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On a quiet street corner in Kano, a woman named Amina sits under a faded umbrella, shaping crunchy, golden spirals of kuli-kuli from freshly roasted groundnuts. It’s a craft she learned from her grandmother, who sold the same snack at the local market half a century ago.

The recipe hasn’t changed – just groundnuts, salt, and fire – yet the context around it has. Where once her small batch-fed neighbours and passersby, today it’s part of a growing wave of consumer demand for healthy, natural, locally made snacks.

From Lagos to Jos, Nsukka to Maiduguri, the same scene plays out with small differences: plantain chips sizzling in palm oil, spiced coconut flakes drying in the sun, or cassava crisps bagged by hand for sale on dusty shelves.

These are Nigeria’s indigenous snacks – a rich, flavourful part of our culinary story – but they have long been dismissed as ‘low-end,’ ‘informal,’ or ‘too local’ to matter in a modern economy.

That mindset is changing. And in that change lies one of the most overlooked growth stories in Nigeria’s food economy. From Street Corners to Supermarkets: The Rise of Local Snacking

Snacking is no longer just about convenience – it’s about health, identity, and experience. Across the world, consumers are rejecting ultra-processed, imported snacks in favour of options that are more nutritious, traceable, and culturally authentic. Global demand for healthy snacks is expected to reach $152 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 6.6%.

Nigeria, with its youthful population (over 60% under the age of 25) and rising urban middle class, is part of that trend. The country’s snacks market is already estimated to be worth over ?500 billion ($320 million) and growing rapidly. Yet, most of that value is captured by imported brands – from potato chips to candy bars – even though local alternatives often outperform them on nutrition, sustainability, and flavour.

‘We’ve underestimated the snack economy because we’ve underestimated ourselves,’ says Ifeoma Eze, a food systems economist. ‘Our local snacks are not just food; they’re vehicles for nutrition security, rural income, and cultural storytelling.’

The Forgotten Power of Traditional Snacks

The irony is that many Nigerian snacks – once seen as ‘poor man’s food’ – are exactly what global health trends are demanding.

Kuli-kuli, made from groundnuts, is rich in plant-based protein and healthy fats.

Coconut chips and tigernut snacks are gluten-free, high in fibre, and appeal to paleo and keto consumers.

Plantain chips are a low-sugar, potassium-rich alternative to conventional potato crisps.

Cassava-based snacks cater to the growing demand for gluten-free, indigenous grains.

These are not just nostalgic street foods – they’re functional snacks with real nutritional value, capable of competing with, or even outperforming, imported products on global shelves.

But while the world is ready, most of Nigeria’s snack makers are not. They remain informal, undercapitalised, and disconnected from the infrastructure that could help them scale. Packaging, shelf-life extension, food safety standards, and brand storytelling – these are often the missing links preventing a local favourite from becoming a global export.

The White House has announced a 20-point proposal it says could immediately halt Israel’s devastating war on Gaza, which has killed more than 66,000 Palestinians and left much of the enclave in ruins. Under the plan, fighting would stop at once if both sides agree. All captives held in Gaza – alive or dead – would be returned within 72 hours, while Israel would release Palestinian prisoners in exchange. The proposal also outlines a post-war political framework: Gaza would be temporarily administered by a Palestinian technocratic government with no role for Hamas. Israel, in turn, would pledge not to annex the territory. The full text of the proposal, published by Al Jazeera, sets out the following points:

Gaza will be a deradicalised terror-free zone that does not pose a threat to its neighbours.

Gaza will be redeveloped for the benefit of the people of Gaza, who have suffered more than enough.

If both sides agree to this proposal, the war will immediately end. Israeli forces will withdraw to the agreed upon line to prepare for a hostage release. During this time, all military operations, including aerial and artillery bombardment, will be suspended, and battle lines will remain frozen until conditions are met for the complete staged withdrawal.

Within 72 hours of Israel publicly accepting this agreement, all hostages, alive and deceased, will be returned.

Once all hostages are released, Israel will release 250 life sentence prisoners plus 1,700 Gazans who were detained after October 7th 2023, including all women and children detained in that context. For every Israeli hostage whose remains are released, Israel will release the remains of 15 deceased Gazans.

Once all hostages are returned, Hamas members who commit to peaceful co-existence and to decommission their weapons will be given amnesty. Members of Hamas who wish to leave Gaza will be provided safe passage to receiving countries.

