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The Super Falcons have booked their place at next year’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after a 1-1 draw against Benin Republic on Tuesday, completing a 3-1 aggregate victory over the Amazons to secure qualification.

The return leg, played at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, saw the Falcons fail to replicate their dominant first-leg display in Cotonou, where they had triumphed 2-0.

Nevertheless, coach Justin Madugu, praised his players’ resilience while admitting that the performance fell short of expectations.

‘It didn’t come as much of a surprise. We knew it was going to be a tough game,’ Madugu said during the post-match press conference.

‘I want to apologise to Nigerians for not meeting their expectations, sometimes, teams zave off days, today was one of those, the girls gave their best, and while the result wasn’t ideal, we are taking it as a wake-up call that there’s still a lot of work to do.’

The coach, who confirmed he has signed a two-year contract with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) running until October 2027, emphasised that the focus now shifts to preparing the team for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

‘The last World Cup is behind us. Now, as African champions, every team wants to beat us. That means we must double our efforts and keep improving, It’s a new transition phase, and we’ll continue to test players, build depth, and refine our system before the next global tournament,’ he said.

In her own post-match remarks, Captain Rasheedat Ajibade expressed pride qualification and acknowledging that the Super Falcons must maintain focus as stronger in her team’s challenges await.

She said: ‘We weren’t overconfident, we expected Benin to come all out, especially after how they played in the second half of the first leg, today wasn’t our best performance, but we’ll take the lessons and keep improving. We know our standards and must continue pushing ourselves.’

Ajibade, who recently received an individual honour at the Nigerian Pitch Awards, dedicated the recognition to her teammates, coaches, and fans.

‘This award means a lot – not just to me, but to every young girl who dares to dream,’ she said emotionally. ‘I dedicate it to my Super Falcons sisters, my club, the technical staff, and everyone who has supported my journey. To the next generation of girls watching – keep believing, keep working, your dreams are valid.’

For the Benin Republic, the result, though not enough for qualification, was historic. Their head coach, Abdullahi Husseinu, lauded his players’ fighting spirit, describing the draw as a morale booster.

‘We came to Nigeria to win because we always compete to win,’ Husseinu said. ‘Our players showed great character, especially in the second half. Most of them are very young – some are under-17 and under-20 – and this experience will make them stronger. The future is bright for Beninese women’s football.’

He added a personal touch, revealing his emotional connection to Nigeria, where he ended his professional playing career with Sunshine Stars a decade ago.

‘Playing here brought back special memories for me,’ he said tearfully. ‘Nigeria will always have a special place in my heart.’

With the qualification secured, the Super Falcons will now shift focus to preparations for both the 2026 WAFCON tournament and the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, as they continue to rebuild under Coach Madugu’s leadership and maintain their dominance as Africa’s most successful women’s football team.

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has commissioned the faculty of social sciences lecture theatre and office complex at Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK).

The agency said it spent a N717,374,213.75 on both projects.

The Chairman of TETFund’s Board of Trustees, Aminu Bello Masari, commissioned the projects at the University campus in Keffi on Tuesday.

The new facility comprises 22 en-suite offices, four 200-seater lecture theatres, and 12 public conveniences.

Speaking during the commissioning, Masari said the projects were executed under the 2020/2021 merged annual intervention and aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The former governor of Katsina praised Nasarawa State University for its record of transparency and efficiency in implementing TETFund projects, saying that it was the third time TETFund was visiting the university to commission projects within two to three years.

He said: ‘It shows the institution’s resolve to ensure funds are judiciously used with verifiable results.

‘The fused Lecture Theatre and Office complex to be commissioned shortly is of the years 2020/2021 (Merged) Annual intervention, being hosted under the Faculty of Social Sciences, and completed at a total cost of N717,374,213.75. We are optimistic that this facility will aid teaching and learning in a comfortable environment, having been furnished and adequately equipped for that purpose.’

Masari said TETFund has recorded about 71 per cent completion of infrastructure-based projects across its beneficiary institutions between January and September 2025.

He also disclosed that since NSUK became a TETFund beneficiary in 2003, it has received over N12.7 billion for infrastructure-related interventions, noting that about 80 per cent of these funds have been accessed and the evidence of utilisation is visible all over this campus.

The new facility, he added, is expected to ‘aid teaching and learning in a comfortable environment, having been furnished and adequately equipped for that purpose.’

While urging the university to ensure proper maintenance of the building, Masari reaffirmed TETFund’s commitment to supporting innovation, ICT advancement, and sustainable power supply in tertiary institutions.

