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President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to moving Nigeria towards a credit-based economy.


The President gave the assurance in a statement posted on his verified X account on Monday.


Tinubu said the initiative would include the establishment of a loan guarantee scheme aimed at helping small businesses overcome barriers to accessing finance.


He said the scheme would make it easier for small businesses to obtain credit and support their growth.


According to the President, a worker with access to credit could buy what the family needs and pay over time, and a small business can invest today against the income it expects tomorrow.


“When I sought your mandate, I promised to move Nigeria towards a credit-based economy and to establish a loan guarantee scheme that would help small businesses overcome the barriers that keep them from finance.


“That promise was about something practical. We have been building the institutions to make that possible. Through CREDICORP, working Nigerians can access consumer credit.


“Our students can finance their education through NELFUND, while the Bank of Industry and Development Bank of Nigeria continue to lend to businesses.


“The National Credit Guarantee Company takes on one of the hardest barriers to business credit,” he tweeted.


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Former Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, has, again, asked the Independent National Electoral Commission and political actors to ensure that Nigerians are allowed to freely choose their leaders in a free, fair and credible 2027 election.


Cardinal Onaiyekan stated this on Monday in Abuja when he received the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development and the Council of the Wise, led by former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.


He urged the electoral umpire and political stakeholders to abide by the rules governing elections and ensure that Nigerians were allowed to freely choose their leaders.


He also called on security agencies to maintain professionalism during the 2027 elections, warning against actions that could create tension or turn the country into a “war zone” because of the polls.


Onaiyekan stated, “There’s not much one can do, but all we can do is to remind people about the basic principles of a free, fair, and credible election.


“I hope that people, both the political gladiators and I hate the word, because gladiators are not very nice actors- political competitors on the field.


“And the umpire, that is the INEC. When I say the political actors, I include the government, because the government has a party that is also in the race. All of them, if they will follow the rules that we have made for ourselves, things will work well.”


On the efforts of the National Peace Committee, Onaiyekan said the committee had done its best to promote peaceful elections, including organising the signing of a peace accord by political actors committing themselves to responsible conduct.


He, however, expressed concern that some political actors had violated such commitments, saying he remained hopeful that the 2027 elections would be better.


Onaiyekan added that Nigeria’s elections had not improved significantly since 1999.


He continued, “I don’t think it has been improving. And if you look, for example, at the voter party figures, it’s not encouraging. Professor Joash Amupitan, INEC chairman, has promised us that he’s going to deliver a free, fair, and credible election.


“So, to the INEC chairman, don’t tie your own hand. Do the right thing. The President says you are free. He’s not going to put undue pressure on you to do the wrong thing.


“So everybody must be responsible for what they do. And so there will be no room for people to be looking for excuses for not doing the right thing.


“You don’t need AI to have a free and fair election. We have practical rules. Let them do that. Let Nigerians, for once, there are only once in four years. Let us as individuals talk and take our decision about who rules us. They should allow us to enjoy that right to choose who we want to rule us.”


Speaking during the visit, the Ariwoola-led Council of the Wise urged Onaiyekan to intensify calls on politicians to ensure peaceful, free, fair and credible elections in 2027.


The council also asked politicians to avoid hate speech, rancour and inflammatory statements capable of triggering violence.


The former CJN urged political parties and candidates to abide by their constitutions, codes of conduct and INEC guidelines.


He stated, “Your Eminence, the main purpose of the council’s visit to you is to appreciate the fatherly role you have been playing in Nigeria and to request you to double your efforts in appealing to the Nigerian politicians to always listen to their own wise counsel during the upcoming political campaigns to have peaceful, free, fair and successful 2027 elections.


“It is also important for His Eminence to call on all candidates to ensure that the political campaigns are devoid of rancour, hate speech, inflammatory and unguided utterances capable of instigating violence. Nigeria deserves peaceful, transparent 2027 elections.


“The council will be very grateful if His Eminence would join it in appealing to the leaderships of political parties in Nigeria to always abide by the codes of conduct and constitutions of their respective parties so that they could earn the trust and respect of the electorate.


“It is also important to remind all candidates that as responsible Nigerians who aspire to secure the mandate to lead the country as a whole, exemplary conduct and inspiring attitude are expected from them at all times.


“They should lead in compelling members of their political parties and supporters to fully comply with the electoral laws and guidelines issued by the electoral umpire, to develop a culture of integrity and trust.”


The council comprises prominent Nigerians drawn from the six geopolitical zones and is mandated to engage stakeholders, promote national unity and strengthen democratic governance.


PUNCH


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Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), says his administration will restore petroleum subsidy after tackling corruption in the country.


NAN reports that Obi spoke on Monday at a town hall organised for the Obi/Kwankwaso presidential ticket in Sokoto.


The former governor of Anambra had, in August, reiterated his support for the removal of the petrol subsidy.


Speaking at the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) 2026 conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers state capital, Obi had said the mismanagement of the gains from the removal by the current administration was not enough reason to bring back the subsidy.


“I subscribe and maintain that you need to remove subsidy. Mismanagement of the proceeds shouldn’t be the reason for not removing it,” the former governor of Anambra said.


However, at the Sokoto gathering, Obi said corruption, rather than subsidy, remained the major challenge confronting Nigeria.


“People are talking about subsidy, but what is all about it is corruption. By removing the corruption, I assure you that we will bring back subsidy,” he said.


“The problem of Nigeria is corruption; as such, if elected, we will stop all forms of corruption in every sector of the country.”


Obi urged Nigerians to use the 2027 general election to vote for NDC candidates at all levels, saying it is a collective responsibility to address the country’s recurring challenges.


The former governor of Anambra said the party is committed to providing what he described as a “politics of care and service to Nigerians.”


He also expressed concerns over the economic situation of Nigerians, promising to deploy the country’s resources to improve security, education and other sectors of the economy.


“Education is our number one priority after unity and security,” Obi said.


Obi promised to connect all state capitals with railway lines to facilitate economic activities and boost development.


Also speaking, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, NDC vice-presidential candidate, said the visit was to meet with the people of Sokoto and seek their support and cooperation ahead of the 2027 general elections.


Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano, said they had earlier visited Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, who prayed for the success of the Obi/Kwankwaso ticket and conveyed his goodwill.


He said although various parts of Nigeria are facing challenges, the north-west had become a major hotspot for banditry and kidnapping.


“We are, therefore, committed to mitigating all these challenges and make Nigeria better,” he said.


The development comes as debate continues over the impact of the current administration’s petrol subsidy removal.


Last Thursday, Kwankwaso had said NDC would reintroduce fuel subsidy in a different form if elected in 2027.


