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Women engineers have urged the federal government to prioritise local innovations, not imports, as the cornerstone of efforts to revive Nigeria’s struggling manufacturing sector.

The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) issued the call in a communiqué at the close of its 2025 International Conference and Annual General Meeting held at the University of Ibadan, which had more than 500 delegates in attendance.

APWEN president Engr. Adebisi Osim said the future of Nigeria’s factories lies not in imported solutions, but in home-grown innovations driven by Nigerian engineers.

Delegates warned that declining productivity, rising production costs, and heavy dependence on imported components are eroding the sector’s competitiveness and weak global integration, while skills gaps, poor infrastructure, and limited access to finance were cited as major constraints.

Conference papers showcased practical, local solutions from additive manufacturing and waste-to-wealth projects to AI-driven predictive maintenance and IoT-enabled industrial systems, but presenters warned that weak government-industry-academia links are blocking scale-up.

Cybersecurity was also cited as a national risk, with speakers urging urgent investment in industrial cyber-defences as factories digitise under Industry 4.0/5.0 models. APWEN recommended integrating cybersecurity training into industrial workforce development.

The communiqué recommended that the government and APWEN should co-develop policy and implementation frameworks, while the Ministries of Industry, Science and Technology, and Communications should push adoption of AI, robotics, IoT, and additive manufacturing, and clusters of decentralised micro-manufacturing should be promoted.

APWEN additionally called for sustained advocacy for STEM education and gender-inclusive policies to increase funding for female-led start-ups and broaden participation of women in high-tech manufacturing.

Dignitaries at the four-day event included the NSE President, Engr. Margaret A. Oguntala, Oyo State Acting Governor, Barr. Abdulraheem A. Lawal, and Oyo State First Lady Engr. Tamunominini Makinde, who urged a move beyond assembly and packaging to full-scale local production.

The President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT) Door-to-Door Movement has called on Nigerians to rally behind the president’s Renewed Hope Agenda for national progress.

National Coordinator of the group, Sunday Asuku, made the appeal during a unity walk held on Wednesday in Abuja to commemorate Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary.

The walk, which began at the Unity Fountain and ended at Eagle Square, attracted over 1,000 participants, including youths and women, under the watch of security and road safety officials.

Asuku stressed the need for unity, peace, and patriotism, urging Nigerians to shun corruption, banditry, and insecurity in order to secure the nation’s rightful place in the comity of nations.

He said, ‘We want to enjoin all Nigerians to continue to promote unity, peace, growth, and development, without which, we cannot go places. Without this, Nigeria cannot be great, but if we are all united, if we can shun corruption, if we can shun banditry, if we can shun insecurity, Nigeria shall be great again.

Music video director ThankGod Omori, popularly known as TG Omori, has revealed that since he embraced celibacy, half of his problems have been solved.

He made the statement in a post on his X, reflecting on how his life has changed since taking an ‘oath of celibacy.’

‘Since I became celibate, half of my problems got solved,’ he wrote.

Omori has been in the spotlight for his work with major Afrobeats artists and for his personal health challenges.

As Nigeria marks its 65th birthday, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Adewale Temitope Adedeji, has praised Nigerians for their resilience, urging them to sustain their trust for the government of President Bola Tinubu to continue to meet the yearnings of the people.

In a statement by his media office on Wednesday in commemoration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, Adewale, who represents Ifako-Ijaiye Constituency I, said Nigeria was going into its 66th year better than most of the years since Independence.

According to him, the administration at the centre has successfully put the country on the right footing as the citizens would soon begin to see the results of the positive changes that have been brought to the economy.

‘The President has further rekindled our spirits with the Independence Day address in which he reeled out the achievements of his administration in just two years and a few months.

‘Globally-respected economic analysts and experts have confirmed that we are moving in the right direction.

‘We have left the most challenging face of economic growth. We are seeing steady improvements in the GDP of the country while inflation continues to drop. These are beautiful signals that our country is on the right path,’ Adewale said.

While urging Nigerians to keep supporting the Federal Government, he tasked the state governors to engage more in people-oriented programmes and policies as well as improve on infrastructure.

‘This is one of the best ways they can justify the allocations to the states which have increased tremendously under President Tinubu’s administration,’ he added.

A political support group, the BAO Grassroots Support for President Tinubu, has attributed the ongoing transformation in Ekiti State under Governor Biodun Oyebanji to the unprecedented support he has received from President Bola Tinubu over the past two years.

In a communiqué issued after its monthly meeting in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, the group lauded President Tinubu and the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the transparent screening exercise conducted for governorship aspirants ahead of the party’s October 27 primary election in Ekiti.

The statement, signed by the state coordinator, Prince Tunji Ogunlola, and the director of publicity, Odunayo Ogunmola, emphasized that President Tinubu’s economic policies and increased financial support to subnationals have had a direct impact on the grassroots.

