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Cadbury Nigeria Plc’s strong financial performance in 2025 was accompanied by a broader economic footprint spanning local sourcing, employment, cocoa farming and community development, as the consumer goods manufacturer deepened its contribution to Nigeria’s domestic value chain.

The company, a subsidiary of Mondelez International, reported revenue of N168.66 billion in 2025, representing a 31 percent increase from N129.17 billion recorded in 2024. Gross profit nearly doubled to N35.48 billion from N18.23 billion, while profit before tax rose to N17.36 billion from a loss of N28.33 billion a year earlier.

The figures contained in Cadbury Nigeria’s 2025 Sustainability Report highlight how the company’s economic contribution extends beyond its financial statements, particularly through its sourcing relationships with farmers, suppliers and other participants in the domestic manufacturing ecosystem.

A major component of that contribution is cocoa, one of Nigeria’s important agricultural commodities.

Through Cocoa Life, Mondelez International’s global sustainable cocoa sourcing programme, Cadbury Nigeria said it had expanded its operations across six cocoa-producing states – Ekiti, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Oyo and Cross River.

By the end of 2025, the programme had reached approximately 8,800 farmers across about 320 communities, providing support around sustainable cocoa production and farmer resilience. The company said the programme is designed to strengthen farmers’ capabilities, improve crop quality and secure a more resilient long-term supply of cocoa.

The initiative comes as manufacturers face growing pressure to strengthen domestic supply chains and reduce vulnerabilities associated with input availability and costs.

Cadbury’s sustainability report also shows that the company is using local suppliers beyond agriculture. It said 100 percent of its packaging materials are locally sourced, a strategy it says supports Nigerian investors while shortening its supply-chain footprint.

This local sourcing model creates linkages between the manufacturer and domestic suppliers while keeping more economic activity within the country.

Employment is another channel through which the company contributes to the economy. Cadbury Nigeria described itself as a major employer and highlighted its investments in employee engagement, talent management, training and development.

The company received several workplace-related recognitions in 2025, including awards for employee engagement, talent management, learning and development, employer branding and human resources practices. It also received a sectoral award in the FMCG category from the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria.

Beyond direct employment, Cadbury’s community strategy links livelihoods with skills, enterprise support and market access, reflecting an approach aimed at generating longer-term economic outcomes in communities connected to its operations and supply chain.

The company is also seeking to reduce the cost and environmental intensity of its operations through resource efficiency. Its 2025 report said water use had fallen 62.5 percent against its 2018 baseline, while food waste declined 67.4 percent. Its cocoa plant also achieved zero waste to landfill by repurposing cocoa husks into fertiliser and biomass fuel.

Taken together, the initiatives show Cadbury Nigeria positioning its growth not only around higher revenue and profitability, but around deeper connections with farmers, local suppliers, employees and communities.

The United Kingdom Chapter of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO UK) has rejected claims by certain individuals operating under the banner of ‘NIDO Worldwide’ to represent the views of Nigerians in the diaspora globally.

The organisation said the recent statement issued by the individuals in response to observations contained in the Auditor-General for the Federation’s Annual Report on the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) did not represent the position of NIDO UK Chapter.

Taslim Gbaja-Biamila, Chairman of NIDO UK Chapter, in a statement issued in London on September 28, said neither the chapter nor its members had mandated any individual or organisation to speak on their behalf on the matter.

‘The NIDO UK Chapter has noted the publication of a statement issued by certain individuals under the banner of ‘NIDO Worldwide’ regarding observations contained in the Auditor-General for the Federation’s Annual Report relating to the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission.

‘As Chairman of NIDO UK Chapter, I wish to state clearly that the publication does not represent the views, position or authority of NIDO UK Chapter. Neither the Chapter nor its members have mandated any individual or body to speak on their behalf in relation to this matter’, he said.

