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The Federal Government on Tuesday officially launched the European Investment Bank (EIB) Assisted Nigeria Climate Adaptation – Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB), designed to support the country in erosion control, flood management, and watershed restoration.

Minister of Environment and Chairman Steering Committee of NEWMAP-EIB, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, inaugurated the project in Abuja, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s climate resilience project efforts.

He announced that the European Investment Bank approved a facility of pound 175 million for the project that would be implemented over a period of five (5) years across twenty-three (23) states, namely: Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Enugu, Ekiti, Gombe, Imo, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Oyo, Plateau, and Sokoto.

The Minister revealed that the Federal Government had released ?750 million as the first tranche of counterpart funding to the Federal Project Management Unit.

He explained that this was to enable preparatory activities such as office setup, equipment, and other operations necessary for the project’s take-off.

He added that the participating states have shown commitment by also providing counterpart funds to their State Project Implementing Units, further ensuring the initiative’s success and sustainability of the climate resilience project.

He expressed delight that the Federal Government of Nigeria has fulfilled all the outlined conditions precedent for the implementation of the project.

‘Consequently, the European Investment Bank (EIB) Assisted Nigeria Climate Adaptation – Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB) is now disbursement-effective,’ he said.

The Minister recalled that in 2010, the Federal Government, with support from the World Bank, launched the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP-IDA) to address soil degradation, food insecurity, and land remediation under the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan.

According to him, the multi-sectoral NEWMAP-IDA project stabilized gully erosion sites, improved livelihoods, and strengthened institutions, noting that it commenced in 2013 with seven (7) states and later expanded to 23 states. The project closed in June 2022.

‘In 2020, the Federal Government secured additional financing from the European Investment Bank (EIB) to expand the scope of the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP).

‘The EIB approved a facility of pound 175 million aimed at building upon and deepening the achievements recorded under NEWMAP-IDA, using the Strategic Watershed Management approach,’ Lawal stated.

He added that the project became technically effective in 2023 and now disbursement-effective in 2025.

He underscored the importance of effective implementation of the project in tackling flooding, saying Nigeria, like many nations, faces worsening climate disasters. This underscores the need for a robust climate resilience project.

‘Gully erosion and annual flooding continue to cause havoc and loss of lives, destruction of property as well as severe environmental degradation, particularly across rural communities, urban centres, and farmlands,’ he stated.

Lawal, however, noted the success of the project would largely depend on the commitments from state governments, urging State Governors to increase their counterpart fund contributions just as the Federal Government is also processing another tranche of disbursement.

He thanked the European Investment Bank for providing Nigeria with a vital lifeline for erosion control, flood management, and watershed restoration, integral aspects of the climate resilience project.

He also lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu whose Renewed Hope Agenda prioritizes climate-smart resilient cities.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Mahmud Adam Kambari, said the partnership reflects the kind of transformative collaboration the world needs, one that prioritizes people, planet, and prosperity.

National Project Coordinator, NEWMAP-EIB, Engr. Anda Ayuba Yalaks, while presenting an overview of the project noted that The NEWMAP-EIB initiative is a strategic extension of the longstanding efforts to address land degradation, strengthen institutional capacity, and empower communities to adapt to the changing climate through the climate resilience project.

He disclosed that like its predecessor, the NEWMAP-EIB is overseen by the Federal Steering Committee, chaired by the Minister of Environment and comprising members from various MDAs. At the Technical Committee level, it is chaired by the Permanent Secretary.

Yalaks added that the project is driven by a Federal Project Management Unit under the coordination of a National Project Coordinator and that this institutional arrangement is being replicated at the state level.

According to him, the NEWMAP-EIB have been restructured into two key components: Erosion and Watershed Management Infrastructure Investment and Project Management.

The Ogun State Government, on Tuesday, suspended the principals of Ilugun High School, both Junior and Senior schools, Mrs. Olukoga Adeyemi and Mrs. Ladipo Temitope, over illegal fees, which led to students’ protests.

Students of the school were seen in a video destroying school property.

Addressing newsmen, the State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Abayomi Arigbabu, said the Ministry is conducting a preliminary investigation over the death of a yet-to-be-identified person whose death might have sparked the protest.

He explained that the deceased might have been illegally enrolled into the school, saying he was identified by three different names Babalola Ayornide, Salako Jimoh, and Afolabi Babalola.

The Commissioner stated that the Principal of the Junior School, Olukoga, had been involved in collecting illegal fees.

‘We have all become aware of the incident that took place at Ilugun High School (Junior), Elega. I stand before you this afternoon to confirm that the incident did happen in the school.

‘First, let me, on behalf of the State Government, express condolences to the parents and family of the deceased.

‘Our preliminary investigations have revealed a twist. The young man who lost his life could not be confirmed as a student of the school.

