FG mobilising 49% of $2bn fibre optics network investments – Minister

The Minister of Communication and digital technology, Bosun Tijjani has stated that the government is mobilising 49 per cent of Nigeria’s $2 billion fibre optics network investments project.

He stated this in Abuja at a plenary session organised by IHS, one of the largest independent owners, operators and developers of shared telecommunications infrastructure in the world.

Speaking at the ongoing Nigeria Economic Summit, Tijjani stated that in less than two years, 11 states declare zero right of way.

He said, ‘The biggest issue in the telecom sector is to invest in infrastructure which the federal government is currently mobilizing because we require huge broadband infrastructure to drive telecoms growth.

‘Therefore, we said for Nigerians to have connectivity we need to invest in fibre optic networks and it will cost $2bn. Since no single company can raise that, the federal government opted to bring in 49 per cent and we want the private sector to bring the other 51 per cent.

‘We realised that if we improve Broadband connectivity by 10 per cent, it will lead to growth by 2.5 per cent which is why we want every state and local government to have a fibre optics network and we believe we can deliver between 3 to 4 years,’ he added.

Tijjani further reiterated the role of AI in national growth adding that Nigeria has become the hub for telecoms investment. Sharing his perspectives, Mohamad Darwish, CEO IHS Nigeria at the Plenary Session on the topic ‘Smart Growth, Digital Leap’ noted that to build a smart economy, Nigeria must reposition digital infrastructure, innovation, and talent not as peripheral sectors but as core inputs and catalysts for growth.

‘Hence the reason we have convened this plenary session at this 31st Economic Summit is to highlight the infrastructure gaps affecting Nigeria’s digital growth and economic competitiveness, and the basis for the gaps and identify regulatory reforms required to strengthen public-private partnerships that drive sustainable investment in infrastructure, innovation, and talent development,’ he said.

Reps move to regulate cryptocurrency, POS operations

The House of Representatives has taken a step toward regulating cryptocurrency and Point-of-Sale (POS) operations in Nigeria, as Speaker Abbas Tajudeen on Monday inaugurated an ad hoc committee to review the economic, regulatory, and security implications of digital financial transactions.

Speaking during the inauguration in Abuja, the Speaker said the move became necessary amid growing concerns over fraud, cybercrime, terrorism financing, and consumer exploitation associated with cryptocurrency and POS activities. Abbas noted that Nigeria’s economy had shown remarkable resilience over the years, recovering from recessions and recording growth in non-oil sectors-conditions that could enable cryptocurrency trade to thrive. However, he warned that the vulnerabilities in the system could not be ignored.

‘There are real concerns about the susceptibility of cryptocurrency to terrorism financing and money laundering, considering its opaque nature, dubious regulatory framework, and lack of accountability,’ he said.

According to him, the absence of clear rules, coupled with the volatility and complexity of the technology, makes it imperative for the National Assembly to establish appropriate regulations and consumer protection mechanisms.

‘It is because of this absence of clear rules, coupled with the volatility and complexity of the technology, that the House found it imperative to establish regulations and consumer protection measures that will guide the activities of Virtual Assets Service Providers, including cryptocurrencies and crypto assets,’ he said.

Abbas said the ad hoc committee would hold public hearings to gather input from relevant stakeholders to help the House develop legislation for a comprehensive regulatory framework on cryptocurrency and digital financial services.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the 10th House to safeguarding the country and its citizens from practices that could undermine President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing economic reforms.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Olufemi Bamisile (APC-Ekiti), acknowledged that while cryptocurrency and POS systems had enhanced commerce, financial inclusion, and innovation, they also posed significant risks such as cybercrime, fraud, money laundering, and terrorism financing.

Bamisile said the committee’s work would focus on crafting a legislative and regulatory framework that encourages innovation while safeguarding citizens and the financial system’s integrity.

He disclosed that the committee would collaborate closely with key agencies including the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Nigeria Police Force.

Bamisile added that the committee would adopt a consultative and evidence-based approach by engaging regulators, financial institutions, fintech operators, civil society groups, and the security community through public hearings to ensure inclusive and informed outcomes.’

Kwara Utd shake up technical crew after home loss to Abia Warriors

Kwara United have directed their Technical Adviser, Coach Tunde Sanni, to step aside following the team’s 1-0 defeat to Abia Warriors in their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 7 encounter on Sunday at the Kwara State Stadium Complex, Ilorin.

The Harmony Boys started the game on a strong note, dominating possession in the first half but failing to convert their chances. Junior Aimufua and Adeshina Gata created several opportunities, yet the breakthrough never came.

