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Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun says he is investing in infrastructural development across the state to fastrack economic development.

Adeleke said this while inspecting the Lagere flyover and other projects on Wednesday in Ile-Ife.

The governor said he believed that improved infrastructure would fast track economic development, hence, the various infrastructural development in the state.

Adeleke, who decried the neglect of Ile-Ife and abandonment of several projects by the previous administration, said the cultural capital of Yoruba people deserved the best roads and other infrastructures.

According to the governor, the flyover is strategically located at an economic nerve center of Osun East, connecting Osun West, Ijesahland and Ondo State through Garage Olode.

‘An economic hub is being created through this iconic flyover bridge.

‘Aside from the making of an economic hub, our administration is conscious of the tourism potentials and importance of Ile Ife to millions of Yoruba people at home and in the diaspora.

‘In our creative economy agenda, Ile-Ife occupies a prime place.

‘ The cradle of Yoruba nation thus deserves mass infra upgrade to support our vision of a cultural capital drawing multi billion dollar tourism opportunities in the near future’, he said.

Adeleke, however, threatened to terminate any non-performing contractor handling various infrastructural projects in the state.

‘I urge various contractors handling our various infrastructure projects to be up and doing.

‘I task them to show commitment to delivering on the awarded contracts. I expect those contractors to maintain presence and ensure memorability of the roads while the contract lasts.

‘Our administration will not hesitate to terminate any non- performing contracts.

‘Our people expect so much from the administration and we would not allow slack in the implementation process.

‘I task the officials of the ministry of Works to strengthen their monitoring of ongoing projects.

‘The public should be regularly updated on the state of each project. Project implementation reports should henceforth be issued on a monthly basis’, he said.

British Council, in collaboration with Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, and support from Investment Climate Reform (ICR) facility, has launched Impact Advisory Group (IAG) to strengthen access to finance for MSMEs and bridge the N3 trillion funding gap hindering their growth in Nigeria.

This was unveiled at the National Roundtable on MSME Financing: ‘Sustaining Impact: Achieving N3 Trillion Inclusive Financing Options for MSMEs in Nigeria,’ in Lagos.

It brought together government representatives, development partners, financial institutions, and private sector leaders to chart coordinated strategies for inclusive MSME financing and policy reforms.

Country Director of British Council, Donna McGowan, said the partnership reflects the council’s commitment to deepening Nigeria’s reform ecosystem and promoting inclusive economic growth.

‘As ICR programme winds down, sustaining outcomes are a priority,’ McGowan said. ‘IAG is a platform to sustain business environment reforms, promote access to finance for women-owned businesses, and establish mechanisms for accountability and coordination among stakeholders.’

Convener of IAG and Chief Executive of Octovio Development, Nelson Okwonna, said the group was set up to harmonise efforts of government, private sector, and donor actors in the MSME ecosystem.

‘We realised interventions for MSMEs operate in silos.’The IAG seeks to connect those efforts, close the funding gap, and ensure impact is scaled beyond donor cycles.’

Representing SMEDAN’s chief, a director, Dabureje Onesi-Lawani, stressed the agency’s resolve to improving MSME competitiveness through data-driven policy and public-private collaboration.

He said: ‘SMEDAN has benefited from ICR facility in initiatives as National MSME Policy (2021-2025) and studies on women’s access to finance, but sustaining the impact requires a platform like IAG.

‘The collective effort that begins today is aimed at closing the N3 trillion funding gap, and every stakeholder must be part of that process.’

National Escrow Member of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Chief Kola Akosile, emphasized the private sector’s role in formalizing and supporting MSMEs.

‘MSMEs make up the backbone of our economy but remain grossly underfunded,’ he said. ‘At NACCIMA, we are collaborating with SMEDAN and the CAC to onboard one million MSMEs into the formal sector within a year, offering free chamber memberships to support growth and accountability.’

Similarly, Mr. Iliya Anthony, Managing Director of the Kaduna State Enterprise Development Agency, shared insights from the Kaduna model, where the government has disbursed over ?3 billion to small businesses.

‘Kaduna is leading by example,’ Anthony said. ‘We believe access to finance, markets, and training must go hand in hand. Another ?1 billion will be rolled out next month to support more SMEs and promote financial inclusion for women in rural areas.’

A key highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between SMEDAN and IAG’s implementing partners, EFInA, FATE Foundation, Sterling One Foundation, Africa Venture Philanthropy Alliance (AVPA), Impact Investors Foundation (IIF), and Octovio Development Company, to sustain and scale inclusive financing reforms nationwide.