He also explained that the Fund had temporarily stepped down foreign training for lecturers due to high exchange rates and issues of abscondment but was focusing more on impactful local interventions.

‘We are optimistic that these special interventions will yield appreciable dividends soon,’ he said.

Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, said the project symbolised the agency’s determination to strengthen Nigeria’s tertiary education system.

Echono, who was represented by the Director of Monitoring and Evaluation at TETFund, Mr. Babatunde Olajide, said: ‘This event stands as a testament to our shared commitment to advancing tertiary education in Nigeria. We commend the university for its prudent utilisation of funds and timely completion of projects.’

He noted that TETFund remains aware of challenges caused by inflation and exchange rate volatility, which have affected project delivery timelines.

The executive secretary urged universities to prioritise maintenance.

Echono added: ‘As we commission this facility today, let us reaffirm our collective resolve to protect and maintain it to avoid deterioration. Together, we can ensure this investment yields dividends for generations to come.’

Vice-Chancellor of Nasarawa State University, Prof. Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, described the day as a momentous occasion in the institution’s history.

She acknowledged TETFund’s role in the university’s progress, while commending the transformative impact of TETFund projects in the university.

The vice – chancellor said: ‘These interventions have improved access to education and enhanced working conditions for our staff.

‘This magnificent structure has been proudly sponsored by TETFund. It will promote teaching, enhance research, and create a truly conducive environment for our students.’

She revealed that NSUK had recently been ranked Number One University in Nigeria for Quality Education by the 2025 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings under Sustainable Development Goal 4, thanking TETFund for ‘being a worthy partner in this remarkable achievement.’

Prof. Liman assured TETFund of NSUK’s continued transparency in managing intervention projects, appealing for more additional structures for Faculties, Lecture Theatres and Solar Power.

‘We remain deeply committed to accountability and due process in all our dealings,’ she said.

Also speaking, the Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, represented at the event by the State Commissioner for Education, Dr. John Mamman, commended TETFund for its sustained support to tertiary education.

He assured that the state will continue to give maximum support to the education sector.

Vice Chancellor of Augustine University, Ilara-Epe, Prof. Anthony Akinwale, has urged government to support private universities.

Speaking at a briefing to herald the seventh convocation, Akinwale said 148 students would get first degrees, while 21 would receive diplomas.

He said 22 had first-class honours, 57 in second class upper, 57 in second class lower and 12 in third class division.

The vice chancellor lamented exclusion of private universities from Tertiary Education Trust Fund, and others..

‘If we want to build a nation, we must build education. Unfortunately, government has not sufficiently invested in university education, public or private. We need to spend more on education spend on running government.’

He said we need more universities, contrary to belief the nation had too many. ”Our population of over 230 million warrants more institutions.”

Chancellor of Crescent University, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, also urged Tertiary Education Trust Fund support for private universities, to boost academic performance.

Gambari, who spoke at the institution’s 17th Convocation, where 667 students graduated for 2024/2025 session, said governments should also waive taxes for private universities. He lamented that most of them were struggling to survive due to the high costs of goods and services caused by removal of fuel subsidy.

He cited an instance where monthly electricity bill, about one million naira two years ago, rose to over N20 million.

Gambari stressed that costs for security, solar energy, water, Internet and WiFi subscriptions, library resources, and other overheads have increased.

He emphasised that the quality of education provided by private universities in the country cannot be overemphasised, especially in bridging the widening gap of admission-seeking youths, where government or state-owned institutions are unable to admit them. He appealed to the Federal Government to view private universities as partners in progress rather than merely revenue generators.

The Chancellor cited an instance where the university’s monthly electricity bill, which was around One Million Naira two years ago, has now risen to over N20 million. He emphasised that costs for the provision of security, solar energy, a constant water supply, internet and WiFi subscriptions, library resources, and several other overheads have significantly increased.

Gambari said: ‘I charge the Federal Government to include private universities in TETFUND. It should find ways and means to support private universities through competitive research grants and ensure that such support is spread across the six geopolitical zones in the country. Let me conclude by stressing that the government should see private universities as partners in progress rather than money spinners.

‘It is therefore apposite to propose to the Federal, State and Local Governments, a tax waiver for private universities, given their huge contributions to human capital development of Nigerian citizens. Many of these academic institutions are overburdened and struggling with financial difficulties. The government should value their social responsibility and the value they add to their communities.

‘At this juncture, attention of government must be drawn to the challenges private universities encounter daily. For instance, our monthly electricity bill alone at Crescent University, which used to be around One Million Naira two years ago, is now over N20m.

