Category: The Nation – Nigeria

The local gaming market in Nigeria is saturated and dynamic. In a competitive environment, bookmakers use bonuses to attract players: welcome packages, free bets, and loyalty programs. These offers have become the norm and may seem boring to bettors looking for more exciting promotions. Check out the most riveting offers from five notable betting sites in Nigeria to understand what’s behind the flashy banners.

Bet9ja is one of the most recognizable brands in Nigeria, largely due to its focus on the local market. Some bettors might be disappointed to find out that Bet9ja does not offer the usual 100% welcome bonus on the initial deposit. However, Bet9ja provides other interesting options for bettors:

Super9ja. Anyone has the chance to win the grand prize of ?50,000,000 in this free-to-play promotion simply by predicting the correct result of six matches. If you predict fewer than six matches correctly, you may still win smaller cash prizes, which are shared among the top scorers each week.

‘1UP’ Early Payout. With the Early Payout feature, you don’t need to wait until the end of the match to receive your winnings. The process is simple: your bet is settled as a win automatically if your chosen team goes one goal ahead at any point (using the special 1X2 1UP market).

‘Cut 1’ Feature. This feature helps secure your accumulator bets but requires at least 5 selections. Usually, if one game in an accumulator bet loses, the entire bet is lost. With the ‘Cut 1’ feature, even if one of your games loses, your bet still stands, but the odds are recalculated.

1xBet is known for its extensive betting lines and numerous promotions. It offers live streaming for many matches, along with a wide range of deposit methods. In terms of bonuses, the site provides a generous 200-300% welcome bonus on your first deposit, depending on the amount. But that’s not all, as they also offer:

Advancebet. You can use this feature with your unsettled bets to place wagers on live events or matches scheduled within 48 hours. Advancebet lets you borrow betting credit against your open bets. If those bets win, the Advancebet is covered; if they lose, the Advancebet is simply voided.

Accumulator of the Day. Every day, 1xBet selects pre-match and live accumulator bets with the highest winning potential and boosts their odds by 10% if they win.

TOTO Free Bet. This daily promotion lets you make free predictions on 12 selected sporting events. Correct outcomes earn you special 1xBet bonus points, which can later be exchanged in the Promo Code Store.

SportyBet targets mobile users, offering a simple app with a clear interface and a strong focus on user experience. Its welcome bonus is usually presented as a percentage of the first deposit, for example, up to 150%. Now, let’s look at the stand-out features:

Flexi. This feature reduces risk by securing your multiple bets. You set the number of correct predictions required, ensuring a payout even if not all selections are correct.

‘2UP’ Early Payout. Similar to Bet9ja’s ‘1UP’ Early Payout, but here your team must lead by two goals at any point in the match. Your bet will be settled as a win once your team goes two goals ahead, even if the opponent later equalizes or wins. Note that this feature applies only to pre-match bets.

Live Odds Boost. This promotion enhances a single bet by increasing the odds. It can be used once per live event.

Betano offers a well-structured website with 25+ sports markets to bet on, ranging from soccer and baseball to Formula 1. Among the standard promotions, they provide a 50% First Deposit Sports Bonus. However, they also feature some more attractive offers:

Accumulator Boost. This promotion stands out with a massive bonus of up to 400% on your accumulator bets in football, tennis, or basketball, with minimum odds of 1.20 per selection. The more selections you add, the higher the percentage bonus that will be added to your winnings.

2 Goals Ahead. This is Betano’s early payout offer, similar to SportyBet’s. If your team goes two goals ahead at any point during the match, your bet is instantly settled as a win. Note that it applies only to matches in major leagues and competitions (like the EPL or UEFA Champions League); see the full list on Betano’s website.

Paripesa boasts a vibrant, user-friendly website with numerous betting markets. Nigerians can enjoy a simple and straightforward registration process that unlocks a variety of attractive bonuses:

Losing Bets Bonus. If you lose 20 bets in a row within a month, Paripesa offers you a bonus based on your stake size. To qualify, bets must be placed at odds not higher than 3.0.

Saturday 100% Bonus. This recurring offer doubles your deposit and is available only for sports betting. Be sure to check the minimum deposit requirement and wagering conditions.

