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The Ekiti State Police Command has arrested 11 suspects including a 53-year-old man over the alleged attack on African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore and others at a restaurant in Ado-Ekiti.

The suspects were arrested by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad at their hideouts in the Atikankan area of Ado-Ekiti at about 10pm on Friday following a tip-off.

The police in a statement by the Command Spokesman SP Abutu Sunday said that the arrest was in connection with the attack on Sowore and other persons at Tawakalitu Restaurant in the Dalimore area of the state capital.

The suspects were identified as Joseph Tayo 32; Olatunji Abayomi 41; Isaac Amba 22; Kehinde Ajigbana 18; Tosin David 18; Solomon Iyanu 18; Ogunsola Ayomide 21; Ojo Ayodeji 22; Kayode Dada 32; Segun Olatunji 28; and Salami Emmanuel 53.

Items recovered from them included two walkie-talkies substances suspected to be Indian hemp and Colorado two Indian hemp crushers a pack of Rizla seven ATM cards and 13 mobile phones.

Other items recovered were two vehicle keys a flash drive a 5G MTN Wi-Fi device identity cards eight international passports three complimentary cards two suspected criminal charms a gas lighter and N250.

The police said that the suspects were in custody adding that investigations were ongoing to establish their individual roles in the alleged attack determine their possible connections with the incident and identify other persons involved.

The Commissioner of Police Falade Adegoroye Michael assured residents that the command would ensure that anyone found culpable was brought to justice.

He said that the command remained committed to protecting lives and property and maintaining peace across the state irrespective of political affiliations.

He urged members of the public to remain calm and provide credible information that could assist the ongoing investigation.

He also disclosed that all victims of the attack including Sowore had received medical attention been treated and discharged from the hospital.

Meanwhile the Ekiti State government has distanced itself from the alleged attack on Sowore.

The government also called on the police to conduct a thorough investigation identify those responsible for the attack and ensure that they are brought to justice.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Olayinka Oyebode stated this in a statement issued yesterday following allegations by Sowore linking the state government to his reported ordeal.

The statement said the government would ordinarily have ignored the allegations which it described as part of what it considered a pattern of unfounded claims and media attacks against the state administration over the past four years.

It however said the government decided to respond to set the records straight and prevent members of the public from being misled.

It noted that the organisers of the Ikogosi Marathon and the Ekiti State Police Command had issued official statements on the incident.

It added that the circumstances surrounding Sowore’s visit and the reported altercation raised questions about the motive behind his actions while leaving the determination of the facts to the appropriate authorities.

The government said that it was absurd to suggest that Ekiti which it described as a peaceful state would engage in the harassment of a presidential aspirant.

It reiterated the administration’s commitment to maintaining peace and security in the state stressing that it would not condone actions capable of undermining democratic principles and the rule of law.

It also assured residents and visitors of their right to safety and protection irrespective of their political affiliations or opinions.

The government said it remained committed to upholding the rights of all residents and visitors while sustaining Ekiti’s reputation for peace tolerance and respect for democratic values.

The Lagos State Government has set machinery in motion to host the 4th edition of the Lagos Economic Roundtable at Protea Hotel Lagos on Wednesday.

The roundtable organised by the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget will bring together policymakers economic experts development partners private sector representatives and other stakeholders to discuss emerging economic trends development opportunities and potential risks that could shape the State’s economic direction in the coming year.

Tagged: ‘Development Pathways Emerging Risks and Strategic Policy Priorities’ the roundtable will focus on critical areas including fiscal sustainability infrastructure development investment mobilisation employment generation economic diversification food security climate resilience and evidence-based governance.

According to a statement by the Director of Economic Intelligence Mr. Akinkunmi Alao the roundtable is designed to provide a platform for examining economic indicators assessing emerging trends and identifying policy responses that will strengthen Lagos State’s economic resilience and competitiveness.

The Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget Mr. Ope George was quoted as saying that the engagement reflects the state government’s commitment to forward-looking economic planning and strategic policy decisions that support sustainable and inclusive growth.

‘The economic outlook for 2027 requires deliberate policy choices that will strengthen our resilience sustain economic growth and position Lagos for greater competitiveness.

