Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has warned that the escalating insecurity and poverty in northern Nigeria have become so dire that they must now be treated as a national emergency rather than a regional concern.

Dogara spoke on Tuesday during a panel session at the Nigeria Investment and Industrialisation Summit (NNIIS) 2025 organised by the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) in Abuja.

Lamenting over the worsening bloodshed across the region, the former Speaker said the magnitude of killings in the North had spiritual implications.

‘With the kind of bloodletting we are witnessing in the North, if you are a person of faith, you will know that we are operating under a curse because it is human blood. ‘The effect of a curse is that you sweat without results. That is why we are sweating in this part of the country without any tangible outcome.’

Dogara insisted that security must be the top priority before any meaningful development could occur, urging governors in the 19 northern states to pool resources to combat the menace.

‘If it will mean pulling all the 19 northern states’ resources together to tackle insecurity, we must do it. Otherwise, all our conversations here will amount to nothing,’ he stressed.

Dogara also urged the region to stop depending on external solutions, saying northerners must take charge of their own destiny.

‘We need to depart from doing business as usual and embrace radical, transformative action. Help is not coming from anywhere – we must take our destiny into our own hands,’ he warned.

He argued that without the development of the region’s vast population, Nigeria’s overall progress would remain stalled.

‘The development of northern Nigeria is not a regional prerogative. It must be seen as a national emergency. If the vast number of people we have in the North are not developed, Nigeria is going nowhere.’

Also speaking, Bello El-Rufai, a member of the House of Representatives, said the region’s youth population, often seen as a potential asset, had become a liability due to their involvement in banditry and cybercrime.

‘The most that get recruited by bandits are young people. The young people doing cybercrimes are also within our group,’ he said.

El-Rufai added that while more young people were now being appointed into public positions, the focus must shift to building a culture of respect, mentorship, innovation, and service among the youth.

While presenting a summary of the summit, Prof. Doknan Sheni, Director-General of NEF, said the event opened with inclusive measures such as interpreters, live-streaming channels, and safety guidance for participants.

He explained that the ten-year development plan (2025-2035) was designed as an action-oriented roadmap to reduce poverty, curb insecurity, and create employment, with emphasis on harnessing human and natural resources.

The summit deliberated extensively on four key themes: Power – bridging energy deficits through decentralisation and partnerships.; Agriculture – shifting from subsistence to agro-industrial transformation; Digital Economy and Innovation – leveraging technology to unlock growth; Mining – promoting inclusive and sustainable exploitation of mineral resources.

Prof. Sheni noted that the high point of the summit was the signing and adoption of the Northern Nigeria Integrated Economic Development Charter, now positioned as the guiding instrument for collective action to drive transformation in the region.

He said that the region must move beyond rhetoric into bold, coordinated action if it is to fulfil its role as the economic engine of Nigeria.

He said: ‘The high point of the summit was the formal signing and adoption of the Northern Nigeria Integrated Economic Development Charter. This document, endorsed by regional leaders and stakeholders, is now positioned as the central instrument to guide collective action in driving economic growth and transformation in Northern Nigeria.

‘The proceedings closed with assurances of faithfulness, commitment, and competitiveness in implementing the resolutions, backed by infrastructure development, power generation initiatives, and inclusive community participation. The overall message was clear: moving beyond rhetoric into bold, coordinated action is essential if the region is to fulfil its role as the economic engine of the nation.

‘Several presentations underlined the challenges and opportunities in agriculture, mining, infrastructure, power, and digital economy. It was agreed that synergy between public and private sectors is vital for building an enabling environment, attracting investors, and ensuring security. Discussions also highlighted the importance of transparency, streamlined approvals, policy reforms, and youth empowerment in advancing economic transformation.’

The Malaria Consortium, an international non-profit organisation, has said that a national roll out of the perennial malaria chemoprevention (PMC) intervention could reduce severe malaria cases among Nigerian children by as much as 43 percent.

