Category: The Nation – Nigeria

The Nigerian Polo Association (NPA) has achieved a major milestone in its drive to elevate national polo, with preparations officially underway to host the Federation of International Polo (FIP) Zone E World Cup Playoff. Scheduled for November 9-16, 2026, in Abuja, the tournament marks the first time FIP has selected Nigeria-and the African continent-to host the zonal playoff event.

The playoff winner will earn a spot alongside global qualifiers at the FIP Polo World Cup Finals in Uruguay, scheduled for early 2027. The newly expanded Zone E features competing nations across Africa and Asia, including South Africa, Egypt, Iran, Pakistan, India, and host nation Nigeria.

NPA Chairman Suleiman Abubakar confirmed that the hosting rights have received full backing from the Federal Government through the National Sports Commission (NSC). To maximize the host nation’s performance and secure the World Cup qualification ticket, Nigeria is finalizing player selection processes and pursuing a foreign coach to lead the national squad.

Highlighting the selection of an international-standard facility in Abuja, NPA Chairman Suleiman Abubakar stated:

‘NPA is thrilled and honoured to be hosting this world-class event in Abuja. With the expected support of all stakeholders and enthusiasts of the noble game in the country, we are looking to show off the best Nigerian polo has to offer.’

NPA Secretary General Henry Tobi added: ‘We view this as a great opportunity for Nigerian polo to witness world-class polo up close. We are proud to play a role in the overall advancement of polo in the world and plan to have our facility in top-notch shape for the tournament.’

This tournament marks Nigeria’s return to World Cup qualifying action for the first time since 2011, when Life Chairman of Nigerian Polo, Emir of Katsina HRH Dr. Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, led the national team captained by Mohammad Babangida to the Zone D playoffs in Malaysia. The tournament further aligns with FIP’s broader mission-established by founder Marcos Uranga in 1982 and recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC)-to expand the sport globally.

The Chairman Eti-Osa Local Government, Lagos State Omo’oba Adeola Alimot Adetoro, has inaugurated three roads as part of activities to mark her one year in office.

The roads are Ogunyemi Road, Itedo; Ibrahim Atere Road, Gbara and Murphy Adetoro Road, Igbo-Efon.

At the ceremony, which attracted All Progressives Congress (APC) Apex Leaders, councillors, traditional rulers, community leaders, party faithful and residents, the chairman expressed joy and fulfilment at delivering on her campaign promises.

‘We thank Almighty Allah (SWT) for this glorious achievement. A year ago, we promised that infrastructural development would be paramount. Roads are not just pathways; they are lifelines of commerce, access to healthcare, education and community development. What we are witnessing today is a fulfilment of that promise,’ she said.

Adetoro noted that the projects were driven by her administration’s HEYIGA Agenda – a commitment to Holistic development, Empowerment, Infrastructure, Grassroots governance and Accountability.

According to her, the completion of the three roads will ease vehicular traffic, boost local businesses, improve property values, and enhance the quality of life for residents of Itedo, Gbara and Igbo-Efon.

She assured residents that the commissioning marks the beginning of more developmental projects, pledging more roads, schools, primary healthcare centres and empowerment programmes in the second year of her administration.

The Chairman expressed sincere gratitude to her Vice Chairman, the Executive and Legislative Arms, Supervisors, Special Advisers, the Council Manager, management, staff, and the good people of Eti-Osa for their support, patience and cooperation.

‘It is now my honour to officially commission these roads for public use, to the glory of God, for the benefit of mankind and in particular the good people of Eti-Osa,’ she declared.

The event ended with jubilation by residents who commended the Chairman for her people-oriented leadership.

The United States government has announced a new visa restriction policy targeting foreign citizens who travel to the country to give birth to secure automatic U.S. citizenship for their children, as well as individuals and entities that facilitate the practice.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the policy, stating that the restrictions are being invoked pursuant to Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

He added that certain immediate family members of individuals targeted under the policy may also be subject to the visa restrictions.

The policy specifically targets owners, operators, and managers of commercial birth tourism operations, as well as visa ‘fixers’ and facilitators who coach applicants to submit fraudulent documents or misrepresent their travel intentions.