‘Our focus must remain on fiscal sustainability infrastructure innovation employment generation and inclusive growth while ensuring that our policies are aligned with the long-term vision of the Lagos State Development Plan 2052’ the Commissioner stated.

The statement added that the roundtable would provide an opportunity for stakeholders to exchange insights explore practical development pathways and generate policy recommendations to guide the State’s economic priorities for 2027 and beyond.

Air Peace Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Dr Allen Onyema has congratulated Fidelity Bank Plc on successfully repaying its US$400 million Eurobond at maturity calling the achievement a remarkable demonstration of financial strength institutional discipline and visionary leadership.

In a congratulatory message issued on behalf of the Board Management and Staff of Air Peace Limited Onyema commended the Bank for meeting its obligations throughout the Eurobond’s five-year term particularly for funding the repayment entirely from internal liquidity.

He attributed the milestone to the strategic foresight of Fidelity Bank’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe whose leadership he noted has continued to strengthen the Bank’s financial standing and reputation within Nigeria’s banking industry.

Onyema further applauded the Bank’s successful completion of its recapitalisation ahead of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s stipulated deadline describing both achievements as evidence of sound corporate governance and sustainable financial management.

Highlighting the critical relationship between banking and aviation the Air Peace Chairman underscored the importance of financially resilient institutions such as Fidelity Bank in supporting capital-intensive sectors particularly aviation where access to financing remains essential to fleet development operational sustainability and industry growth.

He noted that strong partnerships between financial institutions and indigenous enterprises are indispensable to strengthening Nigeria’s economic competitiveness and advancing the country’s broader development aspirations.

Onyema congratulated Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe the Board Management and the entire Fidelity Bank family expressing confidence in the institution’s capacity to attain even greater milestones.

He reaffirmed Air Peace’s goodwill towards Fidelity Bank wishing the institution continued growth enduring stability and greater accomplishments in Nigeria’s financial services landscape.

A member of the House of Representatives representing Yagba Federal Constituency of Kogi State Hon. Leke Abejide has pledged to mobilise at least one million votes from Yoruba and other ethnic communities in Kano for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf in 2027.

Abejide pledged on Saturday in Kano while unveiling a N600 million empowerment programme for women and widows.

He said the intervention was his way of giving back to Kano a city he described as his home and the foundation of his success.

According to him he arrived in Kano in February 1993 as a young boy from Alu in Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State and the city provided him opportunities that shaped his business career.

He explained that the decision to extend the empowerment to Kano was driven by his longstanding relationship with its people many of whom he had known for over three decades.

Abejide said the programme comprises a N500 million interest-free loan scheme for women organised into cooperative societies with beneficiaries supported according to their business capacity. The remaining N100 million will cover grants and logistics for widows.

He said the scheme is a revolving sustainable economic empowerment model that will enable other women to benefit after previous beneficiaries repay.

He disclosed that the beneficiaries include women from eight Yoruba-speaking states – Lagos Oyo Ogun Osun Ondo Ekiti Kogi and Kwara – as well as Ebira Igala and Bassa communities from Kogi State residing in Kano.

Abejide assured that the programme would be continuous not a one-off political gesture and that it was intended to transform businesses and lift families out of poverty.

He added that the foundation would soon extend similar interventions to youths and men in business particularly unemployed young people to make them self-reliant.

In his remarks former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello said he would intensify mobilisation for President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 targeting at least two million votes from non-indigenous communities and other stakeholders in Kano.

Bello commended peaceful coexistence among ethnic groups in Kano describing the state’s diversity and longstanding interethnic relations as assets for political mobilisation and national development.

He said that although non-indigenous communities make up a relatively small proportion of Kano’s population their political influence should not be underestimated.

According to him the communities contributed nearly 500000 votes to President Tinubu in Kano during the 2023 presidential election a figure he described as unsatisfactory.

‘In the last presidential election our voting population in Kano delivered nearly 500000 votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. That performance was not satisfactory and we must do better this time.

‘The population of other ethnic groups in Kano may be relatively small compared with the indigenous population but that does not mean we should underestimate our political strength. We have a responsibility to mobilise our people and ensure that their votes count’ Bello said.

The National Chairman of the Forum of APC Local Government Chairmen of Nigeria Henry Fagbenro has said the party’s electoral success depends on the cooperation of grassroots members party leaders and other stakeholders.

