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The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has charged the leaders to ensure youths in the North-East are not lagging behind in major economic, political, and governance decisions within the region.

Addressing journalists at the third edition of the North-East Youths in Crisis Conference held in Maiduguri, Christopher Agutu, Localisation Adviser with UNOCHA, called for a collaborative approach between Government and youths to enable productive dialogues.

According to him, the Nigerian youthful population presents advantages that if harnessed, it would enhance self reliance and national growth.

He said, ‘in North east, one thing we feel needs to be address is the fact that youths have been missing on discussion table. They are not seating on the table where people are discussing and making decisions. They need to be carried along, understand what the government expects from them and also explain to the government and other stakeholders what they need.

‘When we look at the technology that exists and you look at the numbers if youths in Nigeria and the whole of Africa, we have about 103 million adolescents in Nigeria. They are the biggest users of these modern technologies, whether in social media platforms or whatever. The youths with their skills can be taken advantaged of, by making sure that we harness the understanding of how they can use those technology to benefit themselves.

‘The fact is they need to be supported and guided in terms of getting government support and introducing them to people who can also harness the skills for them.’ He, however called on youths to engage in constructive advocacy, rooted in respect and critical reasoning. ‘Advocacy is not about fighting physically, or by saying, this is the table you must get a sit for me. Rather, it is about engaging, sharing your ideas with the people who are already on the table so that they understand what your needs are, what your advocacy efforts will lead to’ he said

He emphasised that ‘we need to engage with respect. Disorganisation or being too aggressive is not the best way to advocate, but present your ideas and tell them your vision. For instance, highlight how your plans will contribute to nation building’

‘Share ideas that people can understand. And when you are also talking to people on the other side, be respectful in terms of engagement. Don’t just say, it is my right, those people also have a right. Therefore, we need to be creative and strategic in terms of engagement’, he advised

Christopher further cautioned youths against denying themselves access to opportunities, adding that every advocacy must be followed with action

‘Another thing is, it is not just for them to come out and say, they want income or employment and then go back home. As a youth, you must apply for the job. Don’t just make noise from home and when they say come, you are no-where to be found. Infact, there are times, you will not be invited to some places, you just have to go. Take yourself their. Don’t wait until the governor calls you’, he stressed

Also speaking, David Habba, the Program Specialist for Humanitarian Residents, ActionAid in Nigeria, explained that the Conference was aimed at raising awareness in the needs to involve youths in the North-East in the region’s humanitarian landscape

‘At ActionAid, we are very concerned about how young people are engaged, and what they are doing.

‘The future of the world is locked up inside the life of young people. If we do not mobilise or support them, it simply means there is no future for our race,’ he stated.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is fast becoming the latest hustle for Nigerians eager to stay relevant in an increasingly digital world. New Google Search trends released this week show a remarkable surge in Nigerians’ appetite for AI-related skills and digital entrepreneurship, signalling a nationwide shift toward tech-driven self-empowerment and income diversification.

According to the report, search interest for ‘how to make money with AI’ has risen by over 40 percent in the past 12 months, while ‘how to learn AI’ soared by a staggering 160 percent, making it one of the top trending ‘how to learn’ queries in Nigeria. The data paints a picture of a country where innovation is no longer confined to tech hubs – everyday Nigerians are using the internet to reinvent themselves in a rapidly changing job market.

‘These search trends reflect the ambition and adaptability of Nigerians. The data shows a clear pattern of people using technology, and in particular AI, to build their skills, create new opportunities, and navigate a changing professional landscape. We are committed to providing the tools that empower this growth and innovation,’ said Olumide Balogun, Google’s director for West Africa.

Digital hustle culture evolves

In a nation where unemployment and inflation continue to challenge young people, AI and digital learning have emerged as new frontiers of economic hope. Beyond AI, Google reports soaring interest in a range of digital and creative skills, with Nigerians searching for ‘how to learn forex trade’ (+300 percent), ‘how to learn make up’ (+270 percent), and ‘how to learn Photoshop’ (+180 percent).

The phrase ‘how to learn computer step by step’ also grew by 160 percent, underscoring how many first-time learners are entering the digital economy from scratch.

The entrepreneurial spirit remains strong, too. Searches such as ‘how to start a business from home’ have nearly doubled (+90 percent), while ‘how to start a business with no money’ climbed 80 percent year-on-year. Top trending business-related queries include ‘how to start a real estate business’, ‘cocoa export business*, *ghostwriting business’, ‘clothing brand’, and ‘importation business’.