Senior Project Manager of Malaria Consortium, Dr Chinazo Ujuju, said this in Abuja during the National Perennial Malaria Chemoprevention (PMC) and Policy Uptake Task Team (NPRPUT) dissemination meeting organised by the consortium.

Nigeria currently bears the highest malaria burden in the world, with children under five most at risk of severe illness and death.

Perennial malaria chemoprevention (PMC) involves the administration of a full course of anti-malaria drugs to children of defined ages who are vulnerable at specified times regardless of whether they have malaria or not. Ujuju said the PMC pilot programme carried out in Osun State has shown highly promising results that demonstrate the intervention’s effectiveness and feasibility for nationwide adoption.

‘PMC is an intervention designed to protect children by giving them a complete dose of anti-malaria medicine during routine immunisation. Our results are really very interesting. They show that PMC is effective, operationally feasible, and widely accepted by caregivers and health workers. Most importantly, it can lead to up to 43 percent reduction in severe malaria cases,’ Dr. Ujuju said.

Dr Ujuju explained that the PMC initiative is being introduced as an additional intervention to existing measures such as Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC), insecticide-treated bed nets, and Intermittent Preventive Treatment in Pregnancy (IPTP).

According to her, the project was carefully designed to generate evidence for policymakers before full-scale adoption.

The Consortium expressed optimism that if scaled up, PMC would significantly complement Nigeria’s malaria control strategies and help reduce the overall disease burden.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has expressed readiness to adopt the perennial malaria chemoprevention (PMC) as a major intervention strategy to tackle malaria among children of two years and below, following encouraging results from a recent pilot study carried out in Osun State.

National Coordinator of the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), Dr Nnenna Ogbulafor, who spoke at the event, said preliminary findings from the study show that the intervention has the potential to significantly reduce malaria infection and severity among children in areas with continuous transmission.

‘From what we have seen in the pilot studies, children who adhered to the guidelines for PMC recorded a significant drop in severe malaria cases. With this evidence, we are confident that Nigeria will be adopting this intervention, particularly for children in the southern states where malaria transmission is all year round,’ she said.

Prof. Olubenga Makuolu, Strategic Adviser to the Minister of Health on Malaria Elimination, described PMC as a crucial addition to Nigeria’s malaria control strategy.

He stressed that malaria elimination requires multiple approaches, combining vector control, treatment, and drug-based prevention.

‘Malaria is everybody’s business. ‘If individuals adopt preventive measures such as using bed nets, keeping the environment clean, and embracing chemoprevention, it will help break the transmission cycle. A mosquito that bites someone without malaria has nothing to transmit to another person,’ he said.

TikTok has banned the account of Nigerian digital creator Energy Goddess, also known as ‘Queenlight,’ in a move that has sparked debate about transparency in the platform’s moderation system.

The influencer, who built her following through a mix of dance, fashion, and lifestyle content, began posting on TikTok in 2021. Before the removal, her account had amassed more than 2.2 million followers and over 62 million likes, establishing her as one of Nigeria’s emerging voices in the creator economy.

Energy Goddess’s videos, often characterised by energetic performances and fashion showcases, attracted attention not only from fans but also from brands seeking collaborations. Her work reflected a growing trend in Nigeria, where young creators are increasingly using digital platforms to build careers in entertainment and marketing.

Fan Reactions

The ban came as a surprise to her supporters, many of whom expressed frustration at the loss of content and disappointment over the absence of an official explanation from TikTok. On social media, some fans described the action as ‘unfair’ and questioned the consistency of the platform’s enforcement.

Broader Criticism of TikTok

Her case adds to a series of account removals that have fuelled criticism of TikTok’s moderation practices. The company maintains that it enforces its rules to protect users and maintain community standards, but creators in Nigeria and other countries have often reported sudden suspensions without clear justification.

Digital analysts warn that such actions can disrupt the livelihoods of influencers who depend on social platforms for income and visibility. In Nigeria, where social media has become central to the entertainment industry, sudden bans highlight the vulnerability of creators working in a largely unregulated digital space.

