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The All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC), has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and the Bankers’ Committee for their role in the successful revamp and commissioning of the National Theatre at Iganmu in Lagos.

AFRIMA described the restoration of the cultural landmark as a bold step in safeguarding Nigeria’s creative heritage and empowering the arts sector.

The historic edifice, originally opened in 1976, has been revamped and upgraded as part of efforts to reposition Nigeria’s creative economy. The project, undertaken by the CBN and the Bankers’ Committee as part of their commitment to giving back to the nation, was commissioned during the country’s 65th Independence anniversary celebrations.

AFRIMA President and Executive Producer, Mike Dada, described the development as a milestone for Nigeria’s cultural industries and a symbol of renewed confidence in the creative sector.

‘The National Arts Theatre has played a crucial role in nurturing African creativity, serving for decades as a hub for music, theatre, film, and cultural festivals. Its revival speaks volumes about Nigeria’s vision and the dedication of stakeholders like the CBN and the Bankers’ Committee to supporting the creative economy. This is not just a building restored, but a renewal of cultural confidence and an investment in future generations of Nigerian and African talent,’ he said.

Beyond the theatre, AFRIMA used the occasion to congratulate Nigeria on its 65th anniversary of independence. Dada hailed the country’s resilience and influence in shaping Africa’s creative and cultural industries, pointing to its leadership in music, film, fashion and digital culture.

‘On behalf of the International Executive Committee of AFRIMA, I extend heartfelt congratulations to Nigeria as the country marks 65 years of independence. Nigeria remains a vital partner to AFRIMA and a key pillar of Africa’s cultural identity. Its creative energy continues to inspire not just the continent but the world,’ he added.

He noted that Nigeria’s role as host of the 9th AFRIMA has amplified African music on the global stage while promoting unity across the continent.

AFRIMA reaffirmed its commitment to promoting African music, nurturing young talent and using culture as a tool for continental pride and development.

The ninth AFRIMA Awards is organised in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC), the Federal Government of Nigeria, and Lagos State, the official host city.

Fans across Africa and the diaspora have also been reminded that voting is still ongoing at www.afrima.org/vote, with organisers urging the public to support their favourite artistes.

More opposition governors will soon join the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senate President Godswill Akpabio has said.

He stated this in his goodwill message at the presentation of a book titled: ‘Ten years of impactful leadership of the APC administration in Nigeria’, written by Governor Hope Uzodimma.

President Tinubu inaugurated some projects as part of the event.

The APC currently has 23 out of 36 governors as members.

Delta State Sheriff Oborevwori and Akwa Ibom State Govenor Umo Eno are the last to dump the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC.

Akpabio, according to a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, said: ‘Mr President, with what you have done in the last two years, get ready to receive more governors from the opposition parties.

‘As I speak, there are several governors in Nigeria today ready to be received by you.

‘The students, farmers and businessmen are all speaking on the various reforms you have brought into governance, which are now yielding results, in the overall interest and benefit of the people.

‘If we say it, they will accuse us of rubber-stamping your achievements, but the beneficiaries are the ones talking about what you have done.’

Erstwhile Green Eagles captain and respected sports administrator, Segun Odegbami, has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his commitment to sports development, describing his administration as the most supportive of Nigerian sports since 1979.

Fielding questions at The Platform Lagos, a thought-leadership forum themed ‘Rebuilding Our Nation’ , Odegbami stressed that sports hold a ‘spiritual power that can unify the country, transform lives, and cut across every sector of development.’

He said the country’s bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games is in the right direction, adding sports have become a good tool in reshaping the society as evidenced in many climes.

He said matter-of-factly: ‘With the preparations taking seven years and what it impacts cutting across the whole spectrum of life, we need to take sport more seriously.

‘The power in it is almost spiritual. When a goal is scored, it’s just a goal, but the whole country celebrates as if it’s a victory for everyone. That is power we must convert into something positive.’

The 1980 AFCON winner described sport as more than just entertainment, noting its influence on health, agriculture, engineering, law, and the media. He, however, lamented that Nigeria has continued to underutilize this vast potential.