3,000,000 NGN Monthly Tournament. Place single winning bets with odds of 5.00 or higher to compete. The more winning bets you collect, the greater your chance of winning a share of the prize pool.

In summary, the amount of the bonus and the complexity of the wagering requirements are always trade-offs when selecting a bookmaker. The terms and conditions of each promotion should be carefully reviewed.

The Nigeria Police Force have suspended the enforcement of vehicle tinted glass permit following a court order halting the exercise, The Nation has learnt.

Spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, SP Josephine Adeh confirmed the suspension on Wednesday, October 8.

Recall Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State, last week ordered the Nigeria Police Force and the Inspector-General of police (IGP) to suspend the enforcement of the tinted glass permit across the country.

The court ordered the police and the IGP to maintain the status quo and ‘respect judicial processes pending further proceedings in the matter.’

The court issued the interim order during a hearing in Suit No. FHC/WR/CS/103/2025 instituted by John Aikpokpo-Martins against the IGP and the police.

Adeh during an interview on AIT, Wednesday, monitored by The Nation, explained that the decision for the suspension came after the police officially received the court order.

She said: ‘Information reaching me from the office of the PRO is that the order has been received and the enforcement of the tinted permit is now on hold pending the court’s verdict’

Adeh explained that the directive to suspend enforcement would remain in place pending the outcome of the ongoing legal process.

‘We are waiting for the verdict. We are not against the courts, and we will continue to wait until we get a verdict,’ she added.

Addressing public concerns about the purpose of the tinted glass regulation, Adeh clarified that it was introduced for security reasons, noting that some criminal activities had been carried out using vehicles with darkened windows.

‘The law was not made by us. We are enforcers. The policy was purely security-driven. Some criminals were using tinted vehicles to commit offences, making it difficult for law enforcement to identify suspects,’ she said.

Adeh also dismissed claims that the policy was designed for financial gain, explaining that all payments related to tinted permits are made directly into the Federal Government’s Treasury Single Account (TSA), not to the police.

The West Africa Action Network Against Small Arms Proliferation (WAANSA) has urged northern governors to suspend their growing fixation on the 2027 general elections and focus instead on tackling the escalating insecurity and poverty ravaging their states.

Regional First Vice President of WAANSA, Martin Igwe, made the call during a courtesy visit to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kaduna State Council, on Wednesday, warning that the North is bleeding from unchecked violence, arms inflow, and leadership neglect.

Igwe, who represents Nigeria in the regional body’s executive, lamented that while farmers and rural dwellers live in constant fear of bandits, kidnappers, and cross-border criminals, politicians are already consumed by the race for 2027.

‘Election is about the living, not the dead. Our people are dying daily, yet leaders appear more interested in political permutations than in saving lives or rebuilding devastated communities,’ he said.

He listed states such as Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kwara as hotbeds of insecurity due to their porous borders, warning that arms smuggling and bandit infiltration from neighbouring countries had turned them into theatres of violence.

Igwe said WAANSA, which operates across all 15 ECOWAS member states, was deeply concerned about the regional dimension of Nigeria’s security crisis, stressing the need for stronger cross-border collaboration under the ECOWAS framework.

He appealed to the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, who also serves as the second deputy speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, to rally his counterparts across the sub-region to adopt a joint security strategy to combat arms proliferation and transnational crimes.

‘Nigerians are almost speaking in a war situation,’ Igwe warned. ‘Those of us in towns may not feel it, but people in local communities are suffering unimaginable hardship. This is the time for ECOWAS to rise and protect its citizens.’

He also decried the worsening food insecurity in the North, attributing it to farmers’ inability to access their farmlands due to incessant attacks. ‘When people cannot farm, hunger follows, and when hunger strikes, criminality grows,’ he said.

The WAANSA vice president alleged that drug use remains a major enabler of banditry and violent crimes, and accused some political actors of indirectly funding the drug trade that fuels insecurity. ‘It’s a network that thrives because it serves political interests,’ he said, calling for media collaboration to expose such syndicates.

