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Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has highlighted the importance of addressing constraints militating against export of sesame seeds in order to boost the country’s non-oil exports.

Nigeria’s non-oil export had risen to $1.791 billion in the first quarter of 2025. The non-oil export value represented 24.75 per cent increase compared to 19.59 per cent for the first quarter 2024.

Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Nonye Ayeni, said the non-oil performance report for 2024 indicated that sesame seed ranked number three out of the top 20 export products, amounting to 337.8258 metric tonnes with 4.63 per cent of the quantity exported.

Ayeni spoke at a one-day sensitisation exercise organised by the Council for Sesame Seed Farmers in Dutse, Jigawa State. The theme of the workshop was: ‘A Tactical Involvement for Enhancing the Production Capacity of Sesame Seed in Jigawa State.

‘Nigeria can obtain a significant share in the enormous forex from sesame seed export in the global market,’ Ayeni, who was represented by Okany Sylvia, Chief Trade Promotion Officer at NEPC, said.

She stressed the need to enhance the nation’s sesame yields and production, to maximise the export potentials along the value chain.

She said export of Nigeria’s sesame seed to Japan between 2019 and 2021, was allegedly threatened due to the discovery of excess pesticide residue and salmonella.

‘The offshoot this discovery was raised by Japan Oil and Fat Importers and Exporters Association (JOFIEA) on 5th August, 2022. Relatively, the Japanese Authorities allegedly confirmed that a high dose of pesticide residue found in Sesame Seed exported to Japan between 2019-2021 was 1.9 times in excess of Maximum Residue Limit (MRL),’ Ayeni said.

She highlighted that some of the challenges related to sesame seed export include poor compliance with sanitary and phytosanitary requirements, cross contamination during handling process, and lack of proper documentation by exporters.

Ayeni highlighted some of the solutions to include addressing contaminant issue from the farm gate to the market, comprehensive approach and leveraging training of farmers on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)

She said: ‘The introduction of technology-driven traceability system, tackling logistic hurdles, packaging and product differentiation will also curtail the situation. Quality testing, deployment of modern technology, awareness campaign as well as establishment of good storage system is vital’.

She advocated for the establishment of clusters within medium term frame, stressing that the council would engage relevant stakeholders to ensure zero rejection of agricultural exports, especially sesame seed.

NEPC Coordinator in Jigawa State, Mr Abdulkadir Aliyu, said the council believed that through strategic engagement and partnerships, Nigeria’s sesame seed export would be boosted and competitively repositioned across major destination markets.

He said the overall objective was to help the country tap into the growing opportunities in the global market, particularly in foreign exchange earnings.

He said: ‘This is a valuable opportunity to gain insights and contribute meaningfully to the development of this important sector’.

One of the participants, Balaraba Ibrahim also called for the establishment of aggregation centres for sesame seed processing in Jigawa.

Ibrahim expressed concern over the level of exploitation being faced by sesame farmers, who lack the capacity to process the produce, adding the trend forced them to dispose it at cheaper prices.

Another participant, Magaji Rabi’u advised farmers and residents of the state to explore export opportunities through the NEPC.

Chair of Badagry Local Government in Lagos State, Babatunde Hunpe, has facilitated release of five inmates from Badagry Correctional Centre.

His Chief Press Secretary, Augustine Kriko, said this in a statement yesterday.

He said the release was part of the council celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence.

The chairman noted their freedom followed recommendations of a committee set up by him, after receiving reports about their predicament.

‘The committee comprises Chief Security Adviser, Johnson Adagba; council’s Legal Officer, Olubode Savage; and my Private Secretary, Dr. Sewedo Samuel.

‘The five – three from Badagry council and two from elsewhere, were sentenced for offences with options of fine; N200,000 to N250,000, which they were unable to meet.

‘Acting on the report, I mandated a committee to conduct background checks and visit to assess their conduct.

‘After monitoring, the committee confirmed the inmates had reformed, supported by evidence of good behaviour.

‘One inmate, a barber, was especially commended for cutting the hair of fellow inmates and teaching others the skill,’ he said.

Kriko said Hunpe’s intervention not only covered the settlement of their discharge conditions, but also provided resources to support their return home and ensure their smooth reintegration into the society.

