Bago declares free tuition for 809 new students of Abdulkadir Kure University

Gov. Mohammed Bago of Niger has declared tuition-free education for the 809 newly admitted students of the Abdulkadir Kure University, Minna (AKUM), for the 2024/2025 academic session.

Bago made the declaration during the matriculation ceremony of the university held on Thursday in Minna.

According to the governor, the initiative is part of his administration’s commitment to making AKUM a model institution in the country.

‘All the 809 students are tuition-free. Our dream is to make this institution a role model in Nigeria,’ he said.

Bago also announced that two per cent of the state’s total investments would henceforth be dedicated to an endowment fund for the university.

He explained that the decision was part of measures to strengthen the state’s education sector and promote sustainable growth in tertiary education.

The governor assured that there would be no Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strikes in the institution since it is a state-owned private university.

Bago further disclosed that the state government had cancelled its earlier plan to sponsor students abroad on scholarship, saying the funds earmarked for that purpose would now be invested in local tertiary institutions.

‘It is not wrong for a leader to make a statement and later retract it. We had planned to send some students abroad on scholarship, but I have cancelled that decision. Instead, we are going to bring in foreign teachers.

‘Rather than spending money to send students outside for scholarships, we would invest the funds here to build our own capacity,’ the governor said.

The governor also announced plans to construct a housing estate for staff and lecturers of the university and revealed that the Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences would commence academic activities in the next session.

He congratulated the matriculating students and urged them to be good ambassadors of their families and the state, adding that each of them would receive a ?100,000 bursary.

In his remarks, Muhammad Yahaya-Kuta, the Pro-Chancellor of the university, described the governor as a visionary leader committed to investing in the younger generation through education.

He said knowledge and innovation had become the drivers of global progress.

Earlier, Mohammed Aliyu-Paiko, the Vice-Chancellor of AKUM, described the matriculation as the beginning of a transformative journey for the students.

Aliyu-Paiko said the university was committed to equipping students with practical skills, innovative mindsets, and entrepreneurial capacity to make them job creators and contributors to national development.

He commended the governor for championing the Green Economy Initiative, which, he said, aligns with the university’s mission to train professionals in sustainable agriculture, biotechnology, environmental sciences, ICT, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy.

Vetiva set to reward ETFs investors with interim distributions

Vetiva Fund Managers Limited (Vetiva), one of Nigeria’s foremost asset management firms has announced interim distributions for three of its flagship Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), reaffirming its role as a pioneer in Nigeria’s ETF landscape and a trusted partner for investors seeking diversified exposure to the nation’s capital market.

These ETFs are: Vetiva Banking ETF, Vetiva Griffin 30 ETF, and Vetiva SandP Nigerian Sovereign Bond ETF. Unit holders of Vetiva Banking ETF will be paid 45 kobo per unit as interim distribution; Vetiva Griffin 30 ETF interim distribution is 60kobo per unit; while interim distribution for Vetiva SandP Nigerian Sovereign Bond ETF is N5. Qualification date for all of them is October 22. The announcement reflects Vetiva’s continued focus on delivering competitive returns to investors.

The distributions, covering the period ended June 30, 2025 will be paid to unit holders whose names appear in the Register of Unit holders of the ETF as at Wednesday October 22, 2025 with payment scheduled for Thursday October 30, 2025.

These distributions reflect Vetiva’s proven ability to deliver sustainable value through its well-managed suite of ETFs that track key market indices, providing investors with liquidity, transparency, and efficient market access.

With over two decades of innovation and leadership in Nigeria’s investment management industry, Vetiva continues to play a pivotal role in deepening the ETF ecosystem. Through a commitment to market access and depth, the firm empowers both retail and institutional investors to participate confidently in Nigeria’s evolving capital market. Vetiva Fund Managers Limited is a subsidiary of Vetiva Capital Management Limited and is registered and licensed by the Securities and Exchange Commission to carry out business as Fund/Portfolio Manager. VFML also manages 5 Exchange Traded Funds and 2 Mutual Funds namely, the Vetiva Griffin 30 ETF, Vetiva Banking ETF, Vetiva Consumer Goods ETF, Vetiva Industrial ETF, Vetiva SandP Nigerian Sovereign Bond ETF, Vetiva Money Market Fund and Vetiva USD Fixed Income Fund, and provides multi-asset class, holistic wealth management services to individuals and institutions.