Dwelling further on the bid for the Centenary Commonwealth Games, Odegbami acknowledged past failures such as the ‘reckless spending’ on the 2003 African Games, but expressed optimism under the current administration.

‘I have seen that President Tinubu has injected more money than any other president since 1979 into sports,’ he said. ‘He has brought in two young people(leadership of the National Sports Commission in Shehu Dikko and Bukola Olopade), with a vision we can identify with. If they put in place a proper board with respected Nigerians, there is a very good possibility that the Commonwealth Games could open up opportunities such as we never had before.’

Beyond sports development, Odegbami also reflected on Nigeria’s broader potential, urging citizens to believe in the country’s ability to lead Africa and the world.

‘Nigeria could be the greatest country in the world,’ he declared. ‘The evidence is all around us. Afro musicians are dominating the world, and the future belongs to Africa. We must believe it can be done.’

As Nigeria marks 65 years of independence, the ex-international also called on Nigerians to rally behind the Super Eagles ahead of their World Cup qualifiers.

‘It is unthinkable that in the past two years we have produced the two greatest players in Africa, yet we cannot qualify for the World Cup. Let’s support the Super Eagles. Let’s believe in them,’ noted Odegbami who earned the nickname ‘Mathematical’ for his precision in front of the goal post and brilliant style of play.

Imo state-born para Tennis sensation, Chituru Nwaozuzu is excited after winning two Tennis competitions in Lagos and hoping to make it a hat trick of triumphs when she takes part in the CBN Tennis Tournament which serves off today also in Lagos.

Nwaozuzu won the VEMP Tennis Championship beating Chika Enwerem in the final in straight sets of 6-2, 6-1 before adding Devnotch Tennis Championship to her collection a few days later.

The multiple National Sports Festival Medallists told NationSport that she was motivated to attend the championships by the Imo State Commissioner for Sports, Honourable Obinna Onyeocha who ensured she attended the competitions along with Vivian Ozurumba whom she beat in the semi-final 6-1, 6-2 at the Devnotch Championship, and Immaculate Achuluiwu.

‘I am more than happy to win both competitions because I didn’t train much coming to the competitions but my willpower to win and sheer determination to succeed saw me through,’ Nwaozuzu told NationSport.

‘I have won two already and I am still going for the third which starts tomorrow (today). I am ready to give my all to ensure I win.’

Meanwhile, Imo State Sports Commissioner, Hon. Obinna Onyeocha, has challenged athletes with special abilities from the state to aim for excellence at their ongoing championship in Lagos.

Onyeocha, who praised their determination, assured them of the government’s continued support.

He thumbed up the performance of Nwaozuzu who has already won two championships and gunning for the third.

The Federal Housing Authority (FHA) Mortgage Bank said it has secured over N27 billion in housing loans for 3,427 Nigerians through the National Housing Fund (NHF) scheme, describing the milestone as a major step toward bridging the country’s wide housing finance gap.

The bank further disclosed that in addition to the NHF window, more than 6,000 Nigerians have accessed mortgages through the Pension Commission’s Retirement Savings Account (RSA) window in just two years since the initiative was introduced, underscoring its growing role in unlocking affordable homeownership.

The disclosures were made at the commissioning of the bank’s newly built head office complex in Gwarinpa, Abuja. The event marked a new phase in the bank’s expansion drive and was attended by stakeholders in housing finance, top government officials, and representatives of the banking and construction industries.

Chairman of the bank’s Board and Managing Director of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), Hon. Oyetunde Oladimeji Ojo, commended the leadership of the FHA Mortgage Bank for what he described as ‘resilience, dedication and a practical commitment to delivering housing finance solutions to Nigerians.’

Ojo said the commissioning of the new headquarters is not just an infrastructural upgrade but also a signal of the bank’s readiness to compete nationally. He revealed that one of his top priorities for the institution is to secure a national commercial banking licence to broaden access to housing finance for millions of Nigerians still outside the formal mortgage system.

