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Nigeria’s U17 girls, the Flamingos, began their FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2025 campaign on a disappointing note, falling 4-1 to Canada in their opening Group D match on Sunday in Salé, near Rabat.

Canada took the lead inside two minutes when Gabriela Istocki finished off Molly Hale’s strong run down the left. The early goal jolted Nigeria into action, with captain Shakirat Moshood twice testing goalkeeper Khadijah Cisse, while Chisom Nwachukwu and Kaosarat Olanrewaju also went close.

The Flamingos’ persistence paid off in the 30th minute when Queen Joseph capitalised on a rebound after Cisse failed to hold Olanrewaju’s shot, bundling in the equaliser to make it 1-1.

However, Canada regained control in the second half, punishing defensive lapses.

Substitute Melisa Kekic restored their lead in the 73rd minute, before another substitute, Julia Amireh, struck twice late on, first in the 80th minute after goalkeeper Elizabeth Boniface spilt a loose ball, and again six minutes later with a composed finish to seal a commanding 4-1 victory.

The result leaves the Flamingos at the bottom of Group D, while Canada top the standings after an impressive attacking display.

Nigeria will look to bounce back when they face France on Wednesday evening, needing a positive result to keep their qualification hopes alive.

The Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has urged the United States and China to calm rising trade tensions, warning that the ongoing conflict between the two economic giants could seriously harm the global economy.

Speaking at a recent forum, Okonjo-Iweala stated that if the trade dispute persists and both countries sever all economic ties, the world could lose up to 7 per cent of its total economic output (GDP). She explained that such a breakdown would not only slow down growth in wealthy nations but also hit developing countries the hardest, with some facing double-digit losses in income and welfare.

According to her, the growing divide between the U.S. and China, the world’s two largest economies, has already begun to affect global trade flows, supply chains, and investment patterns. Many countries, especially those that rely heavily on trade, could face higher prices, slower growth, and fewer job opportunities if the standoff continues.

Okonjo-Iweala warned that a prolonged ‘economic decoupling,’ where the U.S. and China attempt to completely separate their economies, could create deep divisions in global trade. ‘When the two biggest economies in the world are at odds, the entire global trading system feels the impact,’ she said. ‘The result is slower trade, higher costs, and less cooperation at a time when we need unity to tackle shared challenges like climate change and economic recovery.’

She said the world should not let the situation spiral out of control, stressing that the current crisis is also an opportunity for countries to rethink and strengthen the global trading system. She called on WTO member nations to use this moment to reform trade rules, make them fairer, and ensure that global trade benefits everyone, especially smaller and poorer countries that depend on exports to survive.

Okonjo-Iweala emphasised that multilateral cooperation, where countries work together under the WTO’s framework, remains the best path forward. She urged nations to avoid protectionist policies and unilateral trade barriers that could further divide the global economy.

‘The global trading system was built to prevent exactly this kind of economic fragmentation,’ she said. ‘Instead of turning inward, countries should come together to modernise the WTO, strengthen dispute resolution, and make trade more inclusive and sustainable.’

Her comments come amid renewed friction between Washington and Beijing over tariffs, technology, and market access. The U.S. has accused China of unfair trade practices and intellectual property violations, while China says American policies are aimed at slowing its rise as an economic power.

Experts warn that if both sides fail to reach common ground, global supply chains from electronics to food could suffer disruptions, affecting businesses and consumers worldwide.

Okonjo-Iweala concluded by saying that cooperation, not confrontation, is the only way to secure a stable and prosperous global economy.

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) has launched the Sustainability Hour initiative, aimed at integrating sustainability concepts into the Nigerian school curriculum, a step towards embedding environmental awareness and responsible business practices into early education.

Thomas Isibor, country head at ACCA Nigeria, speaking at the launching in Lagos emphasised that the pioneering programme which would go round other regions is designed to equip young learners with the knowledge and values needed to tackle global challenges such as climate change, ethical governance, and sustainable development from an early age.

‘ACCA ‘Sustainability Hour’ is an initiative that ACCA Global has put together to support future leaders in understanding what the UN SDGs are, to help with advocacy and support with changing behaviours.

‘We want our future leaders to begin to adapt the behaviour that is required for them to make the change in the world,’ he said.

He explained that the idea behind the programme is to make the future leaders become more aware about the UN SDGs, and how they can play a part in bringing about positive change in the world.

