Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

In a renewed effort to strengthen public awareness and compliance with child immunisation, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), through the Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES), has intensified advocacy and field activities across the city to ensure that every child is protected against preventable diseases.

The campaign commenced on Thursday with a press briefing at the FCT Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, where the Mandate Secretary, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, addressed members of the press on the importance of compliance with the ongoing Child Immunisation Campaign (Measles-Rubella) under the Child Rights Act, 2003.

Dr Fasawe reiterated that immunisation in the FCT is free, safe, effective, and secures the future of every child, emphasising that ignorance or misinformation must never be an excuse for non-compliance. ‘We will continue to educate our people and assure them of the safety and effectiveness of vaccines,’ she stated.

She also revealed that the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has approved free enrolment into the FCT Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS) for every child fully vaccinated in public schools across the Territory. Furthermore, she noted that the Administration has begun enforcing relevant legal provisions to address non-compliance or obstruction of vaccination teams, warning that violators, including parents and school owners, will face sanctions under the Child Rights Act.

According to her, Sections 13 and 14 of the Act mandate parents, guardians, and institutions to ensure that every child is fully immunised, and denying such access constitutes a violation of a child’s right to health and protection.

Building on the momentum from the briefing, field advocacy visits commenced on Friday, targeting various mosques and Islamic centres across Abuja, including the Ansar-ud-Deen Society and Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Foundation. The exercise continued on Sunday with visits to major churches such as the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), and Christ Holy Church International.

The advocacy visits, led by Dr Fasawe, formed part of a wider citywide sensitisation campaign aimed at ensuring that no child-whether in school, church, mosque, market, or playground-is left unprotected from preventable diseases.

Simultaneously, other FCTA immunisation teams were deployed across various districts and communities, including hard-to-reach areas and places of worship, to guarantee comprehensive coverage and ensure that every eligible child was reached.

During the outreach, the Senior Pastor and Regional Overseer of MFM Wuye International Headquarters, Pastor Edwin Etomi, commended the FCT Minister for his proactive commitment to child health and grassroots engagement. Similarly, Evangelist Anselm Ikebata of Christ Holy Church International, Area 1, applauded the Administration’s renewed effort and urged parents to seize the opportunity to vaccinate their children, stressing that doing so helps secure the future of every child.

Dr Fasawe explained that the ongoing campaign is designed to be all-inclusive, involving traditional institutions, churches, mosques, community associations, NGOs, CSOs, and partners such as the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), UNICEF, WHO, and IVACA. She noted that the Secretariat’s teams have traversed the nooks and crannies of the FCT to reach as many households as possible.

Parents turned out in large numbers to have their children immunised and expressed appreciation to the Mandate Secretary for encouraging participation through the distribution of gifts, party packs, and toys to children.

To ensure full compliance, Dr Fasawe disclosed that the Secretariat has compiled a list of non-compliant schools and issued reminder letters, while mobilising 132 vaccination teams for a three-day citywide mop-up exercise in collaboration with NPHCDA and other relevant stakeholders.

High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has debunked reports circulating on social media claiming that he gave the Federal Government a 21-day ultimatum to release the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

In a statement issued on Sunday by his media consultant, Dr Paul Bebenimibo, the Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) and Ibe-Ebidouwei of the Ijaw Nation described the publication as fake and the handiwork of detractors bent on tarnishing his image.

‘We wish to state unequivocally and unambiguously that Tompolo did not author the said publication. High Chief Ekpemupolo has nothing to do with the issue of Nnamdi Kanu,’ the statement read.

Dr Bebenimibo alleged that those behind the false claim were enemies seeking to discredit Tompolo because of his unwavering stance against illegal crude oil activities in the Niger Delta region.

‘It is clearly the handiwork of Tompolo’s enemies, who are out there to pull him down because of his stand against illegal oil operations. These people have failed and will continue to fail, as he will not relent in his duty to eradicate oil theft in the region,’ he added.

The statement further reassured President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Tompolo’s continued loyalty and support for the Renewed Hope agenda of his administration.

‘We wish to reassure the Federal Government, led by our dynamic President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, that Tompolo is with him and will continue to support the Renewed Hope agenda of his government. Tompolo remains firm in his endorsement of Mr President for a second term and continues to work for its realisation,’ Bebenimibo said.

He urged the Federal Government and the public to disregard the false report, insisting that Tompolo’s focus remains on safeguarding the nation’s oil assets and promoting peace in the Niger Delta.