Foreign medical providers who knowingly aid such travel schemes and any other individuals supporting commercial birth tourism networks are also covered under the rules.

The announcement comes after recent operations by U.S. authorities that dismantled international birth tourism networks operating across West Africa, North Africa, and Europe, resulting in the revocation of hundreds of visas.

In one instance, a U.S. embassy in West Africa uncovered a network involving over 100 foreign nationals using fraudulent documents and fixers to obtain U.S. citizenship for their children.

The State Department confirmed that the newly established Birth Tourism Prevention Task Force, working alongside the Department of Homeland Security, will continue to analyse records worldwide to revoke visas and dismantle commercial operations profiting from immigration fraud.

Official statements emphasised that the policy aims to protect the integrity of the U.S. immigration system and prevent the exploitation of American citizenship.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday reassured investors of his commitment to providing enabling environment for long-term investments as Ogun State Government and DP World MEA FZE signed a $7 billion deal for the development of Gateway Deep Sea Port and Ogun State Blue Marine Special Economic Zone.

At the signing ceremony of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Paris, France, President Tinubu said the Federal Government remains committed to providing regulatory clarity, policy stability and a predictable business environment to support long-term investment in Nigeria.

He said the Federal Government would continue to support states across the federation to unlock their immense potential, describing the Ogun State-DP World MoU as evidence of such collaboration and a reaffirmation of his government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said: ‘These agreements envisage an initial investment of more than $7 billion in the Nigerian economy. At full development, the projects are projected to create more than 50,000 direct jobs and many additional indirect opportunities, while generating substantial non-oil export earnings from Nigerians’ creativity and productivity across the value chain. This is economic diversification made tangible. This is industrialisation made visible. This is Renewed Hope in action’.

President Tinubu assured investors that the Federal Government would provide the necessary regulatory and institutional support to move the projects seamlessly from agreements to implementation.

‘This is cooperative federalism as envisaged by our Constitution: subnational vision supported by federal facilitation.

‘We will facilitate road, rail and power connectivity; strengthen investment security and our maritime domain; and remove unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles,’ President Tinubu said.

He highlighted the strategic importance of the Ogun State Blue Marine Special Economic Zone, noting that the zone has already started attracting interest from leading global manufacturing and industrial companies.

He said: ‘Within the zone, imported inputs will be transformed into finished goods, Nigerian raw materials will be processed for export and, most importantly, our young men and women will find dignified, productive and sustainable employment.

‘The Gateway Deep Seaport is the critical infrastructure that will support the zone’s viability. A port moves cargo; a port integrated with a special economic zone helps to build an economy. Each reinforces the other’.

He said the Federal Government would continue to work with Ogun State and other subnational governments to remove unnecessary bottlenecks and facilitate investments that create value for Nigerians, while respecting the country’s laws and regulatory requirements.

According to him, strengthening the maritime economy remained a key part of the Federal Government’s broader economic diversification strategy as Nigeria strives to position itself as the continental hub for global trades and investments.

The Acting General Secretary of Nigeria Football Federation, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, has charged the Super Eagles to go all out and earn victory for Nigerians in Friday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against the Barea of Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.

‘We are back to the familiar surroundings of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State for another qualifying race. It was here in Uyo that the Super Eagles won the tickets to the 2019 and 2025 AFCON finals. The NFF has absolute confidence in the team to run another good race and win the ticket with matches to spare.

‘Surely, the only way we can do that is to start with the maximum three points tomorrow, and then with another three points in Bissau on Tuesday. However, since we are taking it one match at a time, the focus now is on Madagascar on Friday. Nigerians are looking forward to victory tomorrow and I know the Super Eagles will give them joy.’

Ikpeme assured that the NFF, with great support of the National Sports Commission, has concluded arrangements for a hitch-free game, as well as seamless movement of the team to Guinea Bissau and back to Nigeria after the Day 2 encounter with the Wild Dogs on Tuesday, 29th September.

To qualify for the 2019 AFCON finals staged in Egypt, Uyo served as the home ground for the Super Eagles as they shot past South Africa, Libya and Lesotho. Ahead of the 2025 finals staged in Morocco, the three-time winners overcame hurdles mounted by Libya, Rwanda and Benin Republic to qualify with a match to spare.