Speaking during an interview with Arise News, the former governor of Kano said the party would adopt a different approach to subsidy, including expanding domestic refining capacity.


“We are bringing subsidy in our own way,” he had said.


“There are many ways. One, I can tell you now, we have a refinery built by a businessman. And I’m sure more refineries would be built.”


His remark followed former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar’s proposal to restore petrol subsidy if elected president.


Atiku, presidential candidate of the African Democratic Party (ADC), argued that the Bola Tinubu administration had failed to account for the funds saved from the removal of the petrol subsidy.


However, Tinubu faulted the argument, saying Atiku’s proposal showed “serious ignorance of governance and economy” and noting that before he assumed office, some states struggled to pay salaries and pensions.


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The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday fixed Oct. 13 for hearing of an application filed by Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of African Democratic Congress (ADC), seeking to amend his suit against President Bola Tinubu and All Progressives Congress (APC).


Justice Inyang Ekwo fixed the date to allow parties in the suit to regularise their processes.


When the case was called on Monday, Joseph Silas, who appeared for Atiku and ADC, told the court that though he had received responses from other respondents, he was yet to get President Tinubu’s counter affidavit to their motion to amend the suit.


However, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, lawyer to the President, informed the court that their counter affidavit was served on the plaintiffs on Sept. 24 and acknowledged by the office of the plaintiffs’ counsel.


Justice Ekwo equally confirmed the proof of service filed by Olanipekun.


The judge consequently adjourned the matter until Oct. 13 for hearing of the motion to amend the originating summons filed by Atiku and ADC.


The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Atiku and ADC had, in the main suit, urged Justice Inyang Ekwo to disqualify President Tinubu and APC from the 2027 presidential election.


They had questioned Tinubu’s National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by APC.


The plaintiffs, who sued the president, APC and INEC as 1st to 3rd defendants in the originating summons marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1888/2026, alleged that APC submitted the president’s forged NYSC discharge certificate to INEC.


They, therefore, prayed the court to compel INEC to remove Tinubu and APC’s names from the list of candidates and parties for the presidential poll.


President Tinubu and APC, in their joint counter affidavit filed on Sept. 9, prayed the court to dismiss the suit in its entirety for being incompetent and that the plaintiffs lacked the legal right to institute the case.


They denied submitting any forged certificate to INEC either for the 2023 or 2027 presidential elections.


The duo, through the APC’s Director of Legal Services, Mr Sanusi Samaila, averred that they did not submit any Form CF001 to INEC for the 2023 or 2027 polls as claimed by the plaintiffs.


They stated that the NYSC has never denied issuing the discharge certificate to the 1st defendant at the end of his service year.


They submitted that it is a settled law that the evidence required to prove that a certificate is forged is a disclaimer from the institution that is said to have issued the certificate, citing a previous Supreme Court decision to back their argument.


They urged the court to uphold their preliminary objection and dismiss the suit.


INEC, in its preliminary objection filed on Sept. 7 by its lawyer, Dr Alex Izinyon, SAN, also challenged the competence of the suit on the grounds of statute-bar, want of locus standi, absence of a reasonable cause of action and abuse of court process.


The commission argued that the plaintiffs failed to comply with the mandatory written deposition requirement under Paragraph 7(1) of the Federal High Court Pre-Election Practice Directions (Amendment) 2026.


The electoral umpire equally challenged the impropriety of Reliefs 2 and 3 in Atiku and ADC’s originating summons, urging the court to dismiss the suit.


Atiku and ADC, however, approached the court with a motion on notice on Sept. 10, seeking an amendment to the suit.


They said the application was brought pursuant to Paragraph 7(8) of the FHC (Pre-election) Practice Directions, 2006 and under the inherent jurisdiction of the court.


In the two reliefs, they sought an order granting leave to them to amend their originating summons.


They also prayed the court for an order deeming the amended originating summons filed upon their application as properly filed amended originating summons.


Giving four grounds why their application should be granted, the applicants said they filed the suit on Aug. 14, seeking the reliefs contained in the originating summons.


Atiku and ADC said that after filing the originating summons, they noticed a few errors, especially on the nomenclature of the INEC forms attached to their affidavit which was referred to as Form CF001, instead of the now Form EC9A.


They said there was also the need to specifically set out the particulars of the alleged fraud in their affidavit, including a written deposition of the 1st plaintiff (Atiku) and attaching clearer copies of Exhibits referred to, but were not available with the plaintiffs as at the time of filing the suit.


They said these would replace “the one presently attached, but is inelegant,” and that no new issue had been added to the amended originating summons and no additional prayers sought.


Besides, they submitted that as plaintiffs, they “are entitled to make this amendment in the interest of justice.”


Tinubu, in a counter affidavit filed on Sept. 24, opposed the application to amend the suit.


The President, in the counter affidavit deposed to by Moses Adoga, a litigation support officer in the law firm of Wole Olanipekun, SAN, his lead counsel, dissgreed with Atiku’s submission.


Adoga said that, contrary to the reliefs sought by Atiku in his amended originating summons marked as Exhibit “P1,” he noticed that the ADC presidential candidate also sought to amend the questions for determination and reliefs sought.


The officer said he observed that Atiku sought to introduce an entirely new relief, which was not sought in the originating summons, with which the action was initiated.


“I also observed that the plaintiffs seek to introduce new documents through the affidavit, by substituting FORM CF001 for FORM EC9, while seeking to introduce entirely new paragraphs in the supporting affidavit to the originating summons.”


According to him, the amendment sought to be made by the plaintiffs essentially attempts to alter the entire case of the plaintiffs as presented before this honourable court.


Adoga submitted that the said motion was misconceived.


“The entire facts deposed to in the affidavit in support of the motion on notice, including Paragraphs 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 are untrue, misconceived or skewed to mislead this honourable court.”


The officer said he observed that the plaintiffs made it clear that their purported cause of action is predicated on the documents submitted by the president to INEC.


He, however, argued that Atiku’s substantive suit is statute-barred, having been filed on Aug. 14 while the cause of action which he is challenging arose on July 11 when Tinubu’s name was submitted to INEC, even though the commission published the particulars of all presidential candidates with their submitted certificates on Aug. 1.


According to him, the timeline for institution of actions is prescribed by the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and not the Practice Direction of this Honourable Court.


“The Practice Direction does not entitle any party to file or seek to amend their originating summons upon the expiration of the time prescribed by the constitution for the institution of the action,” he added.


Besides, he argued that contrary to Atiku’s reliefs, the amendment sought more than just “to correct errors of description of documents.”