Fagbenro made the remarks on Saturday at the Forum’s North-West Zonal quarterly meeting in Katsina where he urged local government chairmen to take greater responsibility for mobilising support for the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He called on members to intensify efforts to secure President Bola Tinubu’s re-election and the victory of other APC candidates in 2027.

According to him sustained support for the party would enable the Tinubu administration to consolidate its achievements in economic stability infrastructure education human development and capacity building.

Fagbenro also cautioned members against divisive politics and called for national unity to be placed above political ethnic and regional differences.

‘The unity of this nation is non-negotiable. We are Naija’ he said.

He assured stakeholders that the Forum would continue to mobilise members and strengthen the party’s grassroots structures to secure victory in the elections.

Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda who hosted and declared the meeting open described grassroots mobilisation as central to the success of any political party.

‘As a party man I know that grassroots mobilisation is core to the success of any political party. Local government politics is important to the overall development of our country’ Radda said.

He commended Fagbenro and his team for their commitment to strengthening the party.

APC leaders and stakeholders from across the North-West zone attended the meeting.

At the event the Forum presented Radda with a plaque of honour and named him Patron for the Northern States.

With one accord the governors of Enugu Imo Ebonyi and Anambra States yesterday urged the people of the Southeast to avoid political distractions and vote massively for President Bola Tinubu in next year’s presidential election.

Governors Peter Mbah Hope Uzodimma Francis Nwifuru and Charles Soludo said it was necessary for the zone to support Tinubu’s re-election bid to enable him consolidate the gains of his administration’s economic reforms.

They spoke during the All Progressives Congress (APC) Women Mega Rally and Empowerment Programme for the South east held at Okpara Square Enugu.

House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu shared the position of the governors at the event where First Lady Oluremi Tinubu declared that the difficult phase of the President’s economic reforms is beginning to give way to an era of prosperity.

Like the other speakers she urged Nigerians particularly women in the Southeast to support his re-election in 2027.

Mbah said ongoing development projects including construction of primary healthcare centres were direct dividends of the Federal Government’s economic reforms.

The governor urged women to support Tinubu and APC candidates in the January 16 2027 and sub-sequent elections.

‘A good sailor does not abandon his ship mid-sea because of challenges. We must finish the journey we all started together’ he said.

Mbah described South Easterners as strategic people who have established businesses and relationships beyond the zone.

He asked them to participate actively in the political process.

Speaking on the empowerment programme targeting 5000 women across the South-East Mbah said the initiative followed the empowerment of more than 2000 women in Enugu within 48 hours.

He said the beneficiaries received cash support assistance with hospital bills and tools to enable them to generate income.

According to him the programme is designed to make women wealth creators rather than perpetual beneficiaries of financial assistance.

‘When you empower a woman you strengthen the family. When you empower a woman you build a strong community’ he said.

He urged the beneficiaries to make effective use of the empowerment tools and extend the benefits to their families and communities.

Also speaking Uzodimma described the rally as historic and commended the First Lady for empowering women across the geo-political zone.

He reiterated the commitment of the region to supporting Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

The Igboaccording to himhave experienced marginalisation for over 60 yearsand are now beginning to witness a new era of political inclusion and development under Tinubu.

He commended the president for expanding the scope of infrastructural and economic development in the South-East.

‘We are now seeing good roads electricity health reforms as well as educational reforms in the country. A winning team must not be changed’ he said.

He stressed the need for the sustainance of the current development trajectory saying the Federal Government’s economic reforms have increased resources available to states for development.

‘We have more money to build Okigwe to Owerri Umuahia to Owerri Orlu to Owerri and Owerri to Port Harcourt roads’ he said.

Uzodimma added that the improved financial position of the state has enabled his administration to pay salaries and pensions consistently including 13th-month salary for workers.

Nwifuruon his part hailed the federal government for its skill acquisition and empowerment initiatives.

He said South-East womenin particularshould reciprocate the gesture by voting massively for the APC.

He described the APC as the only political party with a clear and identifiable manifesto capable of sustaining the country’s development.

The governor dismissed suggestions of his involvement in any political coalition stressing that his loyalty remains with the APC.

He urged supporters to vote for APC candidates at all levels in the January 2027 elections and subsequent polls.