This, the group noted, was evident from the overwhelming feedback during the Governor Oyebanji’s recent town hall meetings and citizens’ engagements ahead of the 2026 Budget.

According to the group, Oyebanji’s grassroots consultations revealed widespread appreciation of the federal support, which has boosted project execution, raised workers’ purchasing power, strengthened food security, and created job opportunities for youths through agricultural investments.

The body further commended President Tinubu for approving a new formation of the Nigerian Army in Ikere-Ekiti and deploying about 800 soldiers to the facility, which has improved the state’s security architecture.

Highlighting the Governor’s strides in agriculture, the group praised the creation of the Special Agriculture Processing Zone (SAPZ) in Oke Ako and the establishment of farm settlements in Emure, Eporo, Ikere, and Erio/Aramoko. These, they said, have attracted investors and enabled young farmers to record profits running into millions within a short time.

The group also welcomed the Governor’s disclosure that the 2026 Budget would allocate more resources to empower artisans and the informal sector, describing it as a step towards inclusive growth.

The group enjoined the people of the state not to repent in their support for Oyebanji as his administration prepares for the last fiscal year of the current tenure.

The Lagos State Government has announced traffic diversions on Victoria Island to facilitate the smooth hosting of the Electric Powerboat Racing Championship (E1 Series).

The competition which will run from October 3 to 5, is Africa’s first electric powerboat race.

In a traffic advisory by the Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, the first Lekki junction inward Ozumba Mbadiwe, would be totally closed to vehicular traffic throughout the period of the competition.

He advised motorists to use alternative routes, including Lekki Link Bridge, Admiralty Way, Yesufu Abiodun, Oniru Road, Ligali Ayorinde Street, and Coastal Road, to connect major destinations such as Ikoyi, CMS, and Ahmadu Bello Way.

The government assured that adequate parking would be provided at designated spots including Fidelity Bank, Access Bank, and the Law School premises in Victoria Island.

Officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) will be strategically deployed along all affected routes to ensure free traffic flow, while the Coastal Road will remain open to traffic throughout the event.

Osiyemi urged road users to cooperate with traffic officials and exercise patience, stressing that the diversion was part of the government’s management plan to ensure safety and smooth movement during the landmark water sports championship.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed three suits challenging the state of emergency declared in Rivers State, the suspension of the state’s elected officials, and the activities of the appointed sole administrator.

Justice James Omotosho, in three decisions on Thursday, held that, not only were the cases filed in the wrong court – the Federal High Court – which lacked the necessary justification, the plaintiffs were also without the requisite locus standi (the right to approach the court on the issues raised).

The first suit, marked: FHC/PH/CS/51/2025, was filed by Belema Briggs, Princess Wai-Ogosu, I. Acho, Emmanuel Mark, and Hadassa Ada, who claimed to have sued for themselves and residents of Rivers State.

They listed the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Attorney General of the Federation, Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (retired), and the Nigerian Navy as defendants.

The plaintiffs queried the emergency declaration, the suspension of elected officials, including Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the appointment of a sole administrator, and, among others, prayed the court to void them.

In a judgment on Thursday, Justice Omotosho upheld the preliminary objection raised by the defendants and dismissed the suit.

In holding that the plaintiffs lacked locus standi, Justice Omotosho held that they could not, on their own, file a suit to address the interest of all the residents of a state, more so when none of the suspended officials was made a party to the suit.

The judge found that the plaintiffs, who claimed to be residents of Rivers, did not show that they were more affected by the decision than the elected officials, who were suspended, or other residents of the state, nor obtained the permission of the state’s Attorney General before approaching the court.

In holding that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the suit, Justice Omotosho held that it was the law that issues arising or connected with a declaration of a state of emergency are within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Supreme Court by virtue of section 1 (1) and (2) of the Emergency Powers (Jurisdiction) Act, 1962.

He added that the same statute has been modified by the Emergency Powers (Jurisdiction) Act (Modification) Order, 2025.

The judge faulted the plaintiffs’ claim that, as voters, their fundamental rights to enjoy democratic government were taken away from them by the emergency declaration, which they argued amounted to a coup against Rivers’ residents.

He said, ‘The plaintiffs’ claim that their fundamental rights were breached as a result of these actions holds no water, as section 45 (1) of the Constitution permits the derogation of rights in the interest of public order and public safety.

‘The facts before the court all show that Rivers State was on the brink of anarchy, and allowing matters to flow in the normal course was only going to lead to severe breakdown of law and order.

‘Consequently, it was necessary that in the interest of public safety and public order that the President suspended the Governor, Deputy Governor, and Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and also appointed the 3rd defendant, who is a retired Naval officer, to ensure peace in the state,’ he said.

Justice Omotosho also faulted the plaintiffs’ contention that conditions precedent to warrant a declaration of state of emergency were not available as at March 18 when the proclamation was made.