Jamil Ampomah, director-Africa, ACCA in his remark said the programme is very significant because it is a chance for the association to inspire young people with a desire to serve as future leaders and to step up as advocates on the issues of sustainability in general and for sustainable development goals specifically.

‘We know that this is crucial for the next generation along many lines. Policy, building sustainable businesses and essentially our very survival.

‘Therefore for us to build healthy economies here in Nigeria, we need to be able to achieve a sustainable and healthy plan in terms of how we do business and conduct ourselves,’ he said.

Ampomah said ACCSA is proud to introduce the Sustainability Hour, an educational initiative designed to engage schools, students across Nigeria in key sustainability themes aligned to the UN SDGs.

‘We hope the programme sparks curiosity, deepens awareness. These once a month one-hour sessions have been developed with Nigeria educators, so all the nuances and relevance that need to be taken into account locally have been factored in.

‘The sessions are tailored for two age groups 10 to 13, and 14 to 16 years and we have developed dedicated materials for each of these groups and it is going to be delivered by your own teachers who are trained and supported by ACCA business development managers,’ he emphasised.

Oreoluwa Finnih, special adviser to the governor of Lagos State on SDGs, described the initiative as a timely, and forward-looking contribution to shaping Nigeria’s young generation to understand that sustainability is not merely an option, but the foundation of a shared future.

She emphasised the programme aligns with Babajide Sanwo-Olu led-administration’s Themes Plus Agenda, which is an SDG agenda.

‘We at the league of state offices of SDGs firmly believe that education is the most powerful tool for advancing sustainable development.

‘So by integrating sustainability principles into its learning, the ACCA is nurturing young minds to think critically about environment, social impact and governance skills, which are essential for today’s leaders and professionals,’ she said.

Adeola Arofin, AISEN, chairperson, represented by Kofo Karounwi, the vice chair, said the programme is an inspiring initiative and the beginning of great things.

‘ACCA is focused on the SDGs such as quality education, zero hunger, clean water and sanitation, climate action, and the fight against poverty.

‘They all connect perfectly with what we in AISEN believe education should be. Learning that not only fills the mind but also shakes the heart and strengthens the will to make a difference,’ she said.

Rabiu Olowo, executive secretary/CEO, Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, applauded ACCA for the initiative.

He said though it might be difficult to meet the SDGs by 2030, he was excited that the right thing is being done now.

‘With these young people, this is the right thing for us to do. It gives me much joy and anticipation that we will start tracking with meeting the UN SDGs by 2030.

‘Once we begin to incorporate sustainability learnings into education, and we’re co-opting the students, that’s the way to go,’ he noted.

Rashidat Adebisi, chair, ACCA Nigeria Advisory Committee, urged the students to understand that leadership is not about the title but actions one take.

‘Each one of us here today, even though your parents seem to be more educated than you, if you learn for one hour every day or at least even every week for the next few years, you might actually be more knowledgeable than them,’ she said.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has attributed the loss of over 3,400 lives in road crashes across Nigeria between January and September 2025 to reckless driver behaviour and human error.

Shehu Mohammed, Corps Marshal, FRSC disclosed this on Monday in Abuja during a press conference marking the flag-off of the 2025 Ember Months Public Enlightenment and Sensitisation Campaign.

According to him, 3,433 persons were killed and 22,162 injured in 6,858 reported road crashes within the first nine months of the year.

He also disclosed that during the 2024 end-of-year ‘Operation Zero’ exercise, held between 15 December 2024 and 15 January 2025, 432 persons lost their lives while 2,070 others sustained injuries from 533 reported crashes.

Mohammed identified driver fatigue, overloading, use of phones while driving, conveyance of passengers in haulage vehicles, and carrying fuel in plastic containers as major causes of road crashes, stressing that most incidents are preventable if drivers adhere to safety rules.

‘The theme for this year’s campaign, ‘Take Responsibility for Your Safety: Stop Distracted Driving’, reinforces the fact that human factors remain the dominant cause of crashes on our highways,’ he stated.

The Corps Marshal announced that the FRSC had mapped out a series of measures to reduce crashes and fatalities during the Ember months.

These include the deployment of personnel and special marshals across major highways, free vehicle checks, motor park rallies, and town hall meetings with transport unions, security agencies, and other stakeholders.

He added that the Corps had achieved milestones in partnerships and reforms aimed at improving road safety, including upgrading driving school standards and enforcing minimum safety requirements for fleet operators.

