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President, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Emeka Obegolu has said that the chamber in partnership with Afreximbank and Autodex Nigerian Limited have moved to reinforce the chambers collective vision by strengthening collaboration and knowledge exchange between Nigeria and China, as well as other strategic global partners, in advancing agricultural innovation and sustainability.

Obegolu, who was represented by the Director General of ACCI, Agabaidu Jideani said this during the 2nd edition of the farm, food and allied technology FARMFATECH expo 2025 in Abuja.

He said this year’s Expo builds upon the success of its inaugural edition, Scheduled to take place at the Velodrome, National Stadium in Abuja, adding that the three-day event will bring together over 500 exhibitors, 76 participating countries, and an estimated 500,000 visitors.

Nigeria’s sole representatives on the continent, Rivers United, have been handed a tough draw in the 2025/26 CAF Champions League group stage, where they will face some of Africa’s strongest club sides.

The draw, conducted on Monday at the SuperSport Studios in Johannesburg, South Africa, placed the former Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions in Group A alongside RS Berkane of Morocco, Pyramids FC of Egypt, and Power Dynamos of Zambia.

This marks Rivers United’s first-ever appearance in the group stage of Africa’s premier club competition, following their 3-2 aggregate victory over Mozambique’s Black Bulls in the final qualifying round. The Port Harcourt-based club also became the first Nigerian side to reach the group phase since 2019.

Group A is widely regarded as one of the toughest of the draw. Pyramids FC, defending champions of the CAF Champions League, are among the early favourites to retain their title after defeating Mamelodi Sundowns 3-2 in last season’s final. RS Berkane, on the other hand, are the reigning CAF Confederation Cup champions, having lifted the trophy three times in the past six editions.

While Rivers United face a daunting challenge against two continental powerhouses, Power Dynamos will also be looking to make an impression in their first group stage appearance since 2020 – making Group A, a blend of experience and emerging ambition.

Elsewhere, record 12-time winners Al Ahly of Egypt headline Group B alongside Young Africans (Tanzania), AS FAR (Morocco), and JS Kabylie (Algeria), while Mamelodi Sundowns lead Group C and Espérance de Tunis top Group D.

The CAF Interclub group stage will kick off between 21 and 23 November 2025, with two matchdays scheduled before the AFCON 2025 break in Morocco.

Matches will resume from January 23-25, 2026, before the knockout rounds begin on March 13, 2026.

The eventual winners of the competition, according to CAF, will receive USD 4 million, while runners-up will earn USD 2 million.

In a major stride for Nigeria’s renewable energy sector, LPV Technologies’ locally manufactured solar panels have earned the prestigious TÜV SÜD certification, meeting the rigorous International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards, marking a significant boost to the nation’s renewable energy sector.

The company said in a statement yesterday that the milestone not only affirms the quality of LPVT’s solar modules but also signals a new era for locally produced clean energy solutions in the country.

According to the company, the TÜV SÜD mark is globally recognized as a symbol of safety, reliability, and performance.

‘For LPVT, this certification validates strong investment in European-standard production processes, precision engineering, and multi-layered quality assurance. The company’s production line, powered by Ecoprogetti technology, one of Europe’s leading solar manufacturing systems, ensures that every panel meets international benchmarks for durability, efficiency, and long-term performance.

‘In a market flooded with low-grade, untraceable solar imports that often fail to deliver promised performance, LPVT’s TÜV-certified panels stand out. Built with advanced monocrystalline cells and tested under both international and local conditions, these panels offer superior energy yield, lower degradation rates, and reliable performance even in low-light environments-an essential feature for Nigeria’s diverse climate.

‘Achieving TÜV SÜD certification is more than a badge; it’s a statement of excellence from our production team,’ Head of Operations at LPVT Technologies, Emmanuel Agboola, said.

According to him, it confirms that Nigerian-made solar panels are not just viable locally, they’re world-class in quality, reliability, and innovation.

He said as Nigeria grapples with energy access challenges and seeks to expand its renewable energy footprint, LPVT’s TÜV-certified panels offer a timely and credible solution.

‘With government initiatives pushing for increased local content and reduced reliance on imports, LPVT’s achievement aligns perfectly with national goals,’ he said.

