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$25bn Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline Project Gets New Company

The $25 billion Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline (NMGP) project has taken a big step forward with the creation of a special company to handle it.

This new company means the project is moving from the planning stage to putting in place the systems and money needed for actual construction. International financiers like the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) are already showing interest in supporting the project.

When completed, the pipeline will carry up to 30 billion cubic meters of gas every year. It will stretch more than 6,000 kilometers, passing through about 12 West African countries, linking Nigeria’s gas to Morocco, and then to Europe. Nigeria, which has Africa’s largest proven gas reserves, wants to reduce dependence on its local market by selling more gas abroad.

For Morocco and other countries along the route, the pipeline will increase energy supply and boost their roles in the global gas market.

The creation of a project company is important because it puts all the responsibilities, financing, and management of the pipeline in one place.

This makes it easier for investors and financial institutions to trust the process.

The final investment decision, expected by the end of 2025, will determine if the project has enough funding to move fully into construction.

The United States has denied entry to an Iranian delegation scheduled to attend the World Cup draw later this year.

According to Iranian Football Federation (FFI) spokesperson Amir-Mehdi Alawi, those affected include FFI President Mehdi Taj, national team Head Coach Amir Ghalenoei, and seven other officials.

The delegation was expected to be present for the draw, which is scheduled to take place on December 5 in Washington.

The FFI is now seeking FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s intervention to overturn the decision within the next two weeks.

The U.S. entry ban, first introduced under former President Donald Trump, has long been a point of contention between the two countries. Observers fear that while players and coaching staff may not face major restrictions, officials, sports journalists, and fans could be significantly affected.

The FFI has expressed hope that Iran’s matches will at least be hosted in Canada or Mexico if difficulties persist with U.S. visas.

Iran and the U.S. have not maintained diplomatic relations for more than 45 years, and the two nations remain political rivals.

Despite this, nearly two million Iranians live in the United States, and family visitsthough often complicated had previously been possible. The current restrictions, however, have also disrupted such reunions.

Sports experts warn that if the situation is not resolved, it could undermine Iran’s full participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on Thursday stormed Oke-Ode in Ifelodun Local Government Area to reassure residents of government’s resolve to crush banditry and restore peace, days after armed men massacred security volunteers in the community.

The Governor, accompanied by top security commanders and senior government officials, met with local leaders to calm nerves and assure them that combined forces of the state, Federal Government, and security agencies were working round the clock to protect lives and property. Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on Thursday stormed Oke-Ode in Ifelodun Local Government Area to reassure residents of government’s resolve to crush banditry and restore peace, days after armed men massacred security volunteers in the community.

The Governor, accompanied by top security commanders and senior government officials, met with local leaders to calm nerves and assure them that combined forces of the state, Federal Government, and security agencies were working round the clock to protect lives and property.

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 62-year-old man suspected to be a member and informant of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) over alleged terrorism and extortion in Ihiala Local Government Area.

The suspect is accused of anchoring a major extortion ring that imposes illegal levies on traders and families in the Isseke and Orsumoghu communities.

Police spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga said in a statement on Thursday that the arrest was carried out on Oct. 1 by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu. ‘Preliminary investigations reveal the suspect was collecting ?10,000 and above from each trader monthly, and up to ?100,000 from families organising burial ceremonies in the area,’ Ikenga said.

He added that the proceeds were allegedly funnelled to a terrorist camp commander.

The IPOB suspect is currently in custody, and investigations are ongoing.

Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, commended the officers involved and reiterated the command’s resolve to dismantle all criminal networks linked to insurgent groups. ‘This arrest is part of our broader strategy to flush out elements who exploit residents under the guise of agitation,’ Orutugu said.

The Bureau of African Labour Human and Democratic Rights (BALHADER), as well as the Center for the Defence of Human Rights Democratic in Africa (CDHRDA) and the wrongly disengaged Over 5000 Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), on Monday honoured one of their leaders, Comrade (Mrs) Nwanyieze Ukaummna, well-known as the First Lady of Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, MWUN who died in August with a memoria session in Lagos.