Responding, Chairman of the NUJ Kaduna Council, Alhaji AbdulGafar Alabelewe, commended WAANSA for its advocacy and pledged the union’s readiness to partner with the group in driving peace-oriented public discourse across Nigeria.

He said the visit offered renewed hope that patriotic citizens were still committed to peace and nation-building, noting that journalists would continue to spotlight issues affecting community security and development.

Alabelewe also urged state governments to adopt Kaduna’s non-kinetic approach to conflict management, which he said had helped to reduce violence, while calling for stronger ECOWAS cooperation to secure the region’s borders and stabilize the sub-region.

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has said the NDLEA is not averse to the controlled and regulated export of cannabis oil to countries that want it, but remains opposed to its local consumption.

He said this at a stakeholders workshop themed ‘Cannabis Oil Debate: The Path Forward for Nigeria’, organized by the Nigerian Academy of Science in Abuja on Wednesday, according to a statement by the Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi.

Marwa said the dialogue on cannabis oil is a welcome development.

He said, ‘At NDLEA, our position on cannabis oil is simple: we welcome dialogue. We believe Nigeria must make informed choices, not choices driven by half-truths, commercial interests, or global trends.

‘Cannabis oil may have medicinal properties worth investigating, but it also carries health risks, potential for misuse, and implications for public safety.

‘This is why scientists, medical experts, policymakers, and regulators must be in the same room to bring facts to the table, scrutinise evidence, and weigh options carefully.’

He said the NDLEA was not opposed to science but was only being cautious.

‘Let me assure you that NDLEA is not opposed to science, nor are we indifferent to innovation. What we insist on is caution. Policy must protect lives, safeguard public health, and strengthen-not weaken-our fight against drug abuse.

‘As such, the Agency will not be averse to the idea of controlled export of cannabis oil to foreign companies and countries that desire it, as part of our drive as a country to enhance foreign earnings.

‘After all, some countries have approved the use of cannabis oil for therapeutic purposes while others, including Nigeria, have not. Our concern, however, is about its consumption in Nigeria.

‘In essence, we are not opposed to the idea of exporting the oil to those who desire it, but such must be strictly controlled, licensed, and monitored by NDLEA, with such a process located only within export-free zones’, he stated.

Explaining the position of the Agency, the NDLEA boss said the conversation is necessary because ‘we are talking about Cannabis, which is not just another plant. It is a substance with complex medical, social, and economic dimensions. For decades, the debate has been one-sided.

‘Advocates often highlight the supposed benefits of cannabis oil, while its risks and consequences are glossed over. This, no doubt, informs the decision by us at the NDLEA to commission an ongoing study on cannabis oil by this respected apex body of scientists, the Nigerian Academy of Science.’

‘In a country like Nigeria, which is already contending with a high burden of drug abuse, it is imperative that we approach this matter with sobriety, clarity, and balance. Till today, much of the public debate highlights the potential therapeutic uses of cannabis oil and the commercial value of its export.

‘What about the risks? Evidence shows that cannabis, including its oil extracts, can have adverse effects on mental health, especially among young people. The prolonged or uncontrolled use of cannabis and its extracts is linked to anxiety, depression, psychosis, and cognitive impairment.

‘In addition, dependence and addiction are real concerns as well. In reality, these side effects create additional social and economic costs for families, communities, and society at large.

‘Another fundamental issue that we must take cognisance of is that the lack of standardised production and regulation in many countries means products sold as ‘cannabis oil’ often vary in potency, contain contaminants, or are misused outside of medical supervision.

‘Already, Nigeria has one of the highest rates of misuse of cannabis worldwide. For a country already grappling with a 14.4 percent substance abuse prevalence rate as against the global average of 5.6 percent and a staggering figure of 10.6 million cannabis users based on the last drug use survey report of 2018, the risks associated with cannabis cannot be dismissed.

‘Rather, the reality should remind us that while cannabis oil may have medical potential, its dangers are real and must be addressed with strong safeguards before any policy shift is considered.’

He said that as part of efforts to mitigate the consequences of illicit drug cultivation and production is the decision by the Agency, as the first in Africa, to introduce an alternative development project in 2023.

