Category: The Nation – Nigeria

ýStriker Qamar Adegoke has assured the supporters of Shooting Stars Sports Club(3SC) of Ibadan that the team is committed to sustaining their impressive start to the 2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.

ýThe Oluyole Warriors have shown flashes of brilliance in the opening stages of the campaign, securing three wins, one draw, and suffering two defeats from their first seven matches. Their latest victory – a hard-fought win over Plateau United in Ibadan – lifted them to fifth place on the league table with 10 points, signaling their intent to challenge for a top position this season.

ýSpeaking on a sports radio programme in Ibadan, Adegoke expressed confidence in the team’s ability to maintain momentum, highlighting the positive atmosphere in camp and the technical crew’s influence on the players’ performances.

ý’With the way our coaches handle us, there’s no way a player won’t give his best,’ he said. ‘Everyone in the team understands what it means to wear the Shooting Stars jersey. We are playing not just for ourselves but for the fans and the city of Ibadan. I urge all Oluyole Warriors supporters to keep believing in us – we won’t disappoint them.’

ýAdegoke emphasized that unity and discipline have been key factors behind the team’s steady improvement this season. According to him, the blend of youthful energy and experienced players in the squad has created healthy competition, motivating everyone to raise their game.

ý’We push each other every day in training. There’s a strong bond among the players, and the coaches make sure no one gets complacent,’ he added. ‘Our focus is on consistency to get better in every game and bring joy to our fans.’

ýShooting Stars will look to build on their recent success when they travel to Kano this weekend for a crucial matchday eight encounter against the high-flying Kano Pillars at the Sani Abacha Stadium.

Former AC Milan manager Sergio Conceicao will take over as coach of Al Ittihad following the sacking of Laurent Blanc, the Saudi Arabian Pro League club has announced.

The Portuguese coach, who also won 52 caps as a player, was revealed in a video on social media titled ‘The King Rules the Game’.

‘Victory is not a choice,’ says Conceicao, 50, in the video. ‘It is an identity that defines us. Rivals may change and their allies will fall but the champion remains.

‘The champion owns the game. I am Sergio Conceicao, I came to build glory with Ittihad.’

He has signed a two-year contract and is the fourth Portuguese to manage the club, the most recent being current West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo who left in 2023.

Conceicao spent seven years in charge of Porto winning the Portuguese league three times before moving to Milan in the middle of last season.

He was fired after AC Milan finished eighth in Serie A and lost to Bologna in the Italian Cup final.

Al-Ittihad are currently third in the Saudi Pro League, three points behind leaders Al-Nassr.

It was a 2-0 defeat by their rivals at the end of September that spelt the end of Blanc’s 14 months in charge.

To boost innovation and sustainability in Nigeria’s energy industry, FOSL Upstream Limited, a subsidiary of Ailes Group, has entered into a strategic partnership with Knox Western – Didwania Group, a global leader in compressor systems and engineered energy solutions.

The partnership is focused on the manufacturing, supply, sales, and maintenance of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and cryogenic compressor pumps, combining world-class engineering expertise with local capacity to deliver efficient and sustainable energy solutions.

According to the partners, the collaboration brings together Knox Western – Didwania Group’s global technical excellence and FOSL Upstream’s operational strength and strategic market presence across Africa to deliver end-to-end solutions that enhance energy accessibility and support the transition to cleaner energy sources.

Speaking on the partnership, Dr. Michael Onuoha, Chairman and CEO of Ailes Group and FOSL Upstream Limited, said the alliance marks a milestone in the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.

‘This partnership is a significant step in our mission to champion innovation within the energy landscape. By aligning FOSL Upstream’s operational strengths with Knox Western – Didwania Group’s engineering heritage, we are set to redefine compressor technology, reliability, and service delivery,’ Dr. Onuoha said.

‘Beyond technology, we are also committed to developing local capacity through training, technology transfer, and creating job opportunities that will strengthen indigenous participation in the energy value chain.’

The partnership, he added, reflects both companies’ shared vision for a sustainable energy future built on innovation, operational excellence, and strategic collaboration.

FOSL Upstream Limited, part of the Ailes Group, is a Nigerian energy services company known for delivering advanced technical solutions in upstream oil and gas operations. The firm has built a reputation for innovation, local content development, and strategic partnerships that promote sustainable growth in the sector.

