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Afrobeats sensation Charles Chibueze Chukwu, popularly known as Crayon, has bid a tearful farewell to his mother, Evelyn Chukwu, who was laid to rest following her passing on July 4.

Describing her death as ‘the darkest day of my life,’ Crayon paid an emotional tribute to his late mother, whom he fondly called his ‘soldier, backbone, and pillar.’

The Ngozi crooner recalled his mother’s selfless sacrifices, including selling fruits for 21 years to provide for their family.

He pledged to honour her memory by upholding her values and pursuing his music career – a dream she had always supported.

‘Iya Carrot, number one fruit seller. For 21 years, you sold fruits to take care of Peace, me, your sister, and everybody. You didn’t mind giving your last card – that’s who you are,’ he said.

‘I promise you one thing, Mummy. I, Chibueze, will not change. I will make sure I keep everything. I love you, Mum. See you later.’

Crayon also expressed gratitude to fans, friends, and colleagues for their support during his time of grief, noting that his mother’s passing had left an indelible mark on his heart.

In a bid to diversify the economy and reduce over-dependence on oil, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced ?1 trillion investment in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.

The president made the declaration while delivering the keynote address at the 10th Edition of Nigeria Mining Week 2025, in Abuja, through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.

He noted that the ?1 trillion commitment, which is the largest government-led mining initiative in the nation’s history, was drawn from the ?4.5 trillion increase in the 2025 federal budget.

The President said the landmark investment, which was in alignment with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, will fund geo-scientific exploration, geological surveys, and critical infrastructure needed to unlock mineral-rich regions.

‘This is the most significant single investment in Nigeria’s mining industry by any administration,’ adding that, ‘We are turning the wealth beneath our feet into prosperity in our hands.’

Commending the sectoral progress made, Tinubu noted that the revenue generation of the sector grew sixfold from ?6 billion in 2023 to ?38 billion in 2024.

He, however, attributed the brilliant performance of the sector to new policies, tighter regulations, and the establishment of the Nigeria Solid Minerals Company, a special-purpose vehicle designed to attract capital, form joint ventures, and boost local mineral processing.

The President then re-emphasised his administration’s zero tolerance for unsafe or environmentally harmful mining practices, stressing that ‘natural resources must enhance lives today and for future generations. Mining should heal and build, not hurt or divide.’

Reaffirming the National Assembly’s support for the sector, Chairman Senate Committee on Solid Minerals, Senator Ekong Sampson, expressed readiness of the legislative arm to provide legislative backing for the President’s mining reforms.

He assured that the Senate would continue to enact progressive laws and provide oversight to sustain investor confidence and transparency. ‘Our focus is to unlock the full potential of this sector through enabling policies and strategic partnerships.’

Sampson then expressed optimism that ongoing reforms under the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development would position Nigeria for global competitiveness.

He, however, identified collaboration among government, industry players, and communities as the only way to achieve inclusive growth.

He said, ‘What we need for every sector is collaboration, not conflict,’ adding that, ‘We have no excuse not to make the best of our country’s natural endowments.’

In his address, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, described the sector’s rapid growth, now contributing about 4.6 percent to Gross Domestic Product (GDP), as proof of the effectiveness of President Tinubu’s reform-driven agenda.

‘From all available evidence, our policies are working. But we couldn’t have achieved this without the cooperation of stakeholders,’ he said.

Alake then disclosed that the federal government is addressing two major financial gaps limiting local participation, particularly through the African Joint Committee (AJC) framework, to empower indigenous investors to compete with international players.

On his part, the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s determination to revive Nigeria’s steel industry as a backbone of industrialization and infrastructure expansion.

He revealed that a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed with a Chinese firm for the rehabilitation of the Ajaokuta Steel Plant, targeting the production of 10 million metric tonnes of steel by 2030. ‘With the right partnerships and renewed investor confidence, Nigeria’s steel industry will soon take its rightful place as the bedrock of national development,’ he said.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Engr. Faruk Yabo emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to building a transparent, technology-driven, and investor-friendly mining environment.

Yabo noted that the various reforms introduced under Alake’s leadership are repositioning the sector to meaningfully contribute to national GDP while promoting responsible mining.

