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Dr Ernest Ndukwe, Chairman of MTN Nigeria Communications PLC, says the company now ranks among the top 20 mobile operators globally.

He disclosed this while speaking in a panel discussion at the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) in Abuja on Wednesday.

Speaking on the topic ‘Titans on the move: Africa Multinationals’, Dr Ndukwe said, ‘just to put it in perspective, if MTN group is rated in terms of mobile operators in the world, it comes within the first six in the whole world and when you look at MTN Nigeria, it also features among the top 20 mobile operators.

‘And the secret must be said that MTN today is the largest telecom operator in Africa, just because it dared to venture outside South Africa when it all started.’

Dr Ndukwe said the company is not afraid of going to new places once there is business to do, adding that ‘when you ask what motivates the expansion, it’s actually that, if I may call it the appetite, the managers of the company, the owners of the company have for moving their businesses and seeking new opportunities in various African countries and beyond Africa.’

He said the company is thriving despite the ‘hostile’ business environment in Nigeria because of its solid structure.

‘One thing that makes a business succeed is the way the business is structured, the kind of board members you have, the kind of visionaries you have in the business, your recruitment processes, and things like that.

‘You can’t get something out of nothing. If you look at the MTN story in Nigeria, one of its strongest success stories is the fact that it’s the most stable mobile operating company in Nigeria. It did not have board squabbles.

‘It did not have a company changing name ever so often. It has very strong boards. And recruitment of staff is done based purely on merit.

‘When it was time to recruit people at the initial stages, they went international looking for Nigerians in the diaspora who were ready to come back and chose people based on their capacity to deliver.

‘Secondly, it has structures in place where people have powers to do certain things themselves and take responsibility for their actions. Once you have a well-managed company, the company tends to survive very well in any environment, not just in Africa,’ he said.

The panel discussion spotlighted the private sector’s catalytic role in unlocking cross-border growth by deepening trade, trust and collaboration across sectors and language divides.

A new wave of smart technologies like Artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and predictive analytics will reshape the facilities management sector, some industry experts have submitted.

They spoke at the just concluded Association of Facilities Management Practitioners Nigeria (AFMPN) 2025 National Conference held at University of Lagos.

The conference with the theme ‘Future Proofing Facilities: Harnessing Technology for Smart Cities and Workspaces,’ attracted about 500 participants including industry experts and leaders who attended both physically and virtually.

In his address, National President of AFMPN, Dr. Olumide Aina, said the conference offered professionals opportunities to engage with fellow professionals on the shared commitment to shaping the future of facilities management.

Aina emphasized the need to embrace cutting-edge solutions for facility management and smart city development.

The President noted that innovative technologies and products are shaping the future of the industry and told professionals that they must not be left behind.

In his paper titled ‘From Data to Decisions: Leveraging Analytics To Transform Facilities Management,’ Osemudiamen Owobu emphasized that data is the new backbone of facilities management.

According to him, by Data-Driven Decision Making (DDDM) professionals can cut costs, boost efficiency, and keep clients satisfied.

British number one Emma Raducanu had her blood pressure and temperature taken before retiring from her first-round encounter with American Ann Li at the Wuhan Open.

Raducanu looked devoid of energy and appeared to struggle with the hot and humid conditions as she trailed 6-1 4-1 in China.

The world number 30 called for the trainer after falling a double break down in the second set before retiring. The WTA’s website said she had retired because of dizziness.

Play was suspended on all outdoor courts because of the heat in Wuhan on Monday.

Raducanu posted a screenshot of her phone that showed a temperature of 34C in the Chinese city.

Xiaomi has once again raised the bar for flagship smartphones with the official launch of the Xiaomi 15T, a device that blends world-class design, professional-grade photography, and cutting-edge performance. Positioned as the brand’s innovation powerhouse, the Xiaomi 15T is built for professionals, creators, and everyday users who demand the very best from their mobile devices.