NIDO UK, however, said it supported transparency, accountability and good governance in public institutions, while acknowledging the constitutional responsibilities of the Auditor-General for the Federation, the National Assembly and other competent oversight authorities.

It stressed that such oversight must be conducted within the principles of due process, fairness and institutional integrity.

The organisation expressed concern over what it described as attempts by certain individuals and groups to create the impression that they had a universal mandate to represent Nigerians in the diaspora.

According to the chapter, the Nigerian diaspora is diverse, independent and geographically dispersed, making it inappropriate for any individual or self-appointed body to claim authority to speak for all diaspora organisations, communities or NIDO chapters without a recognised and democratically conferred mandate.

‘The Nigerian diaspora is diverse, independent and globally dispersed. No individual or self-appointed body can legitimately claim to speak on behalf of all diaspora organisations, communities or NIDO chapters without a clearly established, recognised and democratically conferred mandate,’ Gbaja-Biamila said.

The NIDO UK chairman further questioned the representative status of the purported global structure behind the statement, saying the chapter did not recognise it as having the authority to formulate policy positions or issue pronouncements on behalf of independent NIDO chapters worldwide.

‘The publication in question appears designed not merely to comment on audit observations but to project the authority of a purported global structure whose representative status remains disputed by many diaspora stakeholders.

‘NIDO UK Chapter does not recognise any such body as possessing authority to formulate policy positions or issue pronouncements on behalf of independent NIDO chapters across the world’, he said.

On the Auditor-General’s report, NIDO UK said the observations should be addressed through the appropriate constitutional and statutory institutions in Nigeria.

The organisation stressed that audit observations should not automatically be interpreted as findings of criminal liability or proof of wrongdoing against individuals.

It said the appropriate response was for the relevant institutions to examine the issues through established oversight mechanisms, documentary evidence, professional scrutiny and due process.

‘The issues raised within the Auditor-General’s Report are matters for the appropriate constitutional and statutory institutions of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

‘Audit observations are not findings of criminal liability, nor do they constitute proof of wrongdoing by any individual’, the statement said.

NIDO UK also noted NIDCOM’s public commitment to cooperate with relevant authorities and provide documentation required to address the observations raised in the Auditor-General’s report.

The chapter said it welcomed the commission’s position and expected all parties to engage constructively, transparently and responsibly throughout the process.

The organisation also placed on record its continued confidence in Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NIDCOM, citing her role in strengthening engagement between Nigeria and its diaspora.

According to NIDO UK, Dabiri-Erewa has been instrumental since the establishment of NIDCOM in promoting diaspora participation in national development, assisting Nigerians in distress abroad and elevating diaspora affairs within Nigeria’s national policy framework.

‘Under her leadership, NIDCOM has become an important bridge between Nigeria and millions of Nigerians living overseas,’ the organisation said.

It added that while no public institution should be exempt from scrutiny, such scrutiny should be objective, evidence-based and conducted through lawful institutions.

NIDO UK said public campaigns capable of undermining confidence in institutions before due process had been completed could weaken the very structures established to serve Nigerians abroad.

The organisation said the Nigerian diaspora had consistently advocated for strong, credible and effective institutions capable of advancing its interests and, therefore, stakeholders should support accountability without weakening the institutions created to serve Nigerians living outside the country.

It called on diaspora leaders and organisations to exercise restraint and responsibility in public discourse, urging them to respect established processes in addressing issues affecting the diaspora.

‘NIDO UK Chapter remains steadfast in its commitment to integrity, transparency, accountability and constructive engagement in all matters affecting Nigerians in the diaspora.

‘However, accountability must be advanced through established constitutional mechanisms, lawful institutions and recognised oversight processes, not through individuals or organisations claiming to speak on behalf of the global diaspora without a clear, legitimate or democratically conferred mandate’, Gbaja-Biamila said.

He said public institutions should be given the opportunity to respond to questions through appropriate channels, while oversight bodies should be allowed to perform their responsibilities without interference or politicisation.