Soludo represented by his Deputy Dr Gilbert Ibezim said the South-East had a responsibility to support Tinubu’s re-election in appreciation of his administration’s achievements.

He said the region stood to benefit more by continuing to collaborate with the Federal Government.

Pain of reforms over prosperity beckons says First Lady

Reflecting on the economic policies of the federal governmentMrs.Tinubu likened the hardship associated with the reforms to the pains of childbirth.

She expressed confidence that Nigerians would soon begin to reap the benefits of the sacrifices made and assured the gathering that the President remained committed to transforming the country and consolidating the gains of his administration’s economic policies.

‘As the President said it is time for prosperity. You know the pain of labour to birth a child is over. It is time for joy and prosperity’ she declared.

Nigeriashe saidis at the threshold of a new phase of economic development following the difficult adjustments undertaken by the administration.

She maintained that the APC was committed to fulfilling its promises to Nigerians.

Senator Tinubu consequently appealed to women across the Southeast to rally behind the Tinubu-Shettima ticket in the 2027 presidential election describing continuity as important to consolidating the administration’s reforms.

The rally which attracted women leaders party stakeholders and supporters from the five Southeast states also provided a platform for highlighting the administration’s programmes and mobilising support for APC candidates ahead of the general elections.

A major highlight of the gathering was the First Lady’s flag-off of the distribution of empowerment items to 5000 women as part of efforts to strengthen their economic participation and improve household livelihoods.

She said her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) has remained consistent in providing financial assistance vocational training equipment and other forms of support to women youths and vulnerable Nigerians.

The First Lady assured beneficiaries that the interventions would continue stressing the importance of equipping women with the skills and resources necessary to become economically self-reliant.

The programme featured the distribution of empowerment equipment including sewing machines grinding machines and popcorn-making machines to support small businesses and income-generating activities.

Earlier the First Lady accompanied by other women leaders paid a courtesy visit to the state’s Traditional Rulers Council led by Igwe Samuel Asadu.

Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers Asadu commended President Tinubu’s administration for what he described as significant achievements in national development.

He expressed the council’s support for the President and acknowledged the First Lady’s interventions aimed at improving the welfare of women youths and children.

The traditional rulers particularly praised the Renewed Hope Initiative for its empowerment and humanitarian programmes describing the interventions as important contributions to the wellbeing of vulnerable Nigerians.

Why South East should re-elect Tinubu as President by HoR Dep. Speaker

Also speaking the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Benjamin Kalu urged Igbos to embrace political inclusion by supporting Tinubu’s re-election.

Kalu said the Igbo had not produced a president of Nigeria in the past 60 years and was therefore not party to any one-term arrangement for the Presidency of Igbo extraction by anybody.

He however stressed that the Igbo needed to to strengthen its political alliances across the nation to actualise a full two-term Igbo presidency in the near future.

He recalled that Tinubu while serving as governor of Lagos State maintained cordial relationships with Igbos and included them in his cabinet.

He commended the Tinubu administration for establishing the South East Development Commission (SEDC).

He described it as a major step towards addressing the region’s developmental challenges.

The Deputy Speaker recalled that President Tinubu during his time as governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007 appointed Igbo people into his government.

Kalu said: ‘This man has not hidden his love for Ndi Igbo. During his time as the governor of Lagos State no Igbo property was taken.

‘Nobody who was a business man in Lagos was arrested. Mr. Ben Akabueze was an Igbo man that he brought into his cabinet as Governor.

‘It never happened before. I hope we will reciprocate his kind gestures to Ndi Igbo. We must do so this time.’

Kalu who is also the Director-General of APC Presidential Campaign Council 11 (South) said that the promise of the 3Rs of Reconstruction Rehabilitation and Reintegration made to the Igbo after the civil war was not kept by successive governments until Tinubu became President.

He said President Tinubu has proven his love through concrete actions including signing into law the South East Development Commission Bill which had lingered in the Parliament from year to year and from Assembly to Assembly.

He said:’I also need to remind you that after the civil war we waited for almost 60 years for a promise that was made to the people of Igbo land that was not kept. The 3Rs: Reconciliation Reconstruction and Reintegration. Was the promise kept or not? It wasn’t kept.