However, he said industry experts believe this development could catalyze a shift in perception around locally manufactured solar products. The company’s strategic approach combines European-standard precision with Nigerian ingenuity. By leveraging local talent and conducting multiple rounds of quality validation, including field testing across various terrains, LPVT ensures that its panels are not only built to last but built for Africa.

Looking ahead, LPVT’s breakthrough is not just a win for the company, it’s a win for Nigeria’s energy future. By setting a new benchmark for quality and reliability, LPVT is paving the way for other local manufacturers to follow suit, potentially transforming Nigeria into a hub for premium solar technology in West Africa,’ the company stated.

As the sun rises on a new chapter in Nigeria’s energy story, LPVT’s TÜV-certified panels are lighting the way, one project at a time, the company said.

Former Doma United head coach, Akinade Onigbinde, is set to take charge of Osun United ahead of the 2025/2026 Nigeria National League (NNL) season.

With the new campaign fast approaching, the Osogbo-based club has intensified its preparations and is keen to secure promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

Onigbinde, widely respected for his tactical acumen and focus on youth development, impressed during his tenure at Doma United. His appointment is expected to inject fresh ambition and experience into the Osun United setup.

The management believes his arrival will help shape a more competitive team capable of challenging for top honours in what promises to be a tough NNL season.

In a related development, Osun Babes are finalizing the appointment of Bankole Olowookere, current head coach of Nigeria’s U17 women’s team, the Flamingos, as their new manager ahead of the 2025/2026 NWFL season.

Olowookere, known for his calm leadership and tactical intelligence, recently guided the Flamingos to the second round of the ongoing FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

Club sources reveal that the deal is all but completed, with an official announcement expected soon. The management is confident that Olowookere’s experience in nurturing young talents will bring stability and success to the team as they aim for a strong NWFL campaign.

Eddie Hearn has revealed that Anthony Joshua is set to return to the ring before the end of the year.

The British boxing star last fought in September 2024, when he was knocked out by Daniel Dubois at Wembley.

Despite more than a year away from the ring, where the 36-year-old underwent elbow surgery, promoter Hearn has now issued a positive update on Joshua’s return.

He suggested that the heavyweight could return before the end of the year.

When asked if Joshua will fight on one of three Matchroom events on November 15, December 13 and December 27, Hurn replied: ‘Yes’.

The promoter added: ‘All I’m saying is, if he fights this year, it will just be a run out fight.

‘Because, coming back and fighting in a big arena, in a tough fight after being out for a year and a half, it’s not easy.

‘And it isn’t about the money in this fight this year.’

The Briton was rumoured to be eyeing up a fight against rival Tyson Fury, who has retired from the sport.

AJ has also been heavily linked to events in Africa during early 2026, with several opponents putting their names forward, including Tony Yoka.

He could appear on the undercard of Chris Eubank Jr’s fight against Conor Benn in a huge rematch on November 15.

If the turnaround is too tight, the former World Heavyweight Champion could also be lined up to appear in the US on the undercard of Diego Pacheco vs Kevin Lele Sadjo on December 13 in California.

Gbenga Komolafe, Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), has been named among top continental experts invited to address the Sixth Ordinary Session of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) in Midrand, South Africa, this November.

The 14-day sitting, which opened on Monday, November 3, brings together legislators, policymakers, and development leaders from across the continent to discuss governance priorities and sustainable development strategies.

Komolafe’s invitation – in recognition of his role as NUPRC Chief Executive and interim President of the Africa Forum for Petroleum Regulators and Frameworks (AFRIPERF) – is seen as a notable endorsement of Nigeria’s leadership in upstream petroleum reform under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a letter dated October 17, 2025, the PAP Bureau requested Komolafe to present a paper titled ‘Legislative Frameworks for Sustainable Upstream Regulation in Africa’s Oil and Gas Sector.’

The briefing will examine how sound regulatory and legislative structures can strengthen sustainability in the continent’s upstream industry, drawing on Nigeria’s experience under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

PAP noted that insights from Nigeria’s recent regulatory reforms would support efforts to shape model laws that promote accountability, environmental protection, and fair revenue distribution across member states.

