of surface and underground water resources in Kano, Jigawa and Bauchi areas.

President Bola Tinubu recently appointed Bichi, from Kano State, to serve as MD of HJRBDA, and within four months, Bichi has expanded the frontiers of vision for the agency, prioritising water resource management, youth empowerment and agricultural development.

The new MD told The Nation that he drew inspirations from the pet projects of the president’s wife, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, which he said, align with his passion for driving sustainable development and improving the lives of Nigerians.

‘The reforms we are delivering at the agency are in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, and the First Lady has inspired us a lot.

‘The First Lady’s vision for a Greener, More Self-Sufficient Nigeria, exemplified by the transformative ‘Every-Home-A-Garden’ project, is a profound inspiration.

‘We at HJRBDA are proud to align with this vision, which complements our enduring mission to promote agricultural growth and sustainable water resource management for the nation,’ Suleiman said.

In November 2023, the First Lady launched the ‘Every Home a Garden’ contest, offering a N20m prize to first-time female farmers nationwide to bolster domestic food production.

Suleiman Bichi, a consummate engineer, has made giant strides in enhancing food production in the catchment areas of Kano, Jigawa and Bauchi.

Through strategic investments in irrigation infrastructure, support services for farmers and sustainable water resource management, the agency is significantly improving agricultural productivity and enhancing food security.

In a chat with The Nation, Bichi outlined his key initiatives to include, among others: Developed Irrigation Infrastructure (canals, dams, water distribution Systems); Support Services (training, extension services, improved seeds, fertilizer and farm equipment); Insured Sustainable Water Resource Management (water harvesting and conservation); and Stakeholders’ Collaboration (government agencies, farmers’ organisations and private sector partners).

Increased Food Production; Improved Livelihoods for Farmers; Enhanced Food Security; and Reduced Hunger and Poverty are some of the impacts of the initiatives on the region.

‘Our plan is to continue promoting agricultural development and food security, to drive even greater success,’ he said.

Another record set by the HIRBDA, under Bichi, is the empowerment of farmers for all year round production of food and cash crops, an initiative the MD said he copied from President Tinubu’s wife.

‘The Authority is doing this through strategic investments to farmers in Kano, Jigawa and Bauchi, particularly enabling them to access improved seeds, fertilizer and farming tools, including tractor hiring and mechanisation services, to improve their efficiency and productivity. In fact, the farmers are supported during cultivation and harvest.

‘We are also promoting crop diversification, enabling farmers to grow a variety of crops, including vegetables, fruits and grains, for enhanced income and food security,’ Bichi said.

The president had charged Bichi to use his wealth of experience in water resource development for irrigation, flood control, and water supply, as well as promote sustainable agriculture and rural development.

Bichi is also to steer the authority’s implementation of various projects such as building of dams and construction of irrigation systems, while providing technical assistance to local communities to enhance water utilisation for agriculture and other purposes.

As the Managing Director of the Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority, Bichi said he was collaborating with all stakeholders to harness the potentials of the Authority under the various efforts of the minister of Water Resources, Professor Joseph Utsev.

He described members of his team as ‘capable hands,’ saying: ‘We shall focus on improving food security and economic development in the region, leveraging the Authority’s expertise in water resources management and agricultural development. This moment is not just a personal milestone, it signifies our collective commitment to national development and community well-being,’ he emphasised.

Bichi’s Key Performance Indicators (KPI) guiding operations include water resource management by 20 percent boost in water-use efficiency, through Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) and optimised irrigation systems; increasing coverage from 54,000 to 240,000 hectares, aimed at raising paddy rice production from 216,000 tonnes to 1 million tonnes.

He said: ‘The goal is to bridge the gap between millers’ demand of 7 million tonnes and current national output of 4 million tonnes; dam rehabilitation to enhancing dam water retention capacity via de-silting and other remedial actions; crop yield improvement projected 30 percent year-on-year increase in yields through modern farming practices and improved irrigation technology; community satisfaction targeting 85 percent satisfaction among local stakeholders, being achieved through inclusive planning and a comprehensive basin management strategy.

‘A key focus of the administration is youth empowerment, with plans to train at least 5,000 youths across the three benefiting states in modern irrigation, bookkeeping, horticulture, greenhouse farming, hydroponics and fodder production.

‘The youth are central to unlocking our agricultural potential. With the right skills and innovation, they can overcome the challenges of climate change and low productivity.’