According to him, ‘The Alternative Development Project demands ethical responsibility and commitment to develop transformative policies and humanitarian responses to mitigate drug-related problems and end the complexities and violence of the war on drugs in Nigeria and globally.

‘In Nigeria, the Alternative Development Project will focus on reducing the vulnerabilities of ignorance, poverty, hunger, unemployment, and underdevelopment that push people into illicit economies, particularly illicit drug cultivation.

Aside from its link to transnational organised crime, illicit drug cultivation fuels national organised crime that causes agricultural states to abandon food crop cultivation for cannabis plantations in some communities across Nigeria.

We intend to reduce these vulnerabilities both in urban centres and rural areas through the provision of functional mechanisms and facilities for sensitisation, skills acquisition, empowerment, and positive engagements for sustainable livelihoods.’

In his welcome remark, President of the Nigerian Academy of Science, Prof Abubakar Sambo, who was represented by the Vice President of NAS, Prof Friday Okonofua, noted that several research studies have considered various uses of cannabis and its side effects. He said the workshop was aimed at reaching a consensus on the contentious issue of the use of cannabis oil.

‘At the end of the day, we’ll have evidence-based consensus work, which will be properly documented, that will lead us to decide what we should be doing regarding the use of cannabis in this country’, he stated.

Chairman of the NAS study committee on cannabis oil use, Prof Musbau Akanbi, commended NDLEA for being proactive and working with the Academy to obtain a science-driven guide for Nigeria.

‘As we all know, cannabis oil is extracted from cannabis, and the legalisation of the use of the oil would translate to large-scale cultivation of the weed itself.

The Nigerian Academy of Science consequently constituted the consensus study committee on the cannabis oil debate, comprising experts in all fields that had to do with the study request.

‘The committee collected a lot of literature on the subject matter from all over the world, reviewed what is happening in other lands, and decided to arrange this workshop where experts from various related fields will come together with stakeholders and present evidence that will be collated to assist NDLEA in carrying out its honest responsibility.’

Also speaking at the workshop, Dr. Samuel Adekola who represented Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo state noted, ‘This all-important workshop will offer our great country, Nigeria, the opportunity to move from debate to design, from potential to policies and I urge all participants to contribute constructively so that together we can rise to craft a model that not only benefit the consumers of health, also the sunshine state and Nigeria, but also position our nation as a leader on the African continent in this emerging field. Let us proceed with vision, with courage, and with unity of purpose.’

In his keynote address, Prof. Oye Gureje, Director, WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Mental Health, Neurosciences, and Substance Abuse, University of Ibadan, stated that cumulative evidence suggests that ‘cannabis has some limited medical use’, and ‘widespread recreational use is likely to lead to increased risk of psychosis’, while ‘public health may be moderately affected by increased use (e.g. road accidents)’

The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) has announced a change of date for the implementation of the guidelines for deduction and remittance of check-off dues (CODS) from October 3, 2025 earlier scheduled for December 31, 2025.

The Executive Secretary, Tolulope Odunaiya, in a statement, called on pensioners, pensioners’ union and other related stakeholders to familiarise and comply with all the provisions of the guidelines, which had earlier been communicated in the publication dated June 30, 2025 and published July 1, 2025

Odunaiya stated that the extension is intended to provide additional time for stakeholders to fully familiarise themselves with the provisions of the guidelines and to ensure a smooth, orderly and seamless transition toward a more efficient application of all Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS) pensioners.

Consequently, she said the provisions of the guidelines for the deduction and remittance of check-off-dues (CODs) to all eligible pensioners’ unions shall remain operational on the terms earlier communicated with effect.

Accordingly, DBS pensioners and their respective unions are hereby enjoined to familiarise themselves with and comply with all the provisions of the guidelines, which had earlier been communicated in the publication dated 30 June, 2025 and published July 1, 2025 and are once again reproduced below for emphasis and ease of reference, she stressed.

Guidelines for Deduction and Remittance Of Check-Off Dues (CODS)

She further said that in line with relevant provisions of the Trade Unions Act, Labour Act and PTAD’s mandate to ensure transparency and accountability in pension administration, the following guidelines are approved for the deduction and remittance of Check-Off Dues (CODs) from the monthly pensions of eligible Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS) Pensioners as managed by the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD).