This includes the provision of security, solar power, a constant water supply, internet and WiFi subscription, library resources, and several other overheads. It is the responsibility of the constituted authority to ensure that private universities survive for the good of society.

‘Contributions of private universities to the nation’s development cannot be overemphasised. They have, no doubt, closed to an appreciable extent, the widening gap of admission-seeking youths in our country. These institutions have also substantially contributed to the provision of quality education at the tertiary level in Nigeria. The quality of private university graduates is seen in the performance of Crescent University alumni who replicated their exceptional academic performance in European and American universities with distinctions and PhD grades at the Master’s level.’

The Vice Chancellor of Crescent University, Prof. Ibraheem Gbajabiamila, also appealed to the FG to urgently extend the benefits of TETFUND grants and projects to private universities across the country. He expressed regret over the large amount of money spent by the administrative body of the institutions to run school activities during these current economic hardships.

Gbajabiamila, who congratulated the overall best graduating students for the 2024/2025 academic session, Ganiyu Feranmi of the Bola Ajibola College of Law, said that the school had, over the years, provided excellent brains in various fields of endeavours celebrated within and outside the country for their contributions to research and human development.

He said that the university had continued to uphold zero tolerance for examination malpractices, indecent dressing, cultism, drug abuse, anti-social vices, among the students, while urging parents to counsel their children on the importance of being law-abiding, and challenging the graduands to confront challenges head-on through hard work and innovation in order to achieve greatness in life.

Earlier, the Proprietor and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Crescent University, Prince Muhammad Ajibola, emphasised that his late father, Prince Bola Ajibola’s legacy, continues to motivate the management to enhance the academic performance of students through advanced learning in modern technology, innovations, and research to make them exceptional in their respective fields.

A new major policy requiring electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) to meet a minimum capital adequacy requirement to qualify for the renewal of their operating licenses is underway. The policy is aimed at addressing the capital adequacy requirement to strengthen the financial health and liquidity position of the utilities.

The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, made this known yesterday at the opening session of the Nigeria Energy Week 2025 which kicked off in Lagos at the Landmark Event Centre. The summit, organised by Informa Markets, has as its theme: ‘Powering Nigeria through Investment, Innovation, and Partnership.’

According to Adelabu, the sector continues to face challenges of under-capitalisation among several Distribution Companies (DisCos) and a severe debt burden.

‘As the tenure of their operational licenses approaches renewal, the government intends to introduce a minimum capital adequacy requirement as part of the license renewal process, to strengthen the financial health and liquidity position of the utilities,’ Adelabu said.

The minister also disclosed that prior to the coming of the present administration, Nigerians spent about N15 trillion on diesel and fuel to power their generators in a year because of unreliable public power services.

He, however, said that given the reforms of the President Bola Tinubu’s administration the narrative has changed as he claimed that there is better power provision currently.

Adelabu’s disclosure corroborates with the report of the National Bureau of Statistics which stated that the cost of petrol imports rose by 105.3 per cent to N15.42tr in 2024 from the N7.51tr recorded in 2023.

He therefore charged the private investors to invest more in the nation’s power sector, adding that the federal government alone does not have the capacity to fund all the investment needed to make very efficient.

The minister also used the occasion to give updates on critical infrastructure projects. He confirmed that contracts for the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI) Phase One have been signed, with the aim of adding 7,000MW of operational capacity to the grid. He also revealed that generation capacity has been sustained at an average of approximately 5,300MW in 2024, up from 4,200MW in 2023.

‘In parallel to the grid expansion, generation capacity is being expanded through the rehabilitation of existing NIPP plants to unlock about 345MW, alongside the successful integration of the 700MW Zungeru Hydropower Plant into the grid.

‘Collectively, these interventions have helped sustain an average generation capacity of approximately 5,300MW in 2024 up from 4,200MW recorded in 2023’.

The Minister disclosed further that the government has operationalized the Presidential Metering Initiative, with N700 billion already secured to deploy 1.1 million meters by the end of 2025.

He also noted that the unbundling of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) into two organisations: the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), which manages the operation of Nigeria’s electricity grid and coordinates the electricity market, and the Transmission Service Provider (TSP), which owns, maintains, and expands the physical transmission infrastructure marks a long-awaited and critical structural reform in the power sector.

Adelabu direct appealed for investment, emphasising that Nigeria’s power sector remains open and ready for business more than ever before. He pointed to the over 10 GW of stranded generation capacity as a critical opportunity, assuring stakeholders that market fundamentals are improving, policy environment is clear, and the national leadership is committed.