Oyelade Eigbe, Managing Director, Vetiva Fund Managers Limited said: ‘At Vetiva, our goal is to make investing simple, transparent, and rewarding. These distributions reflect the resilience of our ETF portfolios and our unwavering commitment to providing investors with easy access to the market. We remain focused on innovation and disciplined fund management to ensure that our investors continue to benefit from the opportunities within our market.’

Jesusetuntun Ajagun, Portfolio Manager at Vetiva Fund Managers Limited said: ‘This round of distributions demonstrates the ability of ETFs to capture performance across varying market cycles. Despite the evolving macroeconomic environment, our ETFs have maintained their objective of offering investors a convenient, cost-efficient, and transparent way to gain exposure to Nigeria’s financial markets. We continue to see increased participation in ETFs as investors become more informed about Exchange Traded Fund as an investment product.’

Nigeria’s manufacturing future in a low-carbon world

For half a century, Nigeria’s vast reserves of hydrocarbons have powered its growth, generated foreign exchange, and transformed the country into Africa’s leading energy economy. But times are changing. The global demand for lower carbon emissions and improved manufacturing processes is redefining the economics of energy and rewriting the recipe for industrial development. The transition is spurred less by alarm and more by the rise of innovative companies doing cutting-edge work, government policy shifts, and the rapid mobilisation of green finance. It is, in short, a reordering of opportunities to deliver lasting benefits to communities – creating jobs, improving infrastructure, and raising living standards.

Nigeria, as Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation, is uniquely situated to lead. It has the natural resources, an abundance of young and creative entrepreneurs, and a strategic imperative to act. Its climate commitments-to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 47 percent by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2060-are, admittedly, ambitious, but well within reach. The country’s $410 billion Energy Transition Plan (ETP) may look like a daunting financing gap, but it is better understood as a catalyst for transformation. Mobilising capital at that scale can rewire the economy, create millions of jobs, strengthen industrial competitiveness, and turn Nigeria into a more complex global player. It is an investment in a low-carbon future.

This transformation begins with energy. Nigeria can provide tens of millions of people with electricity (30% of the country has no reliable electricity now) by scaling solar, wind, and hydropower through mini-grids and reducing dependence on polluting diesel generators. Integrating battery storage would make renewables more reliable, and a more flexible grid could unlock significant private-sector investment.

Expanding reliable power has a knock-on effect. New businesses open up, production costs decline, and Nigerian goods become more competitive. It would help cut dependence on imported diesel, which too often powers much of the electricity grid but drains foreign exchange and poisons city air. And it would be good for businesses in the informal economy that struggle with unpredictable power outages and blackouts.

Nigeria also has assets well-suited for a low-carbon future. Its depleted oil and gas fields could anchor carbon-capture projects, turning old liabilities into storage hubs. Beneath its soil lie untapped deposits of lithium and other critical minerals needed for batteries and electric vehicles. Even flared gas, a waste product that still lights up the skies over Nigeria’s oil fields, could be captured and used as feedstock to transform Nigeria into a regional powerhouse for petrochemicals.

The transition, of course, isn’t just technical and will not come with the snap of a finger. It forces a reckoning with Nigeria’s entrenched economic model. Oil revenues still prop up the budget, but they no longer guarantee prosperity. The global market is shifting, and anchoring an economy on hydrocarbons is a far riskier proposition today than it was a few decades ago.

Financing will be key. Nigeria’s $410 billion ETP is a map for mobilising private capital. Climate funds, development banks, and institutional investors are sitting on more liquidity than ever but need bankable projects and credible policy signals. The International Finance Corporation and the World Bank Group are committed to supporting Nigeria’s energy transition by mobilising $50 billion in private capital to ensure that 300 million people in the country are hooked up to reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity by 2030.

There are signs of movement. New rules are allowing private firms to generate and distribute power without clumsy state intermediaries. Mini-grid operators are quietly lighting up rural communities that the national grid ignored. Lagos has begun testing electric buses, a small but symbolic step toward cleaner urban transport. None of this yet amounts to a systemic shift, but it shows where momentum could build.