In a bid to ease the challenges associated with obtaining drivers licences, Mohammed disclosed that the FRSC had upgraded its printing facility to produce an average of 15,000 licences daily, with plans to clear the backlog before mid-November 2025.

He further revealed that the Corps will soon introduce a contactless biometric capture and instant licence printing system, which will eliminate temporary licences and usher in a digital one-stop process for licence issuance.

On post-crash care, the FRSC boss announced plans to host an International Conference on Road Crash Victims for Africa in collaboration with the KRSD Road Safety Foundation, scheduled for 16-18 November 2025, to strengthen emergency response and rehabilitation of crash victims in line with the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety.

While commending the federal government and the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation for their continued support, Mohammed urged all road users to take personal responsibility for safety as the nation approaches the festive season.

The All Progressive Congress (APC) stakeholders in Kogi led by former Governor Yahaya Bello has backed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for second terms.

The party stakeholders made the declaration at the Tinubu and Ododo Endorsement for 2027 Re-election at Muhammadu Buhari Civic Centre, Lokoja.

The party asserted that President Tinubu’s presence for campaigning in the state in 2027 would not be required.

The former governor remarked that Nigerians should be grateful to have a President dedicated to advancing the country’s progress.

He emphasised that President Tinubu has performed well as President, with commendable efforts in stabilizing the country’s economy.

Bello urged those seeking the position of President to forget their ambition and give total support to Tinubu in the coming general election.

‘Today, we are endorsing President Tinubu and Alhaji Ahmed Ododo for a second term. ‘They have done well, and will continue to do more for the state and the nation as far as the people of Kogi State are concerned.

‘We are telling President Bola Tinubu that he does not need to come and campaign for his reelection in Kogi in 2027, because Kogi people are solidly behind him.

‘Kogi is for President Bola Tinubu, nobody can unseat him, no vacancy in Aso rock. ‘We have a stable economy, and the President won’t relent,’ Bello said.

He urged Nigerians to support the President to move the nation forward. Bello dismissed opposition mergers, stating, ‘They’ll never work. Nobody can unseat Tinubu in 2027’.

He also urged the people of Kogi State to always support the administration of Ahmed Ododo, adding that the second term of the governor remained sacrosanct. In his remarks, Gov Ododo promised Tinubu 99 percent votes in 2027 general election.

He stressed that Tinubu should have no fear because Kogi State belonged to him as the people would give him massive votes.

The governor expressed gratitude to Tinubu for giving federal appointments to Kogi citizens, promising reciprocation in 2027. Ododo described Tinubu as a sincere leader and father figure.

Governor Ododo thanked the people of Kogi State for the confidence reposed on him to run for reelection come 2027. He further thanked president Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the Renewed Hope Initiative that has transformed the lives of Nigerians.

‘I also acknowledge the role of my mentor, our leader, former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello for all his contributions. He is the star leader in our party APC today, we pray that God gives him more strength.

‘Let us not be distracted by noise, let’s stand behind Mr President. He is the real power behind Nigeria’s development,’ he said. Also speaking, the APC Chairman in Kogi, Abdullahi Bello, reiterated that the party was fully behind the reelection of President Tinubu and Ododo.

He commended the former governor for raising people at the grassroots and laying solid foundations for Ododo to build on.

He urged members to be focused and united with one voice behind Tinubu and Ododo The APC chairman lauded Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for Nigerians and urged party members to sustain support for the duo.

The Chairman, Organising Committee of Tinubu/Ododo Endorsement, Sen. Smart Adeyemi, praised President Tinubu as a committed democrat who means well for Nigeria, citing over 30 years of acquaintance.

Adeyemi urged support for Tinubu and Ododo for a second term, highlighting their development-focused efforts.

In a show of unity and solidarity, the Kogi APC unanimously endorsed Tinubu and Ododo for second term in office.

The endorsement rally brought together key stakeholders in the party, including ward, Local and state executives, political appointees, party stalwarts, women, and youth wings.

For anyone coming into Ogun and Lagos or leaving both cities through Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, one thing is very common to see especially- the sorry state of the highway median.

This time, it is not because of the quality of work on the major highway into Nigeria’s commercial capital but what the median has suddenly become.

It is very pathetic one indeed! It is looming health risk and an environmental shame caused by human beings who have turned the median into comfort zones for open defecation, leading to health and environmental concerns.