Knox Western – Didwania Group, on its part, boasts decades of global experience in CNG and cryogenic technologies, providing reliable and efficient products for industrial and energy applications worldwide.

Both companies say their collaboration will set new standards for energy efficiency and sustainability, positioning Nigeria as a key player in the global drive for cleaner energy solutions.

As the 2027 general elections draw closer, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stands at a critical crossroads. After years of internal crises, factional battles, and dwindling influence, the party is gradually regaining its footing.

One man who has played a central role in this rebirth is the Governor of Bauchi State and Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed.

Governor Bala Mohammed has not only proven himself as a competent leader in Bauchi but also emerged as a unifying force within our party at the national level. At a time when disillusionment and rancor threatened to rip PDP apart, his calm but firm leadership at the Governors’ Forum helped stabilize the ship.

Governor Mohammed built consensus where there was discord, rallied governors to speak with one voice, and restored confidence in the PDP as a viable alternative for Nigerians.

The importance of this achievement cannot be overstated. In Nigeria’s multiparty democracy, no political party can thrive without internal harmony. Bala Mohammed’s interventions gave PDP a fresh lease of life, convincing millions of our supporters across the country that the party still has the resilience and capacity to govern. It is therefore only logical that such loyalty, sacrifice, and leadership be rewarded.

Beyond party politics, Bala Mohammed’s record as governor speaks volumes. Under his stewardship, Bauchi has witnessed infrastructural renewal, improved healthcare delivery, agricultural support schemes, and a renewed commitment to education.

His governance style reflects pragmatism, inclusiveness, and a keen understanding of Nigeria’s diversity qualities that are indispensable in national leadership.

A shining example of his inclusive leadership is his accommodation of the Bauchi Christian community, both in government and in daily governance.

He has ensured their active participation in his cabinet, sponsored Christian pilgrims to Jerusalem, and hosted Christmas celebrations at the Government House acts that demonstrate his genuine commitment to unity and religious harmony.

He sees Christians in Bauchi as part of his family, and this rare leadership quality is what Nigeria needs at the national level.

Equally remarkable is his courage in addressing issues previous administrations avoided.

A case in point is his bold move to bring a permanent solution to the Tafawa Balewa Local Government crisis, a long-standing challenge that others chose to sidestep.

He has also tackled the lingering Bauchi water problem, effectively utilizing World Bank funds that had been left idle for years a testament to his foresight and managerial discipline.

Politically, Bala Mohammed’s stabilizing influence goes beyond Bauchi State. His strategic leadership kept the PDP safe from political undertakers who predicted its demise during the rise of the ADC.

Many who defected during the unveiling of ADC have since returned to the PDP a clear indication of his tactical acumen and political resilience. This is what true political calculation looks like.

He continues to play a key role in shaping the PDP’s national strategy, working to ensure that the party presents its best possible presidential candidate be it Peter Obi, Goodluck Jonathan, or other credible figures from the South showing that he prioritizes Nigeria’s unity and the party’s strength over personal ambition.

His decision to support zoning and sacrifice his own presidential aspiration for the sake of national balance underscores his patriotism.

Governor Bala Mohammed is also known for his confidence, eloquence, and fearlessness traits that earned him the traditional titles Kauran Bauchi and later of Daular Usmaniya.

He is the brain behind the formation of the Ministers’ Forum, where he supported the emergence of Kabiru Turaki (SAN) as a national leader. The forum continues to thrive as a space for policy dialogue and coordination among former ministers.

Let us also not forget his contributions to the historic Doctrine of Necessity, which helped bring stability to Nigeria during one of its most uncertain political moments.

His strong sense of nationalism is evident in the inclusivity of his projects whenever he commissions projects in Bauchi, he ensures that people from all parts of Nigeria are invited, fostering a spirit of unity.

Where there were no voices, Bala Mohammed’s voice always rings out in support of the people whether in debates over the tax bill or other national issues that affect ordinary Nigerians.

Even more telling of his character is his enduring loyalty to former President Goodluck Jonathan. Despite the change of power, Bala Mohammed has never spoken ill of his former boss a rare quality in today’s political landscape where opportunism often trumps loyalty.