These insights highlight a widespread hunger for financial independence and the growing belief that technology can provide a viable path to prosperity.

From side hustles to smart hustles

Experts say the trend marks a deeper transformation in how Nigerians perceive work and education. Rather than relying solely on formal employment or academic degrees, more citizens are turning to online platforms for practical, income-yielding knowledge, from coding to content creation.

For many, AI tools have become a shortcut to innovation. Entrepreneurs are learning to automate processes, create digital products, and even build virtual assistants, all guided by online tutorials and communities. Freelancers, designers, and writers are also using generative AI platforms to expand their output and client reach.

‘People no longer see AI as something far away or complicated. It is now a daily hustle tool, something that helps you work faster, smarter, and even make money from home.’ Ifeoma Olatunji, who learned AI-assisted content creation through free online courses, told BusinessDay.

Google’s role in Nigeria’s digital upskilling

Google has been a major player in Nigeria’s digital transformation, offering platforms like ‘Grow with Google’ and ‘Google Career Certificates’ to help people acquire practical skills in data analytics, digital marketing, and AI. The company says its ongoing initiatives are aimed at closing the digital divide and ensuring equitable access to technology-driven opportunities.

‘The future of work is being written online. We are seeing Nigerians use Search as a window into new possibilities, not just to learn, but to build sustainable livelihoods,’ Balogun added.

A Future fueled by curiosity and code

As Nigeria’s economy continues to digitize, analysts predict that AI literacy will soon become as essential as computer literacy once was. From small business owners to students and freelancers, millions are searching not just for jobs, but for tools to create them.

In this new landscape, the Nigerian hustle is evolving, powered by curiosity, connectivity, and code. For many, Google has become more than a search engine; it is the new classroom, the new marketplace, and, increasingly, the launchpad for a smarter kind of hustle.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) have assured Nigerians of their readiness for the November 8, 2025, Anambra State Governorship Election, promising a credible, peaceful, and secure process.

Speaking at the meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) in Abuja on Tuesday, Joash Ojo Amupitan, chairman INEC, said the Commission was fully prepared for the exercise and committed to upholding the integrity of the ballot.

‘It is an honour to co-chair this assembly today, my maiden edition, as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission,’ Amupitan said.

‘For INEC, this represents a new chapter, and I wish to reiterate my personal commitment to delivering free, fair, and credible elections that genuinely reflect the will of the Nigerian people.’

The INEC boss disclosed that following a week-long readiness assessment across Anambra State, the Commission was confident of its preparedness.

‘We recently conducted a mock accreditation exercise in 12 selected polling units in six local government areas using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS). Although we encountered some network challenges, efforts are being made to ensure a seamless election on 8th November,’ he stated.

According to him, INEC will deploy 24,000 personnel for the exercise, with elections holding in 5,718 of the 5,720 polling units, as two have no registered voters. Results, he said, will be collated at 326 ward centres, 21 local government area centres, and finally at the State Collation Centre in Awka.

Amupitan also announced an extension of the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection to ensure no eligible voter is disenfranchised. ‘Following a report that only 63.9% of registered voters had collected their PVCs, the Commission met yesterday and decided to extend the ongoing collection exercise in Anambra State from Wednesday, 29th October to Sunday, 2nd November 2025,’ he said.

‘Our mandate is to conduct credible elections, and we are determined that no eligible voter should be disenfranchised.’

The INEC Chairman further commended the security agencies for their role in ensuring election safety and logistics coordination, noting that synergy among all stakeholders was crucial. ‘The security agencies have played a crucial role in securing the environment, without which the conduct of elections would be impossible in certain locations,’ he said.

‘To ensure every logistical, security, and operational detail for the successful election in Anambra is covered, a high-level ICCES meeting was held in the state itself. Representatives of the Police, DSS, NSCDC, and the military collectively assured readiness with heavy deployments and coordinated patrols before, during, and after the election,’ Amupitan added.

On logistics, he revealed that INEC had concluded arrangements with major transport unions for material and personnel movement. ‘We have hired 200 buses and 83 boats through the National Association of Transport Owners (NATO), the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), and the Maritime Union Workers of Nigeria (MUWN) to ensure seamless transportation,’ he stated.

Amupitan also issued a stern warning against vote buying, saying, ‘Any attempt to induce voters before or during the Anambra election must be resisted and curtailed. We must join hands to combat the menace of vote buying. The Commission is pleased with our collaboration with law enforcement agencies, especially the anti-graft agencies, to stop vote buyers from contaminating our electoral process.’