Abia Warriors punished the hosts for a defensive lapse early in the second half when a Kwara United defender handled the ball in the box. Emeka Obioma made no mistake from the spot in the 48th minute, sealing a crucial away victory for the visitors.

Despite late efforts and tactical changes, Kwara United could not find an equaliser. After the game, Coach Sanni expressed disappointment with the result but promised that the team would bounce back stronger.

Confirming the development, Club Chairman Kumbi Titiloye announced that Sanni has been told to step aside, with Assistant Coach Ashifat ‘Brazil’ Sulaiman taking over the team’s technical responsibilities immediately.

Sulaiman, who was reappointed as Chief Coach on August 31, 2024, has been part of the club’s technical setup and will now lead the Harmony Boys as they prepare for their rescheduled Matchday 6 clash against Kano Pillars on Wednesday.

Kwara United currently occupy 10th place on the NPFL table after six matches.

Senate to debate ‘systemic genocide’ claims against Christians in Nigeria

A motion sponsored by Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) and co-sponsored by Senators Sani Musa (APC, Niger East), Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto North), and Ibrahim Bomai (Yobe South), over alleged systemic genocide against Christians in the country, is set for debate by the Senate at resumed plenary on Tuesday.

Our correspondent reports that Senators and members of the House of Representatives will resume plenary Tuesday after their annual recess which started on July 23, 2025.

The motion, titled ‘Urgent need to correct misconceptions regarding the purported ‘Christian genocide’ narrative in Nigeria and international communities’, sighted by our correspondent on Monday, called on the federal government, particularly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant security agencies, to adopt a data-driven approach to public communication.

The senators also asked the foreign affairs ministry and security agencies to ensure the release of verified casualty figures, contextual reports, and investigative findings on victims of insecurity to counter the spread of misinformation locally and abroad.

Senator Ndume and other co-sponsors said the motion seeks to correct a ‘dangerous misrepresentation of the country’s security challenges as a campaign of Christian genocide.’

In the draft motion, Senator Ndume expressed concern over what he described as ‘increasing circulation of misleading narratives’ in both local and international spaces, alleging a systematic genocide against Christians in Nigeria.

While acknowledging the tragic and unacceptable attacks suffered by Christian communities in various parts of the country, Ndume emphasised that violence in Nigeria has affected citizens of all faiths, including Muslims and adherents of other religions.

The lawmaker warned that mischaracterising the ongoing security crisis in purely religious terms ‘risks inflaming sectarian divisions, distorting international understanding, and undermining national unity.’

He noted that the country’s security challenges, including terrorism, insurgency, banditry, communal clashes, and criminal violence, had resulted in the loss of lives and property among both Christian and Muslim communities.

The Senators also expressed worry over recent developments in the United States Congress and Senate, where efforts were reportedly being made to designate Nigeria as Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over alleged religious persecution.

They also suggested that the U.S. Congress, international partners, and Nigerian diaspora groups be engaged through official briefings and fact-based publications to correct prevailing misconceptions about Nigeria’s security realities.

Allegations of genocide against Christians in Nigeria have persisted for years, particularly from international advocacy groups, religious organisations, and some Western media outlets.

These claims focus on violent attacks by terrorist groups such as Boko Haram as well as conflicts involving pastoralists, which they claimed have disproportionately impacted Christian communities in the Middle Belt and northern regions.

The Christian genocide narrative in Nigeria supposedly gained traction after the address of Vice President Kashim Shettima at the United Nations last week.

Shettima had said the situation in Gaza is ‘heart-wrenching’ and demanded an immediate ceasefire that will birth Palestinian independence and a home of their own on territories already recognised by the UN and international law.

An American comedian, Bill Maher, claimed that 100,000 Christians had been killed in an ongoing genocide in Nigeria.

Speaking on the September 26, 2025 edition of HBO talk show, ‘Real Time with Bill Maher’, Maher had said: ‘I’m not a Christian, but they are systematically killing the Christians in Nigeria. They’ve killed over a hundred thousand since 2009. They’ve burned 18,000 churches. These are the Islamists, Boko Haram. This is so much more of a genocide attempt than what is going on in Gaza. They are literally attempting to wipe out the Christian population of an entire country.’

However, some Muslim organisations have countered the claims, saying Muslims are also victims of attacks by terrorist groups. In 2022, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) said that 32,000 Muslims were killed within three years in Nigeria.

He said, ‘Boko Haram in particular has killed, maimed, and displaced more Muslims than Christians; more Muslim clerics and more Muslim traditional rulers have been killed or kidnapped than Christians.

‘Most importantly, more Muslim majority states are under siege by these terrorists than Christian-majority states, while more Nigerian Muslims have been impoverished by insecurity than Christians.’