“Further to the above, the attempt to ‘set out the particulars of fraud in the affidavit’ is an admission to the fact that the previously filed originating summons contained no such particulars, thus rendering same incompetent.


Adoga submitted that an incompetent originating process cannot be amended.


He stated further that the proposed amended originating summons clearly indicated that an additional prayer is being sought therein.


Adoga prayed the court to dismiss the motion for amendment in the interest of justice.


APC equally opposed the motion to amend the suit.


NAN earlier reported that INEC had also opposed Atiku’s motion to amend the suit.


The commission, in a counter affidavit to the plaintiffs’ motion on notice for amendment filed on Sept. 10, said its preliminary objection, filed on Sept. 7 and served on the plaintiffs, is still pending and undetermined.


Mendie Akpan, a litigation secretary in the law firm of Alex Izinyon & Co, who deposed to the counter affidavit, argued that Atiku’s motion to amend and the proposed amended originating summons is seeking to substitute or bring in a new cause of action.


She further submitted that the motion sought to attach a written deposition not filed within the constitutionally prescribed period, reformulate reliefs and cure the CF001/EC9 confusion.


The lawyer argued that the proposed amendment, if granted, would have the effect of introducing a fresh or different cause of action.


Alternatively, she said it would have the effect of curing a jurisdictional defect, after the expiration of the 14-day period prescribed by Section 285(9) of the Constitution for instituting a pre-election suit.


The matter is expected to be heard by Justice Ekwok on Monday, Sept. 28. (NAN)


 


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Former Kano State Governor and ex-National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has congratulated Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the people of Kano State on the state’s performance in the 2026 National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination, describing the achievement as the product of sustained investment and policy continuity.


Kano recorded the highest number of candidates who obtained at least five credits, including English Language and Mathematics, with 74,413 candidates, ahead of Lagos State with 72,496 and Oyo State with 55,543.


The result marks the second consecutive year Kano has topped the national ranking on that performance benchmark.


In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday by his Chief of Staff, Comrade Muhammad Garba, Ganduje described the development as encouraging and a positive signal for the future of education in Kano and the wider northern region.


He said the achievement demonstrated that sustained investment, consistent policies and commitment by successive administrations could deliver measurable improvements in the education sector.


“Progress builds on a solid foundation,” Ganduje said, acknowledging the efforts of the current administration under Governor Yusuf, particularly increased budgetary allocations to education, sponsorship of students for NECO and other examinations, recruitment of teachers and renovation of schools.


However, the former governor stressed that the latest achievement should be viewed within the broader context of successive investments and reforms in the state’s education sector.


He said his administration contributed to the foundation through the implementation of free and compulsory basic education, the establishment of Education Promotion Committees from the state to ward levels, the strengthening of the State Education Trust Fund, infrastructure development and teacher training across the 44 local government areas.


“Kano’s performance is not accidental. It is the outcome of continuity in policy and deliberate investment, with the present administration building on what was already on ground. This is how development should work,” he said.


Ganduje congratulated the students, teachers, parents, school administrators and other stakeholders whose efforts contributed to the achievement, urging them to sustain the momentum and ensure that Kano remains competitive in national educational assessments.


He also called for education to be insulated from partisan politics, insisting that achievements in the sector should be regarded as a collective success belonging to the people of Kano rather than any particular political administration.


The former governor urged successive governments to sustain and strengthen policies and programmes aimed at improving access to quality education, enhancing teachers’ capacity and upgrading learning infrastructure.


He said continued collaboration and policy consistency would be critical to consolidating the state’s educational gains and ensuring that more children have access to quality education.


The statement was signed by Comrade Muhammad Garba, Chief of Staff to the former APC National Chairman and former Governor of Kano State.


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The Federal Government has launched another phase of its National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy (NPRDS) training and empowerment programme in Oyo State, targeting five million Nigerians for poverty reduction through skills acquisition, artificial intelligence (AI), vocational training and entrepreneurship.


The initiative, which commenced in the Federal Capital Territory before expanding to other states, is part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to equip Nigerians with practical skills, improve employability and create sustainable income-generating opportunities.


Speaking at the programme in Ibadan on Monday, September 28, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education (TVEE), Dr. Abiola Arogundade, said the initiative was designed to help millions of Nigerians escape poverty within the next four years.


“What we want to do, and what the President wants to do, is to move as many people out of poverty as possible,” Arogundade said.


She explained that the programme goes beyond conventional training by connecting beneficiaries to organisations, business opportunities and other platforms that could enable them to begin earning a livelihood immediately after completing their training.


Arogundade disclosed that 200 participants were undergoing training in Oyo State, while 500 devices were being provided under the intervention, bringing the direct empowerment target to 700 beneficiaries.


She, however, stressed that the programme’s impact was expected to extend beyond the immediate beneficiaries through a multiplier effect, urging participants to share their knowledge and skills with others in their communities.


According to her, the national target is to lift five million Nigerians out of poverty over the next four years, with various government offices and ministries collaborating to implement the strategy across the country.


The 10-day training programme, scheduled to run from September 28 to October 9, 2026, combines technology-driven learning with practical vocational skills and entrepreneurship development.


Arogundade urged participants to attend all sessions, take the training seriously and continuously improve their skills, describing them as potential agents of change in their communities.


“Don’t use it as a one-man solution or one-man empowerment. There’s a multiplier effect. Train your neighbours, train your community people, and also continue to impact and learn more,” she advised.


AI Training Targets Emerging Skills Gap


A major component of the programme is training in artificial intelligence, with experts highlighting the growing importance of digital skills in the global economy.


The principal consultant of P4 Change Consultants and keynote speaker, Mrs. Oluronke Shonubi, said countries such as the United States and China were investing heavily in AI applications across manufacturing, agriculture, automobile production and other sectors.


She commended the Federal Government for investing in the upskilling of young Nigerians, particularly in the responsible and ethical use of AI.


Shonubi said the training would equip participants with knowledge they could apply to their careers, develop professional portfolios, establish businesses and improve their competitiveness in the labour market.


She added that AI skills could open up opportunities for self-employment while helping young Nigerians meet the changing demands of employers.


The consultant called for sustained investment in AI training and public awareness, noting that many Nigerians were still unfamiliar with the technology and its practical applications.


She stressed the need for more training opportunities to enable Nigerians to adapt to rapid technological changes and take advantage of emerging economic opportunities.


Beneficiary Eyes Career in AI Engineering


One of the beneficiaries, Olaleye Idowu, a graphic designer and 400-level International Relations student of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, described the programme as an opportunity to upgrade his skills and deliver greater value to his clients.


Idowu said the opening day’s sessions introduced participants to the fundamentals of AI, its applications, benefits and potential to improve productivity.