Premium Design and Variants

The Xiaomi 15T is available in three elegant color options-Black, Gray, and Rose Gold-giving consumers a choice between sleek sophistication and modern flair. To simplify the experience, Xiaomi has introduced a single high-end variant: 12GB RAM + 512GB storage, ensuring users enjoy abundant performance capacity and storage space without compromise. Priced at ?715,800, the Xiaomi 15T represents a new benchmark for premium smartphones in Nigeria.

Photography Powered by Leica

One of the standout features of the Xiaomi 15T is its Leica Summilux Optical Lens. Xiaomi’s continued partnership with Leica has redefined smartphone photography, bringing professional imaging standards to users’ fingertips.

Whether it’s capturing a Lagos street scene in vibrant daylight, taking a portrait during a wedding ceremony, or shooting atmospheric photos in low light, the Leica optics provide unmatched clarity, color accuracy, and depth. For content creators, influencers, and photography enthusiasts, this camera system offers the tools to tell stories with stunning visuals.

Powerhouse Performance with MediaTek Dimensity 8400-Ultra

At the heart of the Xiaomi 15T lies the MediaTek Dimensity 8400-Ultra processor. This advanced chipset delivers flagship-level performance that makes multitasking seamless and mobile gaming smoother than ever. Users can switch between demanding apps, stream high-quality video, and enjoy console-like graphics performance-all without lag or overheating.

This powerful processor also supports 5G connectivity, enabling faster downloads, smoother streaming, and stronger connections even in Nigeria’s busiest urban centers.

Immersive and Comfortable Display

The Xiaomi 15T features a 6.83-inch 120Hz Eye-care Display, designed to deliver both beauty and comfort. The large display provides an immersive experience for watching movies, gaming, or scrolling through social media.

More importantly, Xiaomi’s eye-care technology ensures reduced eye strain during extended use-a critical feature in a market where smartphones are used heavily for work, study, and entertainment. The high refresh rate also ensures that every swipe, tap, and scroll feels smooth and responsive.

Battery and Charging: Built for Nigerian Lifestyles

Battery life remains one of the most important considerations for Nigerian consumers, and the Xiaomi 15T rises to the challenge with a massive 5500mAh battery. Designed to power users through long workdays, extended study sessions, and heavy entertainment use, the battery makes the device a reliable daily driver.

When it’s time to recharge, 67W HyperCharge technology ensures that users spend less time plugged in and more time enjoying life. With just a short charge, the device is ready to go again-an especially useful feature in a country where electricity supply can be unpredictable.

Smooth User Experience with Xiaomi HyperOS

The Xiaomi 15T runs on Xiaomi HyperOS, the company’s next-generation operating system. HyperOS is designed for speed, security, and fluidity, giving users a smarter and more intuitive mobile experience.

From intelligent app management to enhanced system efficiency, HyperOS ensures that the Xiaomi 15T feels fast, responsive, and reliable in every scenario. Combined with the hardware power of the device, this software ensures a flagship experience from day one.

Who Is the Xiaomi 15T For?

The Xiaomi 15T is crafted for users who want more than just a phone. It is ideal for:

Xiaomi’s Commitment to Nigeria

The launch of the Xiaomi 15T is more than just a product release-it is a demonstration of Xiaomi’s commitment to delivering ‘innovation for everyone’ in the Nigerian market. By introducing a flagship that competes globally while addressing the needs of Nigerian consumers, Xiaomi continues to strengthen its presence in one of Africa’s most important smartphone markets.

Availability and Where to Buy?

The Xiaomi 15T is now available in Nigeria through all authorized Xiaomi stores, including Finet, Raya, 3C Hub, Slot, and more.

The Managing Director of Babcock Investment Group, Professor Johnson Egwakhe, has warned that Nigeria risks scaring away investors and discouraging entrepreneurs if taxation continues to be applied as a punitive measure rather than a tool for development.