During the roundtable, Okwonna delivered a lead presentation titled ‘Achieving ?3 Trillion Inclusive Financing for MSMEs in Nigeria,’ describing what he called the ‘MSME financing paradox.’

‘Private sector loans have grown to ?77 trillion, yet less than two percent reaches MSMEs,’ he said. ‘Only about 25.9 percent of women entrepreneurs have accessed formal financing despite MSMEs contributing 46 percent to GDP and 87.9 percent to employment.’

Participants later engaged in breakout sessions on Asset Financing, Trade Finance, Agricultural Finance, and Start-up Equity Financing. Recommendations included creating state-level matching funds and de-risking instruments for MSMEs, promoting blended finance, expanding equity and impact investment, and strengthening digital trade finance infrastructure.

In his closing remarks, Director of Programmes at the British Council, Mr. Chikodi Onyemerela, praised the collaboration between government and private partners.

‘This launch represents more than an event it is a movement toward sustainable MSME growth, we must continue this collective effort beyond donor cycles to ensure financing reforms reach every level of Nigeria’s economy’, Onyemerela said.

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has issued a seven-day ultimatum to former Deputy Governor Godwins Omobayo to return government property and assets in his possession.

The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, said his administration observed that several official items, including vehicles, documents and other state-owned assets assigned to Omobayo were yet to be surrendered to the appropriate authorities, despite multiple formal reminders.

The statement said assets acquired or utilised in the course of public service remained the property of the state and must be returned upon cessation of office.

It said the continued retention of such property by any individual constituted a breach of public trust and an unlawful possession of state assets.

The statement added: ‘Failure to comply within the stipulated period will compel the government to direct the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, to effect his arrest and ensure immediate recovery of all state assets still in his possession through lawful means.

‘Edo State Government remains committed to accountability, due process and protection of public property.

‘No individual, regardless of former position or political affiliation, will be permitted to unlawfully appropriate or retain assets belonging to the people of Edo State.

‘The government urges Mr. Omobayo to respect this directive and avoid actions that can invite consequences or further embarrassment.’

Responding, Omobayo said the matter was before a competent court.

He said he received all entitlements, including his November salary.

Lionel Messi wants to play for Argentina in next year’s World Cup, but he says he will listen to his body before deciding whether he can make that dream come true.

The 38-year-old striker for Inter Miami of MLS led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title and yearns to be on the field when the ‘Albiceleste’ defend the crown next year in North America.

Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi told NBC News in an interview broadcast on Monday that he will see next year how his body feels before deciding on whether or not he can play in the World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.

‘It’s something extraordinary to be able to be in a World Cup and I would love to,’ said Messi, who turns 39 next June.

‘I would like to be there, to be well and be an important part of helping my national team, if I am there.

‘And I’m going to assess that on a day-to-day basis when I start preseason next year with Inter and see if I can really be 100%, if I can be useful to the group, to the national team, and then make a decision.’

Messi, who has been playing professionally since 2004, wants the chance for one more star turn on football’s biggest stage.

‘I’m really eager because it’s a World Cup. We’re coming off winning the last World Cup and being able to defend it on the field again is spectacular because it’s always a dream to play with the national team, especially in official competitions.’

Messi, who debuted with Barcelona in La Liga at age 17, joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 and moved to MLS in 2023.

‘The truth is that I like everything about living here,’ Messi said of Miami.

‘I spent a lot of time in Barcelona, which for me is an extraordinary city, where I grew up and had many spectacular moments, and which we miss a lot.

‘But Miami is a city that allows us to live very well, that makes us enjoy life, that allows us to be calm, that allows the kids to be themselves and live day to day.’

Messi has 195 appearances for the Argentine national team, scoring 114 goals.

The Presidency through the Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Senate Matters, Senator Basheer Lado, has expressed happiness on the smooth screening and confirmation of appointments of the Service Chiefs by the Senate .

Senator Lado in a statement said: ‘As the Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters, I facilitated this crucial interface to ensure a smooth and coordinated engagement between the Executive and the Legislature, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to effective governance and national security.

‘The appointment of Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede (Chief of Defence Staff), Major Gen. Waidi Shaibu (Chief of Army Staff), AVM Sunday K. Aneke (Chief of Air Staff), and Rear Admiral Idi Abbas (Chief of Naval Staff) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, represents a strategic step towards strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture and fostering synergy among the Armed Forces for the protection of our nation’s sovereignty and citizens.