Upon acceptance of this agreement, full aid will be immediately sent into the Gaza Strip. At a minimum, aid quantities will be consistent with what was included in the January 19, 2025, agreement regarding humanitarian aid, including rehabilitation of infrastructure (water, electricity, sewage), rehabilitation of hospitals and bakeries, and entry of necessary equipment to remove rubble and open roads.

Entry of distribution and aid in the Gaza Strip will proceed without interference from the two parties through the United Nations and its agencies, and the Red Crescent, in addition to other international institutions not associated in any manner with either party. Opening the Rafah crossing in both directions will be subject to the same mechanism implemented under the January 19, 2025, agreement.

Gaza will be governed under the temporary transitional governance of a technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee, responsible for delivering the day-to-day running of public services and municipalities for the people in Gaza. This committee will be made up of qualified Palestinians and international experts, with oversight and supervision by a new international transitional body, the ‘Board of Peace,’ which will be headed and chaired by President Donald J Trump, with other members and heads of State to be announced, including Former Prime Minister Tony Blair. This body will set the framework and handle the funding for the redevelopment of Gaza until such time as the Palestinian Authority has completed its reform program, as outlined in various proposals, including President Trump’s peace plan in 2020 and the Saudi-French proposal, and can securely and effectively take back control of Gaza. This body will call on best international standards to create modern and efficient governance that serves the people of Gaza and is conducive to attracting investment.

A Trump economic development plan to rebuild and energize Gaza will be created by convening a panel of experts who have helped birth some of the thriving modern miracle cities in the Middle East. Many thoughtful investment proposals and exciting development ideas have been crafted by well-meaning international groups, and will be considered to synthesize the security and governance frameworks to attract and facilitate these investments that will create jobs, opportunity, and hope for future Gaza.

A special economic zone will be established with preferred tariff and access rates to be negotiated with participating countries.

No one will be forced to leave Gaza, and those who wish to leave will be free to do so and free to return. We will encourage people to stay and offer them the opportunity to build a better Gaza.

Hamas and other factions agree to not have any role in the governance of Gaza, directly, indirectly, or in any form. All military, terror, and offensive infrastructure, including tunnels and weapon production facilities, will be destroyed and not rebuilt. There will be a process of demilitarization of Gaza under the supervision of independent monitors, which will include placing weapons permanently beyond use through an agreed process of decommissioning, and supported by an internationally funded buy back and reintegration program all verified by the independent monitors. New Gaza will be fully committed to building a prosperous economy and to peaceful coexistence with their neighbors.

A guarantee will be provided by regional partners to ensure that Hamas, and the factions, comply with their obligations and that New Gaza poses no threat to its neighbors or its people.

The United States will work with Arab and international partners to develop a temporary International Stabilization Force (ISF) to immediately deploy in Gaza. The ISF will train and provide support to vetted Palestinian police forces in Gaza, and will consult with Jordan and Egypt who have extensive experience in this field. This force will be the long-term internal security solution. The ISF will work with Israel and Egypt to help secure border areas, along with newly trained Palestinian police forces. It is critical to prevent munitions from entering Gaza and to facilitate the rapid and secure flow of goods to rebuild and revitalize Gaza. A deconfliction mechanism will be agreed upon by the parties.

Israel will not occupy or annex Gaza. As the ISF establishes control and stability, the [Israeli military] will withdraw based on standards, milestones, and timeframes linked to demilitarization that will be agreed upon between the [Israeli military], ISF, the guarantors, and the Unites States, with the objective of a secure Gaza that no longer poses a threat to Israel, Egypt, or its citizens. Practically, the [Israeli military] will progressively hand over the Gaza territory it occupies to the ISF according to an agreement they will make with the transitional authority until they are withdrawn completely from Gaza, save for a security perimeter presence that will remain until Gaza is properly secure from any resurgent terror threat.

In the event Hamas delays or rejects this proposal, the above, including the scaled-up aid operation, will proceed in the terror-free areas handed over from the [Israeli military] to the ISF.

An interfaith dialogue process will be established based on the values of tolerance and peaceful co-existence to try and change mindsets and narratives of Palestinians and Israelis by emphasizing the benefits that can be derived from peace.

While Gaza re-development advances and when the PA reform program is faithfully carried out, the conditions may finally be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood, which we recognize as the aspiration of the Palestinian people.

The United States will establish a dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians to agree on a political horizon for peaceful and prosperous co-existence.