He disclosed that he had previously considered transitioning fully into the technology sector and saw the programme as an opportunity to begin building the skills required to thrive in an increasingly AI-driven economy.


The beneficiary commended the Federal Government for the initiative, saying it could help bridge the gap between the skills young people possess and those demanded by the modern labour market.


Looking ahead to the next five years, Idowu said he hoped to become a professional AI prompt engineer and pledged to train and employ others as he advanced in his career.


85 Participants to Graduate as Certified Makeup Artists


Beyond digital technology, the Oyo intervention is also equipping beneficiaries with vocational skills, including professional makeup artistry.


A makeup artist and Chief Executive Officer of Chuchu’s Glamour, Rukayat Muhammad, who is serving as a trainer, said participants were being trained in makeup techniques, product selection, sanitation and the fundamentals of professional makeup artistry.


She disclosed that 85 participants were expected to graduate as certified makeup artists, with equipment and products to support their transition into professional practice.


According to her, makeup artistry remains a viable vocation through which beneficiaries can establish businesses and earn sustainable incomes, provided they practise consistently, improve their skills and market their services effectively.


Muhammad urged participants to approach the training with commitment, describing the knowledge and equipment they would receive as investments in their future.


She also commended the Federal Government, the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on TVEE and other officials involved in the initiative for supporting the programme.


She disclosed that the national intervention would be extended to other states, with applications for subsequent training programmes to be made available online.


Muhammad added that the skills offered would vary from state to state, depending on the needs and structure of each programme.


Building Sustainable Livelihoods Through Skills and Enterprise


The Ibadan phase of the NPRDS intervention brings together digital technology, vocational training and entrepreneurship as part of the Federal Government’s strategy to expand economic opportunities and reduce poverty.


By combining practical training with equipment support and potential access to employment and business opportunities, the programme seeks to help beneficiaries translate newly acquired skills into sustainable livelihoods.


The initiative also places emphasis on community-level impact, encouraging participants to pass on their knowledge, train others and create opportunities for additional people to benefit.


With a national target of five million Nigerians over four years, the Federal Government is positioning skills development and entrepreneurship as key components of its poverty-reduction drive.


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The Nigerian Navy has announced the commencement of its 2026 recruitment exercise for Batch 39 of the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School.


According to the recruitment guideline, the exercise will run from October 2 to October 31, 2026, with qualified applicants expected to complete their applications online through the Nigerian Navy’s official recruitment portal, as reported in a post on its X handle on Monday.


The Navy said the recruitment process is free of charge, warning applicants against making payments to individuals claiming to facilitate recruitment.


“Online registration and other recruitment processes are free of charge, and no payment should be made at any point to anyone throughout the Exercise,” the Navy said.


The recruitment is open to eligible Nigerian citizens by birth who possess a National Identification Number (NIN) and meet the specified educational, age, physical and medical requirements.


Applicants are required to meet minimum height requirements of 1.69 metres for males and 1.65 metres for females. They must also be medically, psychologically and physically fit and have no previous criminal conviction.


For applicants with O’Level qualifications, the Navy said candidates must be between 18 and 22 years as of December 31, 2026, and possess at least five credits, including Mathematics and English Language, in not more than two sittings.


The guideline also provides age and qualification requirements for applicants with OND/NCE certificates, tradesmen, applicants in medical-related professions and sportsmen and women.


The Navy further directed successful applicants to print their acknowledgement, parent or guardian consent, Local Government attestation and guarantor’s certification forms after completing the online application.


It added that the date and venues for the recruitment examination would be communicated to applicants in due course.


The Navy advised interested applicants to obtain further information from its recruitment portal when the application opens on October 2.


“Only a single valid application is permitted; multiple online applications shall be disqualified,” the guideline stated.


The Navy also warned that applicants must be able to communicate in basic English, noting that inability to do so could lead to disqualification at any stage of the recruitment process.


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The Kano State Government has begun the distribution of 3,400 clean cooking stoves donated to vulnerable women in the state by the Federal Ministry of Environment.


The state’s Commissioner for Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change, Dr Dahir Hashim, who inaugurated the distribution on Sunday in Kano, said the initiative was aimed at reducing the health and environmental risks associated with the use of firewood for cooking.


According to reports, WHO estimates that 2.9 million people died prematurely from household air pollution in 2021, while about 2.1 billion people worldwide still rely on polluting cooking fuels and technologies.


In Nigeria, clean cooking access remains low, with women and children particularly exposed to health risks from household air pollution.


Hashim said about 800 clean cooking stoves had so far been successfully distributed to vulnerable women across the state.


“These clean cooking stoves are part of the 3,400 allocated to Kano by the Federal Ministry of Environment,” he said.

He announced that the state governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, had also supported each of the 800 beneficiaries with N25,000 to boost their small businesses and strengthen their livelihoods.


According to him, the intervention aligns with the government’s broader mission of cutting down emissions to the barest minimum and promoting cleaner alternatives to traditional cooking methods.


The commissioner noted that women had, for years, endured severe health hazards from inhaling toxic smoke produced by firewood, owing to their frequent exposure to traditional cooking methods.

He said prolonged exposure to such smoke could pose serious health risks, particularly respiratory problems, describing the exposure as equivalent to smoking multiple packs of cigarettes daily.


“These new stoves will drastically reduce these risks and protect them from respiratory diseases,” Hashim said.

He explained that the clean cooking initiative was part of broader efforts by the government to tackle climate change while improving the health and living conditions of vulnerable women in the state.


Hashim commended the Federal Government for providing the stoves and urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the items given to them.

He further revealed that the state government was also committed to expanding its clean energy initiatives, including the solarisation of street lights and many Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).


According to him, the solarisation projects were part of measures being taken by the government to reduce dependence on conventional energy sources and contribute to its efforts to cut emissions.

The commissioner expressed appreciation to Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf for his leadership in combating climate change and empowering grassroots communities.


He said continued investment in initiatives that combine environmental protection with economic empowerment would help improve the wellbeing of vulnerable communities across the state.

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As Sarikin, Mimiko, Daniel, Oshiomhole, others headline 2026 edition 


Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, the Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, and his wife, Olori Atuwatse III, will headline the third edition of the Megastar Man of the Decade Awards 2026, scheduled for October 16 in Abuja.


The highly anticipated ceremony, billed as a gathering of distinguished Nigerians from  politics, traditional institutions, business, academia and public service, will hold at Wells Carlton Hotel and Apartments, Abuja, with former President Jonathan delivering the keynote address.


The 2026 edition is themed ‘The Road to 2027: Citizens, Stakeholders, and the Democracy We Choose,’ placing the awards at the centre of an important national conversation as Nigeria approaches another electoral cycle.