The PDP has made mistakes in the past by sidelining loyal party men in favor of temporary expediencies. 2027 presents an opportunity to correct this. If the party is truly serious about reclaiming power and offering Nigerians a credible alternative, it must entrust critical positions to men of character, loyalty, and capacity.

Governor Bala Mohammed is such a man. His role in stabilizing the PDP after years of turmoil deserves recognition. Making him the Vice-Presidential candidate in 2027 would not just be a reward it would be a strategic masterstroke for a party that must blend experience with political stability to win back the trust of Nigerians.

The PDP must rise above sentiment and short-term politicking. It must be bold enough to recognize merit and loyalty. Bala Mohammed has earned it.

Nasiru Hanga writes from Kano State.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended warm felicitations to business magnate and philanthropist, Hajia Bola Shagaya, on her 66th birthday, describing her as a distinguished Nigerian whose vision and enterprise have significantly advanced the nation’s private sector.

In a statement on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President lauded Hajia Shagaya for her leadership and enduring contributions to national development through entrepreneurship and investment across diverse sectors of the economy.

Tinubu praised her commitment to philanthropy and women’s empowerment, noting that her values and humanitarian efforts continue to inspire a new generation of Nigerians.

He further wished the celebrant many more years of good health, happiness, and continued service to the nation.

‘The President celebrates Hajia Shagaya as a distinguished Nigerian whose vision, enterprise, and leadership have advanced the private sector and contributed to national development.

‘He commends her dedication to philanthropy and women’s empowerment, values that continue to inspire a new generation of Nigerians.

‘President Tinubu wishes her many years of good health and continued service to the nation’, the statement said.

Hajia Shagaya, a prominent industrialist, fashion entrepreneur and one of Africa’s most influential businesswomen, is the founder of Bolmus Group International and a major player in the energy, real estate and banking sectors.

She is widely known for her charitable work and advocacy for women’s economic empowerment.

Smartphones today are more than just gadgets – they’re our cameras, our entertainment centers, our workstations, and sometimes even our survival tools when the day gets long. With the launch of the REDMI 15, Xiaomi is proving once again that cutting-edge tech doesn’t need to come with a heavy price tag. Instead, it should deliver power, performance, and practicality that fits perfectly into everyday life.

So, what exactly makes the REDMI 15 stand out in Nigeria’s highly competitive smartphone market? Here are six things you absolutely need to know about this new device.

1. A Battery That Refuses to Quit

We’ve all had those days when our phone’s battery dies in the middle of something important. That’s a headache REDMI 15 is here to solve. With its massive 7000mAh (typ) battery, this phone is built for marathon use. Whether it’s endless WhatsApp chats, hours of YouTube, or a long day of work and play, REDMI 15 keeps going.

Paired with 33W fast charging, even when the battery does run low, you won’t be stuck waiting for hours. Just a short recharge gets you right back on track.

2. A Big Screen Made for Big Moments

The REDMI 15 is equipped with an immersive 6.9-inch FHD+ display, which means everything from movies to mobile gaming looks better. The size makes it perfect for those who use their phone as a primary entertainment device – and for those who enjoy split-screen multitasking, the extra space really comes in handy.

Whether you’re watching Netflix, scrolling Instagram, or video calling loved ones, the REDMI 15’s display makes the experience brighter, bolder, and more engaging.

3. Reliable Power Under the Hood

At the heart of the REDMI 15 is the Snapdragon 685 processor. While it may not be a flagship chipset, it’s a strong and efficient performer for daily use. From running multiple apps smoothly to handling casual gaming, the Snapdragon 685 ensures you get a reliable and lag-free experience.

Pair that with RAM options of 6GB+128GB or 8GB+256GB, and you’ve got plenty of space for apps, photos, videos, and everything else you need on the go.

4. Capture Every Angle with the 50MP AI Dual Camera

The REDMI 15 comes with a 50MP AI dual camera system that makes mobile photography simple yet stunning. Whether you’re snapping photos of Lagos street life, family gatherings, or that perfect food shot for Instagram, the REDMI 15 has you covered.

AI optimization helps balance lighting, color, and detail, ensuring your pictures are clear and vibrant without needing professional editing. It’s the kind of camera that lets anyone become the storyteller of their own life.

5. Designed with Style in Mind

Smartphones are an extension of personal style, and the REDMI 15 doesn’t disappoint. Available in Midnight Black, Titan Gray, and Sandy Purple, it’s sleek and modern without being over the top.