BlockDAG has raised over $410 million in its presale, selling more than 26.4 billion coins. The current batch 30 price is $0.03, yet allocations remain available at $0.0013, highlighting why many buyers view it as one of the best crypto to buy now. Beyond presale momentum, BlockDAG (BDAG) is adopting a strategy that integrates sponsorship and cultural visibility, becoming the exclusive blockchain partner of the BWT Alpine F1 team.

This positions the protocol alongside global sports audiences while reinforcing its technical narrative of speed and scalability. Compared to privacy-focused Monero and institution-aligned Algorand, BlockDAG’s BWT Alpine F1® partnership highlights how brand integration could be a differentiator in the race for top crypto coins 2025.

BlockDAG: Sponsorship as a Growth Engine

BlockDAG’s multi-year sponsorship of the BWT Alpine F1® team is more than a marketing decision. It ensures that the brand is featured during race weekends, through fan simulators, on-track interactive experiences, and curated digital activations. This brings Web3 exposure into the same cultural conversations as motorsport, where performance and precision define the narrative.

For buyers wondering what crypto to invest in, this integration matters. It translates blockchain from abstract code to a tangible, high-visibility experience. The timing is also critical, with the Grand Prix ensuring maximum overlap between crypto audiences and mainstream sports fans.

Numbers back BlockDAG’s positioning. With more than $410 million raised and 26.4 billion coins sold, the project has already demonstrated market demand. The opportunity to buy at $0.0013 despite the batch 30 price of $0.03 highlights the current entry advantage.

While Monero and Algorand rely on price levels and institutional thresholds, BlockDAG is combining strong presale economics with cultural sponsorships. This dual foundation strengthens its argument as one of the top crypto coins 2025, particularly for those seeking both visibility and adoption potential.

Monero: Privacy as a Niche Advantage

Monero remains one of the most resilient privacy-focused assets in the crypto sector. Trading between $280 and $300 in September 2025, it has gained roughly 45% year-to-date. Analysts see potential upside toward $350 by the end of 2025, driven by demand for anonymity and upgrades like Seraphis. For buyers who prioritize what crypto to invest in for privacy, Monero offers long-term relevance.

Yet the asset’s appeal is concentrated among users seeking financial confidentiality, and its growth is limited by regulatory pressure and lack of mainstream brand exposure. In contrast, BlockDAG’s sponsorship strategy brings it into wider cultural visibility, something Monero does not prioritize.

Algorand: Stability with Institutional Leanings

Algorand trades near $0.25, a critical level for both technical and psychological reasons. Analysts note that if ALGO breaks above this threshold, bullish targets between $0.33 and $0.57 become realistic. Institutional interest has been encouraged by the launch of governance initiatives like the xGov Council, as well as by on-chain activity metrics such as NVT and whale flows. This underlines Algorand’s attempt to secure credibility with larger buyers.

However, regulatory concerns and competition from other Layer-1s remain obstacles. For those comparing what crypto to invest in, Algorand’s institutional path offers stability but lacks the cultural spark of BlockDAG’s BWT Alpine alignment.

Sponsorship vs Privacy vs Institutional Support

When considering top crypto coins 2025, the different strategies become clear. BlockDAG’s BWT Alpine sponsorship integrates blockchain into mainstream culture, using sports and media visibility to attract both institutional attention and grassroots adoption. Monero continues to specialize in privacy, offering strong resilience but limited reach.

Algorand focuses on institutional support and governance mechanisms, but remains vulnerable to regulatory challenges and slower ecosystem traction. BlockDAG’s model of combining technical reliability with cultural positioning offers a broader pathway, balancing presale traction with global exposure.

What makes BlockDAG unique is its ability to merge financial performance with physical presence. By leveraging Formula 1® partnerships, race-weekend fan experiences, and presale momentum, it provides buyers with both quantifiable ROI and qualitative adoption signals.

While Monero may reach $350 and Algorand may break higher thresholds, neither project offers the same blend of lifestyle integration and technical scalability. For buyers evaluating the best crypto to buy now, BlockDAG offers a multi-layered opportunity, positioned between retail visibility and institutional legitimacy.

The Bottom Line

The question of what crypto to invest in is not answered by price charts alone. BlockDAG’s over $410 million presale and partnership with the BWT Alpine F1 team create a unique blend of adoption strategy and brand visibility. Monero continues to excel in privacy with steady price growth toward $350, while Algorand builds institutional credibility around its $0.25 support level. Yet among these three, BlockDAG stands out by combining infrastructure strength with global cultural activation.