Transitions rarely move in straight lines. But as renewables grow cheaper and oil revenues become more volatile, delay is harder to justify. Decarbonisation is no longer a burden but an opening for growth and diversification. With its abundant resources and youthful population, Nigeria can do more than follow this shift-it can lead. What once seemed a distant ambition is now an economic necessity. The real question is not whether Nigeria can afford to change, but how much it stands to gain.

Radda reshuffles cabinet, appoints two special advisers

Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State has approved a cabinet reshuffle affecting several commissioners and announced the appointment of two new special advisers.

According to a statement issued on Friday night by Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, Chief Press Secretary to the governor, the shake-up takes immediate effect and is designed to reposition the administration for greater efficiency and improved service delivery across key sectors of the state.

The statement reads, ‘Adnan Nahabu has been appointed Commissioner for Higher, Vocational and Technical Education, while Prof. Ahmad Muhammad Bakori moves from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development to head the newly created Ministry of Livestock Development.

‘Aliyu Lawal Zakari has been redeployed from the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development to the Ministry of Agriculture, while Zainab Musa Musawa moves from Basic and Secondary Education to the Ministry of Special Duties.

‘Yusuf Suleiman Jibia takes over as Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, and Engr. Surajo Yazid Abukur has been appointed Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development.

‘Aisha Aminu, previously Director-General of the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency, now heads the Ministry of Women Affairs. ‘In addition, Governor Radda appointed Hadiza Abubakar Yar’adua as Special Adviser on Nutrition and Welfare Services, and Isa Muhammad Musa as Special Adviser on Cultural Orientation.’

The Governor charged all appointees to remain committed to the vision of his administration’s Building Your Future agenda and prioritise service to the people of Katsina State.

He expressed confidence that the reshuffle will enhance coordination, deepen sectoral expertise, and accelerate the delivery of critical programmes across education, health, agriculture, youth development, women empowerment, and social welfare.

Six most used job apps boosting Nigeria’s digital job market

The rise of job applications reflects the broader digitalisation of work as more citizens turn to mobile apps and online platforms to find employment opportunities.

As an essential part of Nigeria’s employment system, job apps have helped bridge the gap between talent and employers. From blue-collar workers to tech professionals, millions of Nigerians are relying on these job apps to connect with employers.

From Jobberman connecting local graduates, Indeed linking Nigerians to global employers, or LinkedIn showcasing professional talent, job apps are redefining how Nigerians approach job search.

As Nigeria’s youth population, estimated at over 60 percent of the total population, continues to enter the labor market, digital job apps are not just tools but vital infrastructure for economic participation.

With smartphone penetration surpassing 50 percent, mobile apps are increasingly becoming the first stop for Nigerians seeking work. According to Google’s 2025 app trends data, Nigeria ranks among the top 10 fastest-growing app download markets in the world, with over 300 percent growth in two years.

The widespread availability of internet access, coupled with the pandemic’s disruption of traditional work structures, has permanently reshaped how Nigerians search for jobs. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, physical workplaces and recruitment drives halted, pushing both employers and job seekers online.

Today, apps and online portals are central to Nigeria’s employment ecosystem, serving as a bridge between millions of job seekers and recruiters across sectors.

Here are the six most used job apps in Nigeria

Jobberman

Founded in 2009, Jobberman remains Nigeria’s largest and most trusted job search platform. Its mobile app, which has recorded over 100,000 downloads on the Google Play Store, connects users to verified employers and provides career development tools, including CV review and professional testing.

The platform lists thousands of openings across finance, tech, education, and healthcare, and partners with organisations like Mastercard Foundation to train young Nigerians in digital skills. Jobberman’s dominance stems from its blend of technology, trust, and strong local relevance.

Indeed

Globally recognised and widely used in Nigeria, Indeed aggregates millions of job listings from employers and recruitment agencies. With over 100 million downloads worldwide, the app allows Nigerians to apply for both local and remote international jobs.

Its popularity in Nigeria is largely due to its user-friendly interface and comprehensive filtering system, which allows users to search by salary, experience level, and company. Many remote workers in Nigeria use Indeed to secure freelance or hybrid roles with companies abroad.