Jonathan’s keynote is expected to set the tone for discussions on democratic values, responsible citizenship, peaceful  political engagement and the role of stakeholders in strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions.


The former president’s participation is particularly significant given his experience at the highest level of Nigeria’s democratic governance and his role in the peaceful transfer of power following the 2015 presidential election.


The organisers said the presence of Ogiame Atuwatse III and Olori Atuwatse III as Royal Father and Mother of the Day underscores the important role of traditional institutions in promoting peace, stability, cultural continuity and national cohesion.


The ceremony will also feature a high-power panel dession involving an array of prominent Nigerians, including former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki; former Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko; Senator Gbenga Daniel; and Senator Ned Nwoko.


Others are former Edo State Governor, Senator Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole; Edo State Deputy Governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa; constitutional scholar, Dr. Sam Amadi; and business leaders including the Group Managing Director UTM FLNG, Julius Rone; Mr. Franklin Nechi of Optiva Capital Partners; founder, Irvin Global and Investment Group, Dr. Nwangwa Uzonna.


The panel is expected to interrogate the responsibilities of citizens, political leaders, traditional institutions, businesses and other stakeholders in shaping the quality and direction of Nigeria’s democracy ahead of 2027. Politics


According to the organisers, the theme was carefully chosen to stimulate national reflection on the fact that democracy extends beyond elections and political office, requiring active citizenship, accountable leadership, credible institutions and peaceful participation.


They said traditional rulers have a particularly important role to play in preserving social cohesion, noting that royal institutions often remain enduring symbols of continuity and stability irrespective of changes in political administrations.


Beyond the awards, the 2026 edition is designed to provide a platform for recognising outstanding Nigerians whose contributions have made significant impact in their various fields, while also creating meaningful conversations around Nigeria’s democratic and socio-economic development.


The organisers said the third edition promises to be a major gathering of influential voices, bringing together leaders and stakeholders to celebrate excellence and reflect on the responsibilities that come with citizenship and leadership.


The event will be broadcast live on Arise TV and Channels Television, providing audiences in Nigeria and beyond an opportunity to follow the ceremony.


The Executive Producer of the Megastar Man of the Decade Awards, Adeniyi Ifetayo, and Chairman of the Awards Committee, Seunmanuel Faleye, said the 2026 edition would reinforce the platform’s commitment to celebrating excellence, leadership and service while encouraging constructive conversations on issues of national importance.


They urged Nigerians, particularly political and institutional stakeholders, to embrace the spirit of the theme and work towards a peaceful, inclusive and enduring democratic process.


THISDAY

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African leaders, policymakers, energy experts and development stakeholders have called for stronger African-led solutions to expand access to clean cooking and tackle energy poverty across the continent.


The call was made on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at the African Clean Cooking Transition (ACCT) Forum pre-launch held at the African Union Hall in New York, on the sidelines of the High-Level Week of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81).


The high-level forum, organised by the Global Sustainable Energy & Leadership (G-SEL) Network in collaboration with the African Energy Commission (AFREC) of the African Union, was themed “Energy, climate action and poverty eradication on Africa’s terms.”


The gathering brought together government officials, energy professionals, climate advocates, development organisations and private-sector stakeholders to examine practical ways of using clean cooking as a tool for improving energy access, creating jobs, supporting businesses and reducing poverty.


The ACCT initiative is designed as an African-led economic platform that seeks to place clean cooking at the centre of Africa’s energy transition, while creating opportunities in enterprise development, digital innovation, climate finance and green jobs.


Among those who participated in the forum were the Executive Director of G-SEL Network and Convener of the ACCT Forum, Joy Osiomwanne-O; Chairperson of the First Ladies/Governors’ Spouses Forum, Prof. Olufolake AbdulRazaq; Executive Director of AFREC, Dr. Rashid Ali Abdallah; and Presiding Officer of the African Union Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC), Louis Cheick Sissoko.


Other prominent participants included Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim; Minister of Economy, Mozambique, Basilio Zefanias Muhate; Ghana’s Deputy Minister of Energy and Green Transition, Richard Gian-Mensah; Tanzania’s Deputy Minister for Energy, Salome W. Makamba; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; and Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal.


The forum also featured contributions from UNDP, the International Energy Agency (IEA), US Department Of Security, the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), the Women in Energy Network (WIEN), the Federal Capital Territory Administration and other stakeholders.


Discussions at the meeting focused on practical measures for accelerating the transition to cleaner cooking solutions, particularly through increased utilisation of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), improved transparency in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting, and the development of carbon-credit financing mechanisms.


Participants also examined ways of ensuring that women, who are central to household energy use and small-scale economic activities, benefit directly from the clean cooking transition through local enterprises, skills development and green job opportunities.


The organisers said the commitments and ideas generated at the New York meeting would form part of the groundwork for the full launch of the African Clean Cooking Transition Forum.


The full ACCT Forum is scheduled to take place during the main G-SEL Conference in Westminster, London, from December 15 to 17, 2026.


The initiative is expected to continue the conversation on how Africa can develop energy and climate solutions that respond to its peculiar economic realities while contributing to poverty reduction and sustainable development.

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The Abuja, FCT Chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo will today host its 2026 Igbo Day Celebration, a long-awaited cultural gathering, which will feature the Igbo Nmanma Excellence Award and the unveiling of the Ohanaeze Cooperative Society.


The event is scheduled for Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at the Transcorp Hilton Event Arena, Abuja, beginning at 12 noon.


The celebration is expected to bring together Igbo leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, youths, traditional stakeholders and members of the Igbo community for a day focused on celebrating culture, excellence and contributions to society.


A major highlight of the programme will be the Igbo Nmanma Excellence Award, which is designed to recognise individuals whose achievements and contributions have brought honour to the Igbo community.


The event will also feature the unveiling of the Ohanaeze Cooperative Society, an initiative previously announced by the FCT chapter as part of efforts to promote economic empowerment among Ndigbo in Abuja. 


The cooperative is expected to provide a platform for resource mobilisation, accessible credit and investment opportunities in areas including trade, agriculture, real estate and small businesses.


The celebration comes under the broader leadership of Senator John Azuta-Mbata, President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, who has recently called on members of the organisation to prioritise unity, peace and the collective interests of Ndigbo. 


The role of the younger generation is also expected to be significant, with the Ohanaeze Ndigbo youth leadership representing an important constituency in efforts to preserve Igbo identity while promoting enterprise, leadership and community development. 


The youth wing has continued to position itself as a voice for younger Igbos, including its support for Senator Azuta-Mbata's leadership. 