‘This gesture, in the spirit of independence, reflects the chairman’s commitment to justice, mercy and giving the reformed citizens a fresh start,’ he said.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered an immediate reduction in the 2026 Hajj fare to reflect the recent appreciation of the naira against the dollar, a major determinant of pilgrimage costs.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, who conveyed the President’s directive yesterday during a meeting with the management and board members of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, gave the commission two days to produce a new and affordable fare structure.

In a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, VP Shettima said the directive was necessary to ensure that Nigerian pilgrims benefit directly from the positive effects of the ongoing economic reforms, particularly the strengthened value of the naira.

Shettima called for closer collaboration among NAHCON, state governments, and other relevant agencies to harmonise the revised fares and ensure smooth coordination of the 2026 pilgrimage.

He also emphasised the need for prompt payments and remittances to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to guarantee a seamless Hajj operation.

Addressing reporters after the meeting, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hadeija, said the meeting was convened to finalise preparations for the 2026 Hajj and review the cost structure in light of the improved exchange rate.

‘Rates have continued to improve steadily with the appreciation of the naira, based on the effects of government reforms. If pilgrims paid N8.5 million to N8.6 million last year due to a weaker exchange rate, the improvement in the economy should now reflect in the new fares. The Vice President made it clear that the benefits of the stronger naira must be passed on to the pilgrims,’ Hadeija explained.

NAHCON’s Secretary, Dr. Mustapha Mohammad, welcomed the President’s directive, saying it would make the spiritual journey more accessible to Nigerian Muslims.

‘It is a welcome development. The lower the Hajj fare, the better for Muslim faithful intending to perform Hajj. As directed by the Vice President, we will work tirelessly between today and tomorrow to reduce the cost to the barest minimum and make it affordable for every Muslim,’ he said.

Also, the Chairman of the Kebbi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board and Deputy Chairman of the Forum of Chief Executives of Pilgrims Boards, Alhaji Faruk Aliyu Yaro, praised the President and the Vice President for their intervention.

‘We are very happy because the President and the Vice President have already intervened. We thank God for what they have done, which will bring down the cost of Hajj fare. We are delighted’, Yaro said.

Ondo State Government has expressed delight about what it described as the rapid transformation taking place across the 18 local governments.

Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, said this in Akure while briefing reporters after an inspection tour of local governments.

He said councils under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration had recorded ‘phenomenal progress’ with the provision of basic amenities such as improved road networks, rural road expansion, market upgrades and empowerment programmes for farmers and youths.

He hailed the council chairmen for aligning with the governor’s Our Ease Mantra and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, citing achievements in infrastructure, health care, education and economic development.

‘We are glad that the local governments are alive to their responsibilities. Some have built markets, provided solar power, potable water, fixed bridges and graded rural roads. They have also engaged our youths in agriculture to ensure food security and create employment,’ Takuro said.

He added that the councils were collaborating with security agencies to safeguard lives and property at the grassroots, while also prioritising upgrading of primary health care facilities across the state.

According to him, ”the councils have invested in critical infrastructure, including dredging waterways, clearing drainages and grading roads, to prevent flooding.”

Takuro said council chairmen had been working with the Ministry of Environment, with a technical adviser appointed by the governor to address perennial flooding.

He said 18 local governments had jointly saved about N15 billion to fund capital projects in their domains.

He recalled that the government had partnered with anti-graft and anti-corruption agencies to train council bosses and senior officials in transparency and accountability in revenue generations in the local governments.

The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has said the Federal Government will not renew the licences of electricity distribution companies (DisCos) that fail to meet performance standards when their current licences expire in 2028.

Adelabu issued the warning at the 2025 Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja during a session on the power sector, where he identified the inefficiency of the DisCos as one of the major challenges preventing a stable electricity supply in the country.

The session, with the theme: ‘Uninterrupted power supply: The Industrial Imperatives,’ attracted key industry stakeholders to discuss solutions to Nigeria’s enduring electricity problems.

According to the minister, while the power sector is burdened by structural issues, the poor performance of the DisCos continues to impede progress toward achieving reliable and sustainable power delivery.