‘We support transparency and proper scrutiny of public institutions, but such scrutiny must be conducted responsibly, fairly and without prejudice,’ he said.

The NIDO UK chairman reaffirmed the chapter’s support for Dabiri-Erewa and NIDCOM, saying the organisation remained committed to working with genuine stakeholders to promote the interests of Nigerians in the diaspora, strengthen institutions and contribute to Nigeria’s development.

‘We remain committed to working with all genuine stakeholders to promote the interests of Nigerians in the diaspora, strengthen our institutions and advance Nigeria’s development through unity, professionalism and constructive engagement,’ he said.

The Healthcare Federation of Nigeria (HFN) and the Health Emergency Initiative (HEI) have inaugurated the Board of Trustees of the Medical Intervention Initiative for Healthcare Access (MIIHA), a joint initiative to strengthen access to timely and affordable healthcare for vulnerable and underserved Nigerians.

The inaugural meeting brought together healthcare professionals, civil society leaders and other stakeholders committed to addressing barriers to essential healthcare, particularly for Nigerians who face financial constraints in accessing timely medical intervention.

The MIIHA Board of Trustees is chaired by Oladele Akinyemi, chairman, HEI Board and comprises health executives including Njide Ndili, HFN president and country director, PharmAccess.

Speaking on the MIIHA initiative, Paschal Achunine, executive director of the Health Emergency Initiative, said the programme provides an opportunity to bring institutions and stakeholders together for a more coordinated approach to improving healthcare access.

‘MIIHA is about building a practical and sustainable platform that can respond to the healthcare needs of vulnerable Nigerians while strengthening collaboration across the health sector. We believe that by bringing the right partners together, we can help close some of the gaps that prevent people from accessing timely care,’ Achunine said.

Oladele Akinyemi, MIIHA’s chairman emphasised the importance of strong governance and collaboration in delivering on the initiative’s objectives.

‘The success of MIIHA will depend on our ability to build a credible, accountable and sustainable institution. Our responsibility as a Board is to provide the leadership and oversight required to ensure that the initiative delivers meaningful value to the people it is established to serve,’ he said.

Ndili also highlighted the need to address barriers such as poor finance which prevent vulnerable Nigerians from accessing healthcare when they need it.

‘Access to healthcare is not only about the availability of services; it is also about whether people can reach and afford the care they need when they need it. MIIHA provides an opportunity to strengthen collaboration and develop interventions that put people and their healthcare needs at the centre,’ she said.

At its inaugural meeting, the Board affirmed its commitment to developing MIIHA as a collaborative platform that complements existing government and healthcare systems while mobilising partnerships and resources to improve access to healthcare.

The Board also commenced work on the strategic and technical framework that will guide the implementation of MIIHA, with a focus on accountability, sustainability and measurable impact.

The establishment of MIIHA reflects the commitment of HFN and HEI to strengthening partnerships across Nigeria’s health sector and supporting practical solutions to barriers that limit access to essential healthcare.

Through partnerships, resource mobilisation and coordinated interventions, MIIHA seeks to support efforts that address financial and other barriers to essential healthcare access in Nigeria.

HFN is a coalition of private healthcare sector stakeholders dedicated to supporting the achievement of Universal Health Coverage through private-sector engagement and activation. HFN works to strengthen the private health sector through advocacy, capacity building, access to finance, strategic partnerships and engagement with government and other stakeholders.

HEI is a Nigerian nonprofit organisation committed to preventing avoidable deaths by improving access to timely healthcare for indigent and vulnerable people. HEI provides emergency medical assistance, supports the payment of hospital bills for vulnerable patients, provides post-crash care and trains first responders and communities in lifesaving emergency response skills.

Stakeholders have urged Nigeria to deepen private sector participation in efforts to eliminate cancer, especially cervical cancer, saying greater integration will expand equitable access across prevention, screening, treatment and financing in Nigeria.