‘He was identified by three different names Babalola Ayornide, Salako Jimoh, and Afolabi Babalola. Yet, none of these names appear in our official state education database, the OGSERA platform, which authenticates all school enrolments. This points to the likelihood of an illegal enrolment.

‘In addition, we also discovered that the Principal of Ilugun High School (Junior) had been involved in the collection of illegal fees. In light of these findings, government has decided to place both the Junior and Senior Principals of Ilugun High School on suspension while we conduct an investigation into the causes of this incident.

‘Also, in order to keep abreast of happenings in schools, a scheme called Whistle Blowers has been established by the government through the Teaching Service Commission to control illegalities and wrongdoings.

‘Let me assure the people of Ogun State that the administration of His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, remains committed to provide free education for every school-age child in this State, irrespective of where they live, their gender, economic status, religious belief, or political affiliation,’ he said.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, on Tuesday, joined President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the call to the security agencies, especially the Police, to thoroughly investigate the circumstances that led to the tragic death of Arise TV anchor, Somtochukwu Maduagwu.

In a statement, Hon. Kalu extended his heartfelt condolences to the immediate family of the deceased, Arise TV and the entire media community in Nigeria.

Maduagwu, 29, reportedly lost her life during a robbery incident at her residence in the Katampe district of Abuja metropolis, Federal Capital Territory.

Expressing shock and sadness over the incident, the Deputy Speaker said that the perpetrators of the dastardly act that cut short a promising lawyer and broadcaster in her prime should immediately be apprehended and brought to justice.

He described Maduagwu as a stellar news anchor, extolling her display of brilliance and professionalism in her covering and reporting of the reserved seats bill that is before the National Assembly.

Hon. Kalu who sympathized with the bereaved family also prayed for the repose of Maduagwu’s soul.

He said: ‘I am shocked and deeply saddened by the devastating news of the passing of Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, a young and promising lawyer and journalist, who tragically lost her life in Abuja.

‘Maduagwu, who at the time of her death was a news anchor with Arise TV, distinguished herself with brilliance and professionalism. Her covering and reporting of the reserved seats bill was extraordinary. Her death is not only a painful loss to her family and loved ones but also to the media community, where she had already begun to make an indelible mark.

‘I join His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on the call to all security agencies to thoroughly investigate this tragic incident and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.

‘I extend my heartfelt condolences to her immediate family, friends, Arise TV family and entire media community. May the Almighty God grant them the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss, and may her gentle soul rest in perfect peace.’

Four housemates recently evicted from the Big Brother Naija house, Thelma, Kuture, Joanna, and Bright Morgan, have shared thoughts about the connections and relationships they built inside the house.

Bright Morgan, while speaking alongside others in an interview with Tribune Online, clarified his stance with fellow housemate Dede. According to him, his actions were about setting boundaries rather than hatred.

‘Mide and Dede are close, so I just wanted to set boundaries. I don’t dislike her, but we had an issue the other day. Moving forward, I know I don’t have to be friends with everyone. I’m intentional about my relationships. When I have eyes on someone, I just focus on them,’ he explained.

Responding to questions on whether there was more to their connection with KayBobo, especially after a ‘kissing spree’ during her time in the BBNaija House, which apparently shocked other evicted housemates, Thelma revealed she values trust above all else.

She recalled feeling uncomfortable when she learned Isabella had shared KayBobo’s bed before he moved to hers, which created a wrong impression.

She said, ‘I didn’t see the need to explain to anyone, but I wasn’t cool with how things looked. I’d rather KayBobo come outside the house and explain the context, especially after he told housemates when asked about him and Thelma that the house is a social experiment. I don’t owe them an explanation. I just want clarity.’

On her part, Joanna addressed her relationship with Faith, explaining that what viewers saw on the reality show was not a serious relationship but just a friendship.

‘Faith isn’t a relationship person, and we decided to remain true friends. For me, mental connection comes first before anything else,’ she said.

On another relationship drama, Kuture recalled an outburst involving Isabella and Imisi, where things got heated to the point that Isabella poured pepper on Sultana before it was later resolved in a surprising way.

‘They called me to be a witness when they decided to settle their fight with a kiss,’ Kuture added.

The newly installed Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has told former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and other political leaders that he has retired from politics following his ascension to the throne.

Oba Ladoja made this known on Tuesday while receiving Atiku, El-Rufai, former Senate President Iyorcha Ayu, former Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke, and other chieftains of the African Democratic Congress, who paid him a visit at his private residence in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The monarch, who became the 44th Olubadan after the passing of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin on July 7, 2025, emphasised that he would now focus on serving the people with justice and fairness.

‘I’m not one of you again. I am the Olubadan of Ibadanland. So, I am for everybody now. I am no more one of you. I am not a politician anymore. Welcome to my house.