‘As we commence today’s forum, let me once again emphasise to our investors, financiers, and innovators that Nigeria’s power sector remains open and ready for business more than ever before. We recognize that achieving the scale of investment required to transform the sector requires greater private sector participation across the entire value chain, particularly in the transmission segment.

‘A useful reference is South Africa’s ambitious $25 billion transmission grid expansion initiative, which seeks private developers to deliver 14,000 kilometers of new power lines and connect over 59 GW of new capacity within the next 14 years. This is remarkable when compared to Nigeria’s Presidential Power Initiative (the Siemens project) valued at $2.3 billion.

‘In Nigeria today, we have over 10 GW of stranded generation capacity. Energy that could power industries, create jobs, and even support electricity exports to our neighbouring countries through the regional power pool. We are therefore open to strategic partnerships to mobilize the necessary investments and unlock this potential. Our market fundamentals are improving, our policy environment is clear, and the national leadership is committed to creating the enabling conditions for long-term investment and innovation,’ Adelabu said.

He also spoke of the comprehensive reform agenda for the sector since 2023, describing it as a multi-pronged approach to reposition the Nigerian power sector for sustainability, efficiency and growth.

He said: ‘This approach spans critical pillars which include legislation, policy reforms, infrastructure development, energy transition and access expansion, and local content and capacity development with each designed to address structural challenges, unlock private capital, and enhance service delivery across the electricity value chain.’

The Minister highlighted the Electricity Act 2023 as a foundational milestone, which has already granted regulatory autonomy to 15 states. On the policy front, he revealed that the first comprehensive, sector-wide policy in nearly two decades, the Integrated National Electricity Policy, has been approved.

He said: ‘This represents a clear shift towards a liberalized and investment-friendly electricity market. Since its passage, 15 states have received regulatory autonomy to establish subnational electricity markets with one fully operationalized. We are working actively with these states to ensure strong alignment between the wholesale market and the retail market. In this regard, we believe the active involvement of state governments, particularly in the off-grid segment is critical, given the series of roundtable engagements held with governors by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), as well as the ongoing efforts to closely track the Distribution Company (DisCo) performance within their respective jurisdictions.

On stabilisation of the market and sector commercialization, he said the government is deepening power sector commercialization to strengthen revenue, liquidity, and investor confidence. ‘Through tariff policy reforms which enabled cost-reflective tariffs for select consumers, supply reliability has improved while reducing energy costs for industries, and industry revenue has increased by 70 percent to N1.7 trillion in 2024 compared to previous year and the revenue is expected to exceed N2 trillion for 2025.’

To stabilise the market, he revealed: ‘Mr. President has approved a N4 trillion bond to clear verified GenCo and gas supply debts. Alongside this, a targeted subsidy framework is being developed to protect vulnerable households and ensure a sustainable path toward full commercialisation and viable industry,’ the minister concluded.

TikToker Perry Blink has opened up on struggles with mental health, revealing the harsh realities of the content creation industry.

Perry Blink, who was once a booming content creator on TikTok, expressed feelings of isolation, depression, and suicidal thoughts, citing the pressures of maintaining collaborations and dealing with online backlash.

According to Perry Blink, the loss of friendships and collaborations has significantly impacted his mental health.

The father of one, claimed that many creators he had supported and collaborated with in the past have distanced themselves, leaving him feeling abandoned and unappreciated.

He emphasised the need for genuine connections and support within the industry, rather than transactional relationships.

He wrote: ‘FIRST STEP OF STARTING OVER IS TO FIRSTLY ADMIT EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENED TO YOU WAS ALL YOUR FAULT. and this post is not about feeling entitled or not trying to pick up or trying to complain !! No I am not blaming anyone, everyone got up for them self and be who they are today! Which I am happy for but the case is while you all were growing I

made sure I played a very vital and good role in your lives, is it about collaborations ??

‘I could make dozens of videos with creators without taking a penny even artist I am not just talking about promotions but also introducing everyone to a bigger creator and brands ! . but now how many of them do you see with me ?? Not like I dont text or comment or call them but I automatically became a fan !!

‘I mean imagine texting someone for months just go give you a collaboration and commenting on their post and you guys have been friends before oooo! And there yall start bashing me like I was the first creator to get married, yeah I had a child and I just wanna be responsible and keep up to that life but yall bashed the innocent girl and saying she ruined my life when in reality she just did what every other girls would do.