He said, ‘To begin this discourse, it is important to examine if the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has the power to declare a state of emergency in any state in Nigeria, as this is the starting point for the suspension of the Governor, the Deputy Governor, and the members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State.

‘The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is the custodian of executive powers in Nigeria. He is vested with enormous powers to discharge his duties, including the duty to ensure the safety of lives and properties within the country.

‘One of the distinct powers of the President is the power to proclaim a state of emergency in Nigeria, throughout the federation or in a part of the Federation.

‘This power is enshrined in Section 305 (3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

‘A state of emergency is usually not a planned event, and it is not an event that the law can fully capture, as there are several instances that may necessitate the declaration of a state of emergency, such as a natural disaster, religious crisis, or a political crisis, among others.

‘An imminent threat or present danger to the Federation of Nigeria or a part of it is a ground for declaring a state of emergency, as done in this case.

‘Once the proclamation of the state of emergency is ratified by the National Assembly, the power to administer the emergency area vests exclusively in the President.

‘He (the President) is then empowered to take measures to restore peace and order to the affected area, including the appointment of the 3rd defendant as Sole Administrator and stationing of the 4th defendant in strategic locations in the state as the case may be.

‘The findings of this court, with regards to the facts before it, show that there were reasonable grounds for the President to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State.

‘The Governor, Deputy Governor, and Members of the House of Assembly were suspended for a period of time and not removed from office, and the President exercised his discretion in appointing a Sole Administrator as he saw fit.

‘All these actions were aimed at ensuring peace and security in the state.

‘The issue raised by the plaintiffs that the President did not secure the required two-thirds majority of the members of each house of the National Assembly is not what can be resolved through affidavit evidence, but by a writ of summons where witnesses will be called and cross-examined,’ the judge said.

The two other decisions were rulings on the suits filed by two groups. The one marked: FHC/PH/CS/43/2025 was by The Incorporated Trustees of Rivsbridge Peace Initiative.

It had six defendants – the President, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), the Accountant General of the Federation (AG-F), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retired).

The suit had queried Ibas’ appointment and sought to, among others, restrain the President, the AGF, and the AG-F from releasing from belonging to Rivers State in the Consolidated Revenue Funds to Ibas.

The second suit, marked: FHC/PH/CS/436/2025, filed by Pilex Centre for Civic Education Initiative and Courage Nsirimovu had Ibas as the sole defendant.

The suit, which also queried the legitimacy of Ibas’ appointment, prayed the court to, among others, restrain the administrator from appointing sole administrators for the state’s 23 Local Government Areas.

In the two rulings, Justice Omotosho upheld the objection raised by lawyers to the defendants, including Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN), who represented Ibas and dismissed the suits on the grounds of lack of jurisdiction and want of locus standi.

The judge expressed displeasure at the conduct of lawyers to the plaintiffs, who he noted failed to conduct adequate research before filing the suits.

Justice Omotosho said, ‘I must not fail to say here that counsel to the plaintiffs ought to make proper research regarding his case before filing the same.

‘He must make diligent research as to which court has jurisdiction and the necessary parties in that suit before filing his action.

‘Counsel has the duty to be professional in making such research rather than spending time spreading misinformation or painting the wrong picture on social media and other broadcast media.

‘This court is saddled with a lot of cases, including commercial, civil, and criminal matters, which makes its time very precious.

‘Filing suits which are void ab initio is inimical to the course of justice, and the court can suo motu non suit such a void suit to save its time.

‘I therefore hold that a void process cannot activate the jurisdiction of this court.

‘In the final analysis, the suit of the plaintiffs is outside the subject matter jurisdiction of this court, and the plaintiffs themselves lack locus standi to maintain this action.

‘Even if this court could exercise jurisdiction over this matter, the weight of evidence tilts heavily in favour of the defendants.

‘Consequently, this suit is hereby dismissed in its entirety,’ the judge said.

The Coalition of Independent Online Media Platforms has faulted a recent report published by Sahara Reporters, alleging that relatives of top political figures secured jobs at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) without due process.

The coalition, in a statement signed by its chairman, Olubade Jimoh, and secretary, Ibrahim Umar, described the September 29, 2025, publication titled ‘EXCLUSIVE: How Relatives of Senate President Akpabio, Speaker Abbas, Other Political Elites Secured NCC Jobs Without Due Process’ as misleading, politically motivated, and lacking in credibility.

According to the coalition, the story is a recycled narrative that had been previously addressed by the NCC months earlier, adding that Sahara Reporters failed to include the commission’s response.

‘This report, which attempts to malign the person and office of the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, is not only factually shallow but reeks of a coordinated attempt to undermine his credibility, incite distrust in public institutions, and ultimately set him at odds with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration,’ the statement read.

