Voice of Nigeria Broadcasting Service

Organised Labour Vows Not To Suspend Ongoing Industrial Action

Nigeria

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July 19, 2025

Organised Labour Vows Not To Suspend Ongoing Industrial Action

The Organised labour in Nigeria has vowed not to suspend the ongoing industrial action, rejecting the latest offer from Ogun State, Governor Dapo Abiodun.

Arising an emergency meeting held on Friday, 18th July, 2025, the Organised labour stated that its strike action continues, in as much as Ogun state government failed to accede to its demands.

At its emergency meeting, the Organised labour said the “Council-in-session therefore resolved that its initial take of the Congress as contained in its letter of Monday, 14th July, 2025 stands”.

The meeting, which lasted for almost 7-hours discussed extensively on each of the items outlined, with an in-depth evaluation of the offer(s) of the Ogun State Government.

The Labour leaders noted that the meeting between the union and the state government, chaired by Governor Abiodun failed to address the major resolutions raised by the workers.

A communique issued by the organized labour ; the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress(TUC), and the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC) expressed discontent of how Ogun state government handled the Workers’ demands .

The labour leaders described as “unacceptable“ Ogun state government’s stance, especially the Contributory Pension Scheme, “saying it showed lack of commitment to the welfare and future security of workers.

“The thrust of our displeasure squarely centre’s on the Contributory Pension Scheme. The prayer of the entirety of the State and Local Governments Civil/Public Servants is the outright cancellation of the dysfunctional Contributory Pension Scheme, or its commencement date to 2042 as recommended by the Adekunle Hassan-led Committee”, the Organised Labour lamented.

The Unions announced that their earlier call for an indefinite strike action issued in their letter dated Monday July, 14th , 2025 remains unchanged, until specific agreements are reached.

“After thorough deliberation, the Council resolved that the Status quo remains. The strike continues “.

It will be recalled that the workers had premised their anger against Ogun state government on the ground of its failure to remit the Contributory Pension Scheme, (CPS); non implementation of the new minimum wage (2024), vis a vis its Consequential Adjustments; non-payment of arrears of leave allowance; non-implementation of the Consequential Adjustments on Pension, as well as the non-release of promotion of staff for year 2023 and 2024.

Earlier, the state Governor Dapo Abiodun had on Friday promised that his administration would commence full implementation of the Contributory Pension Scheme for the state workers from the end of July 2025.

Governor Abiodun said the Pension Scheme and other sundry matters that led to the ongoing strike action by the state workforce would receive immediate payment, particularly for workers, who retired from July 2, 2025, through the scheme.

The governor indicated that a 10-year payment plan would commence from 2025 to 2030 under the first phase, while the second phase, which would commence 2026, would be from 2030 to 2035.

With that arrangement, Governor Abiodun also assured that payment would be made for the remaining two years of his tenure, while eight years of payment would be for his successors.

“What is key is that we have decided that in phase one, we will pay outstanding contributions for retirees who have retired from July 2, 2025, to July 2030. We will make that immediate payment,” the Governor stated.

“Next year, we will make the second payment, which will be phase 2, for those who will be retiring from July 2, 2030, to July 1, 2035,” he said.

“We will be making immediate payments for those who will be retiring beyond my tenure in 2027 and beyond the tenure of my successor as well; that is 10 years.

“There will be no gratuity scheme as this will be discontinued from July 2, 2025. All Consolidated Salaries will revert back to the Contributory Pension Scheme.

“A lot of work has gone into this. In the past, we found that those who have been managing our pensions were not actually the right fit for purpose; they were not qualified, and that has made things slower than they should have been,” Governor Abiodun said.

“Anyone retiring will receive their benefits, and we will provide PENCOM with the resources to ensure that they meet the obligations of those who retire, and that will be done promptly.
“We will pass the appropriate laws to back this decision,” the Governor pointed out.

Governor Abiodun appreciated the Organised Labour for its continued support given to his administration since 2019, which led to the socio-economic development, currently witnessed in Ogun state.

He urged Labour Unions to always find peaceful ways to engage government on issues affecting workers’ welfare rather than embarking on industrial disputes.