Egwakhe gave the warning while delivering a lecture at the investiture ceremony of Prince Lawrence Adewale Adetona, as the 10th chairman of Abeokuta and district society .

Speaking on ‘Entrepreneurship, Tax Reform and Sustainable Economic Development in Nigeria,’ the expert noted that arbitrary tax hikes have historically triggered a drop in the number of investors and rise in tax underpayment.

‘Tax becomes a burden when it is weaponized,’ Egwakhe said. ‘The only way a country can grow is through wealth redistribution, and tax is the moral duty we owe the government to make that possible.’

Speaking after his investiture, Adetona pledged to prioritize sensitization ahead of the new tax laws scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026.

He announced three strategic priorities for his administration: the Tax Education of National Development Initiative (TENDI), revival of the district journal, and commencement of the district secretariat project.

‘The core task of my administration is to educate the public on their responsibilities under the new tax law and to allay their fears,’ he said.

Earlier, the President of the institute and Chairman of Council members, Mr. Innocent Chinyere Shagaya, hailed the new chairman and emphasized that the district council remains the ‘true powerhouse of CITN’s strength, influence and reach.’

He charged Adetona to project the institute’s image, influence fiscal policy, and prioritize members’ welfare.

Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police, Dr Kayode Egbetokun, has cautioned newly graduated police constables against extorting members of the public, urging them to shun corruption.

He gave the caution on Tuesday in Calabar during the passing out ceremony of 693 recruits from the Police Training College in Odukpani, Cross River State.

He was represented by an Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Auwal Mohammed, who reviewed the passing out parade of the 2022/2023 batch B held at the College premises on Tuesday.

A total of 693 Nigerian youths from Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Benue, Cross River and Rivers states passed out from the College after a rigorous six months of training.

‘Shun corruption, extortion and abuse of power. The uniform you wear is a symbol of trust, and it must never be used to intimidate or oppress the people you are sworn to protect.

‘Uphold the rule of law, act with compassion and remember that the measure of your success lies in the safety, peace and confidence of the community you serve,’ he said.

As part of his strong desire to strengthen the Police Force, Egbetokun informed that President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of an additional 30,000 constables to fill the manpower gaps and enhance security.

The six-month training commenced on 12th April 2025 and featured basic Police general duties training which encompassed all segments, modern policing standards, ethical values, practical field works, law enforcement in the 21st century, community partnership, respect for human rights and judicious use of authority.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Wednesday, asked the Senate to approve a fresh external borrowing of $2.3billion.

The President’s request, was contained in a letter read during plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Tinubu said the new loan is to implement the 2025 Appropriation Act, refinance maturing Eurobonds, and expand Nigeria’s debt instruments to include Islamic finance products.

‘The 2025 fiscal framework anticipates $9.27bn in new borrowings to address the budget deficit, of which $1.84bn is earmarked for external sources at an assumed exchange rate of N1,500 to the dollar,’ he said in the letter.

He explained that the external borrowing would be sourced through various instruments, including Eurobonds, syndicated loans, bridge financing, or direct loans from multilateral institutions – in order to optimise cost and manage risk effectively.

A key element of the plan is the refinancing of Nigeria’s $1.118bn Eurobond, issued in 2018 at a coupon rate of 7.625% and due in November 2025.

‘This is a standard practice in debt capital markets,’ the President wrote. ‘Refinancing through Eurobonds or syndicated loans will guarantee debt sustainability and boost investor confidence.’

Tinubu maintained that refinancing maturing obligations was part of routine debt management and vital for maintaining Nigeria’s fiscal credibility.

The Kaduna State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has suspended its state secretary, Hon. Sa’idu Adamu, over allegations of gross misconduct and anti-party activities, signalling a deepening internal crisis within the opposition party.

In a statement signed by the state publicity secretary, Hon. Maria Dogo, the party said the suspension was unanimously approved by the State Working Committee (SWC) at its meeting held on Monday, October 6, at the party’s secretariat in Kaduna.