‘Government after government ignored us. Administration after administration they ignored the Igbo and we were waiting and asking when will the messiah come to save the Igbo? Then came a man who loves the Igbo from his heart.

Other dignitaries at the massive rally were Wife of the Vice President Hajiya Nana Shettima; wife of the Senate President Mrs. Uloma Akpabio; wives of the South East governors; Minister of Industry Trade and Investment Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite; Minister of Innovation Science and Technology Dr. Kingsley Udeh (SAN); and Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim eminent businessman Chief Arthur Eze.

Also present were the APC Deputy National Chairman (South) Dr. Ben Nwoye; National Women Leader of the APC and Director-General of the Women Wing of the Presidential Campaign Council Dr. Mary Alile-Idele; South-East Zonal Woman Leader of the APC Dr. Oby Ajih; members of the National and State Assemblies local government chairmen and other party stakeholders.

Nigeria and China have signed a 200 million yuan (about $30 million) grant agreement to finance community-based development projects as both countries seek to deepen economic cooperation and improve living conditions across Nigeria.

The agreement is expected to support small-scale projects that address specific community needs improve livelihoods and create economic opportunities particularly at the grassroots.

The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu who spoke at the signing ceremony in Abuja said the grant would strengthen the existing partnership between the two countries and support Nigeria’s development priorities.

He said the government was determined to ensure that agreements with development partners translated into practical benefits for Nigerians rather than remain commitments on paper.

Bagudu described the partnership with China as an important platform for development cooperation knowledge sharing and mutual understanding while appreciating the Chinese Government for its continued support.

He also thanked the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria Yu Dunhai and his delegation for their contributions to strengthening relations between the two countries.

The grant will fund projects under China’s ‘small but beautiful’ initiative which focuses on relatively small investments that deliver direct measurable benefits to local communities.

Bagudu said the agreement built on previous Chinese assistance to Nigeria including a $1 million contribution made earlier in 2026 to strengthen the country’s capacity for technological advancement and knowledge development.

He said the Federal Government was working with the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership Office to develop projects proposed by state governments aimed at addressing specific development challenges at the community level.

According to him the Renewed Hope Ward Development Plan is another important part of the government’s efforts to make development more inclusive and ensure that economic opportunities reach people across the country.

The initiative seeks to identify economic opportunities and map economically active individuals across Nigeria’s 8809 wards to provide a clearer picture of local economic activities and development needs.

Bagudu expressed interest in sharing the initiative with the Chinese Government and learning from China’s experience in poverty reduction and community development.

He said Nigeria could benefit from China’s experience in creating economic opportunities tackling poverty and improving the livelihoods of its people.

The minister also called for stronger cooperation in human capacity development particularly through training opportunities for Nigerian public officials in China.

He said developing the skills of government officials and strengthening public institutions were important to ensuring that Nigeria could effectively implement its development programmes.

Beyond development assistance Bagudu called for stronger trade and economic relations between the two countries particularly through China’s zero-tariff policy for Nigerian exports.

The Chinese Ambassador Yu Dunhai described the grant agreement as a practical demonstration of his country’s commitment to Nigeria’s development and the strategic relationship between both nations.

He said the partnership was built on mutual trust solidarity and a common desire to promote economic and social development.

Dunhai explained that the agreement aligned with the understanding reached between President Bola Tinubu and Chinese President Xi Jinping during their meeting in China as well as the resolutions of the Fourth China-Nigeria Cooperation Forum held in Beijing.

He said the relationship between the two countries had continued to expand across different sectors since diplomatic relations were established 55 years ago.

The ambassador said the economic opportunities created by China’s zero-tariff policy for Nigerian exports which took effect on May 1 2026 could further strengthen trade attract investment and support Nigeria’s industrial development.

According to him bilateral trade between Nigeria and China reached $18 billion in the first half of 2026 while Nigeria’s exports to China increased by 80 per cent.

He said the policy offered Nigerian businesses greater access to the Chinese market and an opportunity to expand production attract investors and increase the value of goods exported from the country.

Dunhai however warned that the current zero-tariff arrangement would expire on May 1 2028 urging both countries to use the remaining period to establish a more permanent framework for economic cooperation.

He called for negotiations towards an Economic Development Partnership Agreement that would sustain the benefits of the tariff concession and provide a stronger foundation for long-term trade and investment relations.