Olusola Akintonde

Addressing Food Security Requires Strategic Action – Minister

Omowumi Samuel

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July 19, 2025

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Addressing Food Security Requires Strategic Action – Minister

The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu has said that sustainable change begins with strategic actions and collaborative leadership towards Government efforts in addressing the problems of food and nutrition security at the Local Government Level.

Senator Bugudu made this remark while speaking at the 2-day Stakeholders’ Workshop on the implementation of the Nutrition 774(N774) Initiative, with members of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) National Executive Council (ALGON-NEC), in Niger State.

The Minister who was represented by the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Sampson Ebimaro, stated that the workshop was to provide a veritable platform for the stakeholders to develop clinical pathways that would eventually translate to improving nutrition outcomes at sub-national levels as well as leverage on the ALGON NEC’s experience in policy advocacy and implementation in shaping a collective roadmap to catalyze innovation and foster partnerships between sectors and the ALGON.

Speaking further, Bagudu mentioned that the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning was committed to coordinating the implementation with the Office of the Vice President to ensure effective delivery of the framework at both National and Sub-National levels.

In his opening remarks, the Deputy Chief of Staff, office of the Vice President, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, reiterated that “Towards sustainable human development under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the N774 initiative sticks to a similar truth: Development is most meaningful when it begins at the grassroots” He stressed that the program was conceived as a strategic response to one of the gravest, yet, least visible challenge confronting Nigeria as a country – malnutrition. He pointed out that “This is not just a health challenge; it’s an economic impediment, an educational barrier, and a silent threat to national productivity and security.”

“Our economy cannot thrive when a significant portion of its future workforce is denied the foundational right to adequate nutrition. It is for this reason that the Nutrition 774 initiative was launched to ensure that every local government area becomes a center of coordinated action against malnutrition.” If malnutrition is most prevalent at the grassroots, then solutions will logically be anchored there as well, he underlined.

Admonishing the Local government leaders, Hadejia said: “You are the fulcrum of this effort, and the success of this framework depends on your commitment to institutionalizing nutrition governance”.

In his remarks, the National President of ALGON, Engr. Honourable, Bello Lawal, reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to supporting the Nutrition 774 Initiative being a flagship program under the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Recognizing the critical role local governments play in addressing malnutrition and improving nutritional outcomes, he assured that ALGON was poised to drive impactful interventions at the grassroots level. These, he said, include participating in the development of the N-774 Implementation Framework and Roadmap, advocating for nutrition-specific budget lines and sustainable local funding sources and coordinating awareness sessions for State and Local Government Chairmen.

Also speaking, the Chief of Nutrition, UNICEF- Nigeria, Nemat Hajeebhoy, commended the Office of the Vice President, Federation Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and most especially, ALGON NEC for their leadership and steadfast commitment to making nutrition a national and local development priority.

She asserted that the world could not win the fight against hunger without Nigeria at the forefront, as such, the meeting underscored the Nutrition Stakeholders’ shared urgency and responsibility. ”Local Governments (LGAs) are on the frontline of implementation” She stressed.

“The Nutrition 774 Initiative presents a unique opportunity to: Decentralize nutrition governance, strengthen local financing mechanisms, and deliver tailored, measurable and community-level impact”.

Hajeebhoy therefore noted that the workshop also provided Learning opportunities from Success stories like the Jigawa’s Masaki Programme. She explained that Jigawa State’s Masaki Programme provides a scalable community-driven model. She also advised ALGON and the Office of the Vice President to undertake a learning visit to observe the programme in action.

Her words: We encourage other LGAs to adapt similar models, tailor it to their local context to fast-track progress.

During zonal presentations on achievements recorded so far on N774, the North- West region unanimously said: it had appointed technical nutrition focal persons across the states, created nutrition budget lines in all the local governments, established experience sharing and collaboration between development partners and strong monitoring and evaluation system with good personnel capacity

Under Water Hygiene and Sanitation (WASH), the South- West zone said they had enlightened the community to increase private sector involvement in building private toilets and enacted laws against offenders involved in open defecation.

In terms of education, the zone also claimed that they hope to integrate nutrition education in all primary schools in the first quarter of 2026 and promote healthy eating among children, home grown feeding, conduct school- based nutrition programmes and other activities.m

The Workshop was sponsored by UNICEF Nigeria Office, Helen Keller International and Civil Society- Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN). Other Representatives from Ministries, Departments and Agencies, UK Government and the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) were also in attendance.