Despite packing a huge battery, the REDMI 15 manages to feel comfortable in hand – showing Xiaomi’s commitment to design balance between power and portability.

6. A Price That Puts Power Within Reach

One of the strongest reasons Nigerians will love the REDMI 15 is its affordable pricing. For a device with such a massive battery, a huge display, and reliable performance, the REDMI 15 starts at just:

?186,400 for 6GB+128GB

?212,900 for 8GB+256GB

This makes it one of the best value-for-money smartphones in its category. It’s clear that Xiaomi designed REDMI 15 not just to impress on paper, but to be truly accessible to everyday users.

Availability and Where to Buy?

The REDMI 15 is now available in Nigeria through all authorized Xiaomi stores, including Finet, Raya, 3C Hub, Slot, and more. Prefer online shopping? Visit Jumia.com to purchase your favorite Xiaomi products with just a few clicks! Stay tuned for more exciting updates and promotions by following Xiaomi Nigeria on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok.

In today’s global digital market, affiliate partners must carefully navigate different rules and expectations. Working with an international platform like 1win.run opens up opportunities but also calls for a clear understanding of responsible practices. Knowing how to present offers, target the right audiences, and respect local laws is essential to keeping your campaigns safe and compliant. This introduction explores how to approach the 1 win Affiliate Program with confidence and awareness.

The 1 win affiliate program is designed to give partners powerful tools and attractive revenue models. However, as with any online venture, there are regulations that vary by country. Affiliates need to be proactive about understanding advertising standards, avoiding restricted territories, and ensuring their campaigns do not breach regional rules. By taking a strategic, informed approach, it’s possible to grow your traffic while minimizing risks.

Building a transparent partnership also means communicating openly with the affiliate managers provided by 1win.run. They can offer guidance on which markets are recommended, how to structure promotions, and which compliance standards apply. This support helps affiliates maintain a strong reputation and avoid potential penalties or restrictions, making the program more sustainable over time.

Finally, adopting ethical marketing practices sets affiliates apart from competitors and strengthens the relationship with the platform. By focusing on legitimate channels, accurate information, and respecting local regulations, you can maximize the benefits of working with 1win.run while steering clear of sanctions. This approach creates a foundation for long-term success and a trustworthy reputation in the global affiliate space.

When working with a global affiliate platform, understanding what not to do is just as important as learning how to promote effectively. Many partners underestimate how easily small missteps can escalate into major issues. On 1win.run, strict compliance standards exist to protect the platform, players, and affiliates alike. By recognizing the most common mistakes early, you can safeguard your account and maintain a steady stream of revenue without disruption.

Affiliate marketers sometimes overlook the fine print or assume that all traffic sources are acceptable. This assumption can result in serious penalties or even a permanent ban. The following list highlights the most frequent errors that trigger sanctions, offering a clear picture of what to avoid before launching any campaign on the 1win Affiliate Program.

Misleading advertising: using fake bonuses, exaggerated claims, or deceptive landing pages can violate compliance rules and lead to immediate suspension

Promoting in restricted regions: sending traffic from countries where 1win.run does not operate legally can trigger automated account reviews and potential bans

Using unauthorized creatives: publishing banners, logos, or promotional materials that have not been approved by 1win Affiliate may breach brand guidelines and result in warnings or penalties

Incentivizing risky behavior: encouraging players to gamble irresponsibly or using cash incentives to sign up violates ethical standards and can shut down your affiliate access

Fraudulent or fake leads: generating sign-ups with bots, stolen data, or manipulated tracking links undermines the integrity of the program and leads to instant termination

Spamming and aggressive outreach: blasting unsolicited emails, SMS, or social messages without consent can harm the brand reputation and force account suspension

Ignoring reporting discrepancies: failing to address suspicious spikes or irregular activity in your stats may appear as complicity in fraud and result in a freeze on commissions

By familiarizing yourself with these pitfalls, you create a proactive defense against accidental non-compliance. Each point in the list represents a real-world trigger that can flag your account for closer inspection. The fewer red flags you raise, the smoother your experience with 1win.run will be.