Today’s encounter will kick off at 5pm.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday arraigned three men before an Ikeja Special Offences Court for obtaining N84.8m under false pretences.

The defendants, Yahuza Sulaman, Rasaq Garba and Ashiru Tsoho, are facing a three-count charge bordering on stealing, obtaining money under false pretences and conspiracy before Justice Rahman Oshodi.

The first to third defendants were represented at the trial by A.H. Maude, Pascal Ugwu and Michael Ona.

Led in evidence by EFCC prosecuting counsel, U.S. Kyari, the complainant, Auwanu Ibrahim, an oil and gas businessman, told the court that in March 2023, he was informed about the availability of 225,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), contained in five trucks.

Ibrahim said he expressed interest in purchasing the product and negotiated with the parties involved, eventually agreeing on N42,952,500.

According to him, the product was not delivered on the agreed date.

Instead, he said he was given excuses, while the removal of the fuel subsidy led to a significant increase in the price of petrol.

Ibrahim told the court that he later contacted Ashiru Tsoho on the development and asked how the product would be delivered at the new price.

He said Ashiru initially informed him that they would obtain the product at the former price, but he became suspicious because, based on his experience in the oil and gas business, such an arrangement was unrealistic.

The complainant further stated that Ashiru later informed him that they had reached an agreement with their boss in Abuja and that he would need to pay ?84,870,000 for the five trucks.

Ibrahim said he made the payment into an account belonging to OVH.

The witness said the earlier payment was made into an account bearing the name Luxury Comfort Enterprise but which later allegedly resulted in repeated excuses while no refund was made.

He told the court that he specifically requested an account bearing a company name that could be traced.

He said Ashiru allegedly instructed him to use ‘Rasaq’ as the payment remark, which is the name of the second defendant.

However, after the expected delivery date passed without the product being supplied, Ibrahim said he reported the matter to the Police Area Command.

He added that several attempts to reach Ashiru were unsuccessful, after which his account was reportedly blocked.

According to the complainant, the development prompted Ashiru to appear at the police station.

Following questioning by the police, he allegedly transferred ?42,952,500 to Ibrahim, promising to provide two trucks of PMS.

Ibrahim, however, alleged that the two trucks were never supplied.

He subsequently reported the matter to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation, which eventually led to the apprehension of the defendants.

The matter has been adjourned until October 29, this year, for ruling on the bail application of the third defendant and continuation of trial.

Former D’Tigers forward and 2006 NBA Draft pick Ejike Ugboaja has issued a stern warning ahead of the upcoming Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) presidential election, declaring that the sport must not be sacrificed for personal ambition or prolonged stays in office.

Addressing journalists in Abuja, Ugboaja called for an open, transparent, and level playing field, cautioning against any attempt by incumbent officials to hold onto power at the expense of the sport’s development.

Ugboaja, who serves as President of the Ejike Ugboaja Foundation, emphasized that Nigerian basketball requires a complete structural overhaul rather than political self-perpetuation. He stated that the game belongs to all Nigerians and cannot be treated as the personal property of a few individuals, warning that stakeholders cannot afford another flawed election that pushes the sport further into the doldrums.

‘We cannot afford to make another mistake that will further push our basketball into the doldrums. This is the time for every stakeholder to rise and ensure that the right thing is done in the period leading to the election,’ Ugboaja said.

The former Cleveland Cavaliers draftee declared that his presidential bid stems from a drive to rebuild the local talent pipeline. He highlighted his historic 2006 selection as the 55th overall pick directly from Lagos-based Union Bank Basketball Club, noting that no player from the Nigerian Premier Basketball League has managed to replicate that direct jump to the NBA in the two decades since.

‘I am the only player from the Nigerian Premier Basketball League to have been drafted directly from the league into the NBA in 2006. Since then, no player has made that same journey,’ he said. ‘That should tell us that something is fundamentally wrong and that there is an urgent need to restructure our basketball system.

‘That is why I have decided to come out and contest for the position of NBBF President. I have the will, the determination and, above all, the passion for this game.

‘I have passed through the system, I understand where the problems are, and I believe I understand what needs to be done to fix them.

‘This is the right time for me to step forward and play my part in turning Nigerian basketball around.’