Nigeria’s Expanding Creator Economy

Over the past five years, platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube have provided Nigerian influencers with unprecedented reach. Many have built significant careers through digital content, brand partnerships, and cross-platform promotion. Yet, industry observers point out that heavy dependence on private platforms leaves creators at risk of losing access to audiences overnight.

Outlook for Energy Goddess

While the loss of her TikTok account is a major setback, Energy Goddess has established herself as a versatile figure in dance, fashion, and digital content. Analysts suggest she may continue her career across other platforms, drawing on her visibility and experience in social media marketing.

Her case underscores both the opportunities and challenges of the growing creator economy in Nigeria, as platforms expand their influence but remain under scrutiny for how they enforce their rules.

Rent crisis in Nigeria, Can tenants afford to breathe? From Kaduna to Kogi, Abuja, and beyond, rent prices are skyrocketing, leaving many Nigerians struggling to keep a roof over their heads. We’re talking 150% increases and more!

But what’s driving this surge? Are landlords getting a free pass, or are there laws that can protect tenants? In this episode of Nigeria Daily, we’re diving deep into the rent crisis, exploring the reasons behind it, and uncovering the rights tenants really have. Join us as we ask the tough questions: Can tenants afford to pay up, or is it time for change?

Former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode (FFK), has cautioned American comedian and commentator, Bill Maher, against orchestrating campaign of disinformation to paint Nigeria as a country indulged in Christian genocide.

Maher, also a talk show host, had claimed that over 100,000 Christians had been systematically killed in Nigeria and 18,000 Churches burnt, describing it as an attempt by Islamists to wipe out the Christian population.

Speaking on the September 26, 2025 edition of HBO talk show, ‘Real Time with Bill Maher’, Maher had said: ‘Nigeria, the fact that this issue has not gotten on people’s radar, it’s pretty amazing. If you don’t know what’s going on in Nigeria, your media sources suck. You are in a bubble.

However, reacting to the issue, the former Minister dismissed the claims as false and a campaign to divide Nigeria across religious lines.

He said, ‘A couple of days ago, Bill Maher, one of the top commentators and political pundits in the United States of America, with very massive following, a very powerful man with a powerful voice in America, together with Radio Genoa, which is also a very powerful medium, one of the most powerful in the United States, came up with some interesting observations, which of course are false. They said that 500,000 Christians were murdered in Nigeria by terrorists in the last one year. This is completely untrue, as you know, and it is what you call disinformation.

‘And it’s interesting that Bill Maher would do this just a few days after our Vice President went to the United Nations and made a historic and courageous speech, very inspiring speech, in which he condemned the things that were going on in Gaza, the murder, the genocide in Gaza, and in which he called for a two-state solution to the situation between the Palestinians and the Israelis as being the only way forward. That’s the stated position of our country. We are a sovereign country, and the speech was brilliant.

‘Evidently, this upset a few people in the American media and in the United States of America, and Bill Maher and those behind him now decided to organize an orchestrated campaign of disinformation to paint our country as a bunch of Christian haters and people that indulge in Christian genocide. Well, nothing could be further from the truth. Their objective is to divide us, defame us, destroy us, cause us to turn against one another, and demonize us before the whole world as a precursor to now attempting to destabilize us, delegitimize us, decertify us, and call us a nation of interest in which they will now inflict and impose sanctions in order to bring us to our knees. Well, it’s not going to work.’

FFK added that while it is true that terrorists are unleashing deadly attacks in Nigeria, it is untrue to suggest that only Christians are being killed, noting that the criminals are not representatives of the Islamic faith.

‘Let me make this abundantly clear. We do have terrorists in this country, and people are being killed in this country, but it is not only Christians that are being killed. Christians and Muslims are being killed. They are being slaughtered by terrorists who are not even representative of the Islamic faith. They are nothing but criminals and terrorists, and our armed forces and security agencies are killing them in equal measure and fighting back.’