Vuyo Mjekula, External Affairs Director for sub-Saharan Africa at Merck Sharp and Dohme (MSD), said the changing global funding environment and declining donor support had made it increasingly important for Nigeria to mobilise domestic resources and bring the private sector more directly into national health priorities.

Mjekula spoke at a high-level policy roundtable recently organised by MSD in partnership with Africa Health Business (AHB), themed ‘Accelerating Cervical Cancer Elimination in Nigeria: Uniting Public and Private Sectors for Equitable Access.’ The roundtable brought together stakeholders from government, healthcare, public health, the private sector and the cancer advocacy community.

She said the private sector had an important role to play in building on the progress already made through Nigeria’s national Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programme, while helping to close gaps in cervical cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment.

‘We believe that there’s a great opportunity for the increased involvement of the private sector’, Mjekula said while acknowledging the progress made by federal government towards cervical cancer elimination especially HPV vaccination.

‘The opportunity now is to build on this momentum through stronger collaboration among government, the private sector, healthcare providers, civil society and patient advocates. Sustainable progress will require coordinated action to help ensure that prevention, screening, treatment and financing solutions reach the women and communities that need them most,’ Mjekula added.

She pointed to the COVID-19 response as evidence of what could be achieved when private healthcare providers were integrated into a national health response, stating that a similar approach could be applied to cervical cancer elimination. COVID-19 showed us that it is possible for countries and for Ministries of Health to bring in the private sector and many other social partners to address a health threat,’ she said.

Mjekula also disclosed that MSD was working with Gavi and UNICEF on access to higher-valency HPV vaccines in Africa.

She said the company had also invested more than $44 million in Nigeria over the past decade through its MSD for Mothers initiative to support civil society organisations working in maternal healthcare.

Speaking at the event, Rufai Garba, Director, Disease Control and Immunisation, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), said the Federal Government has vaccinated more than 18 million adolescent girls against Human Papillomavirus (HPV), representing about 76% of the target population, as it moves to expand cervical cancer screening, early diagnosis and treatment across the country.

Garba said Nigeria introduced HPV vaccination into the national programme in October 2023, adding that the vaccine had since become part of the routine immunisation schedule and was available free of charge to nine-year-old girls at public health facilities.

According to him, the vaccine is also available in private health facilities for people outside the routine target age who wish to receive it.

Garba said the scale of cervical cancer in Nigeria remained a major public health concern, with about 12,000 new cases and nearly 8,000 deaths recorded annually.

‘We see around 12,000 new cases every year in Nigeria, and we lose close to 8,000 women on a yearly basis. So, that’s how serious it is,’ he said.

He, however, said the government’s response must go beyond vaccination to include screening, early diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.

‘If it is not diagnosed early, if it is not treated early, it leads to death. So, that’s what all of this is about, not just the vaccination, which NPHCDA does, but also how we are able to get women to screen them, to catch them early, treat them and follow them up till they actually get better,’ Garba said.

Seven young entrepreneurs have emerged winners in the second edition of the Teeasas Startup Challenge, taking home more than N1 million in prize money as the initiative wrapped up its Startup Spark 2.0 competition.

The programme, organised by Teesas Summer School, seeks to nurture innovation and entrepreneurship among young people by providing them with opportunities to develop business ideas, sharpen their entrepreneurial skills and turn promising concepts into viable ventures.

The Future CEO Challenge competition came to limelight through a collaboration between the Indomie and Teesas Education, offering five free slots to seven to 18-year-olds to attend the Teesas Summer School.

To participate, the students were asked to submit a 60-second video that answered the question, ‘If you could start a business that solves a problem in your community, what would it be?’

Similarly, Tech4Dev, a non-profit organisation that equips young, underserved populations with technology, digital and creative knowledge and skills, selected 10 children from Makoko whom they sponsored to attend the summer school.