The agency embarks on training programmes in technical skills in irrigation installation and maintenance; sustainable agricultural practices, such as soil conservation and crop rotation; entrepreneurship, with modules in business management and market access; community engagement, to encourage cross-cultural knowledge-sharing and cooperation.

The aim is to strengthen the agricultural value chain, from production to marketing, by fostering partnerships with local businesses and access to finance.

The establishment is working with the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), NASENI, and the Ministry for Livestock to support farmers and trainees,’ the managing director said.

Addressing internal workforce, the MD outlined plans for improved staff welfare and transparent postings, anchored on merit and bureaucratic standards.

‘We aim to create a supportive environment that boosts morale, increases productivity, and fosters trust among employees,’ he said, adding that cooperation, not confrontation, will be the guiding principle.’

Bichi was the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign Director General of the Tinubu/Shettima ticket for the 2023 presidential race in Kano state. The president however, said Bichi’s appointment is on account of his cognate experience and management expertise in both public and private sectors.

Bichi, who obtained his BSc at the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, and MBA at Bayero University Kano (BUK), had served as Secretary to the State Government of Kano State (SSG) from 2011 to 2016, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Urban Development Bank of Nigeria Plc until 2006. He was also Chief Quantity Surveyor at the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Abuja; Managing Director/CEO at the Kano State Environmental Planning and Protection Agency (KASEPPA) between 1990 and 2002.

He also served as commissioner, Ministry of Land and Physical Planning in Kano state, Executive Chairman of Crane Builders and Engineering Limited. He also worked at the Infrastructure Bank PLC. and Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), serving as Non-Executive Director.

While thanking the president for entrusting him with the leadership of the river basin development, Bichi told The Nation that he is not only promoting food security and environmental sustainability, but youth development across Kano, Jigawa and Bauchi States.

The quiet layers of memory and history came alive at the inaugural Archivist Talk held at the Centre for Contemporary Art (CCA), Yaba, Lagos. The event, themed A Collective Remembering, brought together artists, archivists, cultural workers, and journalists to reflect on the role of archives in shaping Nigerian and global contemporary art.

The Archivist Talk is part of the CCA Lagos’ ongoing efforts to preserve the legacy of its founder, the late Bisi Silva, whose vision of connecting Nigerian artists to global audiences continues to inspire projects in archiving, documentation, and storytelling.

The session featured interactive activities such as collage-making and digital storytelling, designed to engage participants in new ways of experiencing archival materials. Technology was at the forefront of the conversations, showing how archives are evolving into dynamic platforms of creativity.

Multidisciplinary artist, Rasak Akorede, described the project as inspiring and innovative.

‘It was quite interesting because different people had different reactions. Some were able to ask questions about events as far back as the 1990s, and the archive gave them answers immediately. That shows how technology can change the way we engage with history,’ he said.

Curator and founder of the Arts Bridge Project, Tony Agbapuonwu, stressed the importance of documentation beyond art. ‘This programme shows us the importance of documenting the times we live in and the role of technology in preserving our stories. Beyond art, archives are tools for understanding culture and shaping the narrative of our society,’ he said.

For cultural reporter, Pelu Adegbesun, the event was a timely reminder of the need to embrace archiving in Nigeria. ‘In the past, many people did not pay attention to preserving memory, but with initiatives like this, young people are beginning to take interest in documentation. This is a beautiful development for our cultural heritage,’ he noted.

Project archivist, Jenny Agu, emphasized the continuing influence of Bisi Silva in Nigeria’s art ecosystem. ‘Her legacy is still very visible in the arts community. She believed in connecting Nigerian artists to global audiences, and this project continues that mission by opening access to archives in creative ways,’ she said.

Agu added that the Archivist Talk was not only about revisiting the past but also about shaping the future. ‘Preserving memory gives us a sense of identity. By using art and technology, we are ensuring that today’s stories will be available for generations to come,’ she explained.

Four players of the Golden Eaglets have been selected in the Group Stage’s Best X1 at the ongoing WAFU B U17 tournament by the competition’s Technical Study Group.

Captain David Edeh leads the quartet along with wing dynamite, Boluwatife Thompson, George Agha, the hat- trick hero against Benin Republic and defence marshal, Godwin Menyaga.

Agha won the MVP award in the game against Benin Republic, Thompson repeated same feat in the game against Burkina- Faso.