DR Congo, M23 Rebels Sign Peace Agreement

Africa

Kamila Bello

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July 19, 2025

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DR Congo, M23 Rebels Sign Peace Agreement

The M23 rebel group and the Democratic Republic of Congo have signed a ceasefire agreement to end years of fighting in the country’s conflict-ridden eastern region.

The agreement was signed on Saturday in Doha, Qatar, and commits both parties to a permanent ceasefire. The deal also includes a pledge to refrain from hate speech and to stop any attempts to seize new territory by force.

The African Union welcomed the announcement, describing it as a “major milestone” in the broader efforts to bring lasting peace and stability to eastern DRC and the Great Lakes region.

M23 rebels launched a major offensive earlier this year, capturing strategic cities including Goma and Bukavu.

The campaign resulted in the deaths of thousands and forced hundreds of thousands of civilians to flee their homes, deepening the humanitarian crisis.

Despite a pause in major offensives since February, intermittent clashes between M23 fighters and pro-government militias have continued.

Eastern DRC has been plagued by conflict for over three decades, driven by ethnic tensions, regional rivalries, and the struggle over rich mineral resources.

Africanews/Kamila

Stakeholder Urges Abuja Residents to Turn Plastic Waste to Wealth

News Feature

Mercy Chukwudiebere

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July 19, 2025

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Stakeholder Urges Abuja Residents to Turn Plastic Waste to Wealth

A stakeholder in environment, Chanja Datti has called on the residents of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, to recycle plastic waste for sustainable wealth rather than just disposing them.

The organisation said it is committed to transforming waste to value whilst empowering youth and women at the bottom of the pyramid.

Chanja Datti, a social enterprise company collects and processes PET bottles, aluminium cans, cartons, cardboard, paper etc and transfers to off-takers, recycling companies manufacturers for use in their production process.

Addressing Journalists at the Waste to Wealth Road Walk and Street Sensitisation event held iin Abuja, the nation’s capital, the Head of Strategy & Innovation, Chanja Datti, Mr Gabriel Onyebuolise urged residents to practice sustainable waste management in their various homes and businesses.

He explained that “the event organised by Chanja Datti in collaboration with the Abuja Environmental Protection Board AEPB is to raise awareness about recycling and inspire community to transform plastics waste into sustainable wealth.”

“This year is our 10th year and what we do is to collect waste within households, within businesses and convert them to semi-raw materials like flakes, bales and pellets and what we do at the end of the day is to process them and sell them to other manufacturers who utilize them in their process to manufacture finished products in plastic and textile industries as well as the beverage industry,” Onyebuolise explained.

He stressed that the awareness campaign is part of “TRANSFORM PROJECT ” funded by Unilever, UK International Development and EY.

“What it means is instead of moving the waste from the source where they are produced to the factory for processing we’re able to process it right at the location where it’s happening and that’s what we’re trying to achieve with the “TRANSFORM PROJECT.”

“With the “TRANSFORM Project” we’re able to partner with Abuja Environmental Protection Board, AEPB and other local partners in order to carry out the effectiveness of this project within the different axis starting from LifeCamp and so today we’ve been able to have a successful awareness and outing to sensitize and create that level of awareness for people to know that it’s important to recycle waste and practice sustainable waste management,” Onyebuolise stated.

Programme & Research Analyst, Martha Eginiwin, said the Chanja Datti is helping citizens to take action and responsibility by helping individuals to make money and other valuable things from their waste.

“For us at Chanja Datti we have factories here in Abuja we also have collection hubs once we collect the waste, we are able to convert them. We have processing factories we process them into different materials. Pellets, flakes, and these materials we are able to partner with manufacturing industries where we sell it to them,” Eginiwin said.

She explained that the Chanja Datti is also partnering with manufacturing industries where these products are sold to them.

“They use them as semi-raw materials for their own processes, for every plastic bottle, for every PET bottle, for every of those things we collect, we do not just see them as waste. After you use them, after you finish drinking your water, you shouldn’t just dispose them. Most of the materials that are used to make those plastic bottles, they are recyclable,” Eginiwin stated.

She added that the Chanja Datti is also working with relevant stakeholders to collect waste products to ensure that the environment is clean.