For buyers evaluating top crypto coins 2025 and identifying the best crypto to buy now, BlockDAG’s sponsorship strategy offers a broader, more compelling path to long-term adoption and value creation.

Sixty-five years after independence, Nigeria’s telecommunications sector reflects both the nation’s remarkable progress and its unfinished struggles.

From colonial telegraphs in the late 19th century to a digital ecosystem with more than 220 million active lines today, telecoms have become a powerful driver of economic inclusion and innovation.

Yet stubborn gaps, including vandalism, broadband shortfalls, power deficits, multiple taxation, and regulatory hurdles, amongst others, continue to dim the gains.

From telegraphs to 172m lines

Nigeria’s telecoms journey began in 1886 when Cable and Wireless established the first telegraphic link. At independence in 1960, just 18,724 fixed telephone lines served a population of 40 million. The department of Posts and Telecommunications oversaw the network, which remained limited and unreliable. Ambitious targets under the First National Development Plan (1962-1968) sought to expand coverage, but the civil war stunted progress, leaving results at less than half of projections. The 1970s and 1980s brought incremental growth, but service was still costly and inefficient.

A turning point came in 1985 with the merger of the Posts and Telecommunications Department and Nigerian External Telecommunications into Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL), a state monopoly. NITEL struggled to deliver efficient service, and by the late 1980s, reforms were overdue.

The 1988 Privatization and Commercialization Decree signaled change, but meaningful liberalisation only arrived in the 1990s. The creation of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in 1992 opened the door to competition, while the 2000 National Telecommunications Policy under president Olusegun Obasanjo dismantled NITEL’s monopoly. GSM licensing in 2001 marked the dawn of a new era.

GSM era sparks growth

Operators like MTN and Globacom transformed Nigeria’s telecoms landscape almost overnight. In 2001, fewer than half a million lines existed. Today, subscriptions is about 172 million, according to NCC latest data. Telecoms now contribute roughly 14 percent of GDP, enabling e-commerce, fintech, and social connectivity on a scale unimaginable a generation ago.

Infrastructure milestones such as Glo-1, the first submarine cable fully owned by an African operator, showcased Nigeria’s ambition to connect globally.

The Nigerian Communications Act of 2003 cemented a strong regulatory framework, ensuring competition and attracting massive private investment.

Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda

Since May 2023, telecommunications has taken on greater prominence under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Bosun Tijani, minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, has championed a 2023-2027 Strategic Blueprint anchored on five pillars: knowledge, policy, infrastructure, innovation, and trade.

The results are already visible. More than 117,000 Nigerians have been trained under the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program, exceeding early targets. Global partnerships have been struck with MTN, Airtel, the European Union, and UNDP, while Nigeria launched a National AI Strategy to position itself as a continental leader in emerging technologies.

Investor confidence has returned, buoyed by policy moves such as scrapping the controversial five percent telecom tax and approving tariff adjustments. Foreign direct investment in ICT surged nine-fold from $22 million to $191 million in the first quarter of 2024. Operators, too, are doubling down: MTN Nigeria has pledged N1 trillion in capital expenditure for 2025 alone. ‘Stable policies and regulatory clarity are enabling us to reinvest in quality of service. It is a testament to how far the sector has come and how much more it can deliver,’ said Karl Toriola, chief executive officer of MTN Nigeria.

Broadband, power gaps, vandalism persist

Despite progress, major gaps persist. Broadband penetration stood at 48.81 percent in August 2025, far short of the 70 percent target set in the National Broadband Plan. Rural communities remain underserved, hobbled by power shortages, multiple taxation, and right-of-way bottlenecks.

The World Bank estimates that Nigeria’s infrastructure gap costs the economy $29 billion annually. Power shortages alone erode quality of service, with telecom operators spending heavily on diesel to run approximately 40,000 sites nationwide.

Gbenga Adebayo, chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), warned that systemic barriers remain. ‘Multiple taxation, vandalism and high cost of Right of Way are still major problems that need to be addressed to encourage more investments,’ he said. Ambitious projects ahead

Government officials insist solutions are in the pipeline. Later this year, the administration plans to roll out Project BRIDGE, a $2 billion, 90,000-kilometre national fibre network, alongside 7,000 new towers, 80 percent of which will serve underserved areas.

Other initiatives include e-governance platforms, Talent City innovation hubs, and expansion of the 3MTT program to train more digital workers.

‘We believe we should build and are building a resilient global system to ensure Nigeria is not just keeping pace with digital infrastructure but also strengthening it,’ Tijani said.