He said: ‘The distribution companies need to sit up. They are a major bottleneck in the sector, and the government is doing everything possible to ensure they meet expectations. Their licences will expire in two years, and there will be major reforms before any renewal.

‘Those that have not demonstrated technical expertise, financial stability, or commitment to national interest will be replaced. The government will ensure that every household is metered within the next three to five years.’

On efforts to resolve the liquidity crisis in the sector, Adelabu disclosed that President Bola Tinubu has approved a N4 trillion bond to offset verified debts owed to power generation companies (GenCos) and gas suppliers.

‘To stabilize the market, Mr. President has approved a N4 trillion bond to clear verified GenCo and gas supply debts. Alongside this, a targeted subsidy framework is being developed to protect vulnerable households and ensure the sector’s long-term viability,’ he said.

Chief Executive Officer of Azura Power, Mr. Edu Okeke, and the Managing Director of Nigeria LNG Limited, Mr. Philip Mshelbila, called for improved liquidity and efficient gas pricing to attract investment in power generation.

Okeke noted that payment concerns over gas being priced in dollars were minor compared to other structural challenges facing the industry, while Mshelbila stressed that appropriate pricing would help stimulate investment in gas supply for electricity generation.

The Leader of Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has expressed sadness about the level of disunity in the country after 65 years of independence.

He said at the outset, there was no great philosopher or great thinker who could have united the people as it was done in other climes.

‘If you study the history of some kingdoms, some countries and some societies, it will be indigenous warring tribes or groups, disunited by many factors, including politics, but united by culture. And a great leader rises among them and says, ‘let me unite my people.’ That’s not the history of Nigeria. Nigeria started accidentally; there are no great philosophers or great thinkers within our population who said, ‘oh, let us all come together. Let me unite people”, he said.

He attributed the disunity and the array of problems confronting Nigeria 65 years after independence to its evolution, saying: ‘So, Nigeria started merely as a trade zone, just like you have a free trade zone or export processing zone; it’s a zone. It is like the arbitrariness with which they created areas for discos. We created Lagos disco, Ibadan disco, Benin disco, Yola disco and others.

‘So that’s how Nigeria was to the Royal Niger Company. It was just a trade zone. Let’s have this trade zone and those trade zones are different kingdoms and communities and all of that. And somehow for the efficiency of the business, they decided to hand it over back to the British government and run it as a protectorate and part of it as a colony.

‘And then after a while, they ran it as protectorates, you know, next to each other. In 1914, they said let’s amalgamate together. So, but 46 years later, the people who put it together just said, we’ve had enough of it, let’s hand it over to the locals now.

And young people who had never run anything before, but who were united by the philosophy that these are indigenous people, right from Herbert Macaulay in Lagos, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Ahmed Bello and others took charge.’

He expressed hope that the SDP, which he described as an independent party with ideals different from other parties, was ready to take Nigeria out of the woods.

He said it was very rare to find a true SDP person, who would have interest in the APC or the PDP because the idea of what they were doing was totally opposite to what the SDP was preaching.

On how the party is preparing for the 2027 contest, he said the dialogue to strengthen the party continued among members because there were elements who would work against the party’s interest.

‘When I ran for president, there were elements that worked against us in the party. There were party agents who would not show up and state chairmen who collected our agent card and then went and gave it to another political party.

‘I went to Kwara and discovered that from our research sheets, we scored 122,000 votes, but they recorded only 22,000 for us and the people who were working with us; who were supposed to protest and do everything, thought that they could have a relationship with the ruling party and then they messed that up.

‘So, we’re changing those leaderships, we’re bringing new people in.

‘So it takes a while to get a political party, whose majority of members will be people that are selfless, patriotic and in politics because they want nothing other than a better country. That’s what we are building in the SDP,’ he said.

Kwara State Government says it is no longer permissible to charge or collect parent-teacher association (PTA) levy in public primary schools.

It therefore approved annual grants for the schools to replace PTA levy and serve as their running costs.

Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Prof Shehu Adaramaja, said this in Ilorin at the bid opening for the 2024 (3rd and 4th quarters) UBEC/SUBEB intervention projects.