‘From getting robbed to house getting burnt, loosing my equipment, no where I didnt seek for help and while all this was happening I had a supportive wife pushing then no one saw that side just so quick to judge, my relationship was ruined I was depressed, isolated, scared cause even the fans on here was heavily bashing me while I was just trying to balance things for myself . I had tried to hurt myself several but still find myself here ..

‘If you are aspiring creator like me I would advise you to stay connected with your craft first before collaborating cause the moment you think you are making friends while you are collaborating they are just seeing it as an opportunity to use you yet you think you have a relationship with them in your mind until you actually need them and everywhere becomes silent and dark!!..

‘I reached out even if its to work under some cause I was having both financial and mental health issues at that time but no one replied the ones that did turn down my collaborations and then my reality kicked, I am young and just living for the first time all I need is yall support and encouragement.as I believe I can do this again and be unstoppable this time I would put a second post up and see how I had gone texting creators and no one wanna work with me and the ones that did are just the people I didn’t even had relationship with I just know we are co creators and I am very happy so I would use every resource I have now if I am not meeting to your expectations you can help me I would gladly take them instead of asking me to meet yall in 2025.

‘Also I have to stay alive for myself son and for the same of that yall should leave DARASMILE ALONE!! My relationship was not the first to fall apart and I am not also the first person to fall off at the peak of their career #suicideethoughts #depressed’.

The Federal Government has concluded plans to partner with the World Bank, research institutions, and coastal communities to promote innovation, ensure environmental sustainability, and enhance data-driven planning for fisheries and aquaculture development.

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola who disclosed this in Lagos, said efforts are also being directed towards strengthening the cold chain system, promoting value addition through fish processing and packaging, improving access to quality feed and seed, developing functional hatcheries, expanding extension services, and facilitating access to finance for fish farmers and entrepreneurs.

In his keynote during a one-day interactive seminar between Stakeholders and Regulatory Authorities involved in Stockfish and Seafood Import and Export Trade in Nigeria organized by the Norwegian Seafood Council and the Norwegian government in Lagos, he said the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy recognizes the importance of seafood trade not only as an economic activity but also as a source of animal protein and a driver of industrial linkages.

‘The seafood sector connects production, processing, storage, transportation, and marketing, thereby creating a comprehensive value chain that sustains livelihoods and supports national economic objectives.

‘The Ministry is partnering with development partners such as World Bank, research institutions, and coastal communities to promote innovation, ensure environmental sustainability, and enhance data-driven planning for fisheries and aquaculture development. In addition, the Ministry is also working to ensure that fish is affordable and available for the ordinary Nigerian.

‘The Ministry is equally working towards streamlining seafood import and export processes, thereby reducing administrative bottlenecks, and ensuring regulatory harmony through collaboration with relevant agencies such as NAFDAC, SON, the Nigeria Customs Service, and the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, as well as through the National Single Window platform and the digitalization of the entire fisheries and aquaculture processes,’ he said.

Under the Blue Economy framework, government he said is implementing measures to strengthen monitoring, control, and surveillance systems to address Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing; promote private sector investment in aquaculture and fisheries infrastructure; upgrade fish handling, processing, and certification systems to meet international export standards; and enhance collaboration with international partners on research, innovation, and digitalization of fisheries management.

Oyetola acknowledged the fact that the government alone cannot achieve all the goals, underscoring the need for partnership. ‘Stakeholders must continue to cooperate with regulatory authorities, comply with established standards, and support the implementation of government policies and programmes. I encourage all stakeholders to freely express their concerns and share practical suggestions that will enable Government to address existing challenges and strengthen the regulatory environment.

‘I reaffirm the commitment of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to the development of a sustainable, efficient, and inclusive seafood value chain that will contribute to national food security, employment generation, and economic growth. Working together, we can transform Nigeria’s fisheries and aquaculture sector into a globally competitive industry that not only feeds our people but also advances the national Blue Economy,’ he said.

Royal Norwegian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Svien Baera, renewed the call for the inclusion of stockfish and its head in the list of goods with zero import duty to make it affordable in the country.

Baera urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the sustainability of the sector through the zero import duties on stockfish due to the low quota of cod (the primary fish for stockfish) and its subsequent price increase fundamentally due to the forces and demand and supply.

The Norwegian envoy said Nigeria remained one of its largest markets in the world, adding that government intervention would help drive affordability among the large consuming population.

‘Nigeria is consistently one of the largest importers of Norwegian stockfish in the world. It is an important part of the Nigerian kitchen.