Eligibility Criteria

She said: ‘Only duly registered Unions/Associations registered by the relevant registrars and operating under the provisions of the Trade Unions Act provision and, in furtherance of the decision of the Registrar of Trade Unions (RTU) to rationalise and regulate the implementation of check off dues under the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS), that henceforth PTAD will remit check-off dues to a maximum of two registered unions or associations.

‘They are Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) to oversee pensioners under the Civil Service Pensions Department; and Federal Parastatals and Private Sector Pensioners Association of Nigeria (FEPPPAN) to oversee Pensioners under the Parastatals Pensions Department. Consequently, all COD deductions will now be remitted directly to the two unions on behalf of pensioners, as previously approved by the RTU. These Unions are required to provide the documents to the Directorate if they have not done so already. They include Certificate of Registration; Constitution/By-laws; List of all verified members and their Pension IDs; and Official request letter for deduction

‘The Directorate will, as necessary, collaborate with relevant stakeholders comprising of executives of Pensioners’ Unions and representatives of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in the process of harmonising the two Unions, as well as other related parties on 29 August, 2024 to establish the modality for the implementation of COD deductions and remittances under the new order’.

Pensioner Consent

The ES explained that deductions are strictly voluntary hence the consent of representatives of eligible DBS Pensioners, such as the NUP and FEPPPAN, is required to proceed with the new arrangement. The guideline for the consent process is as follows below:

‘All pensioners under the Civil Service Pensions Department (CSPD) will have their CODs deducted and remitted to NUP, except where the Pensioner has individually requested, and is exempted, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 2(a) of these guidelines. All Pensioners under the Parastatals and Private Sector Pensioners Department (PaPPD) who wish to align with FEPPPAN, in accordance with the directive of the RTU, should indicate same by a formal letter to the Directorate.

‘All Pensioners’ Unions/Associations and Associations who choose to align with FEPPPAN will have 100 percent of Check-Off-Dues deducted from their members’ monthly pensions remitted directly to FEPPPAN and details of such deductions and remittances will be cascaded to their members. All Pensioners’ Unions and Associations under Parastatals Pensions Department who do not wish to align with FEPPPAN, in line with the directive of the RTU, should indicate same by a formal letter to the Directorate. However, it is to be noted that PTAD will not remit check off dues from members of these Unions and Associations, and 100% of such deductions would be retained by the Directorate.

‘Only individual pensioners are allowed by law to exercise the power to withdraw consent. Check-off dues from any pensioners’ Union must be placed under the following statutory directive of the RTU. In essence, it is not permissible for a group of individuals as neither legal nor acceptable’.

Compliance

‘All pensioners and pensioners’ unions and associations are required to comply with the provisions of these guidelines on or before December 3 , 2025, and to provide all the required documents to the Directorate within the same time frame.

‘It is important to note that, at the expiration of December 31, 2025 timeline, only pensioners, and pensioners’ unions and associations who comply with the provisions of paragraph 2 will be eligible to receive Check-Off-Dues deduction from the Directorate, and this will be remitted through either the national bodies of NUP or FEPPPAN’.

On deduction mechanism and remittance procedure, Odunaiya said deductions will be processed monthly based on submitted and verified membership list.

‘No deduction shall exceed the amount authorized or contravene pension regulations. All remittances will be made to the approved Bank account(s) of the two national bodies of the unions within 10 working days of monthly pension disbursement.

‘A monthly remittance schedule will accompany each COD payment, including total pensioners, amounts deducted, and total sums remitted. PTAD will also provide monthly reports and may schedule periodic reconciliation meetings to all stakeholders within 30 days. Any discrepancies must be reported within 30 days of remittance.

On that termination of deductions, she disclosed that pensioners may cancel their authorization at any time via a written withdrawal notice.

‘The pension board shall effect their request one circle. PTAD reserves the right to suspend remittances in cases of irregularities or legal disputes. PTAD also reserves the right to review and update these guidelines periodically.

‘The Directorate values the contributions of all Pensioners’ Unions and Associations toward ensuring effective, transparent and fair administration manner to safeguard the welfare of our Pensioners.