‘The governor has approved the stoppage of the payment of PTA levy in all public primary schools. From primary 1 to 6, no more payment of PTA levy in Kwara State,’ he said, announcing immediate launch of disbursement of grants for at least 1,717 public schools.

Adaramaja announced the approval of procurement of English and Mathematics textbooks by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, which he said, would be distributed free of charge to pupils of primary 1 to 6.

On the bid opening, the chairman said the intervention would cover critical projects, including the building of a block of two classrooms with an office, construction of VIP toilets, remodelling and renovation of classrooms, drilling of solar powered borehole with tank stand, rehabilitation of digital literacy across the state, procurement of foundation literacy teaching and learning materials for primary 1, fabrication and distribution of two-seater pupils/students’ furniture, and safe schools initiative in some selected local governments, among others.

Adaramajaa hailed the state government for investing in school infrastructure, human capital development and welfare of teachers.

He said the governor had equally approved the payment of 2025 counterpart funds for UBEC/SUBEB intervention projects.

He urged contractors, who would eventually get the jobs, to execute them in line with the specifications, warning that shoddy jobs would not be condoned.

Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All (CSACEFA) hailed the action.

The association described the development as bold.

CSACEFA’s state Coordinator, Abdurrahman Ayuba, said: ”The decision demonstrates government’s commitment to making basic education free and compulsory, aligning with the Universal Basic Education (UBE) Law.

‘CSACEFA commends the governor for prioritising education and promoting a more inclusive and equitable education system. CSACEFA Kwara considers the government step as a big win, especially as the coalition has been at the forefront advocating abolishment of PTA levy.

‘CSACEFA is thus calling on the heads of schools to ensure prudent and judicious utilisation of expected grant in meeting the needs of their schools.

‘We look forward to continued collaboration and support for initiatives that benefit our children and in raising the quality of education in Kwara State and Nigeria.’

The fifth edition of The Atinuda Experience, tagged Atinuda 5.0, is set to bring together some of Africa’s brightest minds in business, technology, design, and entertainment as it returns with the theme ‘From Local to Global Creative Transformations.’

The three-day event, which began on Monday and will end on Wednesday at Steak House, 1 Karimu Kotun Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, promises to be a convergence of creativity, innovation, and transformative ideas.

Founded by Ayiri Oladunmoye, Atinuda has evolved from a small gathering of event professionals into a continental platform driving collaboration and excellence within Africa’s creative and business sectors.

In her welcome address on Monday, Oladunmoye described Atinuda as ‘more than just a gathering, it is a movement born within the bounds of creativity.’ She added that the 2025 edition ‘represents another chapter in our shared journey of innovation, knowledge exchange, and continuous improvement.’

Atinuda 5.0 will feature an impressive 75+ speakers drawn from across Africa and beyond, representing a wide range of industries. The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, will grace the event as Special Guest of Honour.

Keynote speakers at the event include Alexander Amosu, who will speak on ‘Redefining Luxury in Africa – From Access to Experience’; Diann Valentine, on ‘Reinventing Your Brand for Global Relevance’; Leo Stan Ekeh, on ‘Entrepreneurial Resilience: Turning Obstacles into Opportunities in African Business’; Gbemi Shasore, on ‘Content is King: How Quality Storytelling Drives Business Success’; and Charles Odii, who will deliver a session on ‘Strategic Partnerships and Policy Frameworks to Empower Creative Entrepreneurs.’ among others.

The conference will also feature internationally acclaimed personalities such as Stephanie Busari (Emmy-winning journalist and founder of SBB Media), Claudia Lumor (Glitz Africa founder and UNFPA ambassador), Kelvin Okafor (UK-based fine artist), Samke Mhlongo (South Africa’s wealth coach), and Juliet Ibrahim (award-winning actress and filmmaker).

Atinuda 5.0 will not only be a platform for dialogue but also for tangible empowerment. Participants will have the chance to win a brand-new car, courtesy of Nord Motors, through a tech-driven entrepreneurship pitch competition.

Additionally, the Kwende and Kwasi Foundation will award a $10,000 grant, with $7,000 for the top startup and $3,000 for the runner-up, to innovative African entrepreneurs with high-impact business ideas.