LinkedIn

Although primarily a professional networking platform, LinkedIn has evolved into a major job-hunting tool in Nigeria. Data from Sensor Tower indicates that LinkedIn’s ‘Jobs and Business News’ app records tens of thousands of weekly downloads in Nigeria and millions of active users.

The platform is especially popular among white-collar professionals, startups, and tech talent. It enables users to not only apply for jobs but also build personal brands, connect with recruiters, and showcase their expertise.

LinkedIn’s ‘Easy Apply’ feature has made it a go-to for job seekers targeting global employers.

Careers24

Careers24, a South African-owned platform, maintains a strong presence in Nigeria with listings across various industries. Its app and mobile site are tailored for African users, offering thousands of local and regional job opportunities.

The platform’s advantage lies in its simplicity and its commitment to verified listings, helping users avoid scams, which is a growing concern in Nigeria’s digital job market.

MyJobMag

MyJobMag has become one of Nigeria’s most trusted job discovery platforms, popular among young graduates and entry-level job seekers. It aggregates vacancies from across sectors, provides career advice, and runs an updated blog that helps users improve interview skills and CV writing.

While it operates primarily as a mobile-friendly website, MyJobMag’s notification system ensures users get instant updates about new job postings.

Hot Nigerian Jobs

Hot Nigerian Jobs remains one of the most visited job websites in the country. Known for its straightforward interface and daily updates, it caters to a broad range of job seekers, ranging from artisans and clerical workers to engineers and administrators.

Will BullZilla Be the Beast That Surpasses Dogecoin and Shiba Inu as the Next 1000x Meme Coin?

Ever wonder why meme coins always come roaring back every bull run? It’s because they capture more than just market momentum; they capture culture. From Elon Musk’s viral tweets to global headlines, Dogecoin and Shiba Inu have transformed internet humor into billion-dollar success stories. Their resilience, combined with massive community engagement and viral energy, keeps them relevant even in volatile markets. These projects prove that laughter, loyalty, and decentralization can fuel financial revolutions and the next wave is already forming.

The search for the next 1000x meme coin is now heating up, and BullZilla ($BZIL) stands tall as the leading contender. Built on Ethereum, BullZilla fuses meme energy with real tokenomics, including staking rewards, a 24-stage burn system, and deflationary mechanics. With $960K raised, 31 billion tokens sold, and over 3,200 holders, it’s rewriting what early-stage success looks like in crypto presales.

Join the roar, BullZilla’s Stage 8 launch is almost here!

Dogecoin: The Original Meme Powerhouse

Dogecoin, currently trading at $0.1975, has risen 3.08% in 24 hours, reminding investors why it remains a household name in crypto. After years of skepticism, DOGE continues to lead meme-based communities, powered by unmatched liquidity and cultural appeal. Its wide merchant adoption and consistent on-chain activity ensure relevance even amid new competitors. While Dogecoin’s utility expansion into payments and NFTs keeps it in the spotlight, analysts say its biggest strength remains its network stability. DOGE might not 1000x again soon, but it’s a pillar of meme coin resilience, the coin that taught the market to laugh, hold, and profit.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dogecoin News Today

What keeps Dogecoin relevant in 2025?

Dogecoin remains a top meme coin due to its vibrant community, frequent social media engagement, and growing acceptance in payment systems. Its steady liquidity and strong brand presence continue to sustain investor interest.

Can Dogecoin reach $1 again?

Analysts suggest Dogecoin could revisit the $1 mark if broader market sentiment turns bullish, Bitcoin maintains upward momentum, and retail investors re-enter the meme coin market with renewed enthusiasm.

BullZilla ($BZIL): The Beast Among the Next 1000x Meme Coin Contenders

BullZilla ($BZIL) is roaring through presale charts as one of the Top Contenders for the next 1000x meme coin. Now in Stage 7D (Bag Signal Activated), each token trades at $0.00018573, with over $960K raised, 31 billion tokens sold, and 3,200+ holders. With its Progressive Price Engine and 24-stage burn mechanism, BullZilla ensures scarcity and compounding ROI, making early entry critical.

$1,000 Investment Scenario

A $1,000 investment in BullZilla at the current presale stage secures approximately 5.39 million $BZIL tokens. Once BullZilla lists at its projected price of $0.00527, that same investment could skyrocket to nearly $28,400 – representing an impressive 2,738% potential ROI. This highlights the explosive opportunity early investors can capture before the next price increase triggers. As the presale rapidly advances, each new stage compounds potential returns, rewarding those who act swiftly before the next automated price surge occurs.