The federal government had also refuted the allegations that terrorists operating in Nigeria are engaged in a systematic genocide against Christians.

President Bola Tinubu in Owerri, Imo State, insisted that ‘no faith is under siege’ in Nigeria.

‘Here, no faith is under siege, no community is excluded. Our churches, mosques, and traditional shrines stand side by side-not as rivals, but as symbols of the unity that binds us,’ Tinubu said at the unveiling of a book on a decade of APC governance authored by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said portraying Nigeria’s security challenges as a targeted campaign against a single religious group is a gross misrepresentation of reality.

‘While Nigeria, like many countries, has faced security challenges, including acts of terrorism perpetrated by criminals, couching the situation as a deliberate, systematic attack on Christians is inaccurate and harmful,’ the minister said.

Benue community seeks soldiers’ withdrawal after killings

The Turan Development Association (TUDA) has called for the immediate withdrawal of soldiers from the Jato-Aka community in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State following the alleged killing of five people, including two students, during a clash over traditional gun salutes at a burial ceremony.

In a statement issued on Monday and signed by the President General, Chief Festus Iorkyaa, and Secretary, Emmanuel Ijever, TUDA described the incident as a ‘brutal and senseless attack on unarmed citizens’ that occurred after the burial of a revered traditional leader, Chief Hanave Laha.

Our correspondent reports that the incident occurred on Tuesday, last week, with the police confirming one student dead and two injured.

However, the association explained that the confrontation began when soldiers reportedly challenged members of the Moon Community Vigilante over the firing of traditional gun salutes, which had been a long-standing Tiv custom to honour a deceased chief.

The disagreement among other accusations against the troop, TUDA said, led to the alleged killing of two vigilante members, Iorsuur Abuul and Akula Shija, allegedly on the orders of a Captain heading the soldiers.

The group further claimed that protests broke out later in the afternoon as students closed from school, during which soldiers allegedly opened fire, killing two students, Tersoo Msughter and Suur Atee of Turan Community Secondary School, Jato-Aka, and a 14-year-old pupil, Hiinengen Asongo of ATM Divine Nursery and Primary School, while four others were said to have sustained gunshot injuries.

The association therefore called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Hyacinth Alia to take urgent steps to prevent further violence in the area as they also demanded the withdrawal of the Nigerian Army from Turanland and their replacement with the Mobile Police Force, alongside an independent investigation into the killings by the National Human Rights Commission or a Judicial Commission of Inquiry.

The group further urged the reconstruction of the Turan Traditional Council Hall and the residence of the Mue-Ter, which were reportedly destroyed during the unrest.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army in Benue had yet to respond to the allegations.

But, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for Benue Command, DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed that one secondary student died while two others sustained injuries during a military operation against armed bandits.

‘It is not the killing of students,’ Edet clarified.

She added, ‘The military team was returning from patrol when they sighted hoodlums with firearms on a motorcycle. While chasing them, the hoodlums opened fire at the military, and in the process, stray bullets hit three students. Sadly, one was confirmed dead at the hospital, while the others are responding to treatment. Investigation is ongoing.’

NIGERIA DAILY: Fake Certificates in Nigeria: A Growing Threat to Integrity

From job seekers to public office holders, the issue of fake certificates continues to raise serious concerns about honesty, accountability, and the value of education in Nigeria.

Despite investigations and arrests, the problem persists with new cases emerging almost every year.

So why does fake certification remain a recurring challenge in Nigeria, and what are the legal and moral consequences?

Join us on this episode of Nigeria Daily as we take a closer look at the growing problem of certificate forgery and its implications for our society.

Muntu vows to wipe corrupt out of govt

Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) presidential candidate Maj Gen (rtd) Gregory Mugisha Muntu has vowed to fight corruption, which he said remains a major problem in the country.

During his campaign rallies in Rwampara and Mitooma districts, Gen Muntu assured the voters that he is ready to fight corruption, starting from the top officials in government to the lowest person in government.

‘The corruption in this country has exhausted almost all the systems, both in the private and political wing; people swindle funds and walk away freely. If the little-known person steals something, he is arrested but those who siphon billions of shillings are untouchable. Corruption will not be in my government, we shall deal with it,’ he said.

Voters in Rwampara and Mitooma districts asked Gen Muntu to improve service delivery if elected into office. They said poor roads and inadequate healthcare services have hindered their economic progress. Mr Innocent Arinaitwe, a resident of Kabuura in Mwizi Sub-county, said: ‘For us we want to see our health facilities stocked with medicine and our roads need to be improved to enable us to transport our agricultural products to the market.’