Along with other children, they were exposed to leadership, entrepreneurship, technology, and creative skills development. The Teesas Summer School ran two cohorts from July 20 to August 29.

At the end of each cohort, every child made a business pitch in the Startup Spark 2.0 competition. The pitches were opened to public voting, and seven children were selected to receive grants.

The winners include, Obaniefo Okonkwo and Daniel Chukwuemeka, who emerged as best CEOs in cohorts 1 and 2, respectively. They were each rewarded with the diamond grant of N250,000 respectively.

Kobi Mba and Zatu-Nurayn Mojeed each received the N150,000 gold grant for second place in both cohorts. Three children received the bronze grant of N100,000 each for third place, which include, Oluwatoni Oyename in cohort 1, and Akinkunmi Awomokun and Nehemiah Layade, who tied in cohort 2.

However, Zatu-Nurayn Mojeed, a 10-year-old student, stands out not just as cohort 2 second-place winner, but as someone who could be described as being born under a lucky star.

She submitted the first entry for the Future CEO Challenge, earned one of the five free slots, and received a grant. Then, she pitched a plan to develop robots that assist young and elderly people in road crossing.

An internal judging team shortlisted her pitch for its societal relevance before subjecting it to public voting.

During the prize presentation, Zatu-Nurayn said, ‘I am deeply grateful to receive the reward for second position in cohort 2 of the Teesas Startup Spark 2.0.’

Hammed Mojeed, her father, applauded Teesas Education for creating the platform for his daughter and allowing her to learn, grow, build confidence, and showcase her potential.

‘We truly appreciate the time, effort, and support invested in my daughter throughout this programme. Watching her learn and participate has been a beautiful experience, and this recognition makes it even more special,’ he said.

Gladys Ede-Osime, growth manager at Teesas Learning Centre, responding to the Startup Spark 2.0 success, said the children worked hard on their pitches and public engagement was high, with cumulative votes for both cohorts exceeding 50,000.

‘The grants are a token to encourage the recipients to remain curious about entrepreneurship and keep exploring ideas that change society for good,’ she said.

Teesas Education is committed to delivering learning solutions through technology-driven innovation that creates measurable value in the education sector using innovative teaching models that increase learner engagement.

Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain, has called for deeper economic and diplomatic cooperation between Nigeria and Spain, particularly in renewable energy, infrastructure, agriculture, technology and the creative industries.

Ikpeazu made the call in Madrid while addressing Nigerians and other guests at an event marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

The ambassador said the anniversary provided an opportunity not only to commemorate Nigeria’s independence but also to reaffirm the country’s commitment to freedom, unity, progress and dignity.

He congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerians, particularly members of the Nigerian community in Spain, on the national celebration.

According to him, Nigeria’s independence on October 1, 1960, marked the country’s emergence as a sovereign nation and laid the foundation for its continuing nation-building efforts.

‘Nation-building is a continuous endeavour, which demands resilience, innovation, and collective responsibility,’ Ikpeazu said, while paying tribute to the nationalists and patriots whose sacrifices secured the country’s independence.

He described Nigeria as Africa’s most populous country and one of its largest economies, with significant human and natural resources and a diverse cultural heritage.

The ambassador also highlighted Nigeria’s democratic institutions, large youth population and contributions to peace, security and development across Africa.

Ikpeazu said the anniversary also offered an opportunity to reflect on the longstanding and growing relationship between Nigeria and Spain.

He described the bilateral relationship as one characterised by mutual respect, constructive dialogue and expanding cooperation in trade, investment, education, culture and people-to-people exchanges.

He noted that Spanish companies, including GB Foods, continued to explore opportunities in Nigeria, describing the country as a dynamic market with significant investment potential.

According to him, Nigeria is seeking to leverage its relationship with Spain to attract more investments and expand business partnerships across strategic sectors of the economy.