This marks only the second time in recent years that a Nigerian official has been invited to address a PAP plenary, a forum typically reserved for prominent reform advocates shaping Africa’s development trajectory.

Komolafe has led major regulatory advances in Nigeria’s upstream sector, including digitised licensing, stricter environmental oversight, and performance-based compliance systems – reforms credited with boosting investor confidence and strengthening production performance.

Under his leadership, crude production has risen to roughly 1.7 million barrels per day, while gas flaring has dropped to 7.16 percent – among the lowest levels recorded in two decades. The PIA’s fiscal transparency and host community provisions have also improved industry-community relations and stability.

The PAP Bureau said Komolafe’s input would enrich ongoing deliberations on aligning national energy frameworks with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 targets, particularly around inclusive growth, sustainability, and energy transition.

Analysts say the invitation reinforces Nigeria’s growing stature in continental energy governance, highlighting the Tinubu administration’s commitment to transparent, innovative, and competitive resource management.

Komolafe is expected to use the platform to deepen regulatory collaboration across Africa and support a shared drive toward a just, inclusive, and sustainable energy future for the continent.

A group, the Southern Nigeria Youth Congress (SNYC), has raised the alarm over what it described as the ‘senseless attacks and killings of local farmers’ by suspected armed bandits in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State.

In a statement yesterday in Akure, the group said that no fewer than three farmers were murdered at Ala in the Igbatoro area of the council by bandits terrorising the axis.

No fewer than 20 farmers have been killed in Akure North LGA within the past seven months, amid a wave of criminal activities by suspected armed bandits terrorising the area.

According to the statement signed by the group’s spokesperson, Afe Adegboyega, the killings of the local farmers were ‘heart-wrenching and unacceptable.’

The group noted that the murder of hardworking farmers was a painful reminder that many farming communities remain unsafe despite repeated assurances from security agencies.

‘Our farmers are the backbone of local food production. When they can no longer go to their farms without fear, our collective survival as a people is threatened. The time to act is now before insecurity consumes more innocent lives,’ he said.

SNYC lamented the rising insecurity that continues to threaten the peace and livelihood of rural dwellers in Akure and its environs.

It called on all security agencies – particularly the Amotekun Corps – to rise to their constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property rather than engaging in internal wrangling and factional disputes.

The group further urged improved collaboration between security agencies, traditional rulers, and local vigilante groups to strengthen intelligence gathering and surveillance in rural communities.

‘As youth representatives, the congress reaffirms its commitment to standing with the people of Ala Igbatoro and the entire Akure Kingdom in demanding accountability, protection, and peace,’ it added.

The group also urged the Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa-led administration, the Chairman of Akure North Local Government Area, and the member representing Akure North in the Ondo State House of Assembly to urgently intervene and ensure justice for the slain farmers.

The group stressed that decisive action must be taken to prevent a recurrence and to reassure citizens that their safety remains a top government priority.

Immigration Officers at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja have allegedly seized the international passport of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) for ’20 minutes.’

Akpoti-Uduaghan in a live Facebook broadcast on Tuesday morning, said she had planned to take a short break following the celebration of her second year in office but was stopped from travelling when officials withheld her passport.

‘Having completed the celebration of my second year, I decided to take a week off, and my passport is being withheld again. The same thing happened before,’ she said.

The Senator insisted that she had committed no offence and that there was no court order authorising the seizure of her travel document.

She alleged that during a similar incident in the past, an airport official disclosed that the instruction to withhold her passport came from the Senate President.

In the video, Akpoti-Uduaghan claimed she had stood for 20 minutes without her passport being returned to her.

An immigration official was seen handing over the passport to Akpoti-Uduaghan in the video.

As of press time, neither the Nigeria Immigration Service nor the Office of the Senate President had commented on the allegation.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Kakehashi Africa Nigeria Initiative (KANI) have partnered Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA) to train farmers and extension agents from Oyo and Lagos States in aquaponics technology, an innovative farming system that integrates fish and vegetable production in a single, self-sustaining ecosystem.

The two-day capacity building programme, in Ibadan focused on design, installation, operation, and maintenance of aquaponics systems, equipping participants with practical knowledge to improve productivity, reduce water waste, and expand agribusiness opportunities across the Southwest.