A fuel tanker heavy-duty vehicle travelling from Lagos to Kano overturned early Sunday morning in the Takalafiya community, Lapai Local Government Area of Niger State.

The incident, which occurred around 8:00 a.m., prompted the swift intervention of the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBUL) Fire Service Station and personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to avert a potential fire outbreak.

Eyewitnesses reported that members of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Lapai Chapter, also mobilised to the scene to assist in managing the situation.

It was further gathered that some of the spilt fuel was recovered and reloaded into drums to prevent wastage and environmental hazards.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has commended the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for officially removing Nigeria from its list of jurisdictions under increased monitoring, also known as the ‘grey list.’

The decision follows a successful on-site evaluation confirming Nigeria’s substantial progress in strengthening its financial integrity and regulatory frameworks.

The CBN said the FATF’s action reflects the significant improvements Nigeria has made in combating money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing, and marks a major milestone in efforts to enhance transparency and restore international confidence in the country’s financial system.

According to the apex bank, Nigeria’s removal from the grey list will yield tangible economic benefits for both businesses and households.

These include lower compliance costs, improved access to international finance and faster, more affordable cross-border transactions.

The bank added that, over time, these gains will translate into smoother trade settlements, quicker remittance inflows and more predictable access to foreign exchange-factors expected to strengthen livelihoods, spur enterprise growth and deepen financial inclusion.

The CBN described the FATF’s decision as a strong signal of renewed global confidence in Nigeria’s economic management.

It noted that recent upgrades by Moody’s and Fitch Ratings, alongside positive findings from the IMF’s 2025 Article IV Consultation, reinforce the country’s progress in stabilising its external balances, improving transparency and enhancing monetary policy credibility.

CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso hailed the development as ‘a strong affirmation of our reform trajectory and the growing integrity of our financial system.’

He added: ‘The FATF’s decision reflects a clear policy direction and the coordinated efforts of key national institutions working together to deliver sustainable, standards-based reforms. Our priority now is to consolidate these gains, ensuring that compliance, innovation and trust continue to advance hand in hand to reinforce financial stability and strengthen Nigeria’s global credibility.’

Nigeria joins South Africa, Mozambique and Burkina Faso among the latest African countries to be delisted by the FATF-an achievement the CBN said underscores Africa’s growing alignment with international financial standards.

In a statement, Hakama Sidi Ali, Acting Director of Corporate Communications at the CBN, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to sustaining reforms that promote a sound, transparent and trusted financial system.

She emphasised that the CBN will continue to collaborate with domestic and international partners to safeguard stability while advancing inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

The FATF’s decision capped a two-year reform programme coordinated by the Federal Government of Nigeria, involving multiple agencies including the CBN, the Federal Ministry of Justice, the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The CBN’s contributions, the statement noted, were focused on strengthening supervision, governance and transparency across the financial system. Key reforms assessed by the FATF and the Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) included:

Strengthened oversight of financial institutions through updated AML/CFT regulations, risk-based supervision and fit-and-proper assessments.

Expanded compliance reporting across remittance channels, bureaux de change and fintech platforms to improve traceability.

Enhanced inter-agency data-sharing and enforcement coordination between the CBN, NFIU, EFCC and law enforcement agencies.

Implementation of governance tools such as the Foreign Exchange Code (FX Code) and the Electronic Foreign Exchange Matching System (EFEMS).

The apex bank said these coordinated reforms have materially improved Nigeria’s compliance with global standards, bolstered confidence in the integrity of its financial system and positioned the country for stronger economic engagement with international partners.

The Conscience Forum of the Labour Party (LP) in Lagos State has officially joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), marking a significant political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The declaration took place at a well-attended event on Saturday, with party leaders and supporters from both groups present.

Leader of the Conscience Forum, Hon. Moshood Salvador, pledged to work tirelessly toward repositioning Nigeria through the ADC platform, describing the move as a powerful and transformative process.

‘We will work tirelessly towards victory at the polls and to move Nigeria forward,’ Salvador said, describing the ADC as the vehicle that will drive credible leadership to Alausa and Abuja in 2027.

He urged members to embrace unity and integrity in their political activities.

‘This is a politics of conscience, not compromise,’ he declared, emphasising peace, unity, and dedication to national progress.

Addressing members of the Igbo community, Salvador said: ‘My brothers and sisters-Ndigbo! We will work hard and make Nigeria great again. Ignore criticisms and stay focused on building a better country through the ADC platform.’