‘I extend my profound appreciation to the President of the Senate, the Senate Leadership, and Distinguished Senators for the prompt and thorough consideration that led to the confirmation of the new Service Chiefs.

‘Their commitment underscores the strong collaboration between the Executive and the Legislature in advancing the national interest and ensuring the security and stability of our dear nation’

An indigenous tech firm, AbaaTech Solutions Limited, has unveiled the first app that performs three functions, Abaaly.

The app works for socialisation, communication, and financial transactions.

At the unveiling of the app yesterday in Lagos, its Founder/CEO, Mr. Power Aden, said the innovation strongly aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the National Digital Economy Policy, which emphasise unity, inclusion, and digital empowerment as pathways to national prosperity.

Aden said by promoting communication, entrepreneurship, and creative expression, the initiative supports the President’s goal of building a diversified, innovative, and people-centred economy.

‘It complements government’s efforts while remaining independent, citizen-driven, and innovation-led, showing that private sector leadership can work hand-in-hand with public vision to build the Nigeria we all desire,’ he said.

The AbaaTech Solutions chief executive assured users that Abaaly would propel Nigeria to enter a new era of digital transformation and national pride with technology transformation.

According to him, the app is a groundbreaking innovation proudly built in Nigeria by Nigerians for Nigerians and the world.

Aden said: ‘This revolutionary secure platform represents far more than technology; it is a movement of unity, inclusion, and creativity, designed to connect every citizen, strengthen trust, and project Nigeria’s true image to the world. It is the only platform that comes with its security platform.

‘Abaaly brings together the essential elements of daily life, social interaction, communication, and financial transactions into one secure and accessible platform.

‘It allows citizens to chat, share, buy, sell, and pay effortlessly, enabling communities, businesses, and institutions to thrive together.

‘Whether you are in Lagos or Lafia, Sokoto or Port Harcourt, this technology works for everyone. It works both online and offline, ensuring Nigerians can connect, communicate, and transact even in areas with limited internet access across every social and economic class.’

The company chief executive described the platform as a unifying space that gives all Nigerians equal access to tools that simplify life, foster connection, and create opportunity.

He said the launch was a national call to action to all Nigerians who create, build, and inspire.

‘We call on content creators and artistes to develop and share authentic Nigerian stories, music, films and cultural content that reflect our identity and values.

‘Entrepreneurs and brand leaders to build and promote local products, fashion, food, and technologies that strengthen Nigeria’s economy and global reputation; writers, film makers, and musician to project our unique voices and reclaim our national narrative; innovators and technologies to design homegrown solutions that solve local challenges and show the world what Nigerian intelligence can achieve.

‘We all have a shared responsibility to promote our culture, our creativity, and our collective pride.

‘By building and sharing local content, we are not just telling our story, we are reshaping how the world sees Nigeria,’ he said.

According to him, the app is a bridge of trust between people and the nation, stressing that it enables easier communication, greater transparency, and stronger connection between people, government, and institutions.

Aden said it represents a future where every Nigerian can participate fully in the nation’s digital economy and social progress where technology strengthens unity and restores faith in our shared potential.

‘We are not just launching an app, we are launching a national vision. A vision where Nigerians connect, create, and thrive together. This is how we tell our story, this is how we build our future,’ he said.

Also, the Head of Atlanta Georgia, U.S.A office, Dr. Kazeem Bello, said the app has brought transformation to the world in the digital space.

According to him, the Mayor of Atlanta, Andre Dickens, is excited about the new innovation.

Bell said the app would prove to the world that there is nothing that can be done in the U.S., Canada or even India, reputed to be global tech capital, that young tech-savvy Nigerians cannot do. ‘There is no app anywhere in the world that can match the Abaaly super app,’ he said.

The Chief Operating Officer at AbaaTech Solutions Limited, Dr. Ola Raheem, described the app as a wholly Nigerian technology developed for the global tech ecosystem which is a mega export product for the country.

He said the app is the first of its type with its unique features, projecting that very soon, it will provide jobs for about 10,000 Nigerians.

Raheem said the company is working hard to ensure that content creators are paid in US dollars.

Lifecard Group, the parent company of Lagos-based real estate development firm, Lifecard International Limited, has reaffirmed its commitment to making homeownership a reality for aspiring buyers.

In a statement signed by the company’s media consultant, Dr. Princes Oghene, on Wednesday, the firm announced that it would officially hand over keys to a new set of homeowners at its Prime Stay Apartments on Thursday, October 30, 2025.