‘What started as a trade relationship many decades ago has now grown into something mutually beneficial. This is not just a story of commerce; it is a story of cultural exchange.

‘Both our nations share a strong commitment to sustainability to ensure that our oceans continue to provide for generations to come.

‘As part of this responsible approach, we have in recent years seen a reduction in cod quotas, reflecting the need to protect fish stocks and support long-term marine health.

‘Unfortunately, this necessary reduction has led to increased prices for both stockfish and stockfish heads, impacting both producers and consumers.

‘Hence, we respectfully appeal once again for zero import duty on stockfish heads as a meaningful step towards ensuring continued accessibility and affordability for Nigerian consumers,’ Baera said.

Also speaking on the occasion, both the Director of Africa, Norwegian Seafood Council, Mr Johnny Haaberg, and Fisheries Consultant to Norwegian Seafood Council, Ms. Abiodun Oritsjemine Cheke also supported the envoy’s call for zero-duty on the importation of fish head to promote the health of Nigerians.

‘We try to share our knowledge about aquaculture and management of fisheries, also with Nigeria, and we have been doing that for many years, and we think the cooperation is very good.

‘We have been raising the issue of zero duties for stockfish imports because we think the Nigerian consumers deserve better access to cheaper stockfish heads.

‘Actually, we would wish to have more stockfish heads and stockfish at a good price to offer to the Nigerian market.

‘But because of the lowering of our quotas, the exporters that are here, they sell everything they have, and they are not able to access more,’ Haaberg said.

Ms. Cheke said Norway is ready to increase the training of local fish farmers in the country to increase local export opportunities.

‘In the coming year, we will embark on the training of fish farmers and government officers in fisheries in the sustainability aspect and the documentation aspect of the trade.

‘Nigeria’s product is banned from international trade simply because of documentation, sustainability and quality assurance.

‘So, with this, we intend to leverage it to complement the last training we did for the fish farmers and fisheries officers.

‘And we are also appealing to the federal government that stockfish, especially the heads, is for everybody and is about the cheapest protein in Nigeria.

‘Stockfish heads should be placed on zero per cent import duties for a 150-day period, like the other staple foods. We are also praying for our appeal on zero per cent to be heard and for stockfish heads,’ Cheke said.

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.

Filmmaker and actress Omoni Oboli has expressed gratitude t fans and supporters for overwhelming love and enthusiasm for her film, ‘Love in Every Word: The Wedding’.

In a post on Instagram, she thanked them for celebrating her work and making her feel seen and appreciated.

The actress acknowledged the impact of their support on her career, stating that it reminded her why she tells stories to touch hearts, make people laugh, and glorify God through love.

Oboli wrote: ‘My dearest besties, I honestly don’t even know where to start. Every view, every comment, every post, every share. you’ve poured so much love into LOVE IN EVERY WORD: THE WEDDING, and my heart is so full. You stayed up late, you celebrated like it was your own win, and you made and are still making history with me.

‘There were moments I cried reading your comments because I could feel your love through the screen. You made all the hard work worth it. You reminded me why I tell stories, to touch hearts, to make people laugh, and to glorify God through love.

‘From the bottom of my heart, thank you. You are the reason this dream keeps growing, and I’ll never take you for granted’.

A 23-year-old woman has been arrested over alleged involvement in abduction and robbery of a businessman of ?24 million and his Toyota Highlander SUV in Nkwelle-Ezunaka in Umuoji in Idemili North local government area of Anambra state.

Police Spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga who disclosed this on Wednesday, said Okonkwo Onyinye, was arrested by Police operatives in collaboration with members of Agunechemba Security outfit.

He said the victim was forced into the boot of his vehicle after his abduction and driven to a bush and dumped after being dispossessed of the ?24 million.

Ikenga however revealed that the stolen vehicle with registration number RBC 649 CN was recovered while the suspect was assisting assisting with credible information to arrest her accomplices.

He said: ‘Anambra State Police Command operatives attached to the 3-3 Police Station, in collaboration with Agunechemba Security, Nkwelle-Ezunaka Unit, in the early hours of October 27, 2025, arrested one Okonkwo Onyinye, aged 23 years, a female accomplice in a reported case of armed robbery and kidnap incident.

‘The team also recovered a snatched Toyota Highlander SUV of the victim in Ogidi.

‘Preliminary information revealed that the victim was double-crossed by five armed men operating in a Toyota Corolla car at Nkwelle GRA Gate.

