Category: The Nation – Nigeria

The federal government has renewed its calls for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to advance tourism as a key driver of sustainable national growth and development.

The government said tourism, if properly harnessed, has the potential to serve as a catalyst for economic growth, attract local and foreign investors, and stimulate entrepreneurship across communities.

Speaking in Ado-Ekiti during the official launch of the Visit Ekiti Project, Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, noted that tourism development plays a vital role in preserving cultural heritage and legacies, projecting Nigeria’s image on the global map, and promoting national pride.

He also underscored the importance of youth empowerment within the tourism value chain, noting that young Nigerians must be placed at the centre of the process to unleash their creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit.

The minister reaffirmed the readiness of the federal government to collaborate with the visit Ekiti project to ensure that its core objectives translate into opportunities for the people, particularly the youth.

He described the project as a visionary platform to showcase the Ekiti natural endowments, festivals, and cultural heritage to the world.

Olawande added that the ministry would collaborate with the Visit Ekiti Project on programmes such as cultural exchange opportunities, training in hospitality and tour management, support for youth-led startups in eco-tourism, among other areas.

In his remarks, the Lead Creative Director of Visit Ekiti Project, Mr. Ayo Ogunro, said the initiative was primarily designed to project the state’s tourism potential to both local and international audiences.

He noted that the project would serve as a platform to reintroduce Ekiti state to the world as a destination of choice for culture, heritage, and leisure.

He described Visit Ekiti as a strategic blueprint for economic transformation, saying it would not only attract investors but also harness Ekiti’s abundant natural resources and unique cultural assets for growth.

He said that the project has the capacity to create jobs, empower communities, and inspire entrepreneurship, particularly among the youth who are expected to play a central role in its execution.

Ogunro, therefore, called on investors, partners, and residents to support the initiative, stressing that the dream of positioning Ekiti as a leading tourism hub in Nigeria could only be achieved through collective commitment and shared responsibility.

A medical expert, Dr. Abuh Raymond, and his co-coordinator, Sumayyah Muhammad Sani, have called for free distribution of sanitary pads to young girls in Nigeria, the same way condoms are often given out freely for sexual protection.

They made the call on Thursday in Kaduna while speaking on the launch of the ‘Pad the Girl Initiative’, a government-backed programme aimed at promoting health, dignity, and empowerment among young women.

The initiative, described as the first of its kind in the history of Kaduna State and Northern Nigeria, was rolled out by the Uba Sani administration on September 20 at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

It targets over 40,000 female students across tertiary institutions with free sanitary pads and menstrual health education.

Dr. Raymond and Sumayyah said the programme reflects ‘a bold, inclusive, and modern approach to governance under the visionary and compassionate leadership of Senator Uba Sani.’

According to them, menstrual health remains one of the least discussed yet most pressing challenges facing Nigerian girls, with many forced to miss classes or drop out of school due to lack of access to pads.

‘This initiative is a practical demonstration of the Governor’s belief that if condoms can be distributed free in the interest of public health, sanitary pads must also be free in the interest of women’s health and dignity,’ they said.

Governor Sani’s administration has also expanded scholarships for girls in STEM, strengthened laws against gender-based violence, promoted digital training, and supported vocational programmes for sustainable livelihoods.

Dr. Raymond and Sumayyah, who coordinate the Pad the Girl Initiative under the UBA Ambassadors Network, described the project as a ‘landmark intervention’ and a historic step towards ensuring that no girl in Kaduna State is denied education or dignity because of her gender.

‘Governor Uba Sani’s leadership is rewriting the narrative for Kaduna State and Northern Nigeria, ensuring equity and empowerment for the next generation. His unwavering commitment to the welfare of young women is truly making a difference,’ they added.

Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has disbursed N5,604,205,998 to 1,198 former councillors, fulfilling outstanding entitlements and prompting the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Jibrin Falgore, to endorse him for a second term.

The APC councillors were denied their between 2018 to 2023 by the Abdullahi Ganduje administration, Yusuf said.

Five years after a prolonged delay, Governor Yusuf has settled over N5.6 billion severance and furniture allowances owed to councillors.

The Governor had earlier paid N1.8 billion in May 2025 to 903 former councillors who served between 2014 and 2017 as the first tranche. The second tranche of N5.6 billion is now being disbursed to 1,198 former councillors.

Speaking during the payment of the second tranche, an excited Falgore said, ‘The only way we can repay him is to reelect him in 2027.’

Governor Yusuf confirmed that bankers had been directed to begin crediting the councillors’ accounts immediately.

Governor Yusuf said he inherited the liability of N15.6 billion from the previous APC-led administration, which failed to pay its councillors that served between 2014 and 2020 across the 44 local government areas.