Yesterday night Nigeria filed out against the Black Starlets of Ghana with a place in the final and qualification for 2026 AFCON U17 tournament to be hosted by Morocco as a reward.

Meanwhile, Cote d’Ivoire booked the first ticket to the grand finale following a 2-1 win over the defending champions, the Young Etalons of Burkina- Faso in the first semi-final of the competition.

The Golden Eaglets lost 2-0 to Ghana’s Black Starlets in the second semi-final.

As the world braces for a looming crisis in aquaculture feed, a group of bright Nigerian students is stepping forward with a solution that could reshape the future of fish farming. Students from Adiaha Obong Secondary Comprehensive School in Akwa Ibom State have captured national attention after winning the Ibom Innovation Challenge with their groundbreaking project, the Remote Fish Farming Monitoring System.

Their achievement comes against the backdrop of a sobering report by global financial services provider Rabobank, which has raised alarm over the growing shortage of fishmeal and fish oil-two key ingredients critical to the survival of the global aquaculture industry.

According to the report, titled Hooked on Scarcity, the supply of these marine-based feed ingredients is under severe strain as demand continues to outpace natural production.

Aquaculture, already one of the fastest-growing food sectors in the world, consumes nearly 90 percent of global fishmeal and about 70 percent of fish oil.

With production of salmon, shrimp, and other aquaculture staples expected to rise by 12 million metric tonnes by 2033, Rabobank warned that scarcity could begin as early as 2028, threatening both food security and livelihoods worldwide.

Against this global challenge, the young innovators in Uyo are offering hope. Known as the ‘Adisco Great Tech Innovators,’ the team’s winning project was showcased during the Akwa Ibom Tech Week 2024, where it captured the imagination of judges and audiences alike. The Remote Fish Farming Monitoring System is designed to help fish farmers oversee and control their ponds from a distance, using digital tools to track feeding, water quality, and fish health. By reducing waste and increasing efficiency, the system has the potential to make local aquaculture more resilient and sustainable-an innovation with implications far beyond Nigeria.

‘This project is not just a student experiment. ‘It is a practical response to a real problem. The new question for the youth is not ‘what do you want to become?’ but ‘what problem do you want to solve?’ These young people have answered that question brilliantly.’ said President , Ibom Innovation Network, Engr. Hanson Johnson, the organisation behind the challenge.

The Ibom Innovation Challenge, which has become a hub for nurturing grassroots technological solutions, rewarded the students with a N250,000 cash prize to further develop their idea. In addition to the financial support, members of the Ibom Innovation Network paid a celebratory visit to the school, recognising the team’s ingenuity and reaffirming the state’s commitment to fostering innovation among young people.

The Team leader, Mfoniso Patrick described the win as a turning point in her personal and academic journey. ‘This project has sparked a new interest in the world of technology for me.We started with just an idea, and now we see that it can solve real problems faced by farmers in our community. That is exciting,’ she said.

The Principal Mrs. Theresa Paulinus praised the students for their dedication, calling the achievement a reflection of both their determination and the school’s commitment to nurturing talent. ‘This victory is a testament to what our young people can achieve when they are encouraged to think critically and work together,’ she said.

Teacher and mentor Effiom Ekpo, who guided the team, added: ‘We are very proud of them. They have shown that innovation is not limited to big cities or universities-it can come from anywhere, including a secondary school classroom in Akwa Ibom.’

The breakthrough comes at a time when Nigeria, like many countries, is grappling with how to scale up fish production to meet growing demand. The country is one of the largest aquaculture producers in sub-Saharan Africa, but farmers often face challenges ranging from high feed costs to poor pond management. Observers say the innovation has symbolic value as well. It demonstrates how local ingenuity, when given the right support, can tackle challenges of global scale. While the Rabobank report paints a grim picture of looming shortages, the success of the Adisco team suggests that part of the solution may lie in empowering local communities to innovate.

The Ibom Innovation Network is already looking ahead, encouraging more students to join the movement. Plans are underway for the next Akwa Ibom Tech Week, scheduled for November 3-8, 2025. Organizers say they expect even greater participation from schools, startups, and young inventors, further cementing the state’s reputation as a hub for technological creativity.

As Nigeria marks its 65th Independence anniversary, the Arewa Defence League (ADL) has released the Kaduna October Declaration on the Rights of the People of Northern Nigeria, warning that the region is caught in a dangerous ‘polycrisis’ – an intersection of security, economic, and social challenges threatening its stability.