‘In ensuring a more seamless, orderly, and fair administration of Check-Off Dues (COD) is strictly based on directives issued by the Registrar of Trade Unions (RTU). The Directorate is committed to ensure that all deductions are remitted to the appropriate authority for necessary attention. PTAD remains committed to its core values of transparency, accountability, and fairness’, she noted.

Iba Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Chairman, Jubril Yisa, has performed the groundbreaking for the construction of a Town Hall at Igbo-Elerin.

Jubril, represented by Vice Chairman, Ayodele Samuel, described the project as historic, stressing that it would serve as a symbol of unity, progress, and shared vision for the people of Iba LCDA.

He noted that the Town Hall had long been a dream of the community, which would now become a reality.

According to him, the facility will serve as a hub for civic engagement, cultural expression, youth empowerment, and developmental dialogue.

‘It will be more than just a building; it will be the beating heart of our Local Council Development Area,’ he said.

The council boss emphasized that development does not happen by chance but through intentional planning, collaboration, and commitment.

He lauded the contributions of traditional institutions, and community stakeholders, acknowledging their role in making the project possible.

Yisa also called on youths to see the project as a beacon of hope and an avenue to express their ideas, showcase talents, and shape their future.

He added that the Town Hall would also serve as a legacy for elders and a platform for intergenerational dialogue.

He said: ‘This is only the beginning. The responsibility of nurturing and protecting this dream rests on all of us. Together, let us ensure that this Town Hall becomes a space of peace, progress, and people-centered development.’

He expressed optimism that the project would be completed successfully and stand as a testimony of unity and determination in the community.

Nigeria’s Flamingos will slug it out with New Zealand and Paraguay in test games on October 10th and 14th barely two days after landing in Casablanca ahead of the FIFA Under 17 Women’s World Cup I Morocco.

The Flamingos expectedly departed Abuja in the early hours of today aboard Royal Air Maroc, as they begin the final phase of their preparations for the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

The team is scheduled to arrive in Morocco’s industrial and economic capital, Casablanca where they will settle into camp before heading to Rabat for the tournament proper.

The team will then move into the official FIFA hotel in Rabat on October 15, where all participating teams will be housed for the competition.

The Flamingos have been drawn in Group D, alongside Canada, France, and Samoa. Nigeria will kick off their campaign against Canada on Sunday, October 19, before facing France three days later – both matches scheduled for 8 pm Nigerian time at the Football Academy Mohammed VI (Pitch 2) and Football Academy Mohammed VI (Pitch 1) in the city of Sale.

Their final group stage encounter will be against Samoa on October 25, with kickoff set for 5 pm. at the Football Academy Mohammed VI (Pitch 3) still in Sale.

Head Coach Bankole Olowookere’s side head into the tournament full of confidence, having played 10 tune-up matches, scoring an impressive 44 goals without conceding any. Their dominant form in camp so far, coupled with a well-balanced squad, underscores their determination to go one step further than their quarter-final finish at the last edition in the Dominican Republic.

Director-General, National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Dr. Abisoye Fagade, has commended the commitment of stakeholders in the Travel, Tourism, Hospitality and Allied Trades sector to skills development and capacity building initiatives. He pledged his agency’s readiness, as the national Sector Skills Council, to champion initiatives that professionalize the sector and raise industry standards.

Dr. Fagade reiterated the critical importance of skills acquisition over reliance on academic paper qualifications, particularly in the travel, tourism, and hospitality value chain. Equipping young people with employable skills, he noted, is key to diverting them from social vices, strengthening national security, and addressing pressing challenges such as unemployment, poverty, social instability, and insecurity.

A further boost to the skills agenda came with the circular issued by the Head of Service of the Federation last year, which conveyed the approval by the National Council on Establishment for the inclusion of National Skills Qualification (NSQ) Levels in the Scheme of Service across all public service sectors.

This policy recognises that persons trained in any skill area, with qualifications from Levels 1-6, are employable and can be placed on salary grades corresponding to their certified competencies.

Explaining the framework, the DG highlighted that the NSQF is anchored on National Occupational Standards (NOS), statements of competence and performance required in specific job roles, alongside the necessary underpinning knowledge.