What is open defecation? It is a condition where human faeces are disposed of in fields, forests, open bodies of water, beaches or other open spaces or disposed with solid waste. In this case it is happen inside the highway median. These faeces are later flushed by rain flood into the river which overflows into nearby homes with its health risks.

Economically, Ogun State is a major industrial hub with a growing base of factories and companies, especially along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway corridor.

Likewise, Lagos State is the economic powerhouse and commercial capital of Nigeria, home to its largest city and a major financial hub.

Open defecation is a significant problem in Ogun and Lagos, driven by a lack of accessible and affordable toilet facilities, especially in motor parks, slums, and other public spaces.

This practice poses serious health risks, leading to the spread of diseases like cholera and typhoid, and also degrades the environment.

While the Lagos State government is addressing this issue through a multi-pronged approach including constructing new public toilets, implementing enforcement measures, and conducting public awareness campaigns, the risk has shifted to Ogun where the menace of open defecation happens uninterrupted.

Every vigilant commuter knows that this act of open defecation happens 24 hours along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, particularly from popular Berger bus stop median to OPIC U-turn and beyond. Before Lagos action against open defecation on this axis, the significance of the problem along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway was evident in a 7.8 km stretch reportedly affected.

Chappal Energies has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting national pride through its sponsorship of Nigeria’s Women’s Rugby League Team, the Green Falcons, as they depart for Canada to compete in the 2025 Rugby League World Series.

The partnership marks a historic moment for Nigeria and Africa, as the Green Falcons aim to become the first African nation ever to qualify for the Women’s Rugby League World Cup, scheduled for 2026 in Australia and Papua New Guinea.

The World Series features four nations; Nigeria, Canada, Ireland, and Fiji, all vying for the final qualification spot at next year’s World Cup.

Comprising mostly amateur athletes who have balanced work, studies, and family commitments, the Green Falcons embody the spirit of resilience and determination, rising from humble beginnings to represent Africa on the global stage.

‘Belief, perseverance, and possibility are values we hold dear. We are proud to stand with these remarkable women who represent courage, ambition, and the power of community.’

For the team, the support signifies recognition of their years of dedication and sacrifice. ‘This moment means everything to us,’ said Abiodun Cole, Chairman of the Nigerian Rugby League.

‘We carry the hopes of a nation, of every girl who has ever been told she couldn’t. Chappal’s support reminds us that we are not alone and that Nigeria believes in us.’

The Green Falcons will kick off their World Series campaign on Tuesday, October 21, in Canada. Success in the tournament would be a defining achievement for African rugby and a landmark for women’s sports across the continent.

The Anambra State government has announced the recruitment of 8,115 teachers in a major stride toward revitalising public education across the state.

According to Chiamaka Nnake, the commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning in Anambra State, said, the move is part of Chukwuma Soludo’s comprehensive strategy to enhance learning outcomes, bridge teacher shortages, and ensure quality education is accessible to all children in the state.

‘We’re just 42 months in office, and we have recruited 8,115 teachers. in all our public schools. Usually, it’s not typical government recruitment, because it’s actually an open source.

‘We have people from across the country who applied. That was how the recruitment was done,’ she said.

Speaking at the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) ‘Sustainability Hour’ initiative for school children in Nigeria launch held on Friday, October 17, in Lagos, said Anambra State is intentional about public education, while also monitoring what is happening in private schools.

‘We’re focused on providing free and qualitative education, and what we have done so far is actually, in the state’s school education system, from nursery to SS3, is completely free in all sense.

‘So, you have to go to school without having to pay, there’s nothing stopping any child in Anambra State from going to school,’ he said.

Nnake emphasised that the state is committed to ensuring that every child is been taught by the best of the best teachers, not necessarily someone from the state.

‘We’re after quality learning outcomes, hence, we’re ensuring that the schools have quality teachers.

‘Besides, some of the public schools are currently being upgraded to become smart,’ she noted.

The commissioner explained that the state has commenced the integration of technology in the public schools across Anambra State. She revealed that the state started with 22 out of the over 2,000 public schools in the state.

Nnake emphasised that the state is currently running at over 40 percent enrolment rate, especially with the introduction of free education.

She said the state is working hard to improve access to powered education because of its enabler role in education, however she highlighted that many students do not have access to technology.