The ambassador urged the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning to work with the Federal Ministry of Industry Trade and Investment to advance discussions on the proposed agreement.

He said a more sustainable arrangement would help both countries consolidate existing gains and expand opportunities for businesses and investors.

In her remarks the Permanent Secretary of the ministry Dr Deborah Odoh thanked the Chinese Government and its diplomatic representatives for their continued support for Nigeria’s development efforts.

She described the grant as a demonstration of China’s confidence in the country’s development priorities and commended the officials and institutions that helped bring the agreement to a successful close.

Odoh particularly acknowledged the contributions of the ministry’s International Cooperation and Legal Departments alongside other relevant ministries departments and agencies.

The ministry said it would work with Chinese partners and other relevant institutions to ensure that the projects were implemented transparently and efficiently in accordance with the terms of the agreement.

The Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) of Pan-Atlantic University has urged small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria to meet international standards understand cross-border trade regulations and identify potential buyers to access markets across Africa.

The Head of Alumni Engagement and Support Services at EDC Dr. Nnenna Ugwu said businesses seeking to expand beyond Nigeria must understand the requirements of their target markets and ensure their products and services meet applicable standards.

Ugwu spoke ahead of the 20th edition of the EDC’s annual SME Conference themed ‘Beyond Ecosystems: Building Platforms That Help African Businesses Thrive’ scheduled for November 16 and 17 in Lagos.

She said Nigerian entrepreneurs needed to understand market demands improve product packaging adopt technology and establish partnerships with businesses in other African countries to expand their reach.

‘You want to understand what is obtainable. Who can I sell to? If you want to thrive in trying to export or access other markets you must make sure that the products or services you offer meet the standards obtainable in other locations’ she said.

Ugwu said businesses must also understand the laws governing cross-border trade and the processes required to export their products. She added that identifying buyers before entering new markets would help entrepreneurs avoid unnecessary costs.

She urged entrepreneurs to explore partnerships rather than attempt to handle every aspect of their operations independently.

‘You must not do everything. If I am operating from here I need to find that person in Senegal that I can send the product to and work together with’ she said.

She said Nigerian businesses had the potential to compete across Africa but needed greater awareness of market requirements and the regulations guiding regional trade.

‘We are ready but we are not ready. We have seen Nigerian entrepreneurs that have actually started accessing these markets. It is still a work in progress’ she said.

Ugwu called on stakeholders including the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to sustain sensitisation on cross-border trade and applicable product standards.

She said the conference which has been held nationally for 19 years was expanding into a Pan-African platform to address challenges facing businesses across the continent.

Ugwu identified inadequate access to finance poor infrastructure multiple taxation high interest rates inflation exchange rate fluctuations and insecurity as some of the challenges limiting SME growth in Nigeria.

She said unreliable electricity supply and poor road networks increased operating costs and affected the movement of goods particularly agricultural produce.

She also identified inadequate business management skills and shortages of skilled workers as challenges urging entrepreneurs to strengthen their capacity in financial management marketing strategy and record-keeping.

Organisers said the two-day event will feature keynote addresses and panel discussions on access to finance and markets intra-African trade business expansion talent development artificial intelligence financial technology and digital transformation.

It will also feature a Pan-African SME Expo where businesses can showcase their products to prospective buyers partners and investors as well as Investor Connect sessions designed to link businesses with investors.

The Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN) has called on the National Assembly and the Federal Government to take urgent legislative and policy action to reduce the cost of building materials in Nigeria.

In a research report titled ‘Reducing the High Cost of Building Materials in Nigeria and Across Africa’ the group warned that high construction costs are worsening the housing affordability crisis discouraging investment and squeezing millions of households. It blamed expensive energy and transport foreign exchange pressures high financing costs weak industrial infrastructure import dependence and possible competition concerns.

HDAN Executive Director Festus Adebayo called the issue a national economic challenge. ‘Housing affordability cannot be achieved through speeches promises and ambitious housing targets alone’ he said. ‘When cement iron rods roofing sheets and other construction inputs become increasingly expensive the dream of homeownership moves further away from millions of Nigerians.’

The group asked the relevant Senate and House committees to hold an investigation and public hearing with manufacturers the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) the Standards Organisation of Nigeria developers and financial institutions.