How to Join the BullZilla Presale

Joining the BullZilla presale is simple and secure. Start by connecting your Web3 wallet – MetaMask or Trust Wallet, funded with ETH. Visit the official BullZilla presale website, link your wallet, and swap your ETH for $BZIL tokens directly. The process is instant and transparent. Once your purchase is complete, your tokens will automatically lock until the presale concludes, safeguarding liquidity and ensuring stability before the official launch event.

The Roarblood Vault: Loyalty That Pays

BullZilla’s Roarblood Vault transforms community loyalty into a rewarding experience. Investors can earn up to 10% referral bonuses by inviting friends to join the presale, creating a ripple effect of engagement and growth. Beyond the rewards, the vault strengthens BullZilla’s ecosystem by encouraging long-term holding and active participation. Its design mirrors viral meme culture but fuses it with sustainable tokenomics that build real value over time. The more you contribute and hold, the stronger your potential returns become.

Frequently Asked Questions About BullZilla Presale

What makes BullZilla different from other presales?

BullZilla stands out through its unique mix of deflationary burns, staking rewards, and referral bonuses that compound long-term value, making it a sustainable ecosystem rather than just another hype-driven presale.

How often does the price increase?

The BullZilla price automatically rises every 48 hours or once $100K is raised, creating steady upward momentum that rewards early investors with higher ROI potential at each stage.

When will BullZilla launch?

Following the completion of all presale stages, BullZilla will officially launch at $0.00527, positioning itself as one of the most anticipated and potentially high-performing crypto launches of 2025.

Don’t wait, BullZilla’s price climbs again in 48 hours!

Shiba Inu: The Comeback Challenger

Shiba Inu (SHIB), priced at $0.00001019, climbed 3.06% in 24 hours , signaling renewed momentum. Once dubbed the ‘Dogecoin Killer,’ Shiba Inu now focuses on ecosystem maturity through Shibarium, its Layer-2 scaling network. This innovation drastically cuts fees and boosts transaction speeds, improving long-term sustainability. Developers are also ramping up utility through NFTs and DeFi integrations. SHIB’s vast community continues to drive adoption, but competition is fierce. While it may not replicate its 2021 frenzy, its evolution into a functional ecosystem strengthens its place in the next market cycle.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shiba Inu

What drives Shiba Inu’s recent rally?

Shiba Inu’s latest surge is fueled by the success of its Shibarium upgrade, which boosts transaction efficiency and utility. Expanding adoption across DeFi platforms and NFT integrations has further strengthened investor optimism and community engagement.

Can Shiba Inu hit $0.001?

Reaching $0.001 would require substantial token burns and mainstream adoption, but with Shibarium’s rapid growth and continuous ecosystem development, analysts believe Shiba Inu’s long-term prospects are stronger than ever.

Conclusion

Dogecoin and Shiba Inu keep showing that meme coins are more than hype , they’re culture, community, and creativity. Both have evolved beyond their playful origins, embracing technological improvements and strong ecosystems that support real use cases. This adaptability has helped them maintain relevance, even as new contenders enter the market. While they symbolize the resilience of early meme projects, investors are now searching for the next breakout coin that blends fun with financial potential. That spotlight now turns to BullZilla ($BZIL), the rising Ethereum-based project quickly becoming the next 1000x meme coin opportunity of 2025.

With its 24-stage burn system, 70% APY staking rewards, and deflationary supply model, BullZilla delivers a mix of scarcity and sustainability. Its presale success and growing holder base demonstrate investor confidence, setting the stage for what could become one of the most powerful launches of the coming bull cycle.

Join 3,200+ holders, BullZilla’s next 3.59% surge is coming fast!

UBA, Renewvia to power 25 bank branches with solar systems

In a move that strengthens Nigeria-Norway economic relations, United Bank for Africa (UBA) has partnered with Renewvia Solar Nigeria to deploy renewable energy solutions across 25 of its branches in five Nigerian states.

The partnership, formalised at a ribbon-cutting ceremony at UBA’s Oba Akran 2 branch in Ikeja, Lagos, was officiated by the Nordic ambassador to Nigeria, Svein Bæra.