He described the payment as a defining moment for Kano State, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to restoring dignity, fairness, and justice to those who served at the grassroots level.

‘These are moments when we rise above the ordinary to restore dignity, fairness, and justice to those who have served with loyalty and dedication. Today, by the grace of Allah, is one of the defining moments in the history of Kano State.

‘It is my belief that many of you have already started receiving your alerts, as I instructed the bankers to begin crediting your accounts even before I finished my speech,’ Yusuf added.

He further assured that preparations were underway for the third and final tranche amounting to N8.2 billion which will cover 1,371 former councillors. He said the final payment is expected to be disbursed by the second week of November.

Yusuf stressed that the initiative was not just a financial obligation but a means to strengthen trust between the government and its people.

The governor added that government is not only about building roads, schools, or hospitals. It is also about building trust and honoring those who have served.

The Chief Executive Officer of Luxe by Glamoholic and founder of the Lachlan Foundation, Ambassador Dr. Princess Akawor has been honoured with the UNIPGC and Jewel Howard Taylor Leadership Excellence and Distinguished Personality Award at the Global Leadership Investment Summit and Peace Awards (GLISPA).

It was held at the House of Lords, UK Parliament.

The international recognition, organisers said, celebrates Akawor’s transformational leadership, advocacy for peaceful coexistence, and contributions to good governance.

A seasoned entrepreneur with over 15 years in the fashion industry, Akawor leads Luxe by Glamoholic, a brand with outlets in three major Nigerian cities.

She is also renowned for using her platform to empower women and support vulnerable communities through the Lachlan Foundation.

Armed with a degree in Biomedical Technology from the University of Port Harcourt, she has successfully blended science and fashion to emerge as one of Africa’s outstanding female entrepreneurs.

With this award, the Nigerian fashion icon joins a growing list of local and international recognitions for her impact across business, leadership, and humanitarian service.

Abia Warriors and Kwara United secured crucial home wins in their rescheduled games played yesterday to move up the ladder of the Nigeria Premier Football League.

Both were involved in CAF Confederation Cup games and were eliminated by Djoliba Athletic Club of Mali and Asante Kotoko of Ghana in the first preliminary round.

Abia Warriors beat Remo Stars 2-0 through the goals of Emeka Obioma and Sunday Megwo in the 28th and 60th minutes. The second goal came from the penalty spot. With the victory, Abia Warriors have moved to the fourth spot with nine points from five games while the Sky Blue Stars slid to the 14th spot with seven points from five games.

The Umuchineke Boys will travel to Ilorin as guests of Kwara United who triumphed over Plateau United 2-1 in another rescheduled game dubbed the North Central derby played yesterday in Ilorin.

Junior Aimufua put the Harmony Boys in the lead in the dying minute of the first half. The Peace Boys equalised in the 58th minute through Vincent Temitope but Kwara United had the last laugh when Aule Johnmark struck in the 79th minute off a goal mouth scramble.

Kwara United have moved to the seventh spot with eight points.

Lagos, the Centre of Excellence, would ne bursting at its seams tomorrow, October 4, by playing host to the grand finale of the biggest 7-aside football competition at the Showtime Arena, Lekki.

Abuja’s Energy FC-known for their imperious form-will battle it out against Lagos’ own Snowlions FC in what promises to be one of the most electrifying encounters in the tournament’s history. While Energy FC will be hoping to return the trophy to Abuja, the Snowlions are determined to defend their turf in front of a passionate home crowd.

Adding extra spice to the event, some of Nigeria’s top music stars-Zlatan Ibile, Mayorkun, L.A.X, Ibroking, and Blaqbonez-will headline a novelty celebrity match promoting unity and peace.

Dignitaries expected at the finals include Mr. Adeboye Adeyinka (SSA Grassroots Sports Development), Chief Adaralegbe Akintayo (Chairman, TPumpy Concept), Hon. Nasir Ja’oji (SSA President on Citizenship and Leadership), Mr. Dami Orimoloye (SSA Sports to Governor Sanwo-Olu), Ayo Amusan (Country Manager, Puma NG) and other special guests from MTN, DevonKings, Moremonee and Nigerian Breweries.

The event will be a vibrant mix of football, music, and entertainment, with both male and female celebrity matches scheduled to thrill fans before the grand finale.

This year’s showdown marks only the second time in seven years the national final will be staged in Lagos. The last time, at Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Abuja’s 12Strong FC defeated Warri’s Obodo Starlights under the floodlights.

Certainly, all eyes would be Lekki, where no question would be asked when defending champions Energy FC stake their claim against the ambitious Snowlions on their home soil with the kick-off slated for 3:00pm prompt.