‘Our goal is to ensure Nigeria no longer exports raw minerals but value-added products that create jobs, foster innovation, and strengthen prosperity,’ Yabo stated.

Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), stressed the importance of transparency and accountability in building investor confidence.

He stated that NEITI’s latest report shows the mining sector still underperforms due to poor data management and weak inter-agency coordination.

‘Transparency is not an option; it is the foundation upon which trust and investment confidence are built,’ Dr. Orji said, pledging NEITI’s continued support for reforms that guarantee fairness and shared prosperity.

Earlier, the National President of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Mr. Dele Ayanleke, expressed the association’s unwavering commitment to the promotion of a collaborative, transparent, and sustainable partnership with government and other stakeholders in the sector.

He noted that the progress recorded in the sector was made possible by the exemplary leadership of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, and his team.

He said the mining week has remained a catalyst for sectoral dialogue, innovation, and reforms – bridging the gap between policy and practice, operators and investors, and ideas and implementation.

Ayanleke noted that the sector in the last decade witnessed the introduction of cutting-edge technologies, policy reforms, strategic partnerships, and capacity-building initiatives that continue to redefine the mining landscape in Nigeria.

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has sworn in 21 new commissioners.

Governor Okpebholo charged the new commissioners to key into his administration to prove to the world that a new Edo has risen.

The newly sworn-in Commissioners are Barr. Vincent Osas Uwadia, Etin-osa Ogbeiwi, Saturday Uwuilekhue Idehen (JP), Charity Amayaenvbo, Barr. Nosa Adams, Yakubu Oshiorenua, Felix Akhabue, Prof. Omorodion Ignatius, and Ohimai Ehijimetor.

Others are Eugenia Abdallah, Godwin Afekokhe Eshieshi, Prince Kassim Afegbua, Dr. Jerry Uwangue, Mr. John Akhigbe, Festus Ebea, Dr Elizabeth Ebosele, Dr Jerry Uwangue, Dr Kenneth Okoruwa Ihensekhien, and Barr. Usenbo Paul Ehigie.

Governor Okpebholo also swore in Chairmen and members of the Edo State Bursary and Scholarship Board, the Senior Secondary Education Board, Edo State Law Reform Commission, Edo State Lottery Regulatory Commission, and the Edo State Ecological Funding and Management Commission.

Okpebholo said his administration remained committed to repositioning Edo State for development.

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cancer surveillance and data-driven policymaking to improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment outcomes nationwide.

Speaking at the opening of the Nigerian Oncology Research Alliance (NORA) and African Cancer Registry Network (AFCRN) Cancer Registry Summer School in Abuja on Tuesday, the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Adekunle Salako, said the event demonstrates a collective commitment to strengthening cancer control systems in Nigeria and across Africa.

The event brought together cancer researchers, public health experts, and development partners from across Africa and beyond to advance efforts aimed at reducing breast and cervical cancer deaths in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Represented by his Special Adviser on Research and Innovation, Dr. Ololade Dosunmu-Adeyemi, Salako noted that the government is advancing a national research and innovation agenda focused on data integration, digital transformation, and intersectoral collaboration.

‘Cancer registries are the heartbeat of evidence-based cancer control. They help us understand the true burden of disease, guide prevention and treatment strategies, and ensure that no community is left behind,’ he said.

Commending NORA and AFCRN for their leadership in capacity building, data harmonization, and regional collaboration, Salako described their efforts as proof that African scientists are driving meaningful change.

‘Nigeria remains committed to policies and innovations that make cancer control not just a scientific priority, but a moral imperative,’ he said.

The Director General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), Prof. Usman Aliyu, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to advancing cancer research, prevention, and treatment.

He explained that Nigeria now operates both population-based and hospital-based cancer registries working in synergy to collect critical data on cancer trends, saying, ‘These registries take data on the type of cancers we see day to day in the country.

‘This helps inform decisions on the nature, types, and demographic distribution of cancer cases.

‘The importance of having an effective cancer registry is mainly for policy formulation. Without reliable data, government planning and budgetary allocation for cancer prevention, screening, awareness campaigns, and treatment equipment become difficult.’

He expressed concern over the rising incidence of cancer among younger Nigerians, describing it as a troubling shift from global patterns where cancer is more common among the elderly.