He added: ‘We are tired of poor governance; the taxes are very high even after 40 years. They have not improved our health facilities up to now. They are still in a bad state. If these are improved and we see value for our taxes, then we will easily develop.’

Mr Devas Kwarukunda, another resident of Kabuura, called for easy access to clean water and better maternal health in their community. ‘We suffer a lot to access water considering the landscape of our community, and still we request for better hospitals here in Mwizi. Mothers still give birth by the roadside,’ Kwarukunda said.

Mr Evaristo Turinawe, a businessman in Katenga Trading Centre, Mitooma, said they are spending a lot of money on transport because of the poor state of Bushenyi-Mbarara road, which is filled with portholes.

‘We spend a lot of money on repairing our motor vehicles, and we cannot save any money. The situation is difficult for us as residents,’ he said.

Mr Jordan Akandwanaho, a resident of Katenga in Mitooma District, said: ‘As a youth, I expect our next president should help us and stop district officials asking us for money when we apply for jobs. We are jobless looking for jobs but someone wants money before giving us jobs. That is a very big problem which I want out next president to solve.’

Mr Evaristo Turinawe, a businessman from Katenga Trading Centre in Mitooma District, said he transports goods to Kampala but is struggling with the high fuel prices and rising cost of living. ‘ I therefore do not expect President Museveni to be my next president after these elections and I believe that when we vote another president, we will have all services improved,’ he said.

He added: ‘Our children are at home because he refused to give teachers better salaries we are suffering, we need a better president.’ In response, Gen Muntu said the main cause of the problems is a lack of disciplined leadership – from the president down to local leaders. He said President Museveni, who has been in power for 40 years, removed the checks and balances that would ensure proper use of public funds and improve service delivery.

‘. when you have a disciplined president, most times people will get people who are like them in thinking and in acting. Naturally, a disciplined person will look for disciplined people to work together to implement the policy positions they take in government,’ he said.

Mr Muntu said he is the solution to the issues faced by Ugandans because of his proven record as the army commander. ‘That is why we are telling the people of Mitooma, as we keep telling them all over the country, that we are the solution to these problems, because we are disciplined, focused, resilient, we can withstand any form of temptation, whether it is temptation from money, pomp and glory or power,’ he said.

Farming key to ending poverty in Tooro, says King Oyo

The Omukama (King) of Tooro, Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, has called on his subjects to embrace agriculture as a key strategy to eradicate poverty and boost household incomes across the kingdom.

Speaking at Humura Playground in Kyaka County, Kyegegwa District, on Monday, October 6, Omukama Oyo emphasized that agriculture remains a cornerstone of Tooro Kingdom’s 25-year Development Plan, which focuses on improving agricultural productivity as a pathway to prosperity.

‘When we embrace farming, it will help us fight and chase away poverty and increase household income. The kingdom, in partnership with the central government, started a project to empower people to cultivate coffee and cocoa here in Tooro,’ the Omukama said.

The King made the remarks during his first visit to Kyaka County, which marked the beginning of his 2025 tour of Tooro Kingdom’s nine counties, expected to conclude on October 17.

During the visit, Omukama Oyo handed over certificates of confirmation to sub-county chiefs (Abemiruka) from Kyaka County, who are also part of the Kingdom’s supreme council, Orukurato Orukuru.

He also visited farms, including that of Fr. Vincent Karatunga, where he inspected 150 acres of land with various enterprises such as coffee and cattle.

The Omukama revealed that the agricultural initiative, implemented in partnership with the central government, specifically targets young people, who make up the majority of Tooro’s population and are seen as key agents of economic transformation.

He directed the Kingdom’s Prime Minister to fast-track the distribution of coffee and cocoa seedlings to farmers before the end of the current planting season.

On October 1, Tooro Kingdom, in collaboration with the government, launched the Tooro Kingdom Youth Economic Empowerment Program, aimed at equipping young people with skills in agriculture and entrepreneurship.

The initiative will benefit youth groups in all nine counties of Tooro and includes the distribution of three million coffee seedlings, two million cocoa seedlings, and three million chickens. It will also support 50,000 young people to engage in productive agriculture.

On land matters, Omukama Oyo cautioned against evictions, stressing that all land belonging to the kingdom is meant for the benefit of its people.

He advised residents occupying kingdom land to work closely with the Tooro Kingdom Land Board to obtain proper documentation for their occupancy.

Turning to politics, the Omukama urged aspiring leaders to conduct peaceful campaigns and avoid dividing people along tribal lines ahead of the upcoming elections.

‘While looking for votes, stop the behavior of disuniting people based on tribal lines. During this political season, people need to remain one and love their kingdom,’ he said.