‘We are doing our very best, and I might add, without any help from the Americans or the French or the Brits or anybody else, we are doing it on our own. We’re doing a good job. We’re doing it as best as we can. The idea that only Christians are being slaughtered in our country is a complete falsehood. It’s not true.

‘It is a lie from the pit of hell, and no one will divide us on religious lines. We are fighting the terrorists as one, both Christians and Muslims.’

The Minister further stressed that Nigeria is a powerful nation capable of fighting its challenges without necessarily the help of the Americans, accusing Bill Maher of having an underlying motive behind his claims.

The Kogi State Government said it has enrolled a fresh 76,243 persons into its health insurance scheme.

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo, who inaugurated access to the scheme on Monday at the Government House, Lokoja, described it as very necessary and deserving in improving the well-being of residents.

The governor said that out of the 76,243 enrolled, 28,056 were from the public sector, 44,760 were students, and 3,427 were under the pensioners’ contributory plan of the state.

He said the agency now has over 255,000 registered beneficiaries. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor also commissioned the Government House Clinic, Medical equipment for Public Health Centres (PHCs) across the state and an additional two Toyota Hilux vehicles for the state Health Insurance Agency under the leadership of Dr Aledare Adekunle.

Ododo said, ‘We are also revitalising 70 primary healthcare centres, addressing human resource challenges, and ensuring our health workers are supported with the right policies, tools, and environment.

‘From today, all medical doctors working in our health facilities are to enjoy an additional allowance of N300,000 beginning from October.

‘We are working with our development partners, WHO, UNICEF, CIHP, AHF, Malaria Consortium, Marie Stopes International, and many to revitalise and upgrade over 200 PHCs across the state.’

He disclosed that pensioners earning below ?50,000 monthly will enjoy free health insurance coverage, while those earning between ?50,000 and ?100,000 will pay only ?625 monthly, subsidised by the state government.

‘Pensioners earning above ?100,000 will contribute only ?1,250 monthly, all in our commitment to cost-sharing strategies that can ease the burden on our people.’

The 20th edition of the Abuja International Trade Fair has commenced with the launch of the Buy Africa, Build Africa Initiative (BABAFEST) targeted at encouraging indigenous patronage in the country.

Speaking at the event on Monday, the President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief Emeka Obegolu described the fair as the celebration of a historic milestone, with 20 years of consistent commitment to trade, investment, innovation, and economic diplomacy in Nigeria and Africa.

He disclosed that in the past two decades, the Fair has hosted over 2,500 exhibitors from Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas, attracted more than 1.5 million visitors across multiple sectors; and facilitated billions of naira in trade deals, investments, and partnerships.

He said the theme of the landmark edition, ‘Sustainability: Consumption, Incentives, and Taxation,’ reflects the collective resolve to address pressing economic and environmental challenges. He said, ‘A major highlight of the edition is the launch of BABA FEST (Buy Africa, Build Africa), a flagship ACCI initiative that celebrates African products, services, and creativity both on the continent and globally which will feature live performances by renowned African artists.

‘Also, it will feature fashion runways by top African designers; immersive art exhibitions; Exclusive investment and networking opportunities; Brand activations designed to highlight Africa’s global competitiveness.’

The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has stated that electricity generation on the National Grid has dropped to 3,200 megawatts (MW) due to the industrial action by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).

A statement by NISO said the disruptions by PENGASSAN triggered widespread gas shortages, reducing available generation from over 4,300 MW.

It, however, said it has deployed contingency measures to preserve the stability, security, and reliability of the National Grid through strategic ramp-ups from major hydro stations, contributing over 400 MW of additional output to cushion the shortfall from gas-fired plants.

The statement reads, ‘There are now real-time load adjustments to match available generation with system demand, while preventing a system frequency collapse. While continuous deployment of reactive power compensation and reserve monitoring to safeguard system integrity is strengthened. ‘There is selective load shedding, applied as a last resort, to avert a system-wide collapse and ensure fair power distribution. These timely actions enabled the NISO NCC to minimize the impact of the labour-induced gas shortages, sustain operational security, and maintain supply to critical loads, thereby averting a nationwide blackout.’