‘The suspects forcefully placed the victim in the boot of his vehicle and drove off to a bush in Umuoji Town, where they dispossessed him of his phone and transferred the sum of ?24,000,000 from his account before abandoning him and escaping with the vehicle.

‘Following the report, the Joint Security Team, acting on technologically driven intelligence, traced the movement of the suspects to Nawfia and subsequently to Ogidi, where the armed hoodlums engaged the operatives in sporadic gunfire before fleeing the scene.

‘Meanwhile, the Toyota Highlander, white in colour with registration number RBC 649 CN, was recovered and the female accomplice, Okonkwo Onyinye, was later arrested at the scene.

‘She is currently assisting Police detectives with credible information that will aid in the arrest of other fleeing gang members.

‘Furthermore, the Police have intensified patrols within the State, ahead of the Anambra State Governorship Election scheduled for November 8, 2025. Further developments will be communicated accordingly.’

The Global Director of BudgIT, Oluseun Onigbinde, has called on state governments to deepen fiscal reforms and build stronger local economies that can sustain their ambitions without overdependence on federal allocations.

Speaking in Abuja at the 10th anniversary of the State of States report, Onigbinde said the initiative was conceived from a simple belief that every public kobo meant for citizens should be traceable, justified, and used to improve lives.

He said the State of States report, which began a decade ago as a modest effort to promote fiscal transparency, had become a national benchmark for assessing governance at the subnational level.

‘Every year, we gather not just to present numbers, charts, or fiscal rankings,’ he said. ‘We gather to hold up a mirror – a mirror that reflects the choices our state governments are making, the paths they are taking, and the opportunities they are either seizing or leaving on the table.’

Onigbinde noted that when the project began, only five states in the federation published their budgets, but today, transparency has become a competitive advantage among governors who now await the report’s rankings with keen interest.

He acknowledged the progress made over the years, crediting it to citizens’ growing demand for accountability and the emergence of reform-minded leaders who understand the power of data in governance.

‘Governors now wait eagerly – sometimes nervously – to see where they stand. Citizens have stronger voices. Data has become a lever for accountability. We celebrate that progress sincerely,’ he said.

However, the BudgIT chief warned that despite the gains, Nigeria remains at a fiscal crossroads. He pointed to the widening gap between potential and performance in many states, adding that inflation and debt obligations were rising faster than household earnings and revenue reforms.

‘We must be honest with ourselves,’ Onigbinde said. ‘Many states still rely excessively on federal allocations rather than building resilient local economies. The gap between potential and performance remains wide.’

He said the essence of this year’s report was not to name winners or losers, but to encourage collective responsibility toward building sustainable governance structures that prioritize human development and economic opportunity.

‘Today’s conversations are therefore not about winners and losers. They are about ensuring that children can learn in safe classrooms, that small businesses can thrive without being strangled by taxes or power costs, and that basic healthcare is not a privilege but a guarantee,’ he added.

Onigbinde emphasized that the State of States report is not merely BudgIT’s publication, but a public resource and a call to action for leaders and citizens alike.

‘Nigeria’s future is not shaped only in Abuja,’ he said. ‘The engine of national prosperity must fire in Kano, Enugu, Bauchi, Oyo, Rivers, Sokoto, and across every corner of this federation.’

He thanked BudgIT’s partners and reform advocates in government who, despite challenges, continue to push for improved governance and accountability.

As the report marks its 10th anniversary, Onigbinde urged state governments to move beyond transparency checklists and adopt innovation-driven policies that prioritize education, healthcare, and infrastructure as the pillars of sustainable development.

‘Let us build states that can fund their ambitions through innovation – states that see transparency not as a box to tick but as a foundation for trust,’ he said.

Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, urged subnational governments to use the current surge in federal allocations to build sustainable, people-centered economies rather than expand recurrent expenditures that do little to improve citizens’ lives.

Speaking on the theme ‘A Decade of Subnational Fiscal Evolution,’ Oyedele commended BudgIT for sustaining ten years of evidence-based fiscal analysis, describing the report as ‘a consistent, unblinking light on the financial health of Nigeria’s states.’

‘Today, we are not merely launching another report,’ Oyedele said. ‘We are marking ten years of fiscal X-rays-ten years of holding a mirror to our subnational governments and asking a profound question: what have we done with the resources entrusted to us?’

Oyedele observed that the 2025 edition of the report comes at a defining moment for Nigeria’s fiscal landscape. Since May 2023, he noted, the country has witnessed sweeping economic reforms including the removal of fuel subsidy, floating of the naira, and tax restructuring – measures that, despite their pains, helped to avert a potential economic collapse.