NCC’s policy-to-law legacy

For the NCC, Nigeria’s telecoms story has always rested on strong policy foundations. Aminu Maida, the commission’s executive vice chairman, recalled that the National Telecommunications Policy (2000) paved the way for the Nigerian Communications Act (2003), which transformed connectivity.

‘We moved from about 500,000 fixed lines to almost 80 million active lines in under a decade. Competition drove innovation and affordability; even with recent tariff adjustments, the average price per minute remains below the N50 per minute level at the dawn of GSM,’ Maida said.

Newer policies, including the National Policy on 5G, the National Broadband Plan (2020-2025) and the National Cybersecurity Policy, are shaping today’s landscape. Meanwhile, indigenous content and online child protection frameworks are in early stages of implementation.

Looking ahead, Maida said the NCC’s focus will be on expanding fibre-to-buildings, ensuring affordable high-speed connectivity, and building resilience against vandalism and infrastructure disruptions. ‘Our goal is a robust, resilient, safe, and secure internet for all citizens, businesses, and government,’ he stated.

As Nigeria reflects on its independence milestone, the telecoms sector stands as both a symbol of progress and a reminder of unfinished business. From 18,724 lines in 1960 to 172 million active subscriptions today, the sector’s trajectory underscores the transformative power of connectivity.

But broadband gaps, power shortages, and policy hurdles still hold back its full potential. Closing those gaps and ensuring equitable access may well define how completely telecoms can deliver on the promise of inclusion in Africa’s largest economy.

Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited (MESL), in a bid to advance the Nigerian energy landscape has signed an agreement with Granville Energy (PTY) Limited to design, build, finance, and operate a 100MW floating solar power plant at the Kainji hydro power plant.

Speaking during the signing ceremony in Abuja on Tuesday, Sani Bello, Chairman, Board of Directors, Mainstream Energy Solutions, said that the project is a significant step forward in the company’s mission to transform Nigeria’s energy landscape.

He explained that when fully operational, the project would provide thousands of Nigerian homes and businesses with clean, reliable energy, supporting economic developmen while minimizing environmental impact. ‘We are proud to partner with Granville Energy (PTY) Limited, to design, build, finance, and operate a 100MW floating solar power plant at the Kainji hydro power plant. This pioneer project, embodies our unwavering commitment to increasing power generation in Nigeria while promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions.

‘As an organisation. we have consistently demonstrated our commitment to renewable energy, aligning this with our mission statement and the focus areas of our Corporate Social Responsibility interventions. This MOU signing is a testament of our resolve to drive positive change and contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth. ‘This aligns perfectly with our core objective: powering Nigeria’s economic growth in an environmentally responsible manner,’ he said.

Abba Aliyu, Managing Director, Renewable Electrification Agency (REA) noted that Nigeria currently has a highest number of people without electricity, with most of these people located in the rural and urban areas of the country.

For him, the most economically viable means of providing them this electricity is through distributed renewable energy, through the deployment of renewable sources.

‘For us to have an opportunity where 100 megawatts of renewable energy can be injected into the grid, for us this is a huge and significant increase in the renewable mix of the country. I will say that apart from the Azura that was 450 megawatts that was added as a Greenfield, and Zungeru, which mainstream is very much active in managing that, there is not any significant renewable capacity that is added into the grid.

‘Initially Rural Electrification Agency currently is working on injecting about 188.4 megawatts through interconnected mini-grids, one of which we intend to be the first that will do the floating solar in the University of Lagos, where we will put the panels by the side of the lagoon to power the University of Lagos.

‘But definitely, the commitment of mainstream and the partners Granville Energy, is something that the federal government will always have pleasure and will always key into it’, he added.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the arraignment of Omoyele Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters, to October 27.

Justice Mohammed Umar granted the adjournment on Tuesday to allow Sowore time to prepare his defence.

Sowore, who contested the presidency under the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2019 and 2023 elections, is facing a five-count charge.

The Department of State Services (DSS), acting on behalf of the Federal Government, filed the case against Sowore, X Inc. (formerly Twitter), and Meta Platforms Inc. (owners of Facebook), naming them as the first, second, and third defendants.

The case, numbered FHC/ABJ/CR/484/2025, was filed on September 16.

Sowore is alleged to have made a defamatory statement about President Bola Tinubu, referring to him as ‘a criminal’ in posts shared on his Facebook and X accounts. When the case was called on Tuesday, Sowore and Meta’s legal representative were present in court, but no counsel appeared for X.