The NICRAT chief commended the Coordinating Minister and the Minister of State for Health for supporting efforts to strengthen cancer data systems, noting that registries in Abuja and Lagos have been upgraded to the latest CanReg 5 software.

More State registries, he said, will be established in 2025 to ensure reliable data for effective cancer control.

Commending the collaboration between the Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria (IHVN), AFCRN, and NICRAT, Aliyu noted that NORA’s mission to improve survival outcomes and reduce diagnostic delays aligns with the World Health Organization’s Global Cancer Initiative and Nigeria’s National Cancer Control Plan.

On her part, the wife of the Imo State Governor, Chioma Uzodimma, speaking on behalf of the First Ladies Against Cancer (FLAC), called for stronger collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and advocates to curb the rising cancer burden in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Uzodimma described cancer as a major public health threat, noting that over 127,000 new cases and 79,000 deaths were recorded in the region in 2022.

She said FLAC has reached over 625,000 women with preventive education and HPV vaccination through its Screen Thousands True campaign, supporting the WHO’s 90-70-90 elimination goals.

Across Nigerian States, she said, governors’ wives have led grassroots cancer screening initiatives reaching more than 10,000 women, funded surgeries for indigent patients, and supported free breast and cervical screenings.

‘Your research guides our advocacy and improves survival outcomes. Together, we can ensure that no Nigerian dies from a preventable or treatable cancer,’ she said.

Representing the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space, a delegate highlighted Nigeria’s rising profile as a regional research hub, revealing that NORA’s proposal ranked first among 100 African-German research submissions.

‘This network exemplifies the power of partnership, researchers across borders working together to generate knowledge that saves lives,’ she said.

She emphasized that while scientific evidence is vital, its true value lies in how it drives policy and practical action, ‘Evidence alone doesn’t save lives. Evidence in action does,’ she added.

Dr. Elima Jedy-Agba, a consultant public health physician and cancer epidemiologist who organized the event for NORA, said the alliance is a consortium of five African countries conducting collaborative research to reduce cancer morbidity and mortality.

According to her, the summit brought together 155 delegates from 25 countries, including experts from Germany, the United Kingdom, Scotland, and the United States.

‘Our goal is to generate evidence that informs public health policy and improves cancer outcomes for women in Sub-Saharan Africa,’ she said.

In a bid to support grassroots entrepreneurship and inspire growth, Sooyah Bistro, Nigeria’s fastest-growing premium food brand, has awarded over N500,000 to deserving winners of the ‘Sooyah Dreams’ campaign.

The winners, who expressed delight, were celebrated and presented with cheques at a special ceremony held at the Sooyah Bistro outlet in Oniru, Lagos.

The human-centered campaign, which ran from September 1-15, 2025, invited Nigerians to submit a 60-120 second video sharing their dreams and aspirations.

The initiative was directly inspired by Sooyah Bistro’s founder, Olamidun Ogundoyin, who began her journey with just ?20,000 and a single grill, a narrative of grit and growth.

During the prize presentation ceremony, Victoria Orleans was crowned the Grand Winner, receiving a cash prize of ?250,000 towards her dream project. Nwokolo Blessing secured the Second-Place prize of ?150,000. Gifts and other consolation prizes worth N100,000 were also given to other participants.

Speaking at the presentation, Olamidun Ogundoyin, Founder of Sooyah Bistro, expressed her pride in the initiative and the quality of the submissions, adding that Sooyah Bistro would continue to fund entrepreneurships with millions of naira annually.

She urged entrepreneurs to be determined, stating that the contest reflected Sooyah Bistro’s commitment to impacting society and believing in collective success.

‘When I started Sooyah Bistro with barely enough money for a full setup, the only capital I truly had was my belief in the dream and the grit to push it forward. For us, the ‘Sooyah Dreams’ initiative is not just about the money; it’s a permission to dream bigger, louder, and without fear. It is an investment in the same spirit of hustle that built this company, knowing that financial pressure can crush a brilliant concept before it even gets off the ground.

‘To Victoria and Blessing, your stories were powerful, your passion was undeniable, and we are honoured to be the first investors in your incredible journey. The size of your start-up capital does not matter; what matters is the size of your dream.’