The event is expected to showcase elements of Igbo heritage, including traditional music, dance, attire and other forms of cultural expression.



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In a nation where wealth is too often measured by accumulation, Chief (Dr. Barr. Engr.) Obioma Success Akagburonye has chosen a different metric: impact. To thousands across Nigeria, he is not merely a businessman, lawyer, engineer, or political figure; he is a benefactor whose life has become a living institution of hope, empowerment, and communal uplift. Popularly celebrated as the “Architect of Grace” and the “Custodian of Kingdom Investment,” his journey reflects a rare fusion of professional brilliance, humanitarian commitment, and moral conviction.


At 60, Engr. Obioma Success Akagburonye stands as one of the most multidimensional personalities to emerge from Imo State, standing as an accomplished engineer, distinguished legal practitioner, visionary real estate developer, political leader, and philanthropist whose influence stretches from the grassroots communities of Mbaise to the corridors of national relevance.


Born on February 22, 1966, in Umuoshike Ogbor Uvuru, Aboh Mbaise, Imo State, he was raised in a deeply disciplined and industrious home by his parents, the late Nehemiah Akagburuonye Amuchie and Mrs. Nwafor Akagburuonye, fondly called Mama Success. From his formative years, he imbibed the values of resilience, service, faith, and communal responsibility, principles that would later define his public and private life.


What distinguishes Chief Akagburonye from many successful contemporaries is his philosophy that wealth must serve humanity. Through the Believers of the Gospel Welfare Foundation, established in 2001, he institutionalised a broad humanitarian mission aimed at restoring dignity to vulnerable people and creating opportunities for future generations.


Across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, his initiatives have empowered unemployed graduates, supported widows and indigent families, sponsored educational and spiritual programs, and funded youth development projects. His interventions in scholarship schemes have transformed the lives of many young Nigerians who today serve as professionals in medicine, engineering, law, and public administration.


His humanitarian reach also extends into community security, social welfare, and reconciliation efforts. Through investments in safety initiatives and peace-building programmes, he has consistently promoted the idea that development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of fear and instability. In Mbaise, his Centre for Divine Surprises became a symbolic platform for unity, dialogue, and spiritual renewal.


Another major pillar of his humanitarian legacy is Hope Rising for Imolites, a transformative non-governmental organisation committed to improving lives through healthcare outreach, environmental sustainability, youth empowerment, skills acquisition, and social welfare programmes. Under his leadership and vision, the organisation has completed numerous grassroots projects that continue to positively affect communities across Imo State.


Yet, beyond philanthropy, Chief Akagburonye remains a towering professional figure. His academic journey reflects extraordinary versatility. Initially trained as a Civil Engineer, he earned both BSc and MSc degrees in Engineering before venturing into the legal profession, where he obtained his LLB, BL, and LLM qualifications. This uncommon combination of technical and legal expertise established him as a rare “Renaissance Jurist,” capable of navigating both structural development and constitutional advocacy with equal mastery.


As the Chairman and driving force behind Praco International Limited, he played a significant role in reshaping Abuja’s real estate landscape. His estates and development projects were not conceived merely as commercial ventures but as integrated communities designed to create access, dignity, and opportunity. Through inclusive employment practices and equitable housing initiatives, he promoted national integration and socioeconomic participation.


His legal career equally cemented his reputation as a defender of justice and fairness. His landmark legal battles on bail reforms, land rights, and housing protections contributed meaningfully to conversations around citizens’ rights and social equity in Nigeria. Combining legal intellect with engineering precision, he built a reputation for principled advocacy and strategic thinking.


In politics, Chief Akagburonye has emerged as a respected chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, where he advocates for fairness, inclusion, security, and infrastructural development. A strong supporter of the Imo Equity Agenda, he believes sustainable peace can only thrive when governance reflects justice and balanced representation. His political philosophy is deeply rooted in bridge-building rather than division, consensus rather than conflict.


His growing influence and contributions have earned him numerous recognitions and traditional titles. Among them are the prestigious Akaraugo 1 of Mbaise, Akaraugo of Igboland, Onyirioha 1 of Abuja, and Reliable Friend of the Igala Kingdom, honours that reflect both his grassroots acceptance and national appeal.


In 2026, his humanitarian and developmental contributions received renewed national acclaim. He was honoured by Daily Sun as Humanitarian Icon of the Year and recognised by Champion Newspapers as the Beacon of Hope for Greater Imo. These recognitions added to earlier distinctions, including a United Nations recognition in 2018 and an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Freedom University.


In faraway Ontario Canada, Chief Akagburonye bagged outstanding recognition from the Mayor of Brampton, Patrick Brown in honour of his contributions to the people of Imo State.


Beyond titles and achievements lies another important pillar of his life: family. Chief Obioma Success Akagburonye is happily married to Mrs. Cecilia Crown Obioma, and their union is blessed with four children. Despite his expansive public engagements and demanding professional commitments, he remains deeply committed to family values, faith, and mentorship.


Those who know him closely often describe him as a calm strategist, an empathetic listener, and a man who sees leadership as stewardship. From the barefoot child who walked village paths in Mbaise to the nationally respected figure he has become, his story remains one of vision, perseverance, and purpose.


Chief (Dr. Barr. Engr.) Obioma Success Akagburonye represents a rare Nigerian archetype: a builder who constructs not only physical structures, but also lives, institutions, opportunities, and hope. His legacy continues to stand as a reminder that true greatness is measured not by the height of one’s success, but by the number of lives elevated along the journey.

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An influential female comedian in Abuja, Okoye Florence Chisom popularly known as Senior Man, is set to host her first major comedy show in the Federal Capital Territory, with expectations already high among comedy lovers and entertainment enthusiasts.


The show, tagged “Shades of Senior Man,” is scheduled to hold on November 15, 2026, at 6pm at 3Js Hotel, Jabi, Abuja.


Known for her engaging stage presence, rich comedy content and distinctive style of delivery, Senior Man who has started comedy since 2022  has continued to attract the attention of audiences whenever she mounts the stage. 


Her ability to connect with her audience through relatable humour and energetic delivery has earned her growing recognition within Abuja’s entertainment circuit.


The forthcoming show is expected to provide an opportunity for fans and other entertainment lovers to experience her comedy in a full-length production.


The Enugu born comedian has also taken her craft beyond Abuja, having performed on the same stage with veteran entertainers in major Nigerian cities, including Lagos and Port Harcourt. 


These appearances have further contributed to her growing profile as a female comedian capable of holding her own in the competitive Nigerian comedy industry.


With top celebrities expected to attend and participate in the event, anticipation is building ahead of the November 15 show. 