DSS counsel, Mohammed Abubakar, requested that the charges be read to the defendants to enable them to enter their pleas. However, Sowore’s lawyer, Marshall Abubakar, objected.

He argued that the charge had not been formally served on his client and noted that all defendants must be represented in court, especially in a case involving multiple parties.

He added that the second defendant, X, must be represented to confirm proper service. The judge noted that court records showed both Meta and X had been served electronically via email.

The DSS counsel then sought permission to serve the charge on Sowore in open court. Justice Umar granted the request, as there was no objection from either Abubakar or Meta’s counsel, Mofesomo Tayo-Oyetibo, SAN.

Abubakar also requested an adjournment to give Sowore time to prepare his defence in accordance with Section 282(6) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.

The court granted the request and adjourned the arraignment to October 27.

The charge was filed shortly after the DSS asked Sowore to remove the alleged defamatory posts from his Facebook and X accounts.

Sowore is accused of violating the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.

In the first count, the prosecution alleges that on or about August 25, Sowore used his X account, @YeleSowore, to post the following message:

‘THIS CRIMINAL @ OFFICIAL PBAT ACTUALLY WENT TO BRAZIL TO STATE THAT THERE IS NO MORE CORRUPTION UNDER HIS REGIME IN NIGERIA. WHAT AUDACITY TO LIE SHAMELESSLY!’

The message is alleged to be false and intended to incite public disorder, particularly among individuals with differing views about the president.

The alleged offence contravenes Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, among other provisions.

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has at its meeting held on Tuesday, pursuant to its powers under the Constitution approved the dissolution of the Akwa State Executive of the party.

Consequently, the NWC approved the composition of a 31-member caretaker committee to run the affairs of the Akwa Ibom State Chapter from Tuesday, September 30th, 2025 for a period not exceeding three months, or until such a time a new State Executive Committee would be elected in the State.

BusinessDay reports that the members of the Akwa Ibom State PDP Caretaker Committee, including Igwat Umoren, Chairman; Harrison Ekpo, Deputy Chairman; Borono Bassey, Secretary; and Ewa Okpo, a Lawyer, as the Publicity Secretary. Others include Emman Mbong, Organising Secretary; Aniekan Asuquo, Youth Leader; Mary Silvia Abara, Woman Leader; Enoch Enoch, a Lawyer as Legal Adviser.

Also appointed are Aniebiet Cornelius, Member; Udim Peters, Member; Ayanime Obot, Member; Ofon Michael, Member; Esther Bassey Effiong, Member; David Umanah, Member; Usenmfon Ibanga, Member; and Unwana Assam, Member; among others.

Debo Ologunagba, the National Publicity Secretary of the party, who made the announcement in a statement made available to the media, called ‘on all leaders, critical stakeholders and teeming members of our Party in Akwa Ibom State to remain united and continue to work together for the progress of the Party.’

BusinessDay fruther reports that since Governor Umo Eno defected from PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in June, 2025 the party has been unable to assert itself as an opposition party in Akwa Ibom State.

Bassey Otu, Cross River State governor, has felicitated former Governor Donald Duke on the occasion of his 64th birthday, describing him as a statesman of rare distinction whose legacy continues to inspire the state and the nation.

In a statement conveyed through his Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Linus Obogo, Governor Otu extolled Duke as a leader whose name sparkles in the annals of Cross River’s political history. He noted that his tenure as governor remains a shining testament to courage, compassion and progress.

According to Governor Otu, ‘Former Governor Duke’s time in office was not merely about governance but a renaissance of vision, service and passion. It was a season when hope blossomed, and Cross River’s pride was rekindled. His leadership lit a path that continues to guide our collective aspirations.’

The governor stressed that Duke’s legacy is not measured only in physical structures or projects, but in the intangible yet enduring values he championed-innovation, creativity, and a bold belief in the ability of Cross River to lead where others hesitated. These, he said, remain living testaments to the power of vision-driven leadership.

He recalled that the Duke years saw Cross River reimagined as a hub of culture, tourism, and enterprise, where the Carnival Calabar gained global acclaim and the state became a reference point for creative governance. ‘Those were years when Cross River’s name was etched on the national and international map in colours too bold to fade,’ Otu remarked. Otu added that the former governor’s contributions went beyond infrastructure, capturing the very soul of the people through policies that touched lives, ignited dreams and rekindled faith in the boundless possibilities of purposeful leadership. ‘Such footprints,’ he declared, ‘cannot be erased from the sands of time.’