Nigeria has emphasised the need to accelerate the integration of the West African capital markets in order to unlock immense capital needed to develop the region.

Director General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama said West Africa faces urgent developmental challenges ranging from infrastructure deficits and climate adaptation to digital transformation and job creation.

According to him, West African countries need to accelerate the integration of their capital markets as a platform to mobilise the scale of investment needed to drive the region’s development.

Agama spoke yesterday in Abuja at the Experts Meeting on Validation of the WASRA Charter and Recognition of WASRA as the Regulatory Body for Cross-Border Securities Market in ECOWAS.

He said the initiative represented ‘a watershed moment’ in the region’s financial history, warning that each year of delay in integration represents a lost opportunity to mobilise resources for critical projects that can transform the region’s economies.

‘To meet these challenges, we require capital at scale, and the truth is simple: no single national market can provide it alone. An integrated regional capital market is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity,’ Agama, who also chairs WASRA, said.

He pointed to Africa’s annual infrastructure financing gap of over $100 billion, stressing that West Africa alone requires tens of billions of dollars to modernise transport corridors, upgrade energy systems, and build resilient digital infrastructure.

‘Without integrated markets that pool liquidity and broaden investor participation, our governments and private sector will remain constrained, relying on limited fiscal space and expensive borrowing,’ Agama said.

Drawing lessons from global models, he noted that the European Union and ASEAN achieved significant economic transformation by harmonising rules, fostering investor confidence, and facilitating seamless cross-border funding.

He said: ‘The creation of a single market enabled European firms to access funding seamlessly across borders, boosting innovation and competitiveness. Closer to home, ASEAN coordinated standards and deepened financial cooperation, strengthening its resilience as a regional bloc.’

He emphasised that West Africa, with its population of more than 400 million and a combined GDP of about $800 billion, has even greater potential, cautioning that ‘potential means little without decisive action,’ he cautioned.

Agama outlined how integration would bring benefits beyond infrastructure, noting that ‘In agriculture, integrated markets can mobilise capital for value-chain development, agro-processing, and food security, which are critical priorities for our region’.

He added: ‘In the digital economy, regional capital can support innovation hubs, fintech scale-ups, and broadband expansion, ensuring that West Africa fully participates in the fourth industrial revolution.’

He further stressed that cross-border pools of capital, backed by harmonised regulation, could deliver ‘transformative impact’ across multiple sectors, including youth empowerment and job creation.

Presenting the objectives of the West Africa Securities Regulators Association (WASRA), Agama said the body was established with a clear mandate to anchor market integration.

‘First, to contribute to the establishment of appropriate mechanisms for the regulation of capital markets; ensuring their proper functioning and the protection of investors. This speaks directly to the heart of investor confidence, without which no market can thrive,’ he said.

He added that WASRA would foster integration through joint programmes and common projects, promote mutual assistance across the region, and set common standards for effective regulation. ‘Integration is not only about policy declarations; it is about practical collaboration and shared initiatives that deliver results for our markets and our people,’ he stressed.

Agama called on policymakers, especially finance ministers within ECOWAS, to champion the WASRA initiative, stating that ‘The political will of our leaders is the single most important factor in moving from aspiration to reality’.

‘WASRA stands ready, in partnership with ECOWAS, WACMIC, and WAMI, to provide the technical leadership required.’

Also speaking at the meeting, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun noted that the gathering marked a significant step in the collective ‘journey toward a harmonized regulatory framework, one that reflects the shared aspirations of ECOWAS member states to deepen capital market integration, enhance cross-border investments, and promote financial stability.’

Edun, represented by Mr. Hassan Adamu Jibrin, Principal Economist Federal Ministry of Finance, pointed out that validation of the draft WASRA Charter is not merely a procedural formality, but a critical foundation for institutional coherence, regulatory cooperation, and sustainable market development across our sub-region.

On his part while speaking on behalf of ECOWAS Commission, Mr. Peter Oluonye Acting Director Private Sector noted that for capital markets integration to gain traction in ECOWAS, there need to be need concerted efforts of all stakeholders at harmonizing rules, practices and regulations, to the standards acceptable to all jurisdictions.

He said: ‘We are well aware that our member states depend much on external capital flows and direct investment to sustain and deliver on economic development programmes of our governments. The region is in dire need to develop critical economic infrastructure projects, requiring huge capital investment and facilitate gross capital formation. The capital market is a major vehicle that should support this aspiration

‘The need to drive our capital markets integration initiative to break down barriers to movement of capital within the region by ensuring a harmonized regulatory space, common market information platforms, interlinked trading systems, cross-border trade and payments settlement, harmonized accounting standards and internationally acceptable governance standards and institutions cannot be over-emphasized at this juncture in our economic integration initiatives’.