The grand winner, Victoria Orleans, who is a poultry farmer and runs a charity academy for special needs and underprivileged children who have little or no access to education, said, ‘Winning the ‘Sooyah Dreams’ campaign is a life-changer. My dream felt so big, and the start-up cost felt even bigger, but this ?250,000 has immediately made it manageable.

‘Sooyah Bistro’s story of starting small and growing big has always inspired me. Now, with this support, I can finally take the leap and build my own successful venture. This isn’t just cash; it’s a massive vote of confidence.’

Also, the first runner-up, Nwokolo Blessing, who is a private chef seeking to redefine the culinary space, said, ‘I am incredibly grateful to Sooyah Bistro. When you’re hustling, sometimes all you need is that one push to get you over the line, and this ?150,000 is exactly that for me. The ‘Sooyah Dreams’ campaign proves that big brands can genuinely care about the people on the ground trying to build their future. This is the motivation I needed to apply more grit and turn my vision into a reality.’

The event concluded with a celebratory toast to the winners and a commitment from the brand to continue investing in initiatives that blend commerce with meaningful community impact.

Nigeria is on course to unlock an investment opportunity worth over $410 billion between now and 2060 as part of its ambitious plan to become Africa’s renewable energy hub, Vice President Kashim Shettima said on Tuesday in Abuja.

Declaring open the inaugural Nigerian Renewable Energy Innovation Forum (NREIF) 2025, the Vice President said the country’s energy transition under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is being structured to attract massive investments, expand access, and create a self-sustaining clean energy market that will power homes, industries, and innovation across the federation.

According to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said over $23 billion will be required to bridge Nigeria’s energy access gap and connect millions still living in energy poverty, even as the administration targets a total installed capacity of 277 gigawatts by 2060.

‘We are blessed with the minerals that power clean technologies, and Nigeria brings to the table youth, ambition, and untapped renewable potential. Let us seize this moment and affirm that Nigeria is ready to harness her resources, unlock her capital, and become the vibrant heartbeat of Africa’s renewable energy revolution’, the Vice President said.

Shettima, who represented President Tinubu, assured investors and development partners of the administration’s commitment to deepening policy reforms that would de-risk private capital, promote local manufacturing, and strengthen the renewable energy value chain.

‘We are enhancing incentives for local manufacturing, streamlining regulatory frameworks, and deepening collaboration with state governments and investors to accelerate the emergence of a self-sustaining renewable energy market,’ he stated.

He explained that the administration’s ‘Nigeria First’ industrial strategy envisions localised renewable energy supply chains, from solar panel assembly plants in Lagos to battery recycling hubs across industrial corridors, positioning Nigeria not only as a participant but a leader in Africa’s clean energy future.

The Vice President announced that more than $400 million in new investment commitments had been mobilised under the forum, covering solar panels, smart meters, battery storage, and recycling facilities, which are expected to create over 1,500 direct jobs across multiple states.

‘The Ministry of Power is working on policies that will lay the foundation for a more decentralised, competitive, and inclusive electricity market,’ he disclosed, calling on development partners and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to localise technologies and invest in skills and knowledge transfer.

Shettima also urged governors to drive the establishment of renewable industrial clusters that will serve as engines of green growth across the federation.

Earlier, Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, said the forum marks a new chapter in Nigeria’s energy transformation, aligning innovation with investment to achieve large-scale local solar production and energy diversification.

He explained that the Integrated National Electricity Policy under President Tinubu provides a comprehensive framework to decentralise the sector, strengthen reforms, and unlock private capital for sustainable growth.

Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Mallam Abba Aliyu, said the NREIF bridges policy with research to fast-track Nigeria’s transition toward a sustainable green energy ecosystem, stressing that Africa must not be left behind in the global clean energy race.

In a goodwill message, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, represented by Mohammed M. Malick Fall, the UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, pledged the UN’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s renewable energy agenda, noting that the forum exemplifies Africa’s determination to power homes, schools, and industries through clean energy.

Also speaking, the Dutch Ambassador to Nigeria, Bengt van Loosdrecht, reaffirmed the Netherlands’ partnership with Nigeria in renewable energy development, describing the forum as ‘a milestone in the deepening of bilateral cooperation.’