The governor further observed that even beyond office, Duke has remained a beacon of wisdom, radiating the qualities of an elder statesman whose words carry weight and whose life is a wellspring of inspiration for the younger generation. His enduring relevance, Otu said, speaks to a life anchored on service and vision.

‘As you celebrate sixty-four glorious years, I rejoice in your new chapter as a statesman and fountain of inspiration,’ Governor Otu said, while praying that God grants him renewed strength, abiding joy and enduring fulfilment in the years ahead.

‘On behalf of the Government and the good people of Cross River State, I heartily felicitate with you, Your Excellency, and wish you a happy 64th birthday. May your light never dim, and may your days be crowned with peace, laughter and divine favour,’ the governor added.

The Federal Government has announced plans to expand the annual enrollment of medical students to 20,000 in order to expand access to medical education and retain critical health manpower in the face of the rising japa trend, which has seen many professionals leave the country in search of better opportunities abroad.

Maruf Tunji Alausa, the minister of education, made this known on Monday in Abuja while delivering a keynote address at the launch of the Federal Ministry of Education’s Communication Strategy (2025-2027).

According to him, the reforms are part of the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI), inspired by President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which positions education as a catalyst for national renewal.

Alausa disclosed that enrollment in Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy has doubled in recent years, with medical student intake rising from about 5,000 to a projected 20,000 in the 2025/2026 academic session. Nursing admissions have also grown exponentially, from 28,000 to 115,000 nationwide.

‘We have doubled the intake of students in Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmacy in our health educational institutions. For medical students for example, from an enrollment of 5,000 students a couple of years back, we are well on our way to achieving 20,000 this new academic year. These are all aimed at addressing the critical manpower shortages in the health sector.

‘These interventions are deliberate steps to address critical manpower shortages in the health sector and ensure that Nigerians are not denied access to quality healthcare because of the japa syndrome,’ the minister said.

He further disclosed that 18 medical schools are being equipped with modern facilities, while 1,000 laboratories are being upgraded in senior secondary schools in partnership with the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF).

‘We are partnering with the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) to equip 1000 Laboratories in our senior secondary schools nationwide. ‘Nursing student intake has risen to 115,000 nationwide, from an initial figure of 28,000 which we met on ground. This would greatly increase the number of Nurses that would serve the nation despite the JAPA syndrome we are currently facing now,’

Beyond medical education, the minister highlighted other NESRI achievements, including the government’s foundational education strategy, which has expanded access to basic education in underserved and rural communities.

The minister noted that in just six months, 4,900 classrooms were constructed, 3,000 renovated, 34 model and smart schools established, and 353,000 furniture supplied, impacting more than 2.3 million learners nationwide. On tackling out-of-school children, Alausa disclosed that the Almajiri Commission has mapped nearly one million children, while 35,000 learners have been reintegrated into formal education through TVET centres. He added that 1,400 Tsangaya teachers have been trained and policies on Almajiri and non-state schools strengthened.

Other initiatives outlined by the minister include: The launch of a TVET digital platform that has attracted over 1.3 million applicants.

Free education in federal and selected state technical schools from the 2025/26 academic year, covering tuition, boarding, feeding, and a ?22,500 monthly stipend.

Nigeria’s membership of WorldSkills International, giving artisans global certification opportunities.

The training of 6,000 teachers in Artificial Intelligence (AI) to prepare learners for the digital future.

The introduction of the Tertiary Institutions Staff Support Fund (TISSF), a ?10 million interest-free revolving loan scheme for staff of public tertiary institutions.

The minister reiterated that education remains central to national renewal, assuring that the government will continue to implement reforms that bridge gaps in access, quality, and relevance while tackling brain drain across key sectors.

Speaking on the Communications Strategy (2025-2027), Alausa said it is designed to strengthen transparency, accountability, and public trust through unified and data-driven communication.

According to him, the strategy provides a coordinated framework for the Ministry, its agencies, and parastatals to communicate reforms effectively. Its key objectives include: establishing clear priorities and target audiences, standardising processes and branding, enhancing public awareness of policies, and improving interdepartmental alignment using evidence-based planning.

The plan rests on five strategic pillars: Unified Messaging and Branding, Stakeholder Engagement and Public Trust, Crisis Communication and Reputation Management, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning and Capacity Building and Professionalisation of Communication.

To achieve these, the strategy outlines measures such as appointing departmental communication focal points, activating a shared content calendar, developing a knowledge hub, and training communication officers in media relations, digital engagement, and crisis response.