The agency assured its commitment to proactive grid management, operational excellence, and the application of best-in-class practices to guarantee a secure and reliable electricity supply for the nation.

The leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has given the Federal Government another 14-day ultimatum to resolve lingering issues affecting its members.

The union threatened to embark on an industrial action if its demands were not met at the end of the fresh ultimatum.

It explained that the notice, starting from Sunday, September 28, 2025, will first herald a two-week warning strike before embarking on a total and indefinite strike over the federal government’s attitude towards resolving pending issues.

The union made the decision on Monday following a National Executive Council meeting that was held on Sunday at its headquarters in the University of Abuja. President of ASUU, Prof. Chris Piwuna, who made this known in a strike notice he signed, a copy of which was obtained by Daily Trust, said the union was tired of the government’s lackadaisical attitude towards education.

Daily Trust reports ASUU’s demands include renegotiation of the 2009 agreement, adequate revitalisation funds for universities, settlement of outstanding salary arrears, sustainable funding mechanisms, among others.

‘At the National Executive Council meeting held at the University of Abuja on the 28th of September, 2025, the Union decried the neglect of the University system and the government’s consistent refusal to heed to its demands.

‘Accordingly, ASUU has given the Federal Government of Nigeria an Ultimatum of fourteen (14) days within which to address these issues.

‘If at the end of the fourteen-day ultimatum, the Federal Government fails to address these issues, the Union may have no option but to, first, embark on a two-week warning strike and thereafter, a total and indefinite strike,’ the notice partly read.

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has said that Nigeria is not yet where it is supposed to be in its journey through 65 years of independence.

However, he urged Nigerians not to lose hope despite the persistent challenges of poverty, insecurity and mistrust.

The governor, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr Sulaiman Wali, spoke on Monday at a pre-independence public lecture held at the Coronation Hall, Kano Government House, as part of activities to mark Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary.

‘Nigeria at 65 is still far from the nation of our dreams. But this is not a reason to despair; it is a call to action. Unity is not about uniformity, but about celebrating our differences while working towards a common destiny,’ he said. He called on citizens to take ownership of nation-building by participating actively in democratic processes, supporting security initiatives, and embracing youth development programmes.

‘Security is not just the absence of war or crime; it is the presence of justice, opportunity, and unity,’ he added.

As Nigeria marks its 65th independence anniversary, the governor said Kano is determined to chart a new course where its youth are seen as agents of peace, innovation, and development, rather than tools for violence and division.

He said Nigeria’s milestone anniversary should serve not just as a celebration but as a moment of sober reflection on how citizens and leaders alike can contribute to national unity, peace, and prosperity.

‘I stand before you today filled with pride, gratitude, and responsibility. Pride, because we are gathered to celebrate Nigeria at 65; gratitude, because it allows us to reflect on our journey; and responsibility, because as leaders and citizens, we must translate noble words into concrete actions,’ Yusuf said.

The governor stressed that security goes beyond deploying weapons or security forces but involves creating opportunities for justice, economic empowerment, and unity.

‘The Safe Corridor Initiative’s rehabilitation and reintegration approach can turn despair into hope and danger into opportunity. It teaches us that no life is beyond redemption if society chooses to guide rather than abandon,’ he added.

Earlier, Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, presented a paper titled: ‘Safe Corridor Initiative – The Kano Model: A Special Intervention Project of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to Address Thuggery and Other Related Crimes in Kano State Through a Non-Kinetic Approach.’

The commissioner explained that the initiative targets repentant political thugs and drug users by providing counselling, de-radicalisation, skills acquisition, empowerment, and reintegration into society.

According to him, the programme is anchored on the recognition that the state’s youthful population is an asset that must be properly harnessed rather than allowed to drift into crime.