The report cites an August 2026 FCCPC disclosure that Nigeria’s installed cement capacity is an estimated 60-65 million tonnes a year against domestic demand of 25-30 million tonnes. HDAN noted that installed capacity is not the same as actual output but said the gap warrants a close look at costs distribution competition and pricing. It urged an independent review of the cement and steel markets that respects manufacturers’ legitimate costs.

‘Nigerians deserve transparent answers’ Adebayo said. ‘The National Assembly must help establish whether the problem lies in production costs distribution market competition taxation or a combination of these factors.’

HDAN also proposed six reforms including a review of taxes and tariffs on building materials with time-bound relief whose savings reach builders and buyers; lower industrial energy and transport costs including an end to illegal road levies.

It also proposed establishing building materials manufacturing hubs in all six geopolitical zones with transparent targets and public reporting and affordable long-term finance for local manufacturers through development finance institutions.

It called for more investment in tested and certified indigenous materials without compromising safety and a national price-monitoring system covering factory wholesale and delivered prices.

HDAN also proposed a 100-day national action programme to assess construction costs review tax incentives and competition concerns and track progress on the manufacturing hubs. It recommended a National Building Materials Affordability and Local Manufacturing Compact bringing together governments manufacturers lenders and consumers with regular legislative oversight.

Adebayo warned that incentives for manufacturers must deliver public benefit. ‘We cannot continue to provide concessions without establishing whether they translate into reduced construction costs increased production more jobs and more affordable housing’ he said.

The report reviewed experiences in Ghana Rwanda Kenya South Africa and Tanzania. It urged cooperation under the African Continental Free Trade Area and partnerships with manufacturers from China India Trkiye and elsewhere with a focus on technology transfer and local jobs.

‘The ultimate objective must not simply be cheaper cement or cheaper iron rods’ Adebayo said. ‘It must be cheaper safer and more accessible housing for Nigerians.’

President of the Senate Godswill Akpabio has assured President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that Akwa Ibom State will deliver the most votes for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South-South during the 2027 general election.

Akpabio gave the assurance on Sunday at a special prayer service organised to dedicate the APC’s 2027 election campaigns to God at the International Christian Worship Centre Uyo the state capital.

The service themed ‘We Are Well Able’ drew party leaders members and supporters including Governor Umo Eno.

Akpabio urged APC members and other stakeholders in the state to close ranks and work together to secure victory for Tinubu and all the party’s candidates.

He said Akwa Ibom had a special reason to appreciate Tinubu noting that the President’s support helped him emerge as President of the Senate.

‘An Akwa Ibom son through the support of Mr President is today the President of the Senate and the number three citizen of Nigeria. Whether you like him or not he is there today. The only way to thank Mr President for that support is to give him all our votes’ he said.

Akpabio added ‘From what I have seen here today Akwa Ibom State will give Mr President the highest number of votes in the South-South region.’

In an address titled ‘One Family One Destiny One Akwa Ibom Under God’ the Senate President called for unity within the APC warning against divisions between old and new members.

He said the party should operate as one family irrespective of when members joined stressing that everyone had a role to play in its electoral success.

‘In the APC family there should be no aborigines and no newcomers; no landlords and no tenants; no first-class members and no second-class members. There should be only one big family united by a common purpose and a shared responsibility’ he said.

He added that political ambition should not undermine the party’s collective interest or the people’s welfare.

‘Those who were here yesterday have a history to honour and those who arrived today have contributions to make. Neither history nor arrival should become an instrument of exclusion’ he said.

Akpabio described Akwa Ibom as a model of purposeful leadership peace and development urging the people to preserve the state’s progress while strengthening national unity.

He said the state’s prosperity could not be separated from Nigeria’s overall development noting that its people must also be concerned about insecurity and hardship elsewhere in the country.

‘Akwa Ibom’s greatness is inseparable from Nigeria’s greatness. We cannot desire peace in Uyo and be indifferent to insecurity elsewhere in our federation nor celebrate prosperity in our communities while ignoring hardship in other parts of our country’ he said.

Earlier Governor Umo Eno thanked the people for their support in the last election and appealed for stronger backing for Tinubu Akpabio himself and other APC candidates in 2027.

He assured the people of his commitment to continue serving the state with the fear of God if given another mandate.