System-strengthening measures include integrating communication into departmental budgets, institutionalising stakeholder feedback loops, and applying real-time monitoring to adjust messaging and channels.

Expected outcomes, according to the ministry, include consistent and credible messaging across the education sector, stronger alignment between communication and policy delivery, improved public awareness, and an institutionalised culture of proactive, data-driven communication.

Alausa reaffirmed that education remains central to Nigeria’s national renewal, adding that the twin goals of expanding human capital and building public trust will drive the sector forward under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Two weeks ago in this column, I argued that Africa must look beyond aid if we are to build sustainable futures. That argument was not theoretical. At last week’s United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80), I saw it in practice; African innovators, governments, and communities demonstrating that we are not waiting for permission, we are already shaping the solutions the world urgently needs.

‘The thread running through all of this is clear: innovation is not a product to be bought; it is a system to be nurtured.’

It was a privilege for eHealth Africa to co-host Africa-led Innovation: Shaping Sustainable Futures With or Without Aid, alongside PSI, Population Council, and Reach Digital Health. The title was deliberate. For too long, aid has dominated the development conversation. But in the packed room of leaders, practitioners, and funders, the energy was different. The focus was on Africa’s leadership and on the kinds of partnerships that can make our innovations last.

The global stage, the African voice

Our session was just one of many at UNGA80 grappling with the reality that the development landscape is undergoing a shift. A long-anticipated declaration on noncommunicable diseases stalled in last-minute controversy, yet what stood out to me was not the discord but the clear momentum from governments and civil society pushing for accelerated action. Similarly, bold replenishment calls in global education reminded us of the urgency; nearly 900 million children could leave school by 2040 without decisive investment.

These global debates underscore why Africa’s voice matters. We cannot afford to be mere recipients of frameworks negotiated elsewhere. We must co-create the solutions and ensure they are rooted in our realities.

Innovation as identity

Hon. Minister Chernor Bah opened our dialogue with the simple truth that ‘innovation is who we are as Africans.’ This is not new. From community systems that bridged gaps in the absence of state capacity to the digital health platforms now connecting workers across borders, our history is one of innovating out of necessity and resilience.

But as Minister Salima Bah reminded us, innovation must be sector-specific. Different challenges require tailored responses. A one-size-fits-all model of aid or investment will not deliver sustainable futures.

From shiny objects to systems

Too often, innovation is confused with technology alone. Yet as Michael Holscher observed, ‘innovation is rarely about a single shiny object.’ Policy, partnerships, and business models are just as important. Without them, even the most brilliant app or device risks fading after a promising pilot.

Fara Ndiaye underscored that accountability only works when governments, funders, the private sector, and communities move side by side. Dr Kemi DaSilva-Ibru reminded us that solutions must be designed with the most marginalised in mind. Judith Bruce made a compelling call for investment in ‘female infrastructure’ as a foundation for sustainable growth.

The thread running through all of this is clear: innovation is not a product to be bought; it is a system to be nurtured.

Health as an economic driver

Another theme at UNGA80 resonated deeply: health is not a drain on economies; it is a driver of prosperity. Vanessa Kerry, WHO’s Special Envoy on Climate and Health, captured it well when she said, ‘Health workers are the very versatile front line of responding to all the crises we see today.’ Strong health systems stabilise communities, support economic growth, and provide the resilience needed to withstand climate shocks.

The capital question

But if innovation is who we are, financing remains the test of whether it can endure. Too much capital in global health and development is rigid, short-term, and donor-driven. What Africa’s innovators need, what the world needs, is flexible, trust-based capital.

Trust-based does not mean unchecked. It means financing that respects local expertise, allows for adaptation, and creates room for growth. It is the kind of capital that recognises that those closest to the problems are often closest to the solutions. This approach is gaining traction globally, but it must become the norm, not the exception.

Building forward together

Leaving UNGA80, I felt both urgency and optimism. Urgency, because the scale of global challenges, from climate change to noncommunicable diseases to education gaps, is staggering. Optimism, because I saw first-hand the brilliance and resilience of African leaders, innovators, and communities who are already shaping solutions.

The lesson for all of us is clear. Health, education, climate, and finance cannot be siloed. Partnerships must be cross-sectoral, inclusive, and long-term. Women, girls, and marginalised communities must be at the centre. And innovation must be nurtured not as a series of pilots, but as systems built to last.

If we do this, Africa will not only shape its own sustainable future, but it will also help shape the world’s sustainable future.