In the presence of the Vice President, the Governors of Jigawa, Bayelsa, and Ogun States, along with the REA and other agencies, signed several multi-million-dollar Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with private sector players and development partners, including the Dutch government, aimed at expanding Nigeria’s renewable energy manufacturing base.

The Institute of Entrepreneurship and Apprenticeship Management and Administration (IEAMA) has unveiled its flagship initiative, Finance Meet Entrepreneur 2025, designed to connect small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) with financial institutions to boost economic growth across Nigeria.

The programme officially launched at an inaugural event held in Lagos, where IEAMA also inducted new members and highlighted the vital role microfinance banks play in empowering entrepreneurs and combating poverty nationwide.

Speaking at the event, IEAMA’s Acting Registrar, Jerry Ibeh, emphasized the institute’s mission to professionalize entrepreneurship in Nigeria. He noted that a key focus is the formalization of the traditional Igbo apprenticeship model, IgbaBoy, which has contributed significantly to the growth of the informal sector.

‘We are working towards professionalizing entrepreneurship, starting with the IgbaBoy system practiced in Igbo land. When you assess Nigeria’s economy, it’s clear that this group is driving significant growth,’ Ibeh said.

He further explained that IEAMA acts as a bridge between entrepreneurs and financial institutions, ensuring that loans are properly utilized.

‘There are financial institutions partnering with us to empower entrepreneurs after they acquire skills. We follow up to ensure that if someone borrows 20 naira, it is spent on the intended purpose,’ he added.

IEAMA has also partnered with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) through the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme to train corps members in practical entrepreneurial skills.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Adebosin Gbadebo, Acting Provost of the Lagos State Cooperative College, underscored the importance of SMEs to the Nigerian economy. He noted that SMEs make up about 96% of businesses in the country and contribute roughly 40% to the gross domestic product (GDP).

‘Without access to finance, no business can thrive. Nigeria’s economy largely depends on the activities of SMEs,’ Gbadebo said, adding that as of 2025, more than 800 microfinance banks are operational across the country.

He also classified businesses into four main categories: nano enterprises with annual revenues below N3 million; micro businesses generating between N3 million and N5 million; small enterprises with turnover up to N29 million; and medium businesses employing up to 200 staff.

Among those decorated with IEAMA’s doctorate was Dr. Edwin Ashibudike Nwabaku, a pastor and businessman who said the program deepened his understanding of entrepreneurship.

‘Every pastor is a businessman because life itself is a business,’ he said, stating that, ‘Until you approach life with purpose and strategy, nothing happens. We must empower our church members so they are not dependent. A pastor shouldn’t live off his members – he should train them to be self-reliant.’

Nwabaku said he plans to integrate IEAMA programs into his church’s empowerment initiatives.

Ijaw stakeholders under the auspices of the Movement for the Survival of Izon Ethnic Nationalities in Niger (MOSIEND) and the Niger Delta Youth Coalition for Peace and Progress (NDYCPP) have hailed the progress of the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Super Highway Project.

The president of MOSIEND, Amb. Kennedy Tonjo-West, who led others on an inspection tour of sections of the project in Akwa Ibom State, said they were happy that it was quietly taking shape and that the progress was steady and impressive.

West said the massive infrastructural project being undertaken by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remained one of the most ambitious in Nigeria’s recent history.

‘Stretching through key southern states, it is designed to open new corridors of trade, tourism, and connection across the coast’, he said.

He said their investigations revealed that in Akwa Ibom State, work had continued despite the relentless rainy season, describing it as a sign of genuine commitment from both government and contractors.

He commended the contractor handling the Akwa Ibom axis of the project, Hitech Construction Company Limited, and Mr. Joseph Matar, who serves as the Project Manager, supported by Drycet International Ltd, led by Mr. Karim Aleeds.

He said during the tour, they observed that the Hitech’s teams kept a near round-the-clock schedule, working even on weekends to meet the Federal Government’s delivery targets.

West said, ‘On the Lagos end, key milestones have already been recorded, reflecting the company’s hallmark efficiency and technical depth. The Minister of Works, Dr. Dave Umahi, whose on-site inspections have earned him the nickname ‘the workaholic minister’, has been widely praised for keeping the project on a firm, accountable footing.

‘During the recent inspection tour of the Akwa Ibom corridor, from Channel One in Okobo/Nsit-Atta to Channel 31 in Uruan, we were deeply impressed by what we saw.