Comrade Nwanyieze, who turned 70 on the 5th of May 2025, passed on in her 43 Fatai Irawo Street, Ajao Estate, Isolo Lagos on the 30th of August 2025.

The event, which was held at the Akporo Community Hall, Ajegunle Apapa, Lagos started around 11am with hymns and solidarity songs, after which a minute silence was observed in honour of the departed soul.

The memorial service witnessed many members of the workers unions rendering great testimonials about the woman they regard as mother of all maritime workers. Banner of the late Comrade Nwanyieze Ukaummna at the event

The first speaker, Comrade Mufutau Salami described Mrs Ukaummna as a good mother who was very accommodating and hospitable.

‘Mama was a good mother to me. She was always happy to receive you. Any time I went to her for anything, she would urge me to enter and sit anywhere I wanted in the house. She would say sit anywhere you like, it’s your house,’ Comrade Muftau narrated.

He gave testimonies of how the late unionist interceded for him on several cases. He also emphasized that mama loved him so much that if she had decided not to intervene on any issue, she would change her position immediately she noticed him among the concerned individuals. He prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul.

Second speaker was Comrade Olumegbon Ibrahim Babatunde who described Mrs Ukaummna’s demise as sad. However, he urged his colleagues to take solace in the fact that the late ‘mother of all maritime workers’ lived a good and impactful life. Another protege of the late union leader, Comrade Emmanuel James, said the deceased played important roles ‘in everybody’s life. You cannot go to her sad and not return happy.’ Comrades observe one minute silence in honour of Mrs Nwanyieze Ukaummna

Another speaker, Comrade James Nwafor, praised mama to high heaven and said the only way to honour her was for him and his colleagues to continue the struggle the deceased led ‘until victory is achieved.’

The BALHADER Director of Programme, Comrade Uchenna Uzoije, himself was not left out in the avalanche of praises for the late Comrade. He noted that Mrs Ukaummna was the first leader of the movement. He described her as his mother ‘in the real sense of it.’

He pledged to honour her beloved memory by pursuing to a logical conclusion the struggle she led till death.

A prayer session for the repose of her soul was held thereafter.

At about 12:30pm, singing of solidarity songs with characteristic demonstration took the stage to wrap up the programme. Comrades sing solidarity songs to honour Nwanyieze’s memoryOne of the comrades giving testimonies at the event about the late people’s leader

The death toll from a magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck the central Philippines earlier this week has risen to 72.

The national disaster agency on Thursday, reported that nearly 300 people were injured, while more than 170,000 were affected by the earthquake, which struck Cebu province on Tuesday evening.

Thirty people died in Bogo City, the epicentre of the offshore quake, where landslides buried homes, the agency said.

Another 22 were killed in San Remigio, 12 in Medellin, five in Tabogon and one each in Sogod, Tabuelan and Borbon.

The disaster agency reported 597 houses partially or totally damaged, along with 87 government facilities, hospitals, bridges, churches, roads and private buildings. It was not immediately clear if people remained trapped under collapsed structures. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the quake lasted about 30 seconds. Around 2,300 aftershocks of up to magnitude 5.0 have been recorded so far.

Phivolcs director Teresito Bacolcol, urged residents not to return to damaged homes, warning that aftershocks could continue for days or even weeks and could cause structures to collapse.

‘Consult civil engineers, structural engineers in your municipal or city engineering office and seek advice regarding the integrity of the buildings,’ he said.

The Lagos State Government has rolled out activities for the 2025 Public Service Week, reaffirming its resolve to leverage technology in shaping a smarter, agile, and globally competitive public workforce.

At a press briefing on Thursday at the Public Service Office, Alausa, the Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, said this year’s celebration would not only honour the contributions of public servants but also spotlight the administration’s drive for digital transformation.

‘The event is projected to appreciate and celebrate our ever-dedicated and committed Public Servants for their numerous contributions and efforts towards the attainment of good governance and efficient service delivery,’ Agoro stated. He added that the theme, ‘Deepening Technology for a Smart and Agile Public Service,’ underscored the government’s resolve to harness technology as a tool for transparency, efficiency, and enhanced citizen engagement.

‘You will quite agree with me that technology plays a very crucial role in today’s business world,’ he noted.