According to the statement, the highly anticipated Allocation and Key Handover Ceremony will take place at Prime Estate, Sangotedo, Ajah, Lagos.

The event, it noted, will mark another major milestone in Lifecard Group’s mission to empower individuals and families to own quality homes that blend comfort, class, and convenience.

Mrs. Grace Ibhakhomu, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Lifecard Group, expressed excitement over the achievement, describing the Prime Stay Apartments as a testament to the company’s dedication to excellence in real estate development.

‘At Lifecard, we are passionate about transforming dreams into addresses. The Prime Stay Apartments are more than just homes; they symbolise trust, innovation, and our promise to deliver value to our clients,’ she said.

Ibhakhomu added that the ceremony will feature the official handover of property documents and keys to new homeowners, guided tours of the estate, and networking sessions with real estate professionals, investors, and stakeholders.

She emphasised that the event represents not only a corporate achievement but also the beginning of new chapters for many families realizing their dream of homeownership.

‘To our new homeowners, your dream has become an address. To our investors, your commitment has transformed into tangible value and generational impact,’ she said.

Ibhakhomu also noted that the Prime Stay Project began as a vision to create purpose-built homes and accessible investment opportunities that offer real, lasting value.

The chairman said that despite challenges during the development phase, Adebola credited clients’ trust and patience for making the project a success.

she emphasized the company’s commitment to transparency, excellence, and the goal of making world-class real estate attainable for everyday people.

‘We remain dedicated to building purpose and prosperity for families and communities across Africa,’ she added.

‘With the successful delivery of Prime Stay Apartments, Lifecard Group continues to strengthen its reputation as one of Nigeria’s most reliable real estate brands; providing modern, secure, and affordable housing solutions for a broad range of clients.

The development underscores the company’s vision to create sustainable communities and bridge Nigeria’s housing gap.

‘So, this property, they bought it off-plan and you know what happened to Dollar and Naira.

‘With all the challenges, I didn’t respond, now that the house is ready, I want to respond. If not, I won’t even call media, I won’t do anything, I’ll just give people their keys and go.

‘I want to respond to her, you know. No developer will go through this challenge I went through that they will even have a house. No developer in Lagos will go through this challenge and they will be able to produce the house.

‘One, challenges of repurchase of this land, two, challenge of the access road, government was doing road and for more than one year, we are not allowed to enter this site.

‘Three, they bought these houses for over N20million when cement was N2,000. Today, cement is now sold at N10,000.

‘Then number four, we are no longer offering off-plan in Nigeria again because we don’t want our name to be tainted.

‘So, we have decided to finish and give it to people at a premium. So, what we are using this one to do was to give people affordability.

‘We don’t want to do affordability again. So, we are publicly announcing that anything off-plan in Nigeria from Lifecard, beware, we don’t offer it again. So, we will need to use this publicity to the Lifecard’s favour.’

The North-Central All Progressives Congress (NC APC) Forum has rejected the resolution by Plateau State APC leaders opposing the possible defection of Governor Caleb Mutfwang to the ruling party, describing the move as selfish and detrimental to the party’s broader interests.

Plateau APC leaders had, during a stakeholders’ meeting in Jos on October 17, 2025, unanimously endorsed a motion opposing Mutfwang’s entry into the APC.

However, reacting to the decision in a statement on Tuesday, Saleh Zazzaga, Chairman of the NC APC Forum, stated that the position of the Plateau leaders did not represent the views of the wider APC family in the region.

Zazzaga, who was a member of the party’s 2023 presidential campaign council, maintained that Mutfwang’s defection would strengthen the APC in Plateau State and consolidate its support base in the North-Central.

According to the Forum, the Plateau meeting was exclusive and politically motivated, as several committed members were not invited.

‘Many of those who gathered to reject Mutfwang are individuals who could not even deliver their polling units in the last election,’ the statement read.

‘They are only positioning themselves for federal appointments, not thinking about the future of the APC in Plateau State.’

The group alleged that the APC governorship running mate in the 2023 election, who also opposed Mutfwang’s defection, lost both his polling unit and ward to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

‘He got 2,800 votes in his ward while PDP got 10,600. These are the people now claiming to defend the APC,’ the Forum said.

The statement also emphasized that performance at the polls, not personal interest, should determine appointments and recognition within the party.

‘Those rushing to Abuja for federal appointments should show results from their polling units. We promise President Bola Tinubu that after the next election, we will publish polling unit results so he will know who truly worked for the party,’ it added.