The event featured a tour of the inverter and battery operations room, symbolising a new phase in UBA’s sustainability drive.

Supported by Empower New Energy, a Norway-based renewable investment company, and Incremental Energy Solutions (IES), the initiative will deliver the first phase of 152,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean energy monthly, cutting UBA’s carbon emissions by over 89,000 kilograms of CO2 every month.

Under a 10-year Power-as-a-Service agreement, Renewvia will install advanced solar and battery hybrid systems across the selected branches. Once fully rolled out, the project will cover 50 locations in 18 states, providing 3 megawatts peak (MWp) of solar capacity and 7 megawatt-hours (MWh) of energy storage.

Muyiwa Akinyemi, UBA’s deputy managing director, said the bank’s sustainability vision goes beyond compliance, describing it as integral to Africa’s development.

‘This project demonstrates how innovation and partnership can deliver lasting impact, in terms of growth and advancement as well as reducing our carbon footprint, improving operational efficiency, and contributing to a cleaner environment.’ he said.

Adebowale Dosunmu, Renewvia Solar Nigeria’s managing director, described the partnership as a ‘major milestone’ in providing reliable, clean energy to commercial clients. He praised UBA’s commitment to sustainability and operational excellence.

For Incremental Energy Solutions, which helped drive the collaboration, Oladipupo Omodara, the CEO, said the success reflects the growing role of African stakeholders in global clean energy investments.

‘We are proud to support a project that helps Africa claim its rightful place in global energy technology deployment,’ he said.

Terje Osmundsen, Empower New Energy’s CEO, noted that the partnership underscores Nordic-African cooperation in accelerating renewable energy adoption.

‘We appreciate the cooperation and proactiveness of the UBA management team, whose support helped bring this remarkable project and partnership to life. We at IES are particularly pleased that this success reinforces our commitment to helping Africa claim its rightful place in global energy investment and technology deployment,’ Osmundsen said.

Svein Bæra, Norway’s ambassador, commended the collaboration as a shining example of what can be achieved when African ambition meets Nordic investment, adding that it represents both an energy milestone and a shared commitment to sustainable growth.

The project also aligns with UBA Group chairman Tony Elumelu’s advocacy for partnerships that view Africa as a hub of enterprise rather than aid dependency.

Speaking recently at the Norway-Africa Business Summit in Oslo, Elumelu called for collaboration grounded in mutual respect and investment.

EFCC arraigns Lagos fintech CEO, firms over alleged ?442m theft

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned one Ayodele Toyosi, alongside his companies, Reaprite Global Limited and Agrorite Limited before R.A. Oshodi, Justice of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, over alleged theft and fraud totalling ?442,717,808.20.

Toyosi, who is the chief executive officer of the two firms, was docked by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the EFCC on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, on separate charges, a 17-count and a 4-count charge, bordering on stealing, obtaining by false pretence, and issuance of dishonoured cheques.

According to the EFCC, between October 2022 and October 2023, Toyosi and his companies allegedly diverted funds belonging to investors and cooperatives, including individuals such as Chizim Esther Asiagwu and organisations like Bristow Staff Cooperative Multi-Purpose Society Ltd.

One of the 17-count charges reads: ‘That you, Ayodele Toyosi, Reaprite Global Limited and Agrorite Limited, sometime between October 2022 and October 2023 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this honourable Court, dishonestly stole and converted the aggregate sum of ?212,000,000.00 and $5,000.00, property of Chizim Esther Asiagwu and others, thereby committing an offence of stealing contrary to Section 280(1)(a) and (b) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, and punishable under Section 287 of the said Law.’

Another of the four-count charges alleges that Toyosi and his companies stole and converted ?655 million belonging to Bristow Staff Cooperative Multi-Purpose Society Ltd and Udekwe Stella Nnenn between 2022 and 2023.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

Following their pleas, EFCC counsel A.A. Usman asked the court for a trial date and requested that Toyosi be remanded in a correctional facility pending trial.

However, defence counsel Oladapo Hamzat prayed the court to allow Toyosi to continue enjoying the bail granted to him in a separate case before Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe of the same court.