‘We deeply value Spain’s partnership and look forward to deepening collaboration in areas of shared interest, including renewable energy, infrastructure, agriculture, technology, and the creative industries,’ he said.

Ikpeazu said the embassy would continue to promote investment opportunities in Nigeria while facilitating business-to-business partnerships between Nigerian and Spanish enterprises.

‘I want to categorically affirm that we will continue to create opportunities for investment and business-to-business matchmaking to develop our country,’ he said.

The ambassador also commended Nigerians living in Spain for their contributions to the country’s social and economic development.

He described Nigerian students, professionals and entrepreneurs in Spain as important links between both countries and urged them to maintain conduct that would strengthen Nigeria’s image abroad.

Ikpeazu urged members of the community to remain united, law-abiding and committed to the values of enterprise, innovation and resilience.

He said their achievements and contributions could further strengthen the people-to-people relationship between Nigeria and Spain.

On Nigeria’s domestic economic situation, the ambassador said the government under President Tinubu was pursuing reforms to diversify the economy, improve governance, and promote inclusive growth.

While acknowledging the difficulties associated with the country’s current economic realities, Ikpeazu said the government remained committed to creating conditions for sustainable development.

‘We are not satisfied with the present economic realities, but we are making progress as a people,’ he said.

He said the government was determined to harness the energy of Nigeria’s youthful population, the creativity of its citizens and the strength derived from its diversity to build a more prosperous and secure country.

Ikpeazu stressed that international partnerships would remain important to achieving those objectives, particularly as Nigeria seeks to attract foreign investment and expand economic opportunities.

He said Spain’s continued support and partnership would be valuable to Nigeria’s efforts to deepen economic cooperation and create new opportunities for businesses in both countries.

The ambassador called on Nigerians to use the 66th anniversary to renew their commitment to building a peaceful, prosperous and respected nation.

‘As we raise a toast to Nigeria at 66, let us renew our pledge to work together for a nation that is peaceful, prosperous, and respected in the comity of nations,’ he said.

The Federal Ministry of Education has unveiled the final list of ranked and approved textbooks for primary and secondary schools across Nigeria for the 2026 to 2028 academic sessions.

The ministry announced the release recently following the completion of the first phase of its national textbook ranking exercise.

Boriowo Folasade, director of press and public relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, in a statement made this known, stating that the approved list covers textbooks for Primary 1, Primary 4, Junior Secondary School 1 and Senior Secondary School 1.

According to the ministry, each approved textbook has been assigned a unique Ranking/QR Tracking Code, alongside details including the title, author, publisher and year of publication.

‘Each approved title carries a unique Ranking/QR Tracking Code, alongside key details including the title, author(s), publisher and year of publication, to facilitate identification, monitoring and accountability,’ the statement said.

The ministry said the ranking exercise was conducted under the supervision of Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Education, and Suwaiba Ahmad, the Minister of State for Education, with the final list approved by Alausa.

It explained that the tracking codes were introduced to improve the monitoring and control of approved instructional materials and promote transparency in their selection, procurement and use.

The ministry also said the process of generating and assigning the unique codes contributed to the time required to complete and validate the approved lists.

The textbook ranking exercise will be conducted in phases, with the ministry announcing that preparations will now begin for the second phase.

The next phase will cover textbooks for Primary 2, Primary 5, JSS 2 and SS 2, with the same identification and tracking system to be applied.

‘The Federal Ministry of Education urges publishers, schools, education authorities, procurement agencies and other relevant stakeholders to consult the official approved list when selecting and procuring textbooks for the affected classes,’ the statement added.

Among the mathematics textbooks approved for Primary 1 are STAN PLACE Mathematics, Eduwaves Mathematics, New Mathematics, Extension Modern Mathematics, New Waves Mathematics, Marvellous Mathematics and Royal Intensive Mathematics.

For Primary 4, the approved mathematics titles include Reddot Complete Primary Mathematics, Everyday Mathematics and Smart Mathematics, alongside some titles approved for Primary 1.