According to Ugboaja, this prolonged drought proves the domestic system is fundamentally broken and urgently requires experienced leadership to fix.

Praising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his administration’s investment in sports, Ugboaja urged the National Sports Commission (NSC) to safeguard the credibility of the upcoming ballot.

He specifically appealed to NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director-General Bukola Olopade to ensure the electoral process reflects openness and fairness, while raising concerns over the lack of an officially announced election venue.

Ugboaja also cited troubling developments involving the leadership of state basketball associations, alleging deliberate attempts to illegally remove chairmen in Lagos and Oyo states to influence the national vote.

‘Nigerian basketball belongs to all of us. It cannot be the personal property of a few individuals,’ he said. ‘The game deserves transparency, accountability and a leadership that understands what is at stake.

‘We have talented players, passionate coaches, dedicated administrators and millions of Nigerians who love basketball. What we need now is a system that gives those talents a genuine opportunity to thrive.

‘This election must be about the future of Nigerian basketball – not about protecting individual interests.’

He vowed to vehemently oppose any form of candidate imposition and called on players, coaches, and administrators to unite behind a transparent election focused entirely on the future of Nigerian basketball.

A social media user on X, Enori, has issued a public apology after admitting she fabricated an image of an exploded Itel Power Tank using artificial intelligence.

The image, posted on X earlier in the week, claimed the product exploded due to overcharging.

The post was later deleted after attracting widespread attention, with Enori admitting the incident never occurred.

In a video shared on X, Enori said the claim and the accompanying image were AI-generated.

‘Hi, good morning, everybody. I made a post three days ago claiming that an Itel solar fan exploded and that it was overcharging, which I created using AI. It didn’t happen, and I’m very, very sorry to the Itel team and to the Itel customers,’ she said.

She also apologised to members of the public who were misled by the post.

‘I’m very, very sorry. I know what it feels like to have a brand and for someone to just try to bring it down, and it was never my intention. I didn’t know it would go this far. I didn’t even think of it, and I’ll never do it again,’ she said.

Enori further clarified that the picture in circulation was not from a real incident.

‘To the incoming customers that may have felt deceived, or angry, or felt like or believed that it was real, it was not real. It was AI, and I deleted it,’ she said.

Her apology came shortly after Itel issued a disclaimer on Wednesday addressing the viral image, which purportedly showed an Itel Power Tank after an explosion allegedly triggered by overcharging.

The electronics company described the image as fabricated and warned that it would take legal action against individuals who intentionally circulate AI-generated images or false content to discredit its products.

In a disclaimer posted on X, Itel said it would not condone attempts to tarnish its brand or mislead customers with false claims.

According to the company, deliberate attempts to misrepresent its brand through fabricated content, manipulated materials, or false claims would attract appropriate legal action, and it would explore all legal remedies available to safeguard its reputation, customers, and brand integrity.

Itel promotes the Power Tank as a portable power station designed as a backup during power outages.

The company said the product uses lithium iron phosphate batteries and includes multiple safety features, including a battery management system and over-temperature, over-voltage, overload, and short-circuit protection.

No verified report links an Itel Power Tank to the explosion depicted in the AI-generated image.

President Bola Tinubu has said Nigeria’s estimated $700 billion mineral wealth must translate into jobs, thriving local businesses and improved livelihoods for Nigerians, as the country deepens mining cooperation with the United States.

The President said his administration would not allow Nigeria to remain merely an exporter of raw minerals, insisting that investments in the sector must increasingly cover processing, refining and manufacturing within the country.

Tinubu stated this yesterday in a message posted on his verified X handle, @officialABAT, while welcoming an agreement signed between Nigeria and the United States to deepen American investment in the country’s mining sector.

The agreement was signed on Wednesday at the Nigeria Mission House in New York by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, and the United States Deputy Secretary of State, Christopher Landau, on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly.

‘Under our Renewed Hope administration, Nigeria remains open to partnerships that deliver meaningful benefits at home and create opportunities for our people.

‘I welcome the agreement signed in New York by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, and US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau to deepen American investment in Nigeria’s mining sector and help unlock the potential of our mineral resources, estimated at about $700 billion’, Tinubu said.