In his ruling, Oshodi granted bail to Toyosi in both cases in the sum of ?200 million, with two sureties in like sum.

The court stipulated that the sureties must own landed properties with registered titles in Lagos State, to be verified by the court’s registrar.

The EFCC was also mandated to notify the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) within seven days that Toyosi’s passport is in the court’s custody.

The case was adjourned to December 8 and 10, 2025, for the commencement of trial.

Dele Oyewale, Head of Media and Publicity for the EFCC, confirmed the arraignment in a statement issued on Thursday.

Social Listening Friday 24 October 2025

Social media denizens have put the Nigerian Police Force on the defensive for arresting Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer and brother over the 20 October 2025 Free Nnamdi Kanu demonstration but leaving out the organiser Omoyele Sowore.

The government claims it did not arrest the main organizer of the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest, Omoyele Sowore, because he was not among the individuals detained for violating a specific court order that restricted the protest locations. Police arrested other key figures for entering prohibited zones.

Arrested persons are Emmanuel Kanu (Nnamdi Kanu’s brother), Aloy Ejimakor (Kanu’s lawyer and six others. They were held for ‘contravening a valid court order’. The court injunction banned protests near sensitive areas (Aso Rock Villa, National Assembly.

Spokespersons for the detained deny that they have been demonstrating in the banned areas. They were near the Transcorp Hilton.

The police stated that the arrests were made because the individuals entered areas explicitly restricted by a court order, not for organising or participating in the protest itself. The police spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, expressly said, ‘dem insist on making way to di restricted areas’.

Sowore publicly vowed to proceed with the protest despite the court order, claiming his team had not been formally served and stating that ‘notin go stop dis mass movement’. Reports indicate he was present at the protest and was seen running from tear gas, but he managed to avoid being among those arrested for breaching the restricted zones.

2. 20 October, five years after ENDSARS

The Free Nnamdi Kanu protests took place five years after the Nigerian Police violently suppressed the massive End-SARS protests.

The main aim of the 2020 EndSARS protest was to disband the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and end police brutality. It was partially successful. The SARS unit was officially dissolved on October 11, 2020. The movement concluded after a violent crackdown on Oct 20, 2020 (the Lekki Massacre), with victims still seeking justice five years later.

The 20 October 2025 event aimed to secure the release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, citing the government’s disregard for court orders for his release. The police responded with tear gas and some arrests.SARS was a decentralized, nationwide youth-led movement that saw rare national unity across ethnic and religious lines. The Free Nnamdi Kanu movement was backed by Igbo leaders, activists like Omoyele Sowore, and some opposition politicians, but also faces opposition from northern groups.

Supporters frame the issue as one of ‘selective justice,’ pointing out that the government has negotiated with and granted amnesty to bandits in the north while keeping Kanu in detention despite court rulings.

3. No to commemorative flags for End-SARS?

‘Nigeria is impressive, isn’t it? The Nigerian Government, which pardons murderers, gun-runners and cocaine importers, negotiates with bandits and hands AK-47 to #RepentantTerrorists, will not allow a woman to carry flowers? How cowardly does it get..?!’

Prof. Chidi Odinkalu

4. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan versus Akpabio again

The Nigerian Senate was embroiled in heated controversy in October 2025 over proposed amendments to the Criminal Code specifically targeting abortion offences, sparking intense debate, procedural drama, and significant public attention.

During deliberations on the Criminal Code Amendment Bill 2025, the Senate considered provisions to stiffen penalties for those aiding or procuring abortions, raising sentences from three to ten years without an option of fine. The debate quickly fractured as senators struggled to reach a consensus on what exactly constitutes an ‘unlawful abortion.’ Some, including Senator Saliu Mustapha, argued that medical and religious exceptions may be justified, while others cautioned that the bill could endanger doctors’ ability to save lives in critical situations.

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Intervention

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, attempted to intervene, emphasising her position as a woman and the direct impact of abortion legislation on women’s rights and health. However, her efforts to comment after the matter had been ‘stepped down’ for committee review were ruled out of order by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. This move, upheld by Senator Adams Oshiomhole citing parliamentary rules, provoked disappointment and claims of exclusion from Akpoti-Uduaghan, who lamented being silenced in a debate relating directly to women.