The Director Abuja Environmental Protection Board AEPB, Braimah Osilama, represented by Chief Environmental, Solid Waste Management Department, AEPB, Sherifat Lawal, says recycling is more than just a buzzword but a responsibility.

“Today, we are not just walking for the sake of it, we are raising awareness about a cause that directly affects our environment, our health, and our future recycling,” he said.

Osilama emphasised that in Lifecamp, like many growing communities, face increasing waste challenges.

“Plastic bottles, cans, paper, and other recyclable materials often end up on our roads, in our drainages, and across our neighborhoods. This not only pollutes our environment but also affects our health and contributes to flooding and other urban issues,” he stated.

According to him, “our walk today is a call to action for households, schools, markets, and businesses to adopt simple recycling practices,Separate waste at source. Reuse where possible, Partner with recycling collection centers, let us remember, a cleaner Lifecamp is a safer and healthier Lifecamp.”

He added that through consistent recycling activities, Nigeria reduce pollution, create jobs, and contribute to a sustainable future for ourselves and generations to come.

The Sensitisation walk which started around 8.25 am, local time, served as an exercise for some, where the Chanja Datti social enterprise Nigeria Ltd, engaged with some residents, small business owners and various Estates in Lifecamp on the importance of turning waste into sustainable wealth.

The awareness campaign is part of “TRANSFORM PROJECT” funded by Unilever, UK International Development and EY.

Mercy Chukwudiebere

Africa Health Symposium Urges Investment In Local Healthcare

Health

patience ameh

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July 19, 2025

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Africa Health Symposium Urges Investment In Local Healthcare

The 2025 Africa Health Business Symposium concluded on Friday in Abuja with a strong call for increased investment in diagnostics, local manufacturing, and indigenous innovations to drive progress toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC) across the continent.

The event, which brought together over 200 delegates from more than 30 countries, ended with a series of high-level statements emphasizing collaboration, sustainability, and health sector reform as key priorities for achieving UHC in Africa.

The statements highlighted the need for urgent action beyond policy commitments and into the realm of financing, partnerships, and scalable solutions.

Ms Rebecca Enonchong, Vice Chair of the Board, World Health Organisation (WHO) Foundation, said that health must no longer be seen as a cost.

Enonchong said that it should rather be seen as one of the smartest investments that countries and partners could make.

“Every dollar invested in WHO programmes yields 35 dollars in health and economic return, a figure any investor would envy,” she said.

She said that the Foundation launched WHO’s first-ever round in 2024 to raise 7.1 billion dollars.

According to her, it has already secured over 50 per cent of its goal, including historic contributions from African governments and private sector partners.

She said that the funds were earmarked to support core priorities between 2025 and 2028, including pandemic preparedness, primary healthcare, digital health systems, mental health and emergency response.

“This is not about charity. It is about innovation that saves lives. We must move forward with urgency and partnership because delays cost lives,” she said.

She also announced a 50 million dollars pledge, with catalytic support from philanthropic groups like the Tai Tantuma Foundation.

Mr Moholu Johnson, President of the Healthcare Federation of Liberia, announced the finalisation of a draft policy for a Liberian Health Equity Fund.

Johnson said that this was a joint effort between the government and the private sector.

“The fund aims to ensure UHC for all Liberians, regardless of income or geography.

“Our objective is clear; no one should be denied medical care because they can not afford it.

“Our partnerships here have already begun to take shape. We are committed to translating conversations into real impact,” he said.

The incoming leadership of the Ghana Health Care Federation made a heartfelt appeal to participants and partners to engage the country’s health foundations.

Dr Francis Ohanyido, CEO of the West African Institute of Public Health and one of the co-hosts of the symposium, challenged participants to reframe Africa’s health development vision.

“Universal Health Coverage is not a destination, it is a process that must be defined by the context of each country,” Ohanyido said.

He praised the intentional design of the week’s events, particularly the merging of the Africa Primary Healthcare Forum and the Africa Health Business Symposium.

He said that it allowed stakeholders from public, private and development sectors to explore the business of health through a PHC lens.

He called attention to topics ranging from investment in digital innovation and climate change to the decolonisation of language, urging the audience to discard the term sub-Saharan Africa.

“It is a colonial construct that does not make sense anymore. We have one continent, Africa. Let’s start speaking that way, especially when climate change knows no borders.