This, he noted, reinforces the vital role of the Sector Skills Council (SSC) and Awarding Bodies (ABs) in workforce development for travel, tourism, hospitality, and allied trades. Established in 2015, the Hospitality and Tourism Sector Skills Council of Nigeria (HTSSON), coordinated by NIHOTOUR, is mandated to engage employers and industry stakeholders to identify skills gaps, develop, validate, and implement NOS nationwide.

The DG disclosed that 12 key areas have been identified and their NOS developed and approved by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) for the sector. These, he added, include: Airport and Passenger Service Operations, Event Handling Operations Food Preparation, Packaging, and Dispatch, Food and Beverage Production, Food Safety Services, Food and Beverage Service, Front Office Operations, Housekeeping Operations, Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Operations, Tour Operations, Travel Agency Operations, Travel and Tourism Advisory Services.

These NOS, according to him, are subsequently developed into National Skills Qualifications by the designated Sectoral Awarding Body.

NIHOTOUR boss stressed that the functionality of the SSC relies on strong collaboration between the NBTE, which approves the NOS, and the Awarding Body, which develops qualifications for nationwide implementation.

‘The entire system is designed to give trainees access to knowledge-based, practical skills and workplace ethics rooted in established occupational standards,’ he noted.

Awarding dodies, he added, go beyond issuing certificates, they are custodians of quality assurance and industry relevance. They set and enforce standards across training institutions, thereby safeguarding educational integrity and ensuring qualifications meet labour market demands.

To enhance effectiveness, Fagade outlined that the ‘SSC must be strengthened through strong institutional support, robust industry linkages, up-to-date skills standards, continuous capacity building, effective advocacy, and rigorous monitoring.’

‘The Awarding Body must ensure credibility, global benchmarking, strong quality assurance systems, digital innovation, active industry engagement, and visible policy advocacy to establish itself as the trusted authority for professionalising travel, tourism, and hospitality,’ he said.

Looking ahead, analysts envision a Nigeria empowered by a highly skilled, adaptable, and entrepreneurial workforce, capable of meeting the demands of a dynamic global economy.

They posit that such a workforce will not only reduce unemployment but also drive national development and boost Nigeria’s competitiveness on the global stage.

On attaining the target goals of the NSQF in the sector, Fagade opined that it requires the collective responsibility of all stakeholders, including, government, industry, educational institutions, and awarding bodies.

‘Sustained investment in skills development is not just an educational cost, but a strategic national investment, a pathway to dignity, productivity, and prosperity for all Nigerians,’ he noted.

2. LASRAB honours Adebowale for contributions to archiving, history

By Ozolua Uhakheme

The Lagos State Records and Archives Bureau (LASRAB) has honoured distinguished individuals who have contributed immensely to the preservation of Lagos’ cultural and historical heritage, during its commemoration of the International Archives Day. Among the awardees was the Founder and Creative Director of ASIRI Magazine, Oludamola Adebowale, who received the Friends of Lagos State Archives Award in recognition of his relentless commitment to documenting, preserving, and amplifying Nigeria’s history.

The award was presented by Mr. Babatunde Onibanjo, the newly appointed Permanent Secretary of LASRAB, in the presence of the agency’s Director-General, Ms. Toyin Ogunlana.

The event, themed ‘A Greater Lagos Rising: Preserving Our Past, Inspiring Our Future’, underscored the importance of archives as tools for cultural memory, civic identity, and societal development.

Other distinguished awardees included His Royal Majesty Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal (Oniru of Iruland), Erelu Abiola Dosumu, and Olasupo Shasore, SAN, alongside other eminent figures who have played vital roles in safeguarding the legacy of Lagos.

Celebrating a Modern Archivist and Historian

For more than a decade, Adebowale has emerged as one of Nigeria’s leading archivists, historians, and cultural curators, with his pioneering platform, ASIRI Magazine, serving as a digital and physical repository of Nigerian history. Since founding ASIRI in 2013, Adebowale has worked tirelessly to document Lagos and Nigeria’s heritage, bridging the gap between history and contemporary culture.