Salvador charged members to replicate the mobilisation drive across all local governments in Lagos, stressing the importance of grassroots participation.

Receiving the Conscience Forum into the ADC fold, Lagos State Chairman of the party, Hon. George Ashiru, lauded the group’s decision, describing it as a divine addition to the ADC.

He highlighted the party’s inclusive ideology, saying, ‘Our strength lies in our diversity. The ADC accommodates all Nigerians-Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, and others-because we believe in one Nigeria.’

Ashiru reaffirmed the ADC’s commitment to its ‘Arise and Shine’ vision, pledging a more prosperous and united Lagos and Nigeria.

Also speaking, Bishop James Okocha, President of the Igbo Justice Forum in Lagos, reflected on the group’s political journey.

He acknowledged Salvador’s role in boosting the Labour Party’s popularity but lamented the lack of recognition and sustainability within the party.

He urged the ADC to learn from past experiences and ensure inclusiveness and accountability.

‘We worked hard then, but were later sidelined. This time, we seek assurance that our efforts will be respected,’ Okocha lamented.

Other speakers echoed similar sentiments, vowing to work for ADC’s success at the polls and to ‘take power from those desperate to retain it at the detriment of citizens.’

Notable attendees included Mrs. Naomi Lasara Abel, National Woman Leader; Hon. George Ashiru, Lagos State Chairman; Dr. Bamidele Ajadi, Deputy National Chairman (Politics); Hon. Duru Festus, Lagos State Secretary; Chief Mrs. Rosemary; and other top ADC executives.

The University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo State, has refuted reports of a 149 per cent hike in tuition, clarifying that only fees for newly admitted students were slightly adjusted, while those of returning students remain unchanged.

The Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Ebunoluwa Adejuyigbe, made this clarification during a press briefing, describing the claims as misleading and aimed at discrediting the fast-growing university, saying that there are courses whose fees are as low as ?150,000.

She explained that the adjustment was necessary to maintain academic standards amid current economic realities, adding that the university’s fees remain competitive and subsidised by the Ondo State Government.

Adejuyigbe further disclosed that UNIMED has engaged the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to ensure that indigent but deserving students benefit from the government’s student loan scheme.

According to her, ‘There are a lot of incorrect narratives in some sections of the media on tuition at UNIMED. We find the false depiction of our fees by some fifth columnists as an attempt to malign a transparent and progressive institution.’

‘Let me set the records straight that the university did not increase fees across the board as it is being peddled; we only adjusted the fees of freshers to be able to give them the best in the face of the current economic realities.

‘As a transparent institution, our fees are available on the university website for all to see. The fees are competitive compared to other institutions. They are highly subsidised by the Government of Ondo State.

‘Last year, we verified 87 students whose names we took to NELFUND. I personally have been in contact with the head of NELFUND to see why our verified students were not brought into the programme.

‘This year, they have approached us again, and we are trying to verify something because we noticed that our fees were increased, which is erroneous because we did not increase the fees recently; they were increased earlier on.’

Speaking on the transfer of the Akure complex of the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital to the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), the Vice-Chancellor assured that the move would not affect UNIMED’s operations.

She explained that, under the signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), UNIMED students would continue to have access to the facilities and lecturers at the complex.

‘The ceding of the Akure branch to FUTA is a collaborative arrangement to help the university kick-start its medical science programmes while UNIMED continues to strengthen its main teaching hospital in Ondo.

‘It is a gesture meant to kick-start the medical science programmes at FUTA while the university gets its main teaching hospital ready.

‘I must add that UNIMED, as a rapidly developing medical school, has facilities that can relatively cater for the needs of its students at the Teaching Hospital in Ondo.

‘Please note that UNIMED believes that collaboration and cooperation are necessary for a 21st-century university to thrive.

‘So, while we maximise the facilities we have in Ondo, we will continue to collaborate with relevant institutions locally and internationally to deliver the best medical and health sciences education.’

Northern Islamic scholars from the 19 states and Abuja converged in Kaduna to examine the state of the Muslims in the region have condemned the local and international propaganda alleging genocide against Nigerian Christians.

In a communique signed by sixteen prominent Islamic scholars and groups, which was read by the National President of the Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria, Dr Bashir Aliyu Umar, described such a claim as misleading and divisive.

They noted that Muslims have been disproportionately affected by insecurity and urged patriotic Christians to speak truthfully about the situation to foster mutual understanding.