The President said his administration had, from inception, deliberately sought to change the structure of the mining industry by moving the country away from simply extracting and exporting raw minerals.

According to him, the government tied the issuance of new mining licences to local value addition while intensifying efforts to attract investments into domestic mineral processing and refining.

‘From the beginning, we made a deliberate choice to move Nigeria away from simply extracting and exporting raw minerals. We tied new mining licences to local value addition and have worked to attract investment into processing and refining here at home’, he said.

Tinubu said the policy was already yielding results, with new processing plants being established, billions of dollars in investment commitments entering the sector and growing investor interest in Nigeria’s critical minerals.

He said the next phase of the administration’s programme would be to deepen development across the entire mining value chain, covering exploration, extraction, processing, refining and manufacturing.

The President stressed that Nigerians must derive tangible benefits at every stage of the process, particularly through employment, skills acquisition and opportunities for indigenous businesses.

‘At every stage, Nigerians must benefit. Our geologists, engineers and technicians must find work. Our young people must acquire new skills. Local contractors, transporters and suppliers must have opportunities to build businesses’, Tinubu said.

He added that locating processing facilities closer to mining areas should stimulate industrial activity, attract infrastructure and improve livelihoods in communities hosting the country’s mineral resources.

Nigeria has secured three strategic partnerships with U.S. companies as the Tinubu administration intensifies efforts to attract investment, technology and jobs into the country’s critical minerals sector.

The partnerships involving Promethean Resources, Vermeer Corporation, Renewvia Energy and Terra Industries will focus on modern mining technology, renewable energy and enhanced security.

The deals are expected to drive technology transfer, local value addition, job creation and sustainable development while further strengthening Nigeria-U.S. economic ties.

Speaking at the U.S.-Nigeria Strategic Investment Dialogue in New York, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to converting investment frameworks into tangible commercial partnerships.

‘Our priority is to translate dialogue and cooperation frameworks into tangible commercial partnerships that advance Nigeria’s industrial ambitions. The partnerships announced at the Nigeria-US Strategic Investment Dialogue mark an important step in that direction: Promethean’s collaboration with Vermeer will bring US equipment and technology to the development of iron ore, tin, lithium and gold deposits, complemented by partnerships with Renewvia for renewable power and Terra for security. Together, these provide a platform for investment, local value addition and deeper Nigeria-US economic ties.’Oduwole stated.

The announcements bring together Nigerian mining company Promethean Resources and partners across three interlinked area’s security, Infrastructure and Minerals.

Vermeer Corporation, a U.S. equipment manufacturer, and Promethean Resources are exploring a partnership to deploy precision mining equipment across Promethean’s mineral portfolio, including iron ore, tin, lithium and gold.

The proposed collaboration aims to improve operational efficiency, strengthen workforce development and support responsible mineral extraction and processing in Nigeria.

Promethean Resources and U.S.-based Renewvia Energy Corporation will develop renewable energy solutions for mining and processing operations while extending affordable, reliable electricity to surrounding host communities.

The partnership will initially assess priority mining locations and develop scalable solar, battery storage and mini-grid solutions, supporting industrial productivity, energy access and local economic development.

Promethean Resources and Terra Industries have also signed a Letter of Intent to explore the deployment of technology-enabled security solutions at mining and mineral processing sites in Nigeria.

The proposed collaboration will integrate autonomous surveillance towers, unmanned aerial systems and Terra’s Artemis OS platform to strengthen perimeter monitoring, threat detection and incident response.

Initial deployment is proposed for mining operations in Plateau and Kaduna States, with potential expansion to other locations.

Collectively, these announcements highlight three interconnected priorities for Nigeria’s critical minerals sector: modernizing mining operations, expanding reliable energy infrastructure and strengthening the security of mining assets and personnel. They also demonstrate opportunities to connect Nigerian mineral development with international technology, expertise and commercial partnerships, while supporting local processing, value addition and host-community development.

Promethean Resources is a Nigerian minerals extraction and processing company established in 2012 under Managing Director Demola Gbadegesin. The company has built its portfolio around the exploration, exploitation, and processing of tin and other solid minerals, with mining assets and joint ventures across Kaduna, Plateau, and Bauchi States.