Their confirmed attendance is expected to add further excitement and star power to an evening designed around comedy, entertainment and live performances.



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The dollar-to-naira exchange rate opened the new trading week on Monday, September 28, 2026, with market participants monitoring movements in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM) and the parallel market.


The official exchange rate reflects transactions in Nigeria’s formal foreign exchange market, while the parallel market rate is determined by demand and supply among currency dealers outside the official market.


As of early trading on Monday, the latest available indicative data puts the official dollar exchange rate at approximately ₦1,327.16 per dollar. The parallel market rate is yet to be independently confirmed for September 28.


The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) calculates the official NFEM rate using a volume-weighted average of transactions in the market. The closing rate is determined by trading activity for the day.


In the parallel market, the dollar was last quoted at approximately ₦1,385 on Friday, September 25, according to BusinessDay, which reported that the rate remained stable during the week.


The parallel market rate on Monday may differ from Friday’s quotation, depending on dollar supply, demand and individual Bureau De Change operators.


The naira ended the previous trading week broadly stable across the official and parallel markets, supported by stronger external reserves.


The official NFEM closing rate and updated parallel market quotations may change as trading progresses.


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Former Osun Central Senator, Olusola Adeyeye, has said only President Bola Tinubu and former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, can forgive each other and resolve their lingering differences.


Adeyeye spoke on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics while responding to questions on whether there was anyone capable of reconciling the President and the former governor.


“I don’t know; only God knows. When things get to be like this, only the two of them can forgive each other,” he said.


Adeyeye, who is the South-West Coordinator of the All Progressives Congress presidential campaign council, said he wanted the two political figures brought together because he believed their reconciliation would benefit the APC and Tinubu’s 2027 presidential campaign.


“My wish would be for my party and for the president, because I want the president to win, and if he must, we must bring everybody together,” he said.


However, he acknowledged that Aregbesola’s current political position could make such a reunion difficult.


Asked whether the reconciliation should include the former Osun governor, Adeyeye said Aregbesola’s position in the opposition African Democratic Congress would make it difficult for him to abandon the party.


“It won’t look good to his admirers, especially those who follow him to that party,” he said.


Adeyeye also expressed confidence that Tinubu would retain the South-West in the 2027 presidential election, arguing that the APC’s chances would be strengthened if the party remained united in the region.


“I make bold: anyone from any party who thinks the next election will be easy for it is suffering self-delusion. We in the APC, we work very hard to win, and I want to assure you that we will win,” he said.


“I also want to assure you. We will win big. I care that we win the South-West, and we’re going to shock everybody.”


The former senator dismissed suggestions that Aregbesola’s association with the ADC posed a major threat to the APC in Osun.


He questioned the ADC’s performance in the August 15, 2026 governorship election, particularly in Ilesa and Osun Central, while noting that Aregbesola was not a candidate in the poll.


“How did the ADC perform, even in Ilesa? How did Aregbesola perform in Osun Central, where I come from?” he asked.


Adeyeye, however, acknowledged Aregbesola’s popularity in the state, saying the former governor could pose a significant challenge if he were personally contesting an election.


“If Aregbesola is the candidate, it’s a different matter,” he said.


“The truth is he’s still a magnificent person, much loved. If he were a candidate, believe you me, anybody would be hard-pressed to beat him in Osun,” Adeyeye added.


He nevertheless argued that Aregbesola’s personal popularity should not automatically translate into support for another candidate.


“Where he’s not the candidate, even he must not deceive himself that he can automatically take the affection for him to another person,” he said.


 


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Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has called for the continued rotation of presidential power between the northern and southern parts of Nigeria.


This is contained in a statement by Sanusi Bature, the media aide to Gov. Abba Yusuf, on Sunday in Kano.


Governor Yusuf made the call on Sunday at the Government House, Kano, while unveiling 50 vehicles donated by Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, to support APC campaign mobilisation in Kano ahead of the 2027 general elections.


He said his position was based on the principle that presidential power should rotate between the North and South, with each region given the opportunity to produce a president for two consecutive terms.


According to Governor Yusuf, allowing each region to complete two terms would provide sufficient time for an administration to implement major policies, programmes and development projects.


He therefore called for support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to complete a second term, arguing that this would allow the South to complete its two-term cycle before power returns to the North.


Governor Yusuf urged political stakeholders, particularly in the North, to exercise patience and allow the current political arrangement to run its course, saying power would return to the North after the completion of the southern region’s two-term cycle in 2031.


He said rotational presidency should be viewed as a means of promoting fairness, national cohesion, mutual trust and a sense of belonging among Nigerians from different parts of the country.


The governor also urged politicians and political parties to conduct peaceful and issue-based campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.


He called on political actors to focus on policies, programmes and development plans rather than personal attacks, inflammatory rhetoric or actions capable of undermining peace.


Governor Yusuf reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to peaceful democratic engagement and urged all stakeholders to place the unity, peace and development of Kano State and Nigeria above partisan differences.


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The Police Command in Katsina State has arrested a 27-year-old man, Sada Tambai, over the alleged killing of his 80-year-old father.


The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday in Katsina.


Sadiq-Aliyu said the incident occurred on Sept. 21 at Mundadu Village in Bindawa Local Government Area (LGA).


He said the police received a distress call from the District Head of Bindawa, Dan Yusufan Katsina, reporting the incident.


According to him, the district head said Adamu Tambai, a former Ward Head of Mundadu, was found lying motionless outside his residence.


Sadiq-Aliyu said detectives were immediately deployed to the scene, while the victim was taken to the nearest hospital.


He said the attending medical doctor, however, pronounced the victim dead upon arrival at the hospital.


The police spokesman said preliminary investigations led to the arrest of the deceased’s son, Sada Tambai.


He said the suspect allegedly confessed during interrogation to hitting his father on the head with a stick.


According to him, the injuries allegedly sustained from the attack resulted in the victim’s death.


Sadiq-Aliyu said the Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar-Fage, directed the immediate transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).


He said the directive was aimed at ensuring a discreet and thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.


The PPRO said the suspect would be arraigned before a court after completion of the investigation.


The command expressed condolences to the bereaved family and assured residents of its commitment to ensuring justice in accordance with the law. (NAN)


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The Federal Government has opened discussions with the World Bank for three new loans totalling $1.5bn, even as Nigeria’s public debt climbed to a record N166.79tn at the end of June 2026.


Documents obtained from the World Bank show that the proposed financing comprises three separate $500m facilities for climate resilience, social protection and early childhood development.