‘Therefore, embracing this development to enhance service delivery, promote innovation, and build a responsive Public Service is very important,’ he added.

Agoro credited Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for leading a digital transformation agenda that has prioritised investments in infrastructure and capacity development. According to him, ‘Lagos State has prioritised digital transformation, investing in digital infrastructure and capacity development to ensure our Public Service remains globally competitive. This commitment has enabled us to streamline processes, improve data-driven decision-making and enhance citizen engagement.’ Permanent Secretary of the Public Service Office, Sunkanmi Oyegbola (left) with the Head of Service, Bode Agoro during the briefing

On the government’s commitment to workforce development, he stressed: ‘Our investment in digital training for Public Servants shall continue in order to ensure they remain relevant in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. We will also continue to leverage technology to enhance citizens’ participation in governance and getting the required feedbacks to improve service delivery.’

The week-long celebration will commence on Friday, October 3, with health screenings for civil servants at the Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium and a special Jumat Service at the Alausa Secretariat Mosque. On Saturday, October 4, a Walk-for-Fitness will take place in Ikeja, while an interdenominational thanksgiving service will follow at the Chapel of Christ the Light, Alausa, on Sunday, October 5. The following day, October 6, donations from ministries, private organisations and individuals will be presented to orphanages and charity homes, alongside continued health screenings for public servants.

On Tuesday, October 7, officers who have served Lagos State for over 30 years will be honoured during the Long Service Merit Award Ceremony. Wednesday, October 8, will feature a public lecture on the theme of the celebration as well as recognition of outstanding officers. The Variety Show, tagged ‘Alausa Goes White,’ will hold on Thursday, October 9, where public servants are expected to appear in white attire while showcasing their talents in the seventh edition of the Alausa’s Got Talent series. The celebration will climax with a luncheon with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, during which recipients of the Outstanding Officers Award will have the opportunity to meet the governor.

Agoro praised the dedication of civil servants, describing them as ‘crucial to driving national development and addressing complex challenges confronting the nation.’

He closed with a note of appreciation to the sponsors and partners who supported the event, saying: ‘Let me conclude my address by sending our special appreciation to all our sponsors, corporate partners and individuals who have supported this event with various gift items and donations, while I also solicit further support and cooperation of all Public Servants in making this celebration memorable.’

A recently intercepted container 277 cartons of drugs with more than 100,000 tablets falsely labeled as diclofenac but filled with anti-malaria drugs were among the unwholesome, substandard, falsified, and expired products worth N15 billion destroyed by NAFDAC at Moniya dumpsite in Ibadan, Oyo State on Wednesday.

The suspect linked to the shipment of the false diclofenac had been arrested and would face legal prosecution to serve as a deterrent to other illegal drug importers and distributors, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye said during the destruction of the unwholesome products.

Represented by Dr Martins Iluyomade, NAFDAC’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, she said the the action aimed to eliminate the risk of such dangerous products re-entering the Nigerian market and harming public health. The NAFDAC boss added that explained that the destroyed items included counterfeit, expired, controlled, unregistered, and banned medicines and medical products.

She said other destroyed products included Analgin, Co-codamol, codeine-containing cough syrups, Tramadol, Oxytocin, and various expired vaccines, all of which posed significant health risks if consumed or circulated.

She revealed that the estimated street value of the destroyed products was more than N15 billion, underscoring the scale and seriousness of illegal pharmaceutical operations in Nigeria. ‘NAFDAC also discovered and confiscated a wide range of illegally manufactured cosmetics and packaging materials during a raid on a military barracks in Lagos, she further disclosed. Some of the destroyed items, she said, were seized during recent nationwide raids targeting black-market drug sellers, counterfeiters, and unlicensed medicine dealers operating without regulation or oversight.

Adeyeye urged community leaders, health professionals, religious figures, and journalists to educate the public on the dangers of patronising unlicensed drug sellers and unregistered pharmaceutical outlets.

She called for public participation in the fight against substandard products, urging Nigerians to report suspicious drug activities to help protect lives and strengthen the nation’s regulatory system.