The commissioner applauded ACCA for the ‘Sustainability Hour’ in schools which are meant to run for six months starting October 2025, with monthly modules covering selected UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), targeting students from ages 10 to 16.

The initiative will cover sustainability topics such as climate action, water management, waste management, energy management, poverty, and hunger, with each of the six modules focusing on a specific UN Sustainable Development Goal.

The federal government has renewed its call for deeper collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations to accelerate agricultural productivity, strengthen food systems, and create more jobs for Nigerian farmers.

Abubakar Kyari, minister of Agriculture and Food Security, made the appeal during a bilateral meeting with QU Dongyu, director-general, FAO, on the sidelines of the 2025 World Food Forum (WFF) held recently in Rome, Italy.

Kyari said enhanced partnership with FAO would enable Nigeria to achieve its strategic goals of food and nutrition security, sustainable agricultural growth, and increased employment opportunities, particularly for smallholder farmers who form the backbone of the nation’s food system.

He highlighted key areas for collaboration, including expanding irrigation systems to improve water management and ensure all-year-round farming, especially in drought-prone areas.

He also emphasised the need to strengthen agricultural mechanisation to boost efficiency, productivity, and value addition across rural communities.

The minister further sought FAO’s assistance in establishing a comprehensive national farmers’ database to support evidence-based policymaking, resource allocation, and performance tracking within the agricultural sector.

According to him, a reliable data system would help the government better target interventions and improve transparency in farmer support programs.

Kyari also reiterated Nigeria’s request for FAO’s technical and financial backing in the ongoing efforts to recharge the Lake Chad Basin, a project he said is critical to restoring livelihoods, reviving agribusiness activities, and enhancing food security in the region.

In addition, the minister called for increased employment opportunities for qualified Nigerians within FAO’s headquarters and global offices, citing the country’s long-standing contributions and commitment to agricultural development and food security initiatives.

In his response, QU Dongyu, FAO director-general, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s agricultural transformation agenda, pledging to advance shared goals of food security, climate resilience, and rural prosperity.

Analysts say the renewed FAO-Nigeria partnership could unlock billions of naira in agricultural value chain opportunities, improve smallholder resilience against climate shocks, and strengthen the country’s march toward self-sufficiency in food production.

A Tri-State- Electricity Market is to be established by the Governments of Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa States, that is projected to acquire significant equity holdings in Future Energies Africa (FEA), the core investor in the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO).

As a step towards kick starting the electricity market, the three states are to float a ?50 billion Electrification Fund to accelerate access to power through embedded generation, solar home systems, grid extensions, and mini-grids.

KEDCO is one of the electricity distribution companies licensed by the Nigerian government, with operational influence in the three states in the northwest part of the country, with its head-office in the commercial city of kano.

The specific total electricity demand for Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa is estimated to be about 700 megawatts, but the current supply to the three states is about 130 megawatts.

The establishment of the new Electricity Market was made public in a statement issued by Kano State Ministry of Power, and Renewable Energy, obtained by BusinessDay, on Monday, in Kano.

The decision to establish the market was said to be an outcome of a high -level meeting held by the Governors of the three states, during Electrification Summit held in Marrakech, Morocco, from October 16 to 19, 2025.

In the statement, Gaddafi Sani Shehu, Kano State Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, said the three states have resolved to work collaboratively to boost electricity supply across the sub-region.

‘The three states will collaborate to explore areas of mutual benefit in their electricity markets, promoting partner regulation and cooperation,’ Gaddafi said.

He added that the states would jointly acquire equity in Future Energies Africa (FEA), as a way of strengthening KEDCO’s strategic direction, and in improving electricity distribution, and delivery in the region.

According to the commissioner, the three states will also establish a ?50 billion Electrification Fund to accelerate access to power through embedded generation, solar home systems, grid extensions, and mini-grids.

The states are to committed to working closely together with KEDCO to reduce losses from industrial, and residential consumers, and in ensuring improved and sustainable electricity delivery to the consumers in the area of operation of the company.

Gaddafi noted that representatives from the three states will hold an annual international retreat and quarterly review meetings to assess progress, set policy direction, and reinforce the partnership’s framework.

This development is said was a landmark agreement, and a significant step towards improving electricity access and supply in the region, promoting economic growth, and enhancing the quality of life for citizens.

The Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) had, recently announced plans to develop a $100$MW ‘Safe Grid’ for these states to provide a more reliable supply to key industries and infrastructure.