Furthermore, making compliance a routine practice-double-checking your traffic sources, updating creatives, and maintaining transparent communication with your affiliate manager-helps establish trust. In the long run, this disciplined approach not only prevents account blocks but also positions you as a reliable partner who benefits from higher payouts, better support, and exclusive offers.

Staying compliant with 1win.run’s rules and policies is the cornerstone of a stable and profitable affiliate business. The platform offers clear guidelines, but it’s up to each partner to integrate them into daily operations. Understanding these principles not only protects your account from sanctions but also builds a stronger reputation with your affiliate manager and the wider industry.

Because the 1win Affiliate Program operates globally, each region may have its own advertising, data protection, and consumer protection standards. Affiliates who plan ahead, study the rules carefully, and implement reliable monitoring systems dramatically reduce their risk exposure. The table below summarizes actionable advice that can help you stay aligned with the platform’s expectations and avoid compliance issues.

Tip Explanation

Use only approved creatives rely on official banners, logos, and landing pages provided by 1win Affiliate to maintain brand consistency and avoid copyright problems

Verify traffic sources regularly audit your channels to ensure no unauthorized regions or prohibited methods are used, protecting your account from accidental breaches

Be transparent with players present offers, bonuses, and terms clearly without hidden conditions to build trust and prevent complaints

Stay updated on policies monitor the affiliate dashboard and newsletters for policy changes so you can adjust your campaigns quickly

Maintain secure data practices handle user information according to privacy laws and avoid sharing credentials with third parties

Communicate with affiliate managers ask for clarification or pre-approval before launching new campaigns or testing new traffic methods

Track and resolve anomalies promptly investigate sudden spikes or drops in stats to prevent false positives or fraud suspicions

Each of these recommendations targets a critical aspect of affiliate compliance. Following them creates a clear operational framework where risks are minimized, and all marketing efforts are aligned with the platform’s expectations. This approach also gives you leverage when negotiating for better commissions or exclusive deals.

Furthermore, integrating compliance checks into your regular workflow ensures long-term sustainability. By combining these best practices with ongoing education about emerging regulations, you secure a competitive advantage. As the online gaming market evolves, the affiliates who treat compliance as a strategic asset-rather than a burden-will be the ones enjoying consistent growth and stable earnings with 1win.run.

Building a sustainable future with 1win affiliate

The journey through our article has shown that success with 1win.run depends on more than just traffic. It requires a proactive mindset, strong compliance habits, and an appreciation of the platform’s global reach. By understanding the rules and identifying common mistakes, affiliates can protect their accounts and build a steady income stream over time.

Staying compliant is not simply a box to check; it is a strategy for long-term growth. Whether you are avoiding misleading advertising, respecting territorial restrictions, or using only approved materials, each good practice adds resilience to your business model. This discipline turns your campaigns into reliable assets rather than risky experiments.

Another key takeaway is the importance of communication and transparency. Affiliates who engage with their managers, ask for pre-approvals, and act on feedback tend to enjoy smoother operations and better support. This trust-based approach can also open the door to higher commission rates and exclusive promotions within the 1win Affiliate Program.

Ultimately, a sustainable partnership with 1win.run is built on clarity, ethics, and continuous improvement. By treating compliance as an ongoing process rather than a one-time task, affiliates can achieve lasting success. This conclusion marks not an end but a starting point for a smarter, safer, and more profitable affiliate journey.

President Bola Tinubu inaugurated the $400million Green Energy International Limited (GEIL) oil export terminal in Otakikpo, Rivers State. He yesterday assured the people that the government is already engaging them on the resolution of Ogoni issues.

The facility being the first indigenous terminal, came five decades after the previous ones.

Represented by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, he said with the resolution of the issues, the Otakikpo terminal will evacuate the crude oil produced from their land.

He said: ‘It is important for me to state that in the commitment of the government that is already talking with Ogoni people to resolve the Ogoni problem.

‘And once the Ogoni problem is resolved, this will be the best terminal that will evacuate the crude oil we produce from Ogoni.’

Tinubu who sought the cooperation of Ogoni leaders for the production of oil in their land, noted that the resource would never be beneficial to either the indigenes or government when it lays idle.

Tinubu said: ‘And that is why we are calling, you know, talking with Ogoni people, Ogoni leaders, to say let’s revert back. If these things are buried there forever, Ogoni will never get any value from those resources. Nigeria will never get any value from those resources.’