According to her, public vigilance and collaboration remain crucial in ensuring that fake, dangerous, and illegal health products are kept off the streets and out of Nigerian homes.

She expressed gratitude to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for handing more than 25 seized 40-foot containers of prohibited products, including Tramadol, Artesunate injections, and frozen poultry.

‘These prohibited products are part of what we are destroying today, and their removal marks another victory in the battle against violative and harmful substances,’ she said.

She also acknowledged the strong support from the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, DSS, Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), and other stakeholders for their efforts in supporting NAFDAC’s mission.

The Abuja-Kaduna Train Service (AKTS) resumed operations on Wednesday, after weeks of rigorous safety inspections, staff training, and operational checks by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC).

The first train departed from Idu Station in Abuja, made its regular stop at Kubwa, and successfully arrived at Rigasa Station in Kaduna.

A return journey was also completed the same day, signaling the full restoration of services along the corridor. Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, joined passengers on the inaugural trip to demonstrate confidence in the system and reassure commuters of improved safety and reliability.

Speaking after arrival in Kaduna, Dr. Opeifa expressed gratitude to God for the successful restart and emphasised the strategic importance of rail transport in strengthening national unity and driving development. He credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for its significant investments in rail infrastructure and pledged to modernise NRC operations.

He announced plans to complete ongoing projects, rehabilitate serviceable rolling stock, expand routes, and enhance customer experience through the newly established Customer Service Department.

On security, Dr. Opeifa assured travellers that both visible security personnel and discreet safety measures have been deployed to protect passengers, staff, and assets.

Reaffirming his vision, the NRC boss said the corporation is determined to become a world-class passenger-friendly rail service provider, capable of contributing to Nigeria’s socio-economic growth through modern, safe, and efficient rail systems.

The Oyo State Government has partnered with acclaimed filmmaker Kunle Afolayan’s KAP Film Academy on a 10-day intensive filmmaking residency programme, scheduled for 6 to 15 October 2025.

The residency, announced by Afolayan, will take place at the iconic KAP Film Village and Resort in Igbojaye, Oyo State – the production location of the Netflix blockbuster Aníkúlápó.

Themed ‘Emerging Stories’, the programme is designed to equip aspiring filmmakers from across Oyo State with comprehensive, hands-on training. Participants will be mentored by an A-list group of Nigerian cinema legends, including Kunle Afolayan, Tunde Kelani, and Joke Silva.

The curriculum will cover the entire filmmaking pipeline – from screenwriting and directing to cinematography, editing, and the business of film.

‘This residency is about more than just technical skills; it’s about instilling the passion and discipline required to become a successful storyteller,’ said Afolayan.

He added that ‘Emerging Stories’ are the heartbeat of African cinema’s future, and that his Academy’s mission is to provide the tools for new voices to be heard globally.

Speaking on the initiative, which has received the endorsement of the Oyo State Government as part of its strategy to foster talent and grow the creative economy, Governor Oluseyi Makinde said:

‘The programme reflects our commitment to empowering youth and positioning Oyo State as a premier hub for creativity and innovation.

A strategic partnership with KAP Academy will significantly boost our efforts towards creating meaningful opportunities for our young people and for the cultural economy of our state.’ Governor Makinde officially unveiled the KAP Film Village and Resort in April and has since committed to the reconstruction of the road leading to the world-class tourism destination.

The residency programme involves young participants from across the 33 local government areas of the state.

Commenting on local-level preparations, the Oyo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Honourable Ademola Ojo, confirmed the excitement and readiness of selected participants from across the state.

Since its inception in 2021, the KAP Film and Television Academy has trained over 40,000 students across Africa, establishing itself as a leading institution for practical, world-class film education. About KAP Film and Television Academy

Founded in 2021 by filmmaker Kunle Afolayan, the KAP Film and Television Academy is dedicated to equipping a new generation of African filmmakers with practical, industry-standard skills.

Through courses, masterclasses, and residency programmes, the Academy has partnered with major global brands and diplomatic missions to train over 40,000 students, fostering talent and elevating standards in film and television production across the continent.

The Academy’s home – the KAP Film Village and Resort in Igbojaye, Oyo State – serves as a serene and inspiring hub for learning and production.