“Let us use primary healthcare, not just as a delivery platform, but as an early warning system for climate change,” he said.

Dr Amit Thakker, Executive Chairman of Africa Health Business and Africa Healthcare Federation, one of the lead conveners of the symposium, lauded Nigeria’s leadership in the health sector.

Thakker described the event as a boot camp for African health transformation.

“This symposium is not an event, it is a process. We have made new connections and developed practical ideas. Now, we must carry them forward,” he said.

He outlined a draft seven-point action plan for UHC resilience, emphasising public-private partnerships (PPP), inclusive financing and policy coherence as central pillars.

According to him, Africa is not waiting to catch up. It is leading, from drone-delivered vaccines to AI-powered diagnostics

Ms Valerie Boulet, the Chief Development Officer, WHO Foundation, invited African partners to participate in the upcoming WHO Investment Round, designed to bridge the gap between donors and implementers.

“Achieving UHC demands more than policy, it needs innovation, sustainable financing and practical partnerships.

“That is what the WHO Foundation is here to support, to be a bridge between the private sector and public health action,” she said.

Boulet said that African solutions were critical to global health success, and that the continent’s leadership in innovation and partnership should be scaled and funded

The Newsman reports that the AHBS25, with the theme, “Leveraging Innovations to Advance Universal Health Coverage in Africa”, provided a platform for knowledge exchange, deal-making and networking.

It emphasised climate-health synergies, digital transformation, local pharmaceutical manufacturing, and public-private collaboration as critical pathways to achieving health equity across Africa.

Family Planning Users Increase by 40% In Adamawa

Health

patience ameh

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July 19, 2025

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Family Planning Users Increase by 40% In Adamawa

A non governmental organization (NGO), The Challenge Initiative (TCI), has reported a more than 40 per cent increase in new users of family planning services in Adamawa State since the commencement of its intervention.

Mr. Godiya Yusuf, the State Programme Manager of TCI, made this known during a media roundtable discussion on family planning held on Saturday in Yola.

The reports says that the event, organised by TCI in collaboration with Development Communications Network, brought together stakeholders from health sector, media, traditional and religious institutions.

Yusuf said the partnership between TCI and the Adamawa Government had yielded remarkable results since its inception.

“Before the intervention, in 2022, the state recorded 47,980 family planning acceptors and 19,024 users of modern contraceptives.

“As of the second quarter of 2024, specifically in June, there were 104,486 new acceptors, representing 40 per cent of the initiative’s reach.

“While users of modern contraceptives rose to 79,764, accounting for 78 per cent of the intervention,” he said.

Yusuf attributed the success to key drivers including capacity building for service providers, monitoring and evaluation, supportive supervision, and regular facility visits.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Mr Felix Tangwami, emphasised the importance of family planning to both individual families and society at large.

Tangwami, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr Zirra Bubanani, said that proper family planning supports healthier families and contributes to national development.

He said child spacing is essential for maternal health as it allows women time to recover before conceiving again, thereby reducing maternal and child mortality.

“There have been cases where women give birth to ten or more children in rapid succession, which often results in health complications or death.

“We are encouraging women of reproductive age to embrace family planning for healthy lives,” he said

Speaking on the impact of the initiative, Aisha Abubakar, State Focal Person for Family Planning, highlighted the importance of child spacing in reducing maternal and child mortality.

Abubakar urged the media to intensify efforts in addressing the myths and misconceptions surrounding family planning, often driven by religious and cultural beliefs.

“Some of the misconceptions are the belief that family planning restricts the number of children they can have or stops them from having children.

“We intensified sensitisation efforts to clarify that family planning is about spacing births, not limiting them. It allows women’s bodies to rest before another pregnancy.

“Our key goal is to reduce maternal and child mortality, improve sexual and reproductive health services, and prevent unintended pregnancies.

“Pregnancy should be by choice, not by chance,” she added.

He revealed that there are currently about 1.2 million women of reproductive age in Adamawa, with 149,000 new family planning acceptors and 149,155 users of modern contraceptives.

She said the procurement and distribution of family planning commodities and consumables had improved access to services across the state.

He noted that the project has achieved success through advocacy and awareness creation, with strong support from federal and state governments and development partners.