The declaration, unveiled at a strategy seminar in Arewa House, Kaduna, was described as a unified, evidence-driven assessment of the North’s realities and its place in the Nigerian federation. It followed extensive consultations with state coordinators, experts, and stakeholders across all 19 Northern states.

ADL stressed that the North’s polycrisis is not a set of isolated issues but interconnected emergencies feeding into each other. It identified rising insecurity, entrenched poverty, broken infrastructure, and elite impunity as key drivers of hardship and disillusionment.

In its State of the States analysis, the group highlighted insecurity as the most urgent threat, citing insurgency, banditry, kidnappings, and communal clashes as factors eroding state authority and exposing communities. ‘This collapse of safety is a profound failure of the state’s most essential responsibility,’ it noted.

The group also decried economic mismanagement, pointing out that despite the region’s abundant human and natural resources, corruption and poor policies had crippled agriculture, stifled businesses, and left millions of youths unemployed.

On the social front, ADL lamented that the North continues to rank as home to the world’s highest number of out-of-school children, coupled with worsening healthcare shortages and collapsing public services. ‘An entire generation risks being left behind,’ the group warned.

The declaration also faulted a culture of elite impunity and political marginalisation, accusing leaders of enacting policies that serve the few at the expense of the majority. It added that basic human rights, including food, security, and dignity, had been eroded across the region.

While insisting it does not advocate separation from Nigeria, the group said the failures of the Nigerian state in the North had weakened trust in the social contract. It called for a transformative renewal of governance through decentralisation of powers, restructuring of priorities, and restoration of the people’s sovereignty.

Grounded in the principles of liberty, equality, and popular sovereignty, the Kaduna October Declaration affirmed that ‘ultimate authority resides with the people of Northern Nigeria, who remain an inseparable part of the Nigerian nation. No authority is valid unless it derives directly from the people’s consent.’

ADL listed the next steps to actualise the declaration, including the formation of a planning committee to convene a Northern Stakeholders’ Conference, drafting of detailed policy documents, and creation of a comprehensive voter education and mobilisation plan ahead of the 2027 elections.

‘The era of empty words is over. The time to act is now,’ said Murtala Abubakar, President of ADL, who signed the declaration on behalf of the movement. He added that the document was both a binding commitment to the people of the North and a constructive contribution to Nigeria’s broader national conversation.

The Spelling Bee competition organised by Coker-Aguda Local Council Development Area (LCDA) brought together brilliant minds from primary and secondary schools across the council.

The event, held at the Council Secretariat Hall, created a vibrant atmosphere as students showcased their spelling skills and intellectual abilities.

The competition was moderated by Mrs. Adetola Pinheiro, a retired principal with decades of experience in the education sector. Contestants displayed remarkable focus, determination, and confidence, spelling even the most intricate words with impressive ease.

In her opening remarks, wife of the council chairman, Mrs. Muibat Ogidan, encouraged the pupils to remain committed to learning.

She noted that success is about effort, not just winning.

Head of Education and Library Services, Mr. Taiwo Adejumo, emphasised the value of participation over competition, stating: ‘Whether you win or not, the real courage lies in your participation.’

In the primary school category, Miss Obiorah Chikaima emerged as the winner, while Masters Orji Philip and Alameen Omokehinde claimed the first and second runner-up positions respectively.

In the secondary school category, Samuel Emmanuel secured the top prize, with Chima Chinecherem and Nwokeocha Favour emerged as first and second runners-up.

Special recognition was also given to outstanding participants for their dedication and commitment to academic excellence.

The event was graced Vice Chairman Mathew Olaleye, management team, teachers, and pupils from participating schools.

As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to celebrate United Nation’s World Tourism Day 2025 with the theme Tourism and Sustainable Transformation last Saturday, Group General Manager Continental Hotels, Mr. Karl Hala said that the Nigerian hospitality industry has shown remarkable resilience and innovation, despite facing some challenges. Citing World Travel and Tourism Council, he disclosed that travel and tourism contributed over N7 trillion to Nigeria’s GDP last year, accounting for nearly 5 percent of the total economy. The sector, he said, now supports 3.3 million jobs, with youth making up the largest portion of the workforce. ‘Investment in branded hotels has grown steadily, with Nigeria hosting over 9,000 quality rooms in international-standard properties,’ he added.