He urged all stakeholders to remain united, adding, ‘Together, let us combat vote buying, uphold the values of democracy and work relentlessly for the credibility of our elections. The path ahead may be challenging, but if we stand united, there is nothing we cannot achieve.’

Representing Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser, Hassan Yahaya Abdullahi, Director of Internal Security at the ONSA, assured that robust security measures were already in place to secure the electoral process.

‘The Office of the National Security Adviser remains fully committed to fulfilling President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive on the strategic mobilization of security forces during the electoral period,’ Abdullahi said.

‘This commitment is essential to ensuring the highest level of safety and security.’

He explained that security agencies had put in place ‘enhanced surveillance, deployment of sufficient personnel, and improved intelligence gathering to prevent any attempt by disruptive elements or desperate politicians to undermine the electoral process.’

According to him, the ONSA was also engaging political party leaders and stakeholders to discourage violence and promote peace.

‘We are proactively engaging with political party leaders and local stakeholders to send a clear message that violence will not be tolerated in our elections. All participating political parties and their candidates must advocate for peace and encourage their supporters to conduct themselves in a manner that honours the integrity of our electoral system,’ he said. Abdullahi stressed that ‘any form of violence during the elections will be met with a strong, uncompromising response,’ adding that the Nigeria Police Force, as the lead agency for election security, along with other security agencies, stands prepared and resolute to maintain order during and after the polls.

‘We call upon all citizens to collaborate and commit to a peaceful electoral process that reflects our shared values and aspirations,’ he concluded.

The ICCES meeting brought together heads of security, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies, alongside INEC officials, to fine-tune preparations for the Anambra election – which will serve as a major test of Nigeria’s electoral and security coordination under the new INEC leadership.

Succession planning is at the heart of a company’s continuity. Whether it’s a small and medium enterprise, or a conglomerate, weak or absent succession systems remain a snap in the longevity of a business, especially in Nigeria.

This is why Kunle Elebute, former chairman and now current senior partner at KPMG Nigeria, has urged boards and business leaders to embed leadership transition into corporate governance as a long-term strategy.

Speaking at the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC)’s Succession Planning: Passing the Baton on Thursday, Elebute said the lack of succession planning in Nigeria and across Africa has left companies vulnerable during transitions.

‘The true test of leadership is how well your work continues after you’ve left. If you don’t build leaders from within, you’ll keep buying them from outside, and they may not carry your culture,’ he said.

Elebute, with over four decades of experience advising multinationals, led KPMG operations across multiple markets. He said that businesses which fail to plan for succession lose institutional knowledge, operational instability, and declining investor confidence. Also, when key executives retire or exit, there is an internal struggle for power that leads to cultural dislocation.

‘Even multinationals struggle when continuity is not deliberately designed. When you embed succession in governance, you institutionalise performance,’ said Elebute.

According to Elebute, mentorship is a critical link in sustaining leadership development. ‘It is the bridge between experience and continuity,’ he said. ‘Mentorship is not optional for those who want their legacy to last. It is through mentoring that you multiply leadership capacity and ensure long-term continuity.’

Abimbola Olashore, president and chairman of the council of NBCC, called succession planning the architecture of legacy. ‘Leadership is not measured by tenure, but by transition. It’s not merely about reaching the summit but about ensuring others can continue the climb after us,’ he said. He added that ‘those who fail to plan for succession risk collapse.’

Olashore said the chamber revived its breakfast meetings to necessitate discourse on governance and business sustainability. In a volatile business environment, competent structural systems trump charisma and reputation, and investors are lured by those that guarantee leadership continuity, preserve company values, and sustain competitiveness.

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command says it has successfully dismantled an illegal firearms fabrication factory and apprehended two suspects in a targeted intelligence-led operation.

Credible intelligence had earlier indicated that Aniekan Aniedi, a 39-year-old male resident of Itam Village, Itu Local Government Area, was actively engaged in the production of locally fabricated and illegal firearms, which were being supplied to armed robbers and cultists in the region, the command said.

Timfon John, DSP, the command’s spokesperson, said in a statement that operatives of the Command stormed the factory on Thursday, October 24, 2025, at around 18:57 hours. ‘The operation led to the arrest of the primary suspect, Aniekan Aniedi, and a second individual, Ubong Udofia, a 35-year-old male, believed to be an accomplice in the illegal enterprise.

‘A comprehensive search of the illicit factory yielded a significant cache of weapons, tools, and materials used in the manufacturing process.