‘Now that I am the Olubadan, I am no more interested in any other than the Olubadan. You are welcome to my house.

‘We started from the Social Democratic Party, we were in exile together, we were in the Peoples Democratic Party together. When I wanted to create an identity, I went to the Accord Party, which became a household name here. I know you politicians have a way of coming back.

‘All the religious leaders said that the only thing the leaders can do is to promote justice and fairness. I will serve my people. Ibadan people, the state, Africa and the world at large. I will depend on your support and advice,’ the monarch stressed.

Earlier, Atiku explained that his absence at the coronation ceremony was due to protocol arrangements and not intentional.

He said, ‘We are here to say congratulations to the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Ladoja. We regretted that we didn’t attend the coronation. It was not intentional. Protocol arrangements did not allow us to come during the coronation, not that we don’t want to come.

‘We know your roles and relationship with some of us. We are here to congratulate you. Kindly accept our apologies for not making it to the coronation. We regret not attending the programme.’

The Coalition of Farmers Association of Nigeria (COFAN) and the Himma Youth Farmers Association of Nigeria (HYFAN) have expressed concern that the Federal Government’s ongoing restructuring of the Presidential Fertilizer Initiative (PFI) could lead to sharp increases in fertilizer prices, threatening smallholder farmers and food security across the country.

Speaking on behalf of the groups, Dr. Abubakar Bamai commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his agricultural reforms and policies aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s food systems, but urged the administration to safeguard the achievements recorded under the Buhari-led government.

‘Mr. President, Nigerian farmers cannot afford a disruption in fertilizer supply at this critical moment. We deeply appreciate your reforms, but we appeal: do not kill the legacy of Buhari’s agricultural transformation on fertilizer access. Sustain raw material importation until Nigeria’s local capacity is ready’, Bamai said.

The groups noted that the PFI, introduced under former President Muhammadu Buhari, had been central to Nigeria’s agricultural transformation, making fertilizer more affordable by supporting local blending plants through the importation of raw materials.

Millions of farmers, they said, had benefited from the scheme, which boosted food production and strengthened national food security.

COFAN and HYFAN urged the Tinubu administration to adopt a balanced approach that shields farmers from immediate shocks while building local production capacity for the future.

They specifically called on the government to continue importing fertilizer raw materials until local capacity can fully meet demand, retain the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) as the agency responsible for managing raw material imports to ensure transparency and efficiency and guarantee stability in fertilizer supply and pricing during the transition.

The farmer groups reaffirmed their commitment to working with government, the private sector, and development partners to ensure the restructuring of the PFI strengthens the sector rather than undermines it.

Lagos State Kick Against Drug and Substance Abuse (LASKADA) has appointed social media personality Ayomiposi Oluwadahunsi, popularly known as ‘Mandy Kiss,’ as its ambassador.

In a viral video posted by an X user, #dammiedammie35, on Tuesday, Lagos Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende, conferred the ambassadorship on Mandy Kiss at an event organised by LASKADA.

He urged citizens to join the fight against substance misuse.

He said, ‘We’re here with Mandy Kiss, and you know, she’s actually agreed to become one of our LASKADA brand ambassadors, Lagos State Kicks Against Drug Abuse.

‘Drugs are a pandemic that is hitting our streets, it is a pandemic that is hitting our society, it is a pandemic that is hitting our community.

‘The government cannot fight it alone. We must work in collaboration with those that can reach as many people as possible, and we know Mandy Kiss has a large followership, 402,000. We’ve had conversations and we’re trying to do things differently.’

He said, ‘With the powers conferred on me, I make her one of our brand ambassadors. So, say no to drugs. Say what? Say no to drugs.’

The development comes a few days after Mandy Kiss was at the centre of public backlash over her controversial ‘marathon sex’ announcement.

Tribune Online reports that the Eselu of Iselu Kingdom, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, had petitioned Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, calling for her arrest after she declared via Instagram that she planned to set a Guinness World Record by engaging with 100 men in 24 hours.

The monarch described the plan as ‘shameful, disgraceful, and a stain on Nigeria’s reputation.’

Earlier, Guinness World Records later distanced itself from the stunt, stressing that it does not monitor such attempts due to ethical and safety concerns.

In reaction, Mandy Kiss admitted in a TikTok video that the announcement was a desperate attempt to revive her fading online presence.

‘I was just trying to see if I was still relevant. Everywhere was dry on my page, so I came up with the idea to boost engagement and get adverts,’ she explained, adding that she could not afford legal battles.

The Nigerian Exchange (NGX) sustained its bullish momentum for the fourth straight session on Tuesday, with the benchmark All-Share Index (ASI) rising 0.23 per cent to close at 142,710.48 basis points.

This lifted the year-to-date return to 38.65 per cent from 38.33 per cent in the previous session, while market capitalisation advanced by N465.88 billion to settle at N90.58 trillion.