Trump Signs Law to Regulate Stablecoins, Boosting Crypto Payments

Tech World

Christopher Ojilere

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July 19, 2025

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Trump Signs Law to Regulate Stablecoins, Boosting Crypto Payments

US President Donald Trump has signed a law to create a regulatory regime for dollar-pegged cryptocurrencies known as stablecoins, a milestone that could pave the way for the digital assets to become an everyday way to make payments and move money.

The bill, dubbed the GENIUS Act, passed in the House of Representatives by a vote of 308 to 122, with support from nearly half the Democratic members and most Republicans. It had earlier been approved by the Senate.

The law is a huge win for crypto supporters, who have long lobbied for such a regulatory framework in a bid to gain greater legitimacy for an industry that began in 2009 as a digital Wild West famed for its innovation and speculative chaos.

“This signing is a massive validation of your hard work and pioneering spirit,” said Trump at a signing event that included dozens of government officials, crypto executives and lawmakers.

“It’s good for the dollar and it’s good for the country.”

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, in a statement, said the new technology would buttress the dollar’s status as the global reserve currency, expand access to the dollar economy and boost demand for US Treasuries, which back stablecoins.

Stablecoins are designed to maintain a constant value, usually a 1:1 US dollar peg, and their use has exploded, notably by crypto traders moving funds between tokens. The industry hopes they will enter mainstream use for sending and receiving payments instantly.

The new law requires stablecoins to be backed by liquid assets such as US dollars and short-term Treasury bills and for issuers to disclose publicly the composition of their reserves monthly.

Crypto companies and executives argue such legislation will enhance stablecoins’ credibility and make banks, retailers and consumers more willing to use them to transfer funds instantly.

The stablecoin market, which crypto data provider CoinGecko said is valued at more than $260 billion, could grow to $2 trillion by 2028 under the new law, Standard Chartered Bank estimated earlier this year.

The law’s passage culminates a long lobbying effort by the industry, which donated more than $245 million in last year’s elections to aid pro-crypto candidates, including Trump, according to Federal Election Commission data.

The Republican president, who has launched his own coin, thanked executives for their support during the 2024 presidential campaign, saying, “I pledged that we would bring back American liberty and leadership and make the United States the crypto capital of the world, and that’s what we’ve done.”

Democrats and critics have said the law should have blocked big tech companies from issuing their own stablecoins, which could increase the clout of an already powerful sector, contained stronger anti-money laundering protections and prohibited foreign stablecoin issuers.

“By failing to close known loopholes and protect America’s digital dollar infrastructure, Congress has risked making the US financial system a global haven for criminals and adversarial regimes to exploit,” said Scott Greytak, deputy executive director of Transparency International US

Digital assets
Big US banks are internally debating an expansion into cryptocurrencies as regulators give stronger backing to digital assets, but banks’ initial steps will focus on pilot programs, partnerships or limited crypto trading.

Several crypto firms, including Circle and Ripple, are seeking banking licenses, which would cut costs by bypassing intermediary banks.

Backers of the bill have said it could potentially give rise to a new source of demand for short-term US government debt, because stablecoin issuers will have to purchase more of the debt to back their assets.

Trump has sought to broadly overhaul US cryptocurrency policies, signing an executive order in March establishing a strategic bitcoin reserve.

The president launched a meme coin called $TRUMP in January and partly owns the crypto company World Liberty Financial.

REUTERS/Christopher Ojilere

Presidency Labels ADC’s Allegations ‘Insensitive’ Amid Buhari’s Mourning

Politics

Dominica Ijeoma Nwabufo

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July 19, 2025

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Presidency Labels ADC’s Allegations ‘Insensitive’ Amid Buhari’s Mourning

The Presidency has strongly rejected claims by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) accusing President Bola Tinubu’s administration of exploiting the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari for political gain.

In a statement titled : RE: BUHARI’S BURIAL — A RESPONSE TO ADC’S OBNOXIOUS STATEMENT, by the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Public Communications, Mr Sunday Dare, described the allegations as both dishonest and deeply disrespectful.

Highlighting the solemnity and dignity with which the State Burial ceremony for late Muhammadu Buhari was conducted, the Presidential aide emphasised that such remarks are an affront to the millions of Nigerians who sincerely mourn the loss of the revered statesman.

“Since its emergence, the ADC has resorted to issuing disjointed press statements on every passing event to remind Nigerians it now exists. In its desperation to look like an opposition party, it has now crossed every known line of decency.