The communique also called on the Federal Government to call on the Christian Associations of Nigeria (CAN) to come clean by repudiating the falsehood and called on the press on the need to uphold truth by responsible reporting by the media and international partners to promote unity and an accurate representation of facts.

The communique also unequivocally condemned the ongoing genocide and brutal occupation in Gaza, describing it as a grave violation of humanity and international law.

They expressed unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people and commended the Federal Government of Nigeria for its steadfast support for Palestine, as demonstrated at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

The summit also recalled the Federal Government’s position in standing for justice and freedom in our foreign policy and urged Muslims to sustain advocacy, prayers, and humanitarian support for the Palestinian cause.

Recognising the importance of civic responsibility, the Ulamah encouraged Muslims, particularly the youth, to actively participate in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise to exercise their democratic rights in forthcoming elections.

They emphasised that political engagement is a legitimate means to advocate for policies that uphold justice, morality, and the welfare of the Ummah and the nation.

The Congregation urged the Ulamah to remain mindful of the prevailing living

conditions of all Nigerians, particularly within the Muslim community.

‘It underscores the vital importance of unity and steadfast commitment to the principles of our faith in guiding the Muslim Ummah to act in accordance with Islamic values and teachings as the nation approaches the 2027 elections.’

The Special Northern Ulamah Summit reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the ulamah to champion unity, defend the principles of Islam, and promote peace and national stability through dialogue, education, and moral leadership.

The Governor of Anambra State, Charles Soludo, has conveyed his earnest congratulations to the new security service chiefs recently appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Governor Soludo, in his goodwill message, signed and made available to journalists in Awka on Sunday by his press secretary, Christian Aburime, commended the appointments of General Olufemi Oluyede as the new Chief of Defence Staff, Major-General W. Shaibu as the Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral I. Abbas, as the Chief of Naval Staff, as representing a pivotal step towards strengthening the security architecture of our great nation.

The governor expressed confidence in the leadership, expertise and experience the seasoned military professionals bring to their new roles at this critical time when our nation faces evolving security challenges.

He added that the service chiefs must engage with all stakeholders to ensure a unified approach to tackling insecurity in Nigeria and secure the lives and properties of all Nigerians.

Also, the Governor reaffirmed the commitment of the Anambra State Government to support the Federal Government and the newly appointed security chiefs in their efforts to combat insecurity in the Southeast as well as foster a peaceful, safe environment for all citizens.

The statement partly reads, ‘Therefore, Governor Soludo once again congratulates General Olufemi Oluyede, Major-General W. Shaibu, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke, and Rear Admiral I. Abbas on their well-deserved appointments and wish them great success in their new roles for a safer Nigeria.’

Solid Minerals Development Minister, Dr Dele Alake, has charged investors to increase their investment stakes in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, following positive reforms that promise higher returns.

Speaking on the theme ‘Connect and Collaborate, Co-Build and Co-Share’ at this year’s China Mining Conference in Tianjin, Alake impressed his hosts with security reforms, including the Mining Marshals and the satellite mines monitoring project, which were introduced to protect licensed miners and curtail illegal mining.

In a statement by the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Segun Tomori, Alake cited upgrades in technology designed to ease doing business and processing applications – such as the Electronic Mining Cadastre (EMC+), the Nigerian Mineral Resources Decision System (NMRDS), the Centre of Excellence, and the websites of the ministry and its agencies – as unique tools to enhance remote transactions globally within Nigeria’s mining sector.

Reviewing Chinese mining investments, Alake acknowledged that investments in lithium processing alone had totalled $1.3 billion since September 2023, adding that MOUs signed by President Bola Tinubu during his state visit in September 2024 had led to substantial investment commitments.

He said, ‘Since September 2023, when this administration assumed office, Chinese companies such as Canmax Technology, Jiuling Lithium, Avatar New Energy Nigeria Company, and Asba have invested over $1.3 billion in lithium processing. These investments have boosted Nigeria’s economic diversification efforts, reduced dependency on oil, and attracted infrastructure, technology transfer, and expertise. Joint ventures between Chinese and Nigerian companies in the mining sector often enhance local capabilities and skills among Nigerian workers and engineers.’

Dr Alake, who is currently the Chairman of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG), reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening continental cooperation in mineral exploration and reporting standards, stating that Africa must build shared systems of knowledge and governance if it is to fully benefit from its vast mineral endowments.