The positive outing was largely driven by strong demand in heavyweights such as Transcorp, up 8.48 per cent, Fidelity Bank, up 5.26 per cent, and Aradel Holdings, up 9.82 per cent.

Their gains outweighed profit-taking in top-tier banking stocks, including United Bank for Africa, down 2.70 per cent, Access Holdings, down 0.19 per cent, Zenith Bank, down 0.86 per cent, and Guaranty Trust Holding Company, down 0.11 per cent.

Sectoral performance closed on a mixed note. Oil and Gas gained 3.14 per cent, Industrial Goods rose 1.48 per cent, and Banking advanced 0.34 per cent. On the other hand, Insurance lost 3.77 per cent, while Consumer Goods fell 0.77 per cent, reflecting selective investor positioning across sectors.

Trading activity strengthened significantly, with transaction volume and value soaring by 223.09 per cent and 156.72 per cent, respectively. Fidelity Bank dominated the session, accounting for 793.04 million units valued at N15.88 billion, underscoring strong investor appetite in the mid-tier lender.

Despite the gains, market breadth closed negative, with 28 advancers against 31 decliners. UPDC, which gained 9.98 per cent, led the gainers’ chart, while Union Dicon, which fell 10 per cent, topped the laggards. Several other stocks closed flat.

Analysts note that the sustained bullish run in the market reflects resilient investor sentiment, particularly in energy and select banking names, despite profit-taking pressures in blue-chip lenders.

Market watchers expect momentum to remain largely driven by bargain-hunting and portfolio rebalancing as the quarter closes.

The Kogi State Government has expressed deep shock over the tragic death of Ms. Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, an anchor, reporter, and producer with ARISE News, who was killed during an alleged armed robbery in Abuja.

In a condolence message signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the government described the late journalist as a consummate professional who carried out her duties with passion, brilliance, and a deep sense of responsibility.

‘Her tragic passing is not only a loss to her family and colleagues at ARISE News but also to Nigeria, where her voice echoed professionalism in national discourse,’ the statement read in part. The government extended heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased, her colleagues in the media industry, and the management of ARISE News, praying that God grants her eternal rest and gives her loved ones the fortitude to bear the loss.

The statement also urged security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators of the crime are swiftly brought to justice, noting that no society can thrive when its brightest lights are cut down by acts of criminality.

Fanwo added that her memory would continue to inspire courage, patriotism, and excellence in the noble profession of journalism.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, and the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, on Tuesday converged in Sokoto with a common message: Nigeria must urgently invest in education, skills, and unity to avert future instability.

The key to this, they suggest, lies in significant investment in education.

They spoke at the commissioning of the Bakhita ICT Centre, a facility equipped with 250 laptops and 50 digital tablets to provide training in ICT and vocational skills for young people, including children. Such facilities represent a tangible investment in education and vocational training.

Obasanjo warned that Nigeria’s 24 million out-of-school children constitute ‘a ticking time bomb’ that could worsen insecurity if not urgently addressed. Prioritising investment in education is essential to mitigate these risks.

‘You don’t need an oracle to know they will become the recruiting ground for Boko Haram of tomorrow,’ he said, cautioning that with the population projected to hit 400 million by 2050, failure to plan would make current security challenges appear mild.

He also highlighted the disruptive impact of artificial intelligence on jobs and lamented Nigeria’s dependence on food imports despite vast agricultural potential. ‘If farmers cannot make profit, they will stop planting,’ he said.

The Sultan of Sokoto, in his remarks, urged Nigerians to reject divisive narratives, describing the country’s diversity as its greatest asset. He dismissed foreign reports alleging religious genocide in Nigeria as ‘false and exaggerated,’ citing the interfaith harmony reflected at the event itself.

‘If we can sit here in Sokoto, just five minutes from the Sultan’s palace, with Christians and Muslims praying side by side, why does nobody talk about that?’ he queried.

He stressed that insecurity has lingered for over 15 years because it has become ‘a business,’ urging leaders to confront the root causes with sincerity.

Bishop Kukah, who initiated the project with the support of legal luminary Aare Afe Babalola, said the centre was his contribution to tackling poverty and unemployment in Northern Nigeria. This further exemplifies how targeted investment in education can change lives.

‘Among the almajiri on our streets, there could be an Albert Einstein. Geography must not define destiny,’ he said, adding that the facility would provide free Wi-Fi and affordable digital resources to ensure access for all.

Kukah, who described Obasanjo as ‘a man whose energy and service remain unmatched,’ also thanked the Sultan for his consistent support in promoting harmony.

The event, attended by traditional rulers, clerics, political leaders, and youths, featured cultural displays and underscored the call for interfaith collaboration as a pathway to peace and development.