‘ The recovered items include three locally fabricated guns, 5 pieces of metal pipes and two iron rods.

‘Other items recovered include assorted copper wires and two flat metals designed for fabricating gun butts.’ According to the statement, the following tools and machinery, central to the illegal production line, were also seized as evidence: one welding machine, one mini electric screwdriver and one electric filing machine.

It added that an ‘intensive investigation is currently ongoing to uncover the full extent of the suspects’ network, identify their clients, and get possible links of their operations to other criminal activities. The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, Baba Mohammad Azare commended the operatives for their swift and effective action. He stated that the operation is a significant blow to the illicit arms supply chain, fueling violence and criminality in our state, the PPRO said

Azare urged members of the public to continue to provide timely and credible information on suspicious activities within their communities, assuring that all information will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.

The Adamawa State Government has commenced a Computer-Based Test (CBT) for the recruitment of 5,000 post-primary school teachers across the state, marking a major step in its drive to strengthen the education workforce and promote merit-based employment.

The exercise, supervised by the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, is being conducted in phases across the three senatorial zones, beginning with the Central Zone. The first phase took place at Ramat Government College, Yola, where hundreds of applicants sat for the test.

Garba Pella, commissioner for Education, who inspected one of the examination centres, expressed satisfaction with the process, describing it as transparent and credible. He said the state government was determined to institutionalise merit and accountability in public sector recruitment.

‘This is the first time in the history of Adamawa State that job applicants are required to apply, write an examination, undergo interviews, and pass through screening before employment,’ Pella said. ‘Gone are the days when employment letters were issued based on personal connections. This process is purely merit-driven.’

He noted that the government engaged independent consultants to manage the process, underscoring its commitment to eliminating nepotism and ensuring fairness.

According to Nuhu Abadulahi, a software developer from Satlink Consultant Services, the firm managing the CBT platform, over 18,000 candidates registered for the exercise.

Birsan Penuel, Co-chairman of the recruitment committee and Acting Executive Secretary of the Post-Primary Schools Management Board, reaffirmed that the initiative aligns with Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri’s education reform agenda aimed at addressing the shortage of qualified teachers and improving learning outcomes.

He added that successful candidates from the CBT will advance to the next stages, including oral interviews and document verification, with the process expected to conclude before the next academic session to ensure timely deployment of teachers.

One of the candidates, Asondolo Ibrahim, lauded the state government for the transparent conduct of the examination, describing it as well-organised and fair. She also commended Governor Fintiri for creating employment opportunities for young people in the state.

Kenya has launched an urgent investigation after a small passenger aircraft crashed in a forested area of Kwale County on Tuesday morning, with all 12 people on board feared dead.

The plane had taken off from the coastal town of Diani and was flying to Kichwa Tembo, a major gateway to the Maasai Mara National Reserve, when it went down shortly after 5.30am local time. The sector is popular with tourists travelling to one of Africa’s best known wildlife destinations. Emergency teams and police officers rushed to Tsimba Golini, the hilly crash site located about 40 kilometres from Diani airstrip, where the wreckage was found in flames with debris scattered across the ground.

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority confirmed the incident in a statement, identifying the aircraft as registration number 5Y CCA. The agency said government response units are on the scene working to assess the impact and determine what led to the tragedy. Local media reports suggest foreign tourists may have been among the passengers, although officials have not yet provided details on nationalities or identities. Stephen Orinde, Kwale County Commissioner, told reporters that recovery operations are ongoing in challenging terrain as investigators try to establish what happened during the short flight.

Authorities have not ruled out poor visibility or adverse weather conditions as possible factors, given early morning conditions along the coast, although no official cause has been identified. The operator of the aircraft runs routes that connect Mombasa and other coastal hubs to major tourism destinations across Kenya including the Maasai Mara and Nairobi.

The Maasai Mara draws thousands of visitors each year, particularly during the annual wildebeest migration from July to October. The air corridor between the coast and the game reserve is one of the busiest tourist routes in the country.

The aviation authority says further updates will be provided as more information is verified. Government agencies continue to work at the scene while families await confirmation and support from officials.

Brendan Rodgers has resigned as Celtic manager following a turbulent run of results and growing criticism from the club’s hierarchy.

His departure, confirmed by the club, ends his second spell in charge of the Scottish champions, with former boss Martin O’Neill stepping in as caretaker manager.

The announcement came less than 24 hours after Celtic’s 3-1 defeat to league leaders Hearts, a result that left the Glasgow club eight points adrift in the Scottish Premiership title race.