According to him, Nigeria has everything it takes to be the hospitality and tourism leader of Africa, noting that it has a rich cultural diversity, breathtaking natural assets, a dynamic youthful population, and a diaspora eager to rediscover their roots. He, however, added that Nigeria must build a strong national hospitality and tourism structure to realise this potential.

‘Telling a compelling national story is one step in the right direction. To compete globally, Nigeria needs to project its hospitality brand with clarity and pride. We must curate a narrative that showcases our unique strengths and attractions. At Continental Hotels, we say: Cradle of Humanity. This narrative exists, but it needs to be owned, structured, and broadcast consistently,’ he said.

Encouraged by emerging trends in the industry, Hala described Africa as the world’s fastest-growing tourism region, projected to grow by 5.4 percent annually through 2030.

He noted that though Nigeria’s domestic tourism market alone is a sleeping giant worth billions, digital innovation is reducing costs and expanding reach, and the young people are the secret power behind our industry’s growth.

He emphasized the need to invest in youth and innovation as the future of Nigerian hospitality lies in the hands of the young workforce. He stated that with proper skills, digital empowerment and entrepreneurship support, ‘they will carry us into the future. At Continental Hotels, we have seen the impact of investing in our people. A 23 year-old Nigerian graduate who joined our hotel as a trainee, developed a digital concierge tool that has cut our response time to guest requests by more than half.’

For a sustainable tourism industry, he identified three critical steps stakeholders must take- ‘tell a compelling national story: Nigeria must project its hospitality brand with clarity and pride; build real structures: we need a fully empowered national tourism board-transparent, innovative, and globally competitive; invest in youth and innovation: The future of Nigerian hospitality is not just in marble lobbies or tall buildings, but in the hands of our young workforce.’

While recalling part of Nigeria’s success stories in tourism industry, Hala said: ‘At Continental Hotels, we have lived this story firsthand. When we embarked on our mega expansion, many doubted our vision. But, we believed in Nigeria’s potential and invested in building a world-class hotel that would showcase the country’s hospitality. Today, our flagship property is a multi-award-winning hotel, employing hundreds and serving thousands. It has become a symbol of what is possible when vision, structure, and courage come together.

‘Our two flagship hotels-Abuja Continental Hotel and Lagos Continental Hotel have continued to be recognised in the hospitality industry. These iconic properties have consistently set the standard for excellence in Nigerian hospitality, and their recent awards are a testament to their unwavering commitment to quality and service.

Nigerian development investment bank, DLM Capital Group, has completed its N9 billion Series 1 Sovereign Bond Backed Composite Notes (SBCN) issuance due 2035 under its N30 billion Medium-Term Note Programme.

The completion of the N9 billion Series 1 SBCN issuance, through its special purpose vehicle, DLM Funding SPV Plc., is seen as a bold step towards reshaping the Nigerian capital market.

The issuance, which is AAA-rated and approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), was designed to deliver capital preservation, liquidity, and competitive returns.

It attracted strong participation from a pool of institutional investors, demonstrating continued confidence in DLM’s credit strength, innovative structuring capability, and proven track record of delivering secure investment products.

The signing ceremony, hosted by DLM Advisory (Financial Adviser, Transaction Structurer, and Joint Issuing House/Bookrunner for the transaction, and a subsidiary of DLM Capital Group), took place at the Group’s headquarters in Lagos, recently.

At the signing ceremony, Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of DLM Capital Group, Dr. Sonnie Ayere, stated: ‘At DLM Capital Group, we are committed to building innovative financial instruments that not only protect investor value but also unlock opportunities for growth across Nigeria’s real economy.

‘This first issuance is a testament to our ability to structure products that balance safety, liquidity, and competitive returns, while channeling capital into sectors like Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) that are critical for long-term national development.’

Proceeds from the issuance will be used for investment in Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) Bonds and underserved SME sectors, and target investors include pension funds, Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), asset managers, and high net-worth individuals.

With attractive yields backed with sovereign-level credit protection, the N9 billion milestone marks the beginning of DLM Capital Group’s N30 billion Medium-Term Note Programme.

‘The initiative is expected to play a pivotal role in Nigeria’s journey towards a $1 trillion Gross Domestic Product (GDP), by unlocking capital, accelerating formal sector growth, and boosting productivity across critical sectors,’ Dr. Ayere said.