‘We are determined to see this bank evolve into a truly national player in mortgage and housing finance. That is why we are pursuing the commercial banking licence as a legacy project – to give more Nigerians the opportunity to access affordable housing finance,’ he said.

The Managing Director of FHA Mortgage Bank, Dr Hayatudeen Awwal, described the N27 billion loan approvals as a ‘milestone achievement’ in the bank’s mission to deliver affordable housing finance to ordinary Nigerians. He noted that the approvals are already changing lives by enabling thousands of contributors to the NHF to become homeowners across the country.

‘Through the NHF window, we secured approvals worth N27 billion on behalf of 3,427 eligible Nigerians to own homes nationwide. In addition, through the PENCOM RSA window, we facilitated access to mortgages for well over 6,000 Nigerians within just 24 months of its commencement,’ Awwal stated.

He stressed that the achievement demonstrates the bank’s growing capacity to serve the country’s massive housing needs, particularly among middle-income earners, civil servants, and young professionals, who he said form the backbone of Nigeria’s housing demand but often face the steepest barriers in accessing long-term mortgage finance.

Awwal said the bank’s progress reflects its close collaboration with the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) and other stakeholders in the housing finance ecosystem.

He added that the FHA Mortgage Bank has also been instrumental in delivering residential units in states such as Delta, Kano, Kaduna, Ogun and others, through partnerships with the Family Homes Funds and private developers.

The bank chief revealed that work is already underway to transform the FHA Mortgage Bank into a full-fledged national commercial bank, which would allow it to offer a wider range of products and services to a broader spectrum of Nigerians. According to him, discussions with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on the licensing process have commenced.

As part of its growth strategy, Awwal said the bank plans to open at least 20 new branches across the country within the next two years, increase its loan portfolio to N100 billion, and grow its active customer base to over 100,000 families.

He added that the new head office complex in Abuja represents more than a physical expansion; it reflects the bank’s ambition to become a key driver of Nigeria’s housing finance market and a credible partner to federal and state governments, as well as private developers.

Stakeholders at the commissioning event noted that the bank’s recent achievements highlight the importance of robust institutional frameworks for affordable housing delivery.

They observed that Nigeria’s housing deficit, estimated at over 20 million units, can only be addressed through sustained efforts to widen access to affordable mortgage products, reduce financing costs, and expand the reach of housing finance to underserved communities.

Security operatives have taken over the People’s Democratic Secretariat in Akwa Ibom to forestall any breakdown of law and order.

The development followed claims and counted claims of the dissolution of the State Working Committee (SWC) by the National Working Committee of the Party (NWC).

The National Publicity Secretary of PDP Debo Ologunagba dissolved the state exco and appointing a 31-member caretaker committee.

But the National Secretary of the party Senator Samuel Anyanwu issued a counter statement, declaring there was no NWC meeting where such decision was taken.

Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom state Àniekan Akpan described the purported sack of his executive by the National Working Committee of the party(NWC) as illegal.

He declared the state exco as intact till, stating they will serve out the four-year tenure which they were elected, adding that divisive elements within the party are working hard to kill the PDP in the state.

He told reporters on Thursday: ‘The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State wishes to address a recent wave of misinformation circulating on social media platforms, particularly on Facebook, claiming the dissolution of our duly elected State Executive Committee (Exco). We categorically state that these reports are not only false but also unconstitutional’.

Akpan, who was surrounded by all the purportedly sacked exco members, explained the PDP is governed by the rule of law and guided by the party constitution adding that the Exco members were elected in a well constituted state Congress for a fix term of 4 years .

Akpan further explained that some of the Exco members were falsely listed in the new Caretaker Committee without their consent.

He said the NWC that allegedly sacked them never had any formal meeting before they settled on the such decision adding that the PDP National Secretary has issued a press statement in that regard .

Akpan appealed to party members , supporters and general public to disregard the false report and remain committed to the lawful leadership of the party in Akwa Ibom state .