For JSS 1, approved mathematics textbooks include Meybiks Mathematics, Digital Mathematics, New Excellent Mathematics, Ideal Tutor Mathematics, Progress in Mathematics, New Concept Mathematics and International Brainy Mathematics.

In English, titles approved for Primary 1 and Primary 4 include Reddot Interactive Primary English, New Smart English, Eduwaves Proper English, Extension Modern English, Tanus New Basic English, Marvelous English Studies and Ideal Tutor Core English.

The same titles were listed for JSS 1, while SS 1 titles include New Concept Mathematics, Binana Series Mathematics and Senior Secondary New Concept English, among others.

The ministry urged schools, publishers and other stakeholders to comply with the approved list when providing and using textbooks for the specified classes.

A joint security team comprising personnel of the Nigerian military and the Nigeria Police Force has launched a search operation in a forest in Niger State for farmers abducted by suspected bandits.

Wasiu Abiodun, the Police PRO disclosed this in a statement, saying the operatives were combing the Mukura area of Kasuwan-Garba District in Mariga Local Government Area.

Abiodun said the Police received a report on September 28 that more than 20 people were abducted at Mukura village the previous day.

‘Reports received on 28th Sept 2026 indicated that on 27th Sept 2026 at about 3pm, suspected bandits abducted over twenty persons at Mukura village, Kasuwan-Garba District of Mariga LGA. Joint security rescue efforts ongoing,’ he stated.

However, a local government source said more than 47 farmers were abducted while harvesting groundnuts at their farms in Tungan Rimi, Ma’undu-Beri Ward of Mariga LGA.

The source said most of the victims were women, alongside some men, adding that one of the abducted women reportedly gave birth while in captivity.

the abductors had contacted some relatives of the victims and were demanding N2 million for the release of each hostage.

‘Yes, some of my people were abducted and they were in the farm harvesting groundnuts. Many of them are women and there were some men. One of the women gave birth in the abductors’ camp and the abductors are asking for N2 million from each victim,’ he said.

Muhamadu said security personnel, supported by local vigilantes, had been mobilised to rescue the victims.

He added that the joint security team and vigilantes engaged the suspected bandits in a gun battle at Alibani village after passing through Kasuwan-Garba and Biri, during which a vigilante sustained injuries.

‘The joint security personnel and the vigilantes engaged the terrorists in a gun battle at Alibani village after passing through Kasuwan Garba and Biri, during which a vigilante sustained injuries,’ he said.

A source in Mariga LGA, who requested anonymity, also revealed that armed men were sighted moving through the area between Mangoro and Wamba after emerging from the Dogon Dawa axis.

The source said the men moved towards the Bariki Forest, also known as Ma’undu, where the abducted farmers were suspected to be held.

Nyesom Wike, Federal Capital Territory Minister, has said he will step down from his cabinet position if President Bola Tinubu fails to win in both the FCT and Rivers State in the 2027 presidential election.

Speaking during an engagement with leadership and members of the Apo Mechanics and Traders Association in Abuja, Wike stated that his continued tenure as a cabinet minister is directly tied to his ability to deliver political results for the President in his primary areas of influence.

Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media to the Minister, issued a statement on Wednesday clarifying Wike’s position. He said that if the ruling party loses in the FCT and Rivers State in the presidential poll scheduled for January 16, 2027, the minister will formally tender his resignation the following day.

‘If I cannot deliver where I work, then I am not worthy to be here,’ Wike said, emphasising that his political mandate required concrete electoral success. ‘If I lose the FCT, I am not supposed to be FCT Minister. By January 17, 2027, I will announce my resignation as FCT Minister should the President lose in Rivers State and the FCT.’

Outlining his political strategy for the territory, Wike revealed that the administration was building a multi-party coalition to secure victory across various elective offices in the FCT. He explicitly endorsed candidates across legislative tiers while reiterating total support for the President’s re-election bid.