Reiterating its support for Mutfwang’s possible defection, the Forum said the PDP had become a ‘drowning party’ and urged the governor to take the ‘bold step’ to align with the APC.

‘We are still agitating for Governor Mutfwang to join the APC because of the crisis in the PDP. We want to work together to win Plateau for President Tinubu,’ the statement noted.

The Forum affirmed Gov Mutfwang’s claims that he was under pressure to join the APC, stating that the pressure was real.

‘It is true that Governor Mutfwang has been under pressure to join the APC. We can confirm that some influential figures in the Villa are behind our efforts. We will not relent until he joins the party in the best interest of Plateau State and his own political future,’ Zazzaga said in the statement.

Rapper Erigga has expressed reservations about polygamy, citing the harm it can cause to women and children.

Drawing from personal experience growing up in a polygamous home, he noted that such arrangements often lead to conflict and hurt feelings, with women and kids typically bearing the brunt.

In an interview with Yanga FM Lagos, he said: ‘I am trying not to be like my father. I don’t like polygamy; one person gets hurt, which is the woman. There’s never a polygamous situation where the man gets hurt; it’s always the woman and the kids.’

Erigga stated that he is making a conscious effort to avoid polygamy, opting instead for monogamy, which he believes is a more straightforward and fulfilling choice.

In his view, polygamy can be complex and painful, particularly for the women and children involved.

The Nigerian Institute of Animal Science (NIAS) has formally inducted 252 Registered Animal Scientists (RAS) and five Associate Animal Scientists (AAS), urging them to maintain ethical standards, integrity, and innovation in driving growth and sustainability within Nigeria’s livestock industry.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Animal Science Meeting and Industry Exposition yesterday in Abuja, with the theme, ‘Transforming Nigeria’s Livestock Sector For Economic Growth and Economic Competitiveness,’ the President of NIAS, Chief Simeon A. Ohwofa, said the induction marked a new chapter in the country’s drive to strengthen professionalism and quality standards within the livestock industry.

Ohwofa stated that the newly inducted members had undergone rigorous training and were found worthy in both character and learning to uphold and represent the animal science profession.

‘Today, you do not just earn recognition; you inherit a mandate,’ he told the inductees. ‘Your oath will not only license your practice but bind you to excellence, discipline, and national development. The badge you are about to receive is not for decoration, but for duty.’

He revealed that with the latest additions, the Institute now has 2,936 Registered Animal Scientists and 154 Associate Animal Scientists, including 127 Fellows.

The NIAS president commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, describing it as a milestone that aligns Nigeria’s livestock sector with global best practices and opens new opportunities for professionals in the field.

Ohwofa revealed that the Institute has an ongoing partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Feed Industry Federation (IFIF) through the Feed Industry Practitioners Association of Nigeria (FIPAN) to promote safe, nutritious, and sustainable livestock production.

He called on the newly inducted scientists to contribute to food security, economic diversification, and sustainable agricultural development through research, innovation, and ethical practice.

‘You are stepping into a profession guided by science, structured by ethics, and driven by service to humanity,’ Ohwofa added.

Also speaking, the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, called on animal scientists and industry experts to lead Nigeria’s transition to modern livestock production, stressing the need to develop Nigerian cattle breed that meets global standards.

Maiha said the creation of the new ministry marks a turning point in Nigeria’s agricultural history, after years of advocacy by stakeholders.

‘For the first time since independence, we have a government that recognizes the importance of livestock and has established this ministry,’ he said.

He tasked researchers and professionals to work towards producing local breeds capable of gaining two kilograms per day with efficient feed conversion rates.

‘Our vision is to move beyond inefficient traditional systems and make our livestock sector legitimate, competitive, and globally recognized,’ he said.

The minister also highlighted Nigeria’s untapped potential in the $300 billion meat market, urging stakeholders to position the country for export opportunities in the Gulf region.

He maintained that President Tinubu’s administration remains committed to achieving food security and self-sufficiency, ensuring that ‘Nigerians drink fresh milk from Nigerian cows and eat quality meat from Nigerian farms.’

The minister alongside former Independent National Electoral Commission Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega were conferred with honorary fellowship awards in recognition of their contributions to national development.

Professor Jega, while receiving the award, expressed appreciation for the honour, describing it as a call to further support knowledge-based development in agriculture and food security.

The event brought together stakeholders from government, academia, and the private sector to explore strategies for strengthening Nigeria’s livestock value chain, featuring presentations on sustainable livestock practices and the role of science-based innovations in driving food systems transformation.