The party chairman said he would continue to be identified with Governor Umo Eno as the governor is not only the leader of APC but leading entire state across party lines

‘ The party can not separate us from Governor Umo Eno . He is the governor for all . Nobody can say we have engaged in anti party by hobnobbing with the Governor,’ he said

The Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), Topo, Badagry, has announced the selection of its Director-General, Mrs. Funke Adepoju, as the 2025/2026 Visiting Fellow of the AIG-Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford.

Mrs. Adepoju, a seasoned administrator and reform advocate, brings to Oxford a wealth of leadership experience as a senior public servant and former Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission. She now joins an exclusive group of distinguished Nigerians who have received this prestigious fellowship since its inception, following in the footsteps of Professor Attahiru Jega (former INEC Chairman) and Mrs. Ifueko Omoigui-Okauru (former FIRS Chairman).

In her current role as Director-General of ASCON, Mrs. Adepoju is driving an ambitious agenda to reposition Nigeria’s premier Management Development Institute from a traditional training provider into a national reform hub and reform accelerator.

Her focus is on linking capacity building with reform outcomes, embedding digital governance into public sector training, and fostering partnerships that align with Nigeria’s Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2025 (FCSSIP-25) and the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Speaking on the fellowship, Mrs. Adepoju expressed her excitement:

‘This opportunity is not just personal, it is national. The AIG-Blavatnik Fellowship provides a global platform to rethink how Management Training Institutes can evolve into reform accelerators. I am determined to leverage this experience to strengthen ASCON as Nigeria’s reform hub, and to contribute to Africa’s broader governance transformation.’

The AIG-Blavatnik School of Government Visiting Fellowship is awarded annually to outstanding accomplished public servants from West Africa to undertake academic reflection, research, and global exchange at the University of Oxford.

Nigerians seeking to safeguard and grow their wealth are being urged to look beyond local markets as Dubai rolls out attractive real estate opportunities with dollar-denominated returns, no taxes, and long-term residency through the Golden Visa scheme.

This came to the fore as LifeCard Group, a Nigerian real estate and investment company, opened a new branch office in Dubai in partnership with Azizi Developments, one of the emirate’s leading private developers, to give Nigerians seamless access to offshore property markets.

The expansion, is described as a milestone for wealth creation, sustainability, and transfer.

At the inaugural cocktail reception in Lagos, the Group Chief Executive Officer of LifeCard International, Mrs. Grace Ofure Ibhakhomu, said the initiative was aimed at giving wealthy Nigerians credible access to offshore real estate opportunities with high dollar returns and investor protection.

‘Dubai has shown consistent economic strength, with its currency remaining stable for over 38 years. It is an environment where investors can enjoy capital appreciation of over 10 percent, without the burden of tax, while securing long-term value for themselves and their families.’Mrs. Ibhakhomu said.

She noted that LifeCard’s decision to establish presence in Dubai was also informed by the emirate’s reputation as a safe haven for global investors.

‘Dubai is very safe. Over 516 nationalities coexist peacefully, and the government has created strong laws to protect investors. Even countries at war still have their citizens living together in Dubai. That stability is why global names like Donald Trump are building towers there,’ she explained.

Explaining the choice of Azizi Developments as a partner, Mrs. Ibhakhomu said the company’s track record of credibility and investor-centered approach made it the right fit for Nigerians.

‘Azizi is an investor-driven company. They don’t just build and hand over properties; they manage rentals, resales, and ensure investors get their returns. That kind of structure builds trust,’ she said.

She added that Azizi’s openness to diversity was also a factor. ‘Azizi employs many Nigerians, including women who now hold key leadership positions. For me as a patriotic Nigerian, that was significant. It shows they are homely and progressive,’ she said.

Mrs. Ibhakhomu further highlighted that Nigerians who invest up to $550,000 in Dubai properties are eligible for the 10-year Golden Visa, which allows them and their families to live, work, and study freely in the UAE.

‘Concerns about visa restrictions do not apply to investors,’ she stressed. ‘With the Golden Visa, investors can move freely in and out of Dubai with their families. This gives Nigerians peace of mind knowing their wealth and family’s future are secured.’

The LifeCard boss, who recently completed a global real estate investment programme at Harvard, said her goal was to encourage Nigerians to diversify their wealth beyond local opportunities.