Speaking at the training, a Senior Programme Officer at JIKA, Nigeria Office, Dr. Umar Alilu, explained that the initiative formed part of JICA’s commitment towards promoting knowledge exchange and food security in Nigeria through technology transfer.

He said: ‘The idea is to build the capacity of farmers with the new technology known as aquaponics.

‘Through this collaboration between JICA and KANI, a network of Nigerian postgraduate alumni of Japanese universities, we’re training farmers and extension agents to combine fish and vegetable production in one system. This approach enhances nutrition, increases farmers’ income, and improves livelihoods.’

Alilu noted that aquaponics allows for efficient use of resources by recycling water within the system.

‘Unlike conventional aquaculture, aquaponics doesn’t waste water. Fish waste becomes nutrients for plants, and plants purify the water before returning it to the fish tanks. It’s sustainable, efficient, and environmentally friendly.’

He said similar pilot programmes had already been executed in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Benue State, with Oyo State now serving as the third demonstration site under the project.

President of KANI, Dr. Bolu Sarumoh, described the training as a reflection of the group’s mission to build a living bridge between Japan and Nigeria, focused on skills, innovation, and youth empowerment.

‘Some people think innovation must be imported in expensive containers. Not here.

‘This programme proves that local materials plus local skills can deliver global-standard results. With PVC pipes, food-grade barrels, locally fabricated pumps, and seeds from our agro-dealers, we can build efficient aquaponics systems on rooftops, in backyards, and within community cooperatives.’

Sarumoh explained that the training will expose participants to the technical and business sides of aquaponics, including farm management, record keeping, marketing, and cooperative models.

He added that KANI’s long-standing collaboration with JICA dates back to the Shinzo Abe Initiative for African Youth Development (2013), under which many Nigerian scholars studied in Japan.

‘Since then, we’ve extended our partnerships beyond academics to energy, water, and now agriculture,’ he said. ‘Our goal is to see Nigerian youths turn this training into income-generating ventures and become leaders in smart farming.’

Lagos Commissioner for Agriculture and Food systems, Mrs. Abisola Olusanya, represented by the Deputy Director at the Ministry, Akeem Olajobi, praised the initiative for fostering interstate collaboration in modern agriculture.

‘This is a welcome development that promotes capacity building and technical knowledge sharing, Lagos, with its limited land space, is already exploring urban farming models. Aquaponics aligns perfectly with our strategy for sustainable urban agriculture, it’s resource-efficient and scalable.’

He added the programme reflects the broader transformation of agriculture in Nigeria from a social service to a viable business sector capable of creating jobs and driving economic growth.

Mrs. Folashade Jegede, who represented the Director-General of OYSADA, Dr. Debo Akande, reaffirmed Oyo State’s vision to become a leading agribusiness hub in West Africa, highlighting the agency’s commitment to youth empowerment and agricultural innovation.

‘The objective of OYSADA is to transform Oyo State into a major agribusiness hub.’

‘We have implemented several empowerment programmes, sponsored youths for training in Nasarawa, and disbursed funds to support agribusiness startups. Partnering with JICA and KANI aligns with our strategy to expose our youths to modern and profitable agricultural practices.’

She added that the Fashola Agribusiness Industrial Hub remains a key driver of employment and innovation within the state’s agriculture ecosystem.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mourned the passing of Chief (Mrs.) Esther Olufunke Arthur-Worrey, mother of former Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Fola Arthur-Worrey.

Mrs. Arthur-Worrey died on October 29. She was 98.

In a statement yesterday in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the President described the late matriarch as ‘a woman of grace, fortitude, and faith who devoted her life to family and community service’.

President Tinubu noted that she lived a life anchored on strong moral values, compassion, and an abiding commitment to the well-being of others.

‘Mama Arthur-Worrey lived a fulfilled life of purpose and impact. She raised a family of accomplished individuals dedicated to service and the public good. Her legacy of kindness, discipline, and godliness will continue to inspire generations,’ he said.

The President extended his condolences to the Arthur-Worrey family, praying for comfort and strength for them as they mourn their matriarch.

He urged the family to take solace in her exemplary life, which, he said, left a lasting impact on all who encountered her.

President Tinubu prayed that God would grant the departed eternal rest.