He said the era of battling with lack of finance is over as the $5 billion African Energy Bank (AEB) is about to commence operations.

According to him, the worst challenge in the upstream operation is access to finance and the promoters of AEB have met all its obligations for the operations.

‘Let me also, you know, assure Green Energy that the era of perhaps looking elsewhere for finance will soon be over.

‘We have discovered that the biggest challenge we have in Africa is access to, you know, finance. And that was why we’ve come up with the African Energy Bank, which is ready to go. Nigeria, as the host country, has met its obligations.

‘We have met all our obligations, legal, financial. We have met all our obligations. We are waiting, you know, for the bank to take off, which I think will take off, you know, any moment from now,’ Tinubu said.

He commended the management of GEIL, recalling that the indigenous firm started from a marginal field the same time with other awardees who spent their finances on private jets while GEIL decided to build an export terminal to create value in the industry.

He assured the company and other operators that are keeping to the terms of their licenses of total support and collaboration.

Speaking, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, said the terminal is historic on two levels.

According to him, it expands Nigeria’s crude export infrastructure at a critical time and demonstrates the capacity of Nigeria operators to deliver world class projects once thought possible only for international major players.

He further noted that the Otakiko terminal is significant to the present national crude oil production that is about 1.8million barrels because the efficiency of evacuation and export is critical.

Komolafe also said by creating an alternative export hub in Rivers State, the Otakikpo terminal reduces over reliance on existing terminals many of which are operating at a near capacity and are exposed to security and pipeline challenges.

He said the industry indigenous operators have evolved to the stage of accounting for 30 per cent of the national production.

The Chief Executive Officer, GEIL , Prof. Anthony Adegbulugbe said the storage capacity of the terminal is 750,000 barrels that is expandable to 3 million barrels.

He also said it has a pumping capacity of 360,000 barrels per day. The CEO added that since June 2025, the company has already completed four export operations, totalling 1 million barrels of crude oil.

He said beyond the numbers, the terminal is a catalyst for national renewal as it opens the door for more than 40 stranded fields in the region, with over 3 million barrels of reserves, long held back by lack of export infrastructure.

According to him, the fields alone could contribute more than 200,000 barrels per day to the country:s production.

Adegbulugbe added that ‘with this terminal, their potential can finally be unlocked.’

Two civil society groups have called on the Federal Government to ban former Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Nnaji from holding public office.

According to Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and HallowMace Foundation Africa, such an action will dissuade those planning to forge certificate in future.

Nnaji, accused of using forged University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) Degree certificate and a fake National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate, resigned from the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Tuesday, having failed to defend his integrity.

CISLAC and HallowMace called on the National Assembly to apologise to Nigerians for what it termed an international embarrassment arising from its institutional failure.

In a telephone interview with reporters yesterday, the Executive Director of CISLAC, Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), said that Nnaji was busy trading blames, when all material evidence had indicted him, hence, he should never be allowed to hold public office again.

‘He did not resign on his own volition. He was forced by the public, the media, and the civil society to resign. He didn’t resign as an honourable man. He actually went to court to stop the university from releasing his record. In fact, we should ban him from public office for life,’ he stated.

Also, in a statement jointly signed by its Executive Director, Anderson Osiebe, and its Head of Public Communications, Oguh Hyginus, HallowMace Foundation Africa maintained that the Nigerian public deserved transparent and accountable institutions that serve as effective gatekeepers against fraudulent public officers.

‘The sequence of events in Minister Nnaji’s case reveals catastrophic failures in the verification systems designed to prevent such occurrences.

‘According to the timeline of events, University of Nigeria Nsukka, UNN, clearly stated in May 2025 that they had no record of issuing a degree certificate to Nnaji in 1985, and this position was reaffirmed in October 2025. Why wasn’t this basic verification conducted during the screening process in 2023?

‘The leadership of screening institutions should issue public apologies to the Nigerian people for this grave failure of due diligence and outline concrete steps being taken to prevent recurrences.

‘If with their extensive resources and mandate, they could not authenticate a certificate from a Nigerian institution, what confidence can citizens have in their ability to vet appointees for critical national positions?’ the civil society organisation stated.

Nnaji: Why I resigned

Nnaji said yesterday that his resignation was not an admission of guilt.