‘It’s important to plan offshore while also investing at home. Wealth creation is about balance, sustainability, and transfer. LifeCard exists to bridge the gap by connecting Nigerians to safe and profitable global real estate markets,’ she said.

Also speaking, Regional Director of Azizi Developments, Mr. Saad Khaled, said the company had delivered over 40 top-notch projects since its establishment in 2008 and was excited to leverage its partnership with LifeCard to expand into the Nigerian market.

‘Investment in Dubai means securing your future in dollar terms. Unlike currencies that fluctuate in value, Dubai’s dirham has remained stable for decades. Nigerians who invest with us are guaranteed solid returns and security,’ Khaled said.

Similarly, Mrs. Ngozi Franca Onuneyere, Sales Director at Azizi Developments, urged Nigerians to take advantage of the opportunity to diversify their wealth.

‘Investing in Dubai gives you hard currency earnings, long-term security, and benefits such as property and health insurance, and the ability to sponsor your children in Canadian, American, or British universities in Dubai,’ she said.

Onuneyere, a Nigerian who has worked in Dubai for over a decade, said her passion was to ensure her compatriots’ investments are safe. ‘I fight for Nigerians in my company because I know what it means to bring money from Nigeria to invest abroad. I want to ensure their properties are delivered on time and they get rental returns as promised,’ she added.

In her keynote, Co-Founder and Deputy Managing Director of Falcon Corporation,

Mrs. Audrey Joe-Ezigbo, underscored the importance of real estate as a vehicle for generational wealth.

‘When we look at our society, we discover that many wealthy families have been embroiled in property disputes for years, sometimes sliding into poverty as a result. Investing wisely in real estate, especially in stable markets like Dubai, removes that risk,’ she said.

Joe-Ezigbo urged Nigerians to think beyond local investments and embrace global diversification. ‘We don’t need to go the risky route of putting all our eggs in one basket. In this age of globalization, investing in dollars is the safest valve for a prosperous future,’ she added.

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has urged Nigerians to embrace a renewed sense of responsibility and patriotism.

Its Director-General , Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, in his message, asked Nigerians to look beyond the ceremonial celebrations and seek for value-driven citizenship that reflect the ideals upon which the country was founded.

Lanre-Onilu in a statement by Mr. Paul Odenyi, Deputy Director, Communication and Media also called on citizens to use the moment to reflect deeply on what it means to be a Nigerian – drawing strength from the nation’s diversity, resilience, and shared aspirations for unity, peace, and progress.

The statement reads in part: ‘Issa-Onilu stressed that Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary presents Nigerians with another opportunity to rededicate their lives to the core national values of discipline, integrity, self-reliance, and social justice.

‘The future of Nigeria depends not just on leaders in office, but on how every citizen chooses to uphold these values in everyday life,’ he said.

Highlighting President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing efforts to revive the economy, he urged Nigerians to embrace this year’s celebration as a call to deepen their commitment to nation-building through civic responsibility, volunteerism, and active community participation.

‘He noted that true patriotism is demonstrated not only through symbolic acts but also in the daily conduct of citizens, by upholding national values, showing respect for national symbols, and adhering to the rule of law.

‘Issa-Onilu also charged institutions of learning, faith-based organisations, traditional rulers, and civil society groups to use the occasion to lead community conversations around national identity, cultural preservation, and the importance of active citizenship in a democratic society.

‘He reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to sustained advocacy for civic values, public awareness on government programmes, and national unity, urging Nigerians, both at home and in the diaspora, to proudly reaffirm their allegiance to the nation and work collectively towards building the Nigeria of our dreams.’

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced recoveries worth over N364.5 billion and $326.5 million, alongside more than 4,000 convictions within the past year.

According to the Commission, the figures covered 2023 and last year, during which it also monitored the disbursement of government’s intervention funds.

These include the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (PL-CNG) scheme, NG-CARES, NACA Global Fund, SESET, AMCON loans, and a range of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) facilities such as COVID-19 support packages and conversion loans with 15 per cent cover.