The Omukama also commended the people of Kyaka County for maintaining peace and harmony with refugee communities living in the district, praising them for their hospitality and tolerance.

‘The people of Kyaka have demonstrated a true spirit of unity and humanity,’ he said.

His message of peace, unity, and development was warmly received by residents, who pledged to continue working with the kingdom to advance harmony and prosperity.

‘We feel happy when the king talks about issues of unity, especially during this time of politics. People need to remain united. The king is standing with his subjects, especially those who have been living in fear of eviction from kingdom land. Our hearts can now rest and focus on development,’ said Ms Agnes Asiimwe, a resident of Kyaka County.

Lubaale named fourth bishop of Busoga Diocese amid quiet reception

A wave of silence swept through the Christian community in Jinja City following the election of Rev Dr Grace Lubaale as the new Bishop of Busoga Diocese.

The announcement, made earlier on Tuesday, confirmed that Dr Lubaale, born October 9, 1978, in Bugombya Zone, Butansi Parish, Bugabula County, Kamuli District, will succeed Rt Rev Paul Samson Naimanye, who retires in December.

A visit to Christ Church Cathedral in Bugembe on Tuesday revealed an unusually quiet atmosphere, far from the vibrant celebrations normally expected after a bishopric announcement.

The cathedral compound was largely deserted, the church remained locked, and only a few Christians arrived before quietly leaving.

At the diocesan administration block, only the reception door was open. Attempts to reach senior church officials by phone went unanswered, with many lines busy or switched off.

Dr Lubaale is not widely known among many Christians in Busoga Diocese.

Several congregants, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed dissatisfaction, noting that the new bishop had not been active in local ministry and that other Rev. Canons might have been more familiar to the community.

However, some welcomed the decision, emphasizing the spiritual nature of church leadership. ‘Leadership comes from God,’ said Richard Gulume, Resident City Commissioner and a regular worshipper at Christ Church Cathedral, Bugembe.

‘It is not the role of Christians to elect bishops. That responsibility lies solely with the House of Bishops. Our duty is to receive and welcome the person God has chosen to lead us,’ he added.

Busoga Diocese, established in 1972, has had three bishops: the late Bishop Cyprian Bamwoze, Rev Dr Michael Kyomya, and Rt Rev Paul Naimanye.

Rev Dr Lubaale becomes the fourth bishop of the diocese and is expected to officially assume office in December.

Put an end to animal cruelty

Across the country, it is common to see livestock and poultry being transported in appalling conditions. Livestock and poultry are tightly packed in trucks on their way to markets and slaughterhouses.

The animals are crammed in trucks and transported long distances without food and water, squeezed so tightly that they can hardly breathe.

Cruel transporters tie cattle by their horns and tails to the rails of the truck bed to keep them standing still.

This causes excruciating pain that the poor animals endure until they reach the abattoirs, where they are permanently relieved of their misery.

Some unscrupulous people tie cattle limbs, twist their necks, and tie their heads to their bodies to enable them to cram the hapless animals into cars and on motorcycles that are not authorised to transport livestock.

The sight of cattle, goats, sheep, and pigs mercilessly tied up being transported on motorcycles is shocking to a visitor to the country but is considered normal by many locals due to lengthy exposure to this cruelty.

Many locals have been desensitised and no longer acknowledge the fact that livestock and poultry are living beings that feel pain and can suffer from stress occasioned by mistreatment. Livestock moved on the hoof to markets and slaughterhouses also suffer abuse at the hands of their handlers.

They are forced to move long distances without water amid beatings. Poultry such as chickens and ducks are routinely held upside down during transportation, while others are crammed into car boots where they can barely breathe. This cruelty is also exhibited on farms where some farmhands subject cattle and other livestock to beatings.

Furthermore, cows are separated from their calves thereby denying them the required amount of milk for their proper growth.

Most of the milk is taken from cows and sold to humans while their calves starve. The Uganda Animals (Prevention of Cruelty) Act, Chapter 49, enacted in 1957 and revised in 2000, provides legal measures for preventing cruelty to animals.

It lists several animal cruelty offences, such as physical abuse, neglect, and cruel treatment. However, the laws against cruelty to animals are not properly implemented, with the police, local government, and Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries officials sleeping on the job. Some of these officials are compromised after taking bribes from offenders.

The cruelty animals are subjected to before slaughter leads to poor quality meat, according to veterinary experts. They say the meat of stressed animals is dark, tasteless and hard. Experts also say it has a low shelf life.

We call upon the government to crack down on cruelty to animals on farms and those in transit because it not only casts the country in a bad light but also exposes consumers to poor-quality animal products.