Neo-Black Movement of Africa in Lagos has expressed concern about flooding in Lekki and called for a more proactive approach to address the challenge.

The group pledged to work with the government and stakeholders in finding lasting solutions, saying residents who bear the brunt of the crisis be compensated.

The movement noted that flooding in Lekki has become a perennial issue, causing millions of naira losses in property, vehicles, and businesses, and impacting livelihoods.

President of its Lekki Chapter, Erauyi Agbon-Ifo, said: ‘Flooding in Lekki is no longer a one-off natural occurrence, it has become an annual challenge residents face. Families are forced to rebuild their lives and businesses year after year. It is important stakeholders, including government, private organisations, and groups like ours, come together to tackle this issue in a sustainable way.

‘As responsible, tax-paying citizens, residents also deserve compensation for the losses caused by government’s lack of preparation. Beyond long-term solutions, we urge the state to establish a compensation and insurance framework that acknowledges sacrifices of residents and provides them with the relief they deserve.’

The movement sympathised with residents affected by the latest floods and underscored the need for transparent flood management projects, improved infrastructure maintenance, and more public awareness on flood prevention.

Agbon-Ifo noted that while other coastal states as Rivers experience heavy rains, they do not face the same scale of flooding witnessed in Lekki, which indicates the need for more action in Lagos.

The movement commemorated Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary and called on leaders to renew their commitment to welfare of citizens.

‘As we celebrate this milestone, we believe true leadership is when government prioritises safety, security, and wellbeing of people. Together, we can make flooding a thing of the past,’ he said.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered a retired Director (Administration and Finance) at the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), Garba Mohammed Duku to either refund N1, 592,750,000 (N1.6b) to the coffers of the Federal Government or spend the next four years in prison.

Justice James Omotosho issued the order on Friday after convicting Duku, said to have retired from the AMMC in 2014, of the offences of corruption and money laundering, on a six-count charge brought against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission (ICPC).

Duku, who looked well-fed, with glowing skin, was said to have committed the offences between 2012 and 2013, when he converted funds, totalling N318,550,000 transferred from AMMC into his personal account domiciled with Fidelity Bank Plc.

Justice Omotosho found that Duku received N56,250,000 into the Fidelity Bank account on July 23, 2012; N71m on December 2012; N53m on December 7, 2012; N54m on December 2012; N46m on March 8, 2013 and N36,300,000 on March 21, 2013.

The judge found that, not only was the defendant unable to justify the payment of his employer’s funds into his personal account that he opened just a year earlier (2011) and became dormant immediately he retired, he also failed to provide convincing evidence for what official projects the funds were deployed for.

Justice Omotosho noted that the manner the defendant withdrew the funds hastily, in tens of millions, some of which were sent to bureau de change for conversion to United States dollars, betrayed a sinister motive.

The judge found that the defendant, in his statement to the ICPC claimed to have handed some of the funds in dollars to some of his superiors, a claim the court said, he failed to support with evidence.

Justice Omotosho also noted that some of his subordinates, called as prosecution witnesses, claimed to have been directed to issue certificates of completion for projects they did not inspect, a claim, the judge said the defendants also failed to disprove.

He faulted the defendant’s lawyer’s arguement that the funds in question were appropriated for, noting that most of the funds appropriated by public officials in the country are mostly monies duly budgeted/appropriated for projects .

Justice Omotosho found that the prosecution established all the relevant ingredients relating to the offences charged and proved itS case beyond reasonable doubt, as required under the law, with the three witnesses called.

He also found the the defendant failed to dislodge the case of the prosecution through his sole witness, which was himself.

The judge, accordingly convicted the defendant on all counts.

In his allocutus, the defendant, who said he could not fully recollect all that happened while he was in service as at when he made statements to the investigation some years later, prayed the court for mercy.

The judge proceeded to sentence Duku to four years imprisonment per count with an option of fine, which must be an equivalent of five times the amount listed in each count.

Four count one, he is to refund N355m; count two, N230m; count three, N270m; count four, N266.25m; count five, N280m and count six, N191.5m.

Singer Niniola Apata has triggered fresh speculation about a possible pregnancy after she recently appeared in a video flaunting what looked like a pronounced baby bump.

The footage quickly made waves online, prompting fans and gossip blogs to ask whether the singer is expecting.

In the video, Niniola was seen embracing what many interpreted as a mid-riff protrusion. Accompanying the visuals was a caption:

‘There is time and season for everything.’

Some took the line as a subtle nod to a new chapter in her life.

The video has fuelled widespread speculation among fans and media outlets.