The incident sparked widespread debate in the media and online, with many Nigerians and advocates voicing concern over both the content of the bill and the way debates on issues affecting women’s health were managed. Critics pointed out the ongoing issue of unsafe abortions caused by restrictive laws, emphasising that legislative ambiguity and lack of consultation risked worsening maternal health outcomes. Supporters of better reproductive health policies called for clearer, evidence-based approaches and increased inclusion of women’s voices in legislative processes.

The Senate suspended further consideration of the bill, referring the contentious clauses to its Judiciary Committee for deeper review and broader consultation, with a report due in two weeks. The controversy has become a flashpoint in Nigeria’s ongoing struggle to balance morality, medical ethics, and women’s rights within its legal framework for abortion

Stakeholders urge Nigerian youth to embrace digital innovation as tool for entrepreneurship

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s education and technology sectors have urged young Nigerians to embrace digital innovation as a pathway to entrepreneurship and sustainable development, saying the nation’s future depends on nurturing creative, self-reliant minds from an early age.

This call came in Abuja during the unveiling of new educational tools designed to support the implementation of the 2025 basic education curriculum for primary and junior secondary schools.

The event, organised by BMI Finishing School, drew policymakers, educators, civil society groups, and parents to discuss strategies for empowering the next generation through practical, skill-based learning.

In his keynote address, Nnamdi Felix Unachukwu, executive chairman and founder of BMI Finishing School, said the new digital skill lab introduced by the organisation offers visual and practical training to pupils while the physical infrastructure for the curriculum rollout is being developed.

‘Unemployment is high, poverty levels are rising, and youth restlessness continues to grow. Entrepreneurship education is now an urgent necessity-not merely an option,’ Unachukwu said.

He explained that global studies have shown that sustained economic growth is driven by innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly when introduced early.

‘Research indicates that the optimal age to introduce entrepreneurship education is between 7 and 14. This makes our basic education system the ideal platform for nurturing job creators rather than job seekers,’ he added.

Unachukwu noted that the evolving global education landscape, dominated by artificial intelligence and digital tools, requires Nigeria to move beyond theoretical learning.

He said the new curriculum focuses on digital literacy, vocational training, entrepreneurship, and practical skills, shifting away from the certificate-driven model that has left many graduates unemployable.

‘The old curriculum was designed to produce employable graduates. Sadly, our population growth has far outpaced the labour market’s capacity,’ he said.

Unachukwu disclosed that BMI Finishing School has already launched a pilot phase of the programme in Lagos and Niger States, reaching about 20 public schools with educational materials and digital tools.

‘The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with several top private schools, especially in Lagos-adopting these tools,’ he revealed.

He added that the BMI skill-lab model, designed for schools and communities, equips students with practical, hands-on experience.

The initiative aligns with the National Council on Education’s directive that every child completing primary or secondary school must acquire at least two practical skills.

Unachukwu also said discussions are ongoing with three state governments to scale up the programme nationwide.

‘This initiative addresses the critical need for age-appropriate educational materials to support the new curriculum, transforming what some may see as a sudden shift into a well-planned educational revolution,’ he stated.

Speaking at the event, Hilary Akpua, founder of the Great Achievers Initiative for Youth and Community Development (GAIYD), underscored the importance of training teachers to deliver the new curriculum effectively.

‘Educators must be equipped with the necessary skills to deliver digital and entrepreneurship content effectively,’ Akpua said, adding that improved infrastructure, such as computer labs, robotics kits, and reliable internet access was essential.

He said GAIYD is partnering with BMI to extend the initiative to local communities, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and North Central region.

‘Many children don’t have the means to support their families. This curriculum gives them a way to contribute meaningfully,’ he noted, urging parents, NGOs, and political leaders to adopt the new tools to fight poverty at the grassroots.

Also speaking, Okey Ikechukwu, executive director of Development Specs Academy, called for stronger public-private partnerships to support digital and entrepreneurship learning.

‘We need collaboration with technology companies to provide mentorship and real-world learning experiences for students,’ Ikechukwu said.

He concluded that empowering children with hands-on skills would ‘shift their mindset’ and prepare them to compete in the global economy.

‘If we can train our children in practical skills, it will open their eyes to the world within and around them, creating a generation ready to drive global progress,’ he said.