ASIRI Magazine, widely regarded as one of the most authoritative cultural history platforms in Nigeria, has preserved and told stories ranging from pre-colonial traditions and post-independence milestones to the lives of significant Nigerian icons. Its accessible format-online archives, exhibitions, and collaborative projects-has made history engaging for new generations while reinforcing the importance of preserving collective memory.

As a cultural archivist, Adebowale has curated exhibitions, delivered talks, and collaborated with museums, universities, and heritage institutions across Nigeria and internationally. His approach to preservation is not only scholarly but also creative-bringing archives to life through storytelling, digital curation, and public engagement.

The Friends of Lagos State Archives Award is one of LASRAB’s highest honours, celebrating individuals whose work embodies the bureau’s mission of safeguarding memory and inspiring the future. This year’s International Archives Day celebration highlighted how archives serve as living testaments that shape identities, foster inclusivity, and inspire civic pride.

Adebowale’s recognition alongside traditional leaders, historians, and cultural custodians underscores his standing as one of Nigeria’s foremost modern archivists-a bridge between history and contemporary cultural discourse.

In a demonstration of seriousness attached to Friday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lesotho, an impressive 18 players yesterday underwent Super Eagles’ first training in Polokwane, South Africa.

In the mix under Coach Eric Sekou Chelle and his assistants, were the team’s leaders including captain

Wilfred Troost Ekong, Wilfred Ndidi , Moses Simon , Victor Osimhen and African Footballer of the Year, Ademola Lookman.

There was the also the full contingent from England-based stars including the Fulham’s trio of Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze as well as Frank Onyeka, Tolu Arokodare and defender Semi Ajayi.

The three invited goalkeepers including South Africa-based Stanley Nwabali as well as Tanzania -based Amas Obasogie and Greece-based Adebayo Adeleye were also at the team’s first session in the Limpopo province of South Africa. They were complemented by the quartet of Chrisantus Uche, Bruno Onyemaechi , Benjamin Fredrick and Terem Moffi who’s making a return to the fold after a long injury-enforced absence.

The 18 players that trained yesterday in Polokwane represented over 75 per cent of the players invited for the upcoming double header against Lesotho and Benin as the Super Eagles intensify their training sessions for the two must-win encounters in this October International window starting with Friday’s away match to Lesotho and next Tuesday’s match in Uyo against The Cheetahs of Benin.

Though there was no official statement, the late arrivals of the remaining five players including

Akor Adams (Sevilla), Olakunle Olusegun (Pari Nizhny Novgorod), Felix Agu (Werder Bremen) , Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City) and Alhassan Yusuf (New England Revolution), might not be unconnected with delay in procuring an entry visas to South Africa as widely reported on Monday.

A top official of the Nigeria Football Federation(NFF) had hinted on Monday that just three players were in dire straits as per getting entry visas into the former apartheid enclave.

SUPER EAGLES’ ALREADY IN POLOKWANE :

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa), Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania), Adebayo Adeleye (Volos FC, Greece)

Defenders: William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia), Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England), Semi Ajayi (Hull City, England), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece), Benjamin Fredrick (Dender, Belgium)

Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England), Frank Onyeka (Brentford, England), Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas, Turkey), Chrisantus Uche (Getafe, Spain)

Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy), Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy), Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey), Moses Simon (Paris FC, France), Tolu Arokodare (Genk, Belgium), Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France).

PLAYERS YET TO ARRIVE IN POLOKWANE:

Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England), Bruno , Felix Agu (Werder Bremen, Germany), Alhassan Yusuf (New England Revolution, USA),Akor Adams (Sevilla, Spain), Olakunle Olusegun (Pari Nizhny Novgorod, Russia).

Big Brother Naija Season 10 finalist Kola has stated that he has no intention of pursuing a romantic relationship with Dede outside the show.

This declaration comes in response to Dede’s recent comments, where she mentioned that she wouldn’t consider dating Kola even if she were single, signaling their incompatibility.

Kola, in a recent interview with GOTV, emphasised that his focus is now on himself, his career, and personal development.

‘The show is over. I’m focusing on my myself. I’m focusing on my career, work and what I’m bringing to the world.

‘Right now, the show is over and I’m in the next phase of my life. This is where I’m currently headed,’ he said.