The group further faulted the report for failing to provide verifiable documents or proof to back its claims, insisting that it amounted to speculation rather than journalism.

‘It is especially ridiculous and indeed laughable that the report suggests Dr. Maida is seeking political relevance by allegedly working against the same President who appointed him. What relevance would a technocrat gain by joining forces with an opposition that holds no power at the center? The claim lacks both political logic and common sense,’ the coalition stated.

The group linked the publication to attempts by entrenched interests to frustrate ongoing reforms at the NCC under Dr. Maida, who, since assuming office, has introduced transparency-driven measures, including merit-based staff training allocations.

The coalition urged any aggrieved party with credible evidence of wrongdoing to petition relevant anti-corruption agencies or the National Assembly, instead of sponsoring what it called ‘blackmail through unverified media reports.’

‘As online publishers, we believe in press freedom and responsibility. We urge Sahara Reporters and others to verify claims before publication, rather than weaponizing journalism for political vendettas,’ the group added.

Reaffirming its support for the NCC boss, the coalition said Dr. Aminu Maida remains a dedicated public servant committed to implementing the Federal Government’s telecommunications mandate under President Tinubu.

‘Attempts to discredit him through unsubstantiated publications will not stand. We reject this smear campaign in its entirety and commend the Presidency for remaining focused on performance, not propaganda,’ the statement concluded.

The National Freedom Party (NEP) has faulted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for rejecting its application for registration as a political party, citing similarities between its logo, a zebra, and the horse logo of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

The party told reporters at its national Secretariat in Abuja where they raised concerns about the procedural mechanism used by INEC to reject their application.

According to Engr. Donnie Oluwafemi Akingbade, the National Publicity Secretary of the National Freedom Party, the party applied for registration in July 2023 and received an acknowledgment from INEC.

However, after more than two years without communication from INEC, the party was informed that their application had been rejected due to the alleged similarity between their logo and that of the SDP.

Akingbade pointed out that the party had complied with all the necessary requirements for registration as stipulated in the Electoral Act. He cited specific sections of the Act to show that the party had met all the conditions for registration and should have been granted approval by INEC.

The party’s Protem National Chairman, Dr. Anthony Harmattan, called on President Tinubu and the international community to intervene and ensure that the party is registered in accordance with the law. He warned that any further delay in the registration process could jeopardize the upcoming 2027 elections.

The National Freedom Party emphasised that their goal is to promote freedom and dignity for all Nigerians and work with the government to improve the lives of the people.

They urged INEC to reconsider their decision and register the party without further delay.

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Kano State Chapter, has called for collaboration by all stakeholders in tackling Nigeria’s challenges.

In his independence anniversary speech, Chairman, ACF Kano Chapter, Goni Faruk Umar, said the challenges before the country were formidable, including pervasive poverty, widespread unemployment, the scourge of insecurity, the menace of drug abuse, the decline in educational standards, and the erosion of moral values.

He, however, noted that these adversities were not a sentence of despair, calling on all to commit to purposeful action.

He said, ‘As a Forum consecrated to dialogue, unity, and service, the ACF asserts that our collective strength lies in our ability to build bridges across divides, nurture the potentials of our youth, and harness the abundant human and natural resources entrusted to us by Providence’.

He added, ‘Sixty-five years ago, our visionary founding fathers, through uncommon courage and sacrifice, secured for us the priceless gift of sovereignty. They bequeathed a Nation consecrated to the ideals of liberty, dignity, and collective destiny.

‘Today, as we commemorate their triumph, we must not merely luxuriate in nostalgia but renew our sacred covenant to safeguard their legacy and bequeath to posterity a Nigeria worthy of their dreams.

‘The narrative of our Nation is one of resilience and renaissance; a people who, despite trials of adversity and the tremors of division, have remained indivisible and resolute. Yet, independence will find its truest expression not in ceremonial remembrance but in the tangible realities of peace, prosperity, equity, and justice for every citizen irrespective of creed, culture, or circumstance’.

Umar called on parents and guardians to know that the crucible of Nigeria’s future is in their homes.

‘Guard your children, mentor them with love, and instil in them the virtues of discipline, honesty, and service. To our youth, we affirm: you are the pulsating heart of this Republic. Reject the snares of drugs and despair; embrace the path of knowledge, creativity, and productivity.

‘And to our leaders, we appeal: let integrity, vision, and statesmanship govern your stewardship, for history will measure us not by lofty rhetoric but by the lives we uplift and the destinies we transform.

‘The ACF Kano State Chapter remains unwavering in its resolve to empower communities, advance education, preserve our cultural heritage, and safeguard the peace and security of our people. We shall continue to be a voice of conscience, a pillar of unity, and a beacon of hope.

‘As we hoist our cherished green-white-green standard this day, let it be a solemn reminder that independence is not an end but an eternal journey of vigilance, sacrifice, and renewal,’ Umar said.