Organizers say these incentives are designed to inspire and reward creativity while encouraging practical solutions that can scale beyond local boundaries. ‘Atinuda is about transforming potential into performance,’ Oladunmoye noted.

‘We want to help creatives think bigger, collaborate smarter, and expand their reach globally.’

Over the years, Atinuda has become a beacon of excellence in the African events and creative industries. Previous editions have fostered collaborations across fashion, technology, design, and media, establishing Atinuda as one of the continent’s most influential platforms for professional development and networking.

This year’s edition will feature immersive masterclasses, interactive workshops, and panel discussions focused on business transformation, brand storytelling, sustainability, and the future of African innovation. Participants are also expected to enjoy an evening of cultural celebration showcasing art, music, and cuisine.

Atinuda’s long-term vision, according to its organizers, is to expand beyond Nigeria and position the brand as a pan-African movement that amplifies local talent for global recognition. Plans are already underway for regional chapters and hybrid participation models that will make the experience accessible to global audiences.

Since its inception, Atinuda has championed the belief that creativity, when nurtured, structured, and celebrated, can become a driving force for economic and social transformation across Africa. As the event prepares to open its fifth edition, it continues to remind participants that innovation starts from within.

Mr Adekunle Omoyele, the Commander, Osun Amotekun Corps, has escaped an assassination attempt, after an ambush by gunmen in Osogbo on Monday.

This is contained in a statement issued by the spokesperson for the corps, Mr Abass Yusuf, and made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Osogbo.

Yusuf said the ambush occurred on Monday at about 10:05p.m, on Ikirun road, opposite charity hotel, Osogbo.

He explained that the commander was driving home alone after official work when some gunmen opened fire on him leaving his vehicle riddled with bullets.

‘It is deeply troubling that Amotekun commander could be targeted in such a coordinated and vicious manner.

‘Apart from the attack same yesterday, 15 unidentified armed men masked, reportedly stormed Omoyele’s private residence and witnesses claimed the attackers arrived in a Hilux van and a Toyota Highlander SUV,’ Yusuf disclosed.

According to him, the attack of the top ranking security official raises questions about rising insecurity among those who are tasked with the responsibility of protecting the people of the state.

‘The corps urged citizens to remain calm and also report any suspicious activities to local security agencies for prompt responses and actions.

‘The attack is not just an attack on one man but on the symbol of localised security structure,’ Yusuf said.

He further stated that the commander sustained gunshot injuries and currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed medical facility under protective watch.

Yusuf, however, said the case has been reported to the Ota-Efun Police Division and investigations are ongoing.

The National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Samuel Anyanwu, has cautioned the party’s Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, to desist from making statements that could mislead the public and exacerbate divisions within the party.

Ologunagba reportedly stated that Anyanwu’s role as PDP’s National Secretary is limited to administrative duties, such as managing day-to-day activities, handling correspondence, and ensuring that directives are carried out.

Ologunagba’s comments were in response to a perceived misunderstanding of roles within the party, and he emphasised that Anyanwu could not summon meetings or issue statements without authorisation.

But in a statement yesterday by his media aide, Dr. Ikenna Onuoha, the National Secretary described Ologunagba’s claims as ‘ridiculous and ignorant’.

He emphasised the National Secretary’s critical role in the party’s operations.

Anyanwu noted that Ologunagba’s comments indicated his lack of understanding of the party’s constitution on the duties and functions of the National Secretary.

He said: ‘This statement, if indeed it came from a supposed party spokesperson, is an indication that he lacks the requisite knowledge of the provisions of the party’s constitution regarding the duties, functions, and programmes of the office of the National Secretary.

‘Debo Ologunagba, who ordinarily should be speaking for the party, failed to highlight the duties of Senator Samuel Anyanwu, the National Secretary of PDP in Section 36 (1) of the PDP Constitution 2017, as amended, simply because he was out for mischief-making.’

The statement said Anyanwu’s role is far more significant than what Ologunagba suggested, arguing that his actions were guided by the party’s constitution.

He urged Ologunagba to focus on constructive strategies to strengthen the party rather than engaging in divisive rhetoric.

The statement said that despite the provocation, Anyanwu would continue to act with maturity and wisdom, upholding his oath to ensure the party’s cohesion.