‘We saw firsthand the heavy machinery, skilled workers, and constant activity on site, even on weekends.’

One of the MOSIEND’s leaders, Dimieri Pepple, said: ‘It cleared every doubt and gave us renewed confidence in the Federal Government’s sincerity. We saw the project’s growing impact on local livelihoods’.

Also speaking, one of the leaders of NDYCPP, Ini Udo Idiong, said: ‘Our formerly unemployed youths are now gainfully engaged. Small businesses are springing up around the sites, and communities are becoming vibrant again’.

He appealed to politicians to stop politicising the coastal road, describing it as ‘a project for all Nigerians.’

‘This road isn’t about party lines; it’s about people. It will boost commerce, link communities, and unlock opportunities across the region’, Idiong said.

Idiong commended Governor Pastor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State for aligning his state’s development priorities, especially youth empowerment and infrastructure, with the Federal Government’s vision.

He further acknowledged Senate President Godswill Akpabio for his continued push to strengthen development initiatives through the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and other federal programs.

Idiong said, ‘With over three decades of experience in heavy civil engineering and marine infrastructure, Hitech Construction Company Ltd remains one of Nigeria’s most trusted indigenous firms. The company says it is proud to play a part in ‘building the nation’s coastline and connecting its people to new possibilities.’

Desperados, a premium beer brand under Nigerian Breweries Plc, has taken its youth-focused brand experience to new heights, delivering the ultimate Gen Z party takeover in Ibiza, Spain.

In one of its boldest cultural crossovers yet, the brand flew some of Nigeria’s most popular content creators, SoftMadeIt, Purple Speedy, EllaLey, Crispdal, and Iyke Nnaman, along with five lucky winners from the Desperados x Element House experience in Lagos, to join the legendary Elrow party in Ibiza.

The collaboration brought a fusion of Nigerian creativity and Elrow’s iconic electronic festival atmosphere, featuring colorful costumes, confetti explosions, and immersive performances. Desperados said the goal was to showcase the confidence, energy, and originality that define Nigerian youth culture on a global stage.

Speaking on the initiative, Onyebuchi Allanah, Senior Brand Manager, Desperados, Nigerian Breweries Plc, said the activation was designed to connect with young people through authentic cultural experiences.

‘Desperados has always been about creating bold, unforgettable experiences that truly connect with young people,’ Allanah stated. ‘Taking both some of Nigeria’s most loved creators and everyday consumers to the Elrow party in Ibiza was about proving that Naija energy belongs on the biggest global stages.’

The Nigerian delegation’s presence quickly became a highlight of the event, as videos of the creators dancing through confetti storms and capturing behind-the-scenes moments flooded social media, sparking a wave of excitement back home.

Desperados said the event reinforces its commitment to connecting with Gen Z through bold and unconventional expressions of creativity, while positioning the brand as the preferred party beer among young people.

From Lagos to Ibiza, the brand continues to bridge cultures, amplify Nigerian talent, and redefine global party experiences with its signature Latin vibe.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Frontiers in Enugu North Senatorial Zone has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to appoint an indigene of the area as minister, lamenting that the zone has never produced one since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.

In a statement titled ‘A Humble Request for You to Break the Jinx’ jointly signed by the group’s National Convener, Ejikeme Ugwu (Agunechemba), and National Secretary, Sydney Eze, the group described the situation as ‘a clear manifestation of marginalization and lack of fairness.’

According to them, while Enugu West has produced four ministers (57%) and Enugu East three (43%) since 1999, Enugu North has had none, despite constituting over 52 percent of the state’s population.

The group argued that their zone has consistently supported the APC and nurtured the party’s growth in Enugu, stressing that many qualified professionals, technocrats, and loyal members from the area are capable of serving in the Federal Executive Council and other federal positions.

They noted that between 2015 and 2023, no person from the zone held any executive appointment, except General Eze, who served as ambassador, and the late Senator Ayogu Eze, who was appointed a commissioner at the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) in 2023.

Appealing for equity, the group urged President Tinubu to ‘renew the hope of the good people of Enugu North’ by appointing a minister from the zone. They pledged continued support for his administration and promised to deliver massive votes to the APC in 2027 if their request is granted.