‘Let us be clear on direction: for the Presidency, it is Bola Ahmed Tinubu,’ Wike said. ‘For the Senate, Philip Aduda is a man of the people, unlike those who only appear on television. The two House of Representatives candidates we are supporting are also here; they are former Area Council chairmen.’

Wike added that the administration is running a unified coalition across political parties in the FCT to deliver results.

‘If I cannot deliver the FCT as minister, then I am not qualified to hold this office,’ he stated. ‘We have a firm agreement, and today is the final affirmation.’

Housing costs, transport fares, jobs and the cost of doing business dominated questions from young Lagosians as governorship candidates outlined their plans to tackle some of the state’s biggest economic and social pressures ahead of the 2027 election.

Funso Doherty, governorship candidate of the New Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), proposed delivering about 150,000 housing units in his first term at the town hall organised by The Covenant Nation on Thursday. He said government needed to play a larger role because housing supply had not kept pace with demand.

Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, proposed 100,000 housing units within four years. He said the model would allow residents to make affordable monthly payments and move into homes that could accommodate changes in their needs and earning capacity.

Obafemi Hamzat, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, focused on expanding mortgage access. He proposed an arrangement where prospective homeowners would pay about 10 percent initially and spread the balance over as much as 20 years. He also said ongoing housing projects would be completed.

Transport was another major concern, with candidates outlining different approaches to improving how residents move around Lagos.

Rhodes-Vivour proposed greater private-sector participation in expanding the state’s rail network. He also linked transport and housing development to job creation and skills training at ward and local government levels.

Doherty said government should take a more active role in transportation infrastructure, arguing that Lagos needs a transport system that is safe and reliable for residents.

The candidates also addressed education and access to basic public services.

Doherty pledged to make public education free, including books and examination fees. He also proposed one nutritious meal daily for children in public schools and free school transport for children who need it. He said maternal and child healthcare would also be free.

For Hamzat, the cost of doing business was a major part of his response to young Lagosians.

He promised to eliminate unauthorised and untraceable levies imposed on businesses and establish a State Economic Council to improve coordination between the state and local governments.

‘Businesses must know what I am going to pay,’ Hamzat said, arguing that operators should not face multiple or unexplained charges from different government authorities.

Adedeji Doherty, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, also focused on the business environment, promising to improve electricity supply and reduce what he described as frivolous charges and levies on businesses.

Jobs and skills featured in the candidates’ housing and infrastructure proposals.

Rhodes-Vivour proposed creating employment opportunities at ward and local government levels, including training young people to work on government projects.

He said housing construction could also create jobs through skills training in areas such as tiling, bricklaying and POP installation.

Beyond housing, transport and jobs, the candidates also outlined plans for waste management, flooding and the digital economy.

Rhodes-Vivour proposed decentralising waste management and allowing local governments to develop waste-to-wealth businesses around plastics, organic waste and other recyclable materials.

He also proposed protecting wetlands to reduce flooding and expanding access to artificial intelligence tools across Lagos.

Hamzat spoke about transfer loading stations and waste-processing infrastructure. He also proposed establishing a Child Welfare Administration Agency within his first 100 days to ensure children under 18 are either in school or learning a trade.

He said his ‘Amsa Compact’ contains 100 measurable pledges covering areas including health, education and dignity.

The town hall also touched on Lagos’ identity and culture after an audience member asked Rhodes-Vivour about preserving Yoruba language and culture.

He said his administration would establish a ministry responsible for culture and examine the state’s history and cultural preservation more deeply.

Across the questions, young Lagosians repeatedly returned to the practical pressures of living and working in the state, finding affordable housing, getting around, accessing public services and building sustainable livelihoods.

The candidates responded with proposals ranging from increased housing supply and mortgage financing to expanded transport infrastructure, free public services, skills training and changes to the business environment.