In a statement, Celtic confirmed Rodgers’ resignation.

‘The club appreciates Brendan’s contribution to Celtic during his two very successful periods at the club. Brendan leaves with our thanks for his role in delivering continued success, and we wish him all the best in the future.’

Despite winning back-to-back Premiership titles in 2024 and 2025, along with both domestic cups, Rodgers had faced increasing scrutiny this season.

The Hoops were eliminated from the Champions League by Kazakhstan’s Kairat Almaty, and a series of poor league performances intensified pressure on the Northern Irishman.

Tensions reportedly escalated after Rodgers publicly questioned the club’s summer recruitment strategy, prompting strong remarks from major shareholder Dermot Desmond.

Celtic confirmed that the search for a new permanent manager is underway. At the same time, O’Neill, who famously led the club to domestic dominance and a UEFA Cup final during his tenure from 2000 to 2005, will take charge on an interim basis.

Rodgers’ resignation marks another dramatic twist in Celtic’s season as the club now looks to stabilise and reignite their title challenge under temporary leadership.

Despite harsh business environment, Universal Insurance Plc delivered strong financial for the financial year ended 31st December 2024, growing its profit before tax by 291.26 percent to N. N2.01 billion from N526.716 million in 2023.

Jasper Nduagwuike, chairman of the Company, who disclosed this during the its 55th Annual General Meeting (AGM), held in Lagos, said gross written premium rose by 64.5 percent to N15.3 billion in 2024 from N9.3 billion achieved in 2023.

This he said is an evidence that the products are gaining traction and customers trust is growing in the company.

Nduagwuike said insurance revenue appreciated to N13.8 billion in 2024 as against N8.02 billion reported in the previous year of 2023, representing 72 percent increase.

This, he attributed to the company’s ability to balance prudent underwriting with innovation and ensuring it meets the needs of customers while safeguarding long-term profitability.

Profit Before Tax rose by 291.26 percent to N2.01 billion as against N526.716 million in 2023 while insurance service result grew to N2.79 billion from N1.54 billion. On the company’s balance sheet, he said total assets expanded from N15.7 billion in 2023 to N20.3 billion in 2024, while shareholders fund went up from N10.4 billion to N 13.2 billion in the previous year of 2023.

On its strategic focus for 2025, Jeff Duru, managing director of the Company said, ‘despite the prevailing challenges, we remain optimistic and prepared to navigate uncertainties.’

Duru also listed operational efficiency, risk management and investment strategy, as the Company’s key areas of focus in 2025.

Explaining further he said, ‘Our Company will be streamlining, processes through automation, digitization, and lean practices to reduce costs and enhance agility.

‘In 2025 we will strengthen our risk management framework to proactively identify and mitigate risks, while safeguarding assets and protecting shareholder value.

On investment strategy, he said, ‘Implementing a prudent, diversified, and long-term investment approach that balances risk and returns, ensuring both capital presentation and portfolio growth.’

Argentina legend and Inter Miami star Lionel Messi has expressed his desire to play at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

However, he admits his participation will depend on how his body feels in the coming year.

Messi, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, led Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar 2022, defeating France 4-2 on penalties in a dramatic final.

Messi, who has 195 international appearances and 114 goals, remains hopeful of defending the title when football’s biggest tournament heads to North America next summer.

Speaking with NBC News’ Tom Llamas, Messi said he hasn’t ruled out playing at what would be his sixth World Cup, but will assess his fitness closer to the tournament.

‘It’s something extraordinary to be able to play in a World Cup, and I would love to,’ Messi said.

‘I would like to be there, to be well and be an important part of helping my national team. I’m going to assess that on a day-to-day basis when I start preseason next year with Inter Miami and see if I can really be 100%, if I can be useful to the group.’

Messi, who will turn 39 in June 2026, acknowledged that age will be a factor but described the prospect of defending Argentina’s crown as ‘spectacular.’

Since making his professional debut for Barcelona in 2004, Messi has enjoyed a decorated club career, winning numerous titles in Spain and France before joining MLS side Inter Miami in 2023.

‘Miami allows us to live very well, to enjoy life, and to be calm,’ Messi said of his new home. ‘The kids can be themselves and live day to day.’

Messi’s 2022 triumph ended decades of international heartbreak, as Argentina lifted their first World Cup since 1986. Reflecting on that achievement.

‘It was the dream of my life. It was the only thing missing because I had achieved everything else at the club and individual levels. Every player’s dream is to be a world champion.’