He explained in a statement after Presidential Spokesman Bayo Onanuga made his exit from FEC public, that he did not want the controversy over his alleged certificate to ”cast a shadow over the noble objectives of this administration.”

A part of the post reads: ‘This decision (resignation) did not come lightly. Over the past week, an orchestrated, sustained campaign of falsehood, politically motivated, and malicious attacks has been waged against my person, integrity, and office across print, electronic, and social media platforms.

‘These unfounded allegations and media distortions have not only caused personal distress but have also begun to distract from the vital work of the Ministry and the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President.

‘As someone who has spent more than five decades building a reputation anchored on hard work, honour, and service to humanity, I cannot in good conscience allow these distractions to cast a shadow over the noble objectives of this administration.

‘My decision to step aside is therefore a personal choice – not an admission of guilt, but rather a principled decision to respect the sanctity of due process and to preserve the integrity of the judicial proceedings currently before the court. In the end, Justice will prevail, and history will vindicate the just.

‘I remain deeply grateful to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the confidence he reposed in me and for the privilege to serve in his cabinet.”

Nnaji pledged his ”unflinching support” to the Tinubu administration and holding the President’s vision close to his heart.

The statement drew immediate comments from some Nigerians who said they were astounded by his audacity.

One of the commenters, DamianOfoegbu, tweeted: The audacity to call himself an honourable minister.”

Another X user @CroBender, asked: ‘Guy, did you graduate or not? It’s as simple as that..’

Atiku calls for thorough screening

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also responded to the forgery saga, saying the Department of State Services (DSS) should be held liable for it.

Atiku, in a statement, argued that what should ordinarily be a matter of national shame was being disguised as a ‘voluntary resignation’.

Atiku said Nnaji’s ”voluntary resignation was an attempt to whitewash him.

The statement reads: ‘Let the truth be told: Uche Nnaji should not have been allowed the courtesy of resignation.

‘He should have been summarily dismissed and prosecuted for deceit and falsification.’ The former Vice-President called for ”an independent, transparent, and comprehensive investigation into the academic and professional credentials of all members of the Federal Executive Council.”

The Bank of Industry (BoI) has set aside a N2billion for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members entrepreneurship programme with the aim of providing affordable loans to all corpers across Nigeria, as part of efforts to tackle unemployment and promote youth-led enterprises.

Its Managing Director, Dr Olasupo Olusi disclosed this at the launch of the programme in Abuja, stating that the initiative, known as the N2billion BoI-NYSC Entrepreneurship Programme will enable serving corps members to access up to N5million each at a single-digit interest rate of nine per cent per annum.

Represented by the Executive Director, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) at the BoI, Shekarau Omar, the MD said the money is repayable over three years, with a three-month moratorium on both principal and interest. He also described the initiative as a practical intervention designed to move young Nigerians from job-seekers to job-creators.

He said: ‘The partnership between BoI and NYSC is built on previous collaborations such as the Graduate Entrepreneurship Fund (GEF), first launched in 2015, which trained over 3,000 graduates, financed 609 businesses, and disbursed more than N1billion in loans. These numbers are not just statistics, they represent poultry farms, fashion houses, salons, tech start-ups, and creative studios brought to life.

‘The core lessons are clear, when young people receive targeted capacity building, affordable finance, and mentoring, they repay, they employ, and they grow, as he commends the NYSC’s Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) department for its ongoing efforts in training corps members to become self-reliant.’

‘The new loan scheme would complement SAED’s objectives and for our corps members, your service year is a launch pad, not a waiting room, start small, plan well, and stay disciplined about cash flow and compliances. With creativity and determination, you can become the next generation of entrepreneurs shaping Nigeria’s future.’

Olasupo expressed appreciation to the Director-General of the NYSC, Brig-Gen Olakunle Nafiu, the Director of SAED, and other top officials at the bank for their contributions toward designing and operationalizing the programme, assuring that the success of the initiative would be measured by the number of approvals granted, jobs created, and businesses that continue to thrive beyond the NYSC service year.

Speaking, Brig-Gen Nafiu emphasized the importance of investing in youth for the nation’s future, highlighting the strategic nature of such investments, noting that not investing in youth is a greater risk as the collaboration between NYSC and BOI is an investment for the nation’s destiny, while appealing to the bank to scale up the intervention to N5billion so that more corps members can benefit from the initiative.