The action, according to the statement, was taken in line with Articles 58(1)(h) and 57(3) of the PDP Constitution (2017 as amended), which empower the party to sanction members for conduct deemed detrimental to its interest or unity.

The suspension, which takes immediate effect, is to last for one month pending the outcome of investigations and further decisions by the party leadership. During this period, Adamu is barred from participating in any party activities at all levels.

Dogo said the suspension reflects the party’s ongoing efforts to enforce discipline and strengthen its internal structures.

‘The PDP remains resolutely committed to upholding internal discipline, fairness, and justice under the able leadership of the state chairman, Sir Edward Percy Masha,’ the statement read.

Efforts by Daily Trust to reach the suspended secretary were unsuccessful, as calls to his phone number went unanswered.

Meanwhile, a short video clip has surfaced on social media showing him announcing his resignation from both his position and the party.

In the video, Adamu detailed what transpired during a meeting held at the residence of former Kaduna State governor and PDP leader, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, which was also attended by the party’s 2023 governorship candidate, Isa Ashiru, and state chairman, Edward Masha.

He cited a lingering misunderstanding with Ashiru as one of the reasons for his resignation.

‘I have decided to resign from my position and from the party. Henceforth, I am no longer a PDP member. In the next few days, I will announce the political party I intend to join after consulting with my people,’ Adamu said in the video.

He added that the PDP was facing internal crises not only in Kaduna but also at the national level, accusing some party leaders of pretending that all was well.

‘The party must urgently seek solutions before it is too late,’ he warned.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has disclosed that security operatives, in collaboration with community vigilantes, successfully foiled an attempt by vandals to dismember towers T297, T298, and T299 along the Mando-Jos 330kV Double Circuit transmission line.

A statement by TCN’s General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, on Wednesday, said the vandals had removed tower members, compromising the structural integrity of the towers but fortunately, the line remained intact and did not collapse.

‘The suspects and potential buyers were arrested on Sunday, October 5, 2025 and to safeguard the integrity of the transmission infrastructure, TCN engineers had commenced emergency reinforcement works on the affected towers. These efforts are aimed at restoring full stability and ensuring continued bulk power delivery along the Mando-Jos power transmission corridor.’

TCN commended the swift action of security operatives and members of the host community, which led to the arrest of the vandals and their suspected buyers.

‘The suspects are currently in police custody in Saminaka, Kaduna State, where investigations are ongoing. TCN urges communities across the country to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities around transmission facilities to security agencies or the nearest TCN office. The company remains committed to working with security operatives to protect Nigeria’s transmission infrastructure and ensuring efficient and reliable power delivery nationwide.’

The Benue State government has spent N21.40 billion on debt servicing in the first quarter of 2025, translating to about N7.4 billion monthly loan repayment.

Managing Director of Benue Investment and Property (BIPC) Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday to buttress why BIPC has been investing in high income yielding businesses to improve Benue revenue position.

He said the state’s domestic debt currently stands at N122.5 billion, while its total foreign debt is $26.4 million, explaining that the situation gives the state a debt service ratio of 413 per cent, meaning a large portion of its monthly revenue and federal allocation are often used to offset existing loans.

Asemakaha likened the management of Benue’s debt-laden economy to ‘flying an aircraft through turbulent headwinds,’ noting that the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia is applying diligence and fiscal discipline to navigate the state toward economic stability and growth.

He further explained that despite improved monthly allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), debt servicing obligations continue to weigh heavily on the state’s finances.

The BIPC boss noted that to address the situation, the governor has been aggressively pursuing alternative income sources and strategies to boost Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and reduce over reliance on federal allocations.

He added that the BIPC currently invests in high-yield ventures aimed at improving the state’s revenue position, while the government also implements policies to attract private sector investment and stimulate economic development.

Asemakaha maintained that ongoing infrastructure investments are designed to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive and generate employment opportunities, stressing that the government is optimising its budget by prioritising essential services and key infrastructure projects to ensure sustainable growth.