He reaffirmed plans to strengthen the regional Centres of Excellence in Geosciences and Mining Skills and to expand the role of the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF) and the SMDF-AFC Facility in supporting early-stage exploration and de-risking investments.

‘We warmly invite investors, development partners, and technical institutions to explore Nigeria’s vast opportunities in minerals such as lithium, gold, lead-zinc, barite, and rare earth elements. Our government offers a conducive investment climate, improved security of tenure, and incentives that guarantee mutual benefit.

‘Nigeria’s vision is not only to extract minerals but to build a globally competitive value chain that supports clean energy transition, job creation, and industrial growth – all within the framework of responsible mining,’ he said.

Representing Nigeria in the technical session on ‘Mining in Africa and Policy,’ Director-General of the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency, Professor Olusegun Omoniyi Ige, highlighted the National Mineral Resources Data System (NMRDS) and Nigeria’s extensive aeromagnetic and geochemical datasets, which together provide a solid foundation for informed mineral exploration.

He noted that while these datasets have greatly improved the country’s geological understanding, greater investment is still required to expand exploration coverage and convert data into proven mineral resources.

Other speakers included Mr Xu Xueyi, Deputy Director-General of the China Geological Survey; H.E. Mohamed Ahmed Taha, Minister of Minerals of Sudan; Ms Phumzile Mgcina, Deputy Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources of South Africa; and Mr Joseph Lebbie, Director-General of Geological Exploration, Sierra Leone.

The Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr Emomotimi Agama, has revealed that over $50 billion worth of cryptocurrency transactions passed through Nigeria between July 2023 and June 2024, highlighting a fast-evolving digital finance ecosystem that continues to outpace the traditional capital market in investor engagement.

Speaking at the annual conference of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers in Lagos, Agama, in a lead paper titled ‘Evaluating the Nigerian Capital Market Masterplan 2015-2025,’ lamented that despite the high level of financial activity in alternative assets, participation in Nigeria’s regulated capital market remains critically low.

According to him, less than four per cent of Nigeria’s adult population are active investors, a figure that poses serious concerns for capital formation and long-term economic growth.

‘Fewer than three million Nigerians invest in the capital market, yet over 60 million engage in gambling activities daily, spending an estimated $5.5 million each day,’ he stated.

Agama described the disparity as ‘a paradox,’ saying it reveals that while Nigerians clearly possess an appetite for risk, they lack either the trust or access to channel that energy into productive investments.

He further noted that Nigeria’s market capitalisation-to-GDP ratio stands at about 30 per cent, significantly trailing countries such as South Africa (320%), Malaysia (123%), and India (92%).

The SEC boss said the figures reflect the urgent need to deepen financial inclusion, restore investor confidence, and strengthen capital mobilisation mechanisms.

Reflecting on the ten-year Capital Market Masterplan (CMMP) launched in 2015, Agama reminded stakeholders that the initiative was designed to reposition Nigeria’s capital market as the primary engine of economic transformation by mobilising long-term finance for infrastructure and enterprise development.

‘Today, as we stand at the sunset of that ten-year plan, our task is not ceremonial but reflective and diagnostic. We must ask: what did we achieve, where did we fall short, and what lessons must anchor our next decade of reforms?’ he said.

Agama disclosed that less than half of the 108 initiatives outlined in the CMMP were fully executed.

He attributed the shortfall to poor alignment with national development priorities, lack of measurable tracking frameworks, and weak stakeholder ownership.

He observed that market liquidity remains highly concentrated in a handful of large-cap stocks, including Airtel Africa, Dangote Cement, and MTN Nigeria, despite progress in segments such as Green Bonds, Sukuk issuance, fintech integration, and non-interest finance.

Outlining the six major challenges confronting the market, Agama listed low retail participation, market concentration, declining foreign inflows, underutilised pension assets, untapped diaspora capital, and a widening infrastructure financing gap.

‘Nigeria’s $150 billion annual infrastructure deficit far exceeds the capital market’s contribution, with only ?1.5 trillion approved in PPP bonds. This demonstrates a misalignment between financial innovation and national priorities,’ he said.

The SEC DG called for a ‘reimagined SEC,’ one that functions not only as a regulator but as an enabler of private sector-led economic growth.

He emphasised that the next phase of reforms must prioritise trust-building, transparency, and inclusiveness.

‘Vision without execution is inertia, and reform without measurement is aspiration without accountability,’ Agama declared.