The most immediate is a proposed $500m additional financing for the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes project, known as ACReSAL. The World Bank has fixed October 29, 2026, as the estimated date for consideration by its board. The borrower is the Federal Republic of Nigeria, while the Federal Ministry of Environment is the implementing agency.


The financing would raise the size of ACReSAL from its previously approved $700m to $1.2bn, entirely financed through the International Development Association, the World Bank’s concessional financing arm.


The document said, “The Government of Nigeria has requested AF of $500m to scale up demonstrated project results and strengthen the institutional, operational and financing arrangements needed to sustain integrated landscape management.”


The additional financing is expected to support landscape restoration, watershed rehabilitation, erosion and flood management, irrigation and drainage, water harvesting and storage, reforestation and other climate-resilient interventions.


Of the additional $500m, $310m is proposed for dryland management, $165m for community climate resilience and $25m for institutional strengthening and project management.


ACReSAL currently operates across 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory and is targeted at land degradation, water insecurity, climate vulnerability and declining agricultural productivity.


The World Bank said desertification and land degradation affected an estimated 43 per cent of Nigeria’s land area, while failure to address climate change could reduce gross domestic product by about 2.6 per cent annually by 2030 and as much as 6.7 per cent by 2050.


The second proposed loan is another $500m IDA credit for the Household Prosperity and Empowerment-Social Protection Project.


Unlike the ACReSAL facility, the HOPE-SP project is at an earlier stage of preparation. Its technical design review is expected on October 30, 2026, while the World Bank has tentatively fixed March 16, 2027, as its approval date. The Federal Ministry of Finance is listed as the borrower, while the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction will implement the programme.


The project has an estimated cost of $500m, comprising a $420m results-based programme and an $80m investment project financing component, with the entire financing expected from IDA.


It is designed to establish regular social assistance for poor and vulnerable households, while gradually shifting financing responsibility towards federal and state budgets.


The World Bank document said the programme would establish “a sustainable social assistance to poor and vulnerable households, financed increasingly from federal and state budgets and delivered through strengthened state and local government systems.”


The proposed programme would finance targeted unconditional and conditional cash transfers, modernise the social registry, integrate the National Identification Number into the social protection information system and strengthen implementation at federal, state and local government levels.


The lender said Nigeria spent only 0.14 per cent of GDP on social safety-net programmes in 2021, compared with a global average of 1.5 per cent and 1.2 per cent among lower-middle-income countries.


The bank also painted a grim picture of household welfare, estimating that the proportion of Nigerians living in poverty had increased from 40 per cent in 2019 to 56 per cent in 2023 and could reach 62.5 per cent in 2026. It attributed the deterioration to several factors, including the pandemic, inflation, natural disasters and conflict, while noting that fuel subsidy removal and exchange-rate reforms worsened living costs in the short term.


The third proposed $500m facility is for the Nigeria Early Childhood Development programme, with an estimated approval date of March 15, 2027, a day before the proposed HOPE-SP approval. Its technical design review is also scheduled for October 30, 2026.


The Federal Ministry of Finance is the borrower, while the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning is expected to implement the programme.


The project would cover all 36 states and the FCT and seek to improve access to an integrated package of health, nutrition, early learning, childcare, water and sanitation, and other services for children aged zero to five.


It would be financed through $500m IDA credit, consisting of a $400m programme-for-results component and $100m investment project financing component.


The World Bank said the intervention had become necessary because “40 percent of children under five are stunted, fewer than half are developmentally on track, 36 percent of children aged 36 to 59 months attend organised early learning,” with poor rural households carrying much of the burden.


PUNCH


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The Presidency has assured Nigerians that President Bola Tinubu is “hale and hearty,” dismissing concerns over his absence from Abuja and the United Nations General Assembly in New York.


According to a statement by his Spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, on X on Sunday, Tinubu is currently on his annual vacation but remains engaged with official duties and activities.


“President Tinubu is hale and hearty,” the statement said, adding that the President is “perfectly entitled” to take a working vacation.


The Presidency argued that advances in technology mean the President does not necessarily have to be physically present in Abuja to carry out his responsibilities.


“In this digital age, he does not need to be physically present in Abuja to do the work for which he was elected in 2023,” it said.


It further cited Tinubu’s reported meetings with investors in France as evidence that he has continued to work while away from Nigeria.


The statement also referred to the proposed $7 billion deep-sea port project in Ogun Waterside, describing it as an initiative of the Ogun State Government that Tinubu had recently helped facilitate.


Addressing criticism over Tinubu’s absence from the United Nations General Assembly, the Presidency noted that other African leaders, including South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, were also not present in New York.


“Two other important African leaders were not in New York for the UNGA,” the statement said, noting that Tinubu had announced his annual vacation and delegated Nigeria’s representation to Vice President Kashim Shettima.


The Presidency also criticised former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi for questioning Tinubu’s whereabouts.


“Yet Peter Obi pretends to be unaware of President Tinubu’s whereabouts,” it said.


The statement said Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria this week ahead of the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary.


It added that the President is expected to honour the memory of the late businessman and democracy campaigner, MKO Abiola, by attending the premiere of a movie about his life in Lagos.


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The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a two-week ultimatum to the federal government to resolve outstanding welfare and professional issues affecting its members.


At its 46th annual general meeting on Sunday in Calabar, Cross Rivers state, NARDS warned that failure to resolve outstanding issues could trigger industrial action.


According to the resolutions read by Ogar Emmanuel Idoko, its national president, NARD expressed concern over the slow pace of implementation of agreements reached between the association and the federal government.


The association said that prolonged delays had become unacceptable.


They demanded immediate action on outstanding issues relating to remuneration, career progression, professional allowances, excessive workload, manpower shortages and the general welfare of resident doctors.


It called for “the immediate implementation of agreements reached with the federal government, particularly those relating to improved conditions of service and professional development”.


“The government concluded the review of existing remuneration and professional salary structures for doctors, saying the current framework no longer adequately reflected prevailing economic realities,” the resolution reads.


The association demanded appropriate compensation for excess workload arising from manpower shortages in hospitals.


It noted that resident doctors are increasingly carrying additional responsibilities.


NARD called for standardised templates for compensation for excess workload and reliable data to justify payments to doctors performing duties beyond their normal responsibilities.


It expressed concern over attacks on health workers and called for the full implementation of policies and anti-assault measures designed to protect doctors and other medical personnel in hospitals.


It further raised concern over the continuing migration of doctors and other health professionals from Nigeria..


The association urged the federal ministry of health and social welfare to urgently address the factors responsible for the continued migration of medical professionals.


The association called on state governments to prioritise the welfare of doctors and other health workers employed by their respective institutions and ensure the implementation of relevant welfare policies.


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