He revealed that the total Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) transfers nearly doubled within a year, from ?5.4 trillion in 2023 to ?11.4 trillion in 2024, as a result of these reforms.

‘States are receiving more money than ever before,’ he said. ‘But there is a paradox – while governments have more naira, ordinary Nigerians have less disposable income in their pockets. Fiscal abundance does not automatically translate into social prosperity.’

According to Oyedele, the report shows that 21 states now rely on federal allocations for at least 70% of their total revenue, an indication that FAAC dependency has worsened over the past year.

Nonetheless, he highlighted several bright spots in revenue generation, noting that Enugu grew its internally generated revenue (IGR) by 381%, Bayelsa by 174%, and Abia by 129%. Lagos, Ogun, Kwara, Anambra, and Edo, he said, continued to display resilience through steady IGR performance.

Oyedele urged states to convert their current windfalls into sustainable fiscal capacity, taking advantage of new tax laws that expand VAT shares, assign the electronic money transfer levy entirely to states, and offer tax exemptions for government bonds to reduce borrowing costs.

The 2025 report ranked Anambra as the best-performing state, followed by Lagos, Kwara, Abia, and Edo. Akwa Ibom and Zamfara were also commended for significant improvements.

The Director-General of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Dr. AbdulLateef Shittu, commended BudgIT for sustaining the State of States report for a decade, describing it as a credible tool for promoting fiscal transparency and accountability across Nigeria’s 36 states.

Shittu said the theme, ‘A Decade of Subnational Fiscal Analysis: Growth, Decline and Middling Performance,’ presents an opportunity for honest reflection on the progress made and areas requiring deeper reforms.

He said BudgIT has remained a vital civic partner in improving citizen access to public finance information, while the NGF continues to use such independent assessments to drive evidence-based dialogue on state performance.

According to him, the World Bank-supported States Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability (SFTAS) programme helped institutionalise budget credibility, debt transparency, and audit integrity, creating the data foundations that make such reports possible.

He added that the ongoing State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) programme is extending the reform frontier beyond fiscal transparency to improving the business climate at the subnational level.

Shittu said both programmes demonstrate what can be achieved when incentives, data, and collaboration align between government, civil society, and development partners.

He emphasized that transparency is not an end in itself but a continuous journey. ‘Each state faces unique fiscal realities. What matters is refining data, improving dialogue, and strengthening mutual accountability,’ he said.

The NGF, he added, will continue to provide a platform for peer learning and engagement among states, while partnering with civil society to sustain fiscal reforms.

He congratulated BudgIT on the 10th anniversary of the State of States report and commended development partners for their consistent support to subnational governance reforms.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to supporting fiscal transparency and governance reforms in Nigeria, describing sound fiscal management as a cornerstone of effective service delivery and inclusive growth.

Speaking on behalf of the Foundation’s Country Director, Mr. Uche Amaonwu, at the launch of BudgIT’s 2025 State of States report in Abuja, Deputy Director for Program Advocacy and Communications, Ekenem Isichei, commended BudgIT for a decade of promoting accountability in public finance.

Amaonwu praised the State of States report as one of Nigeria’s most credible measures of subnational fiscal health, noting that it has evolved beyond rankings to highlight how governance decisions directly impact citizens.

He said the 2025 edition, themed ‘Growth, Decline, and Middling Performance,’ reflects the uneven progress across Nigeria’s 36 states and underscores that fiscal performance is ultimately a question of governance – about how decisions are made, resources are managed, and people are served.

He linked the Foundation’s partnership with BudgIT to its broader goal of improving health outcomes through stronger fiscal discipline. Good governance and sound fiscal systems, he said, ensure that budgeted health funds reach the frontline, that facilities are staffed, medicines are available, and mothers and children receive quality care.

According to him, subnational fiscal management directly influences the success of public health campaigns against diseases such as polio, malaria, and measles, and determines the effectiveness of healthcare delivery at the primary level.

Amaonwu urged states to strengthen public financial management practices such as budget profiling, cash forecasting, and post-mortem budget reviews to ensure better fiscal outcomes.

He cited Kaduna State’s coordination between its budget and health ministries as evidence that governance-centered transparency delivers results.

Closing his remarks, he emphasized that fiscal transparency is not an end in itself but a means to ensure every naira allocated to health, education, and human capital delivers real impact. ‘Fiscal health is human health,’ he said. ‘When governance is transparent and accountable, it becomes the bridge that connects both.’