“Their latest press release, alleging that President Tinubu’s government is “exploiting” the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari for political gain, is not only dishonest — it is an insult to millions of Nigerians who genuinely mourn the loss of a statesman, and who watched the State Burial accorded Buhari with solemn respect and dignity.” Mr Dare stated.

The Presidential Spokesperson further noted that President Tinubu’s administration is neither desperate nor seeking cheap popularity, he added that Instead, the government allows its “tangible achievements speak volumes, rising far above the distracting noise and political posturing of marginal groups such as the ADC.”

Mr. Dare affirmed that President Tinubu honoured his late predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, with the dignity befitting his passing and continues to uphold his legacy through dedicated hard work rather than empty rhetoric.

He noted that governance is a continuum and that President Tinubu remains focused on delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda, “not on dignifying the desperate antics of political scavengers.”

Dare added that the Tinubu led administration is focused on delivering tangible results rather than dignifying the desperate antics of political opportunists.

The Presidential Spokesperson listed the achievements of the Tinubu-led administration to include, stability of naira, harmonised exchange rates, increased oil production up to 1.7MBPD, increase in FAAC allocations by over 60%.

He also outlined the Federal government support provided for 31 states, once crippled by debt and now paying salaries, pensions, and contractors, decoupling of Naira from oil market volatility, regaining resilience, restoration of electricity to long-neglected communities.

Others include, Infrastructure delivered: Ogbia-Nembe Road, Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Road, and more, NELFUND: about 400,000 students benefit from the historic loan scheme and the establishment of Regional Commissions to drive balanced development nationwide.

Also mentioned was the Consumer Credit Scheme launched , a project he described as a foundation laying scheme for a credit-based economy and attacking corruption at its root.

Mr Dare added that the above listed are not press statements but tangible, measurable, and ongoing under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.

The Presidential aide urged Nigerians not to disregard what he decribed as a “distracting noise from a group clearly struggling for relevance.”

“Let it be said without equivocation: Nigerians are not fooled. No press statement — however venomous — can erase the facts of progress.

“President Tinubu honoured Buhari with dignity in death and continues to honour his legacy through hard work, not hollow words.

“Governance continues, Nigeria is stable, and President Tinubu remains focused on delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda, not on dignifying the desperate antics of political scavengers.

“Nigerians should ignore this political noise from an outfit gasping for attention,” he added.

Read Mr Sunday Dare’s Statement below ;

RE: BUHARI’S BURIAL — A RESPONSE TO ADC’S OBNOXIOUS STATEMENT

The latest outburst from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) regarding former President Buhari’s state burial is nothing but an opportunistic exercise in manufactured outrage — a laughable tantrum by a poorly amalgamated political contraption desperately clutching at straws for relevance it will never attain.

This is not the first time the ADC — in its pitiful, stuttering attempts at reinvention — has embarrassed itself with hollow, attention-seeking criticisms and press releases. A party still grappling with an identity crisis presumes lecturing the President of the Federal Republic on governance, decorum, and public accountability. How utterly ridiculous.

Since its emergence, the ADC has resorted to issuing disjointed press statements on every passing event to remind Nigerians it now exists. In its desperation to look like an opposition party, it has now crossed every known line of decency.

Their latest press release, alleging that President Tinubu’s government is “exploiting” the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari for political gain, is not only dishonest — it is an insult to millions of Nigerians who genuinely mourn the loss of a statesman, and who watched the State Burial accorded Buhari with solemn respect and dignity.

Let it be said clearly: the ADC is the one exploiting Buhari’s death for political attention, not this government. They have chosen to dance on his grave for relevance. From Atiku and El Rufai’s choreographed arrival in Daura — greeted with chants seeking to make political capital from the solemnity of the moment — to this disgraceful press statement, the ADC has shown itself to be utterly shameless.

For clarity, President Tinubu’s administration is neither desperate nor searching for cheap popularity. This government would rather allow its growing list of achievements to speak louder than the noisy irrelevance of groups like the ADC.

The burial of former President Buhari was conducted with the complete honour befitting a leader of his stature. That is why world leaders showed up, millions of Nigerians tuned in on television and across social media, and even ADC promoters were falling over themselves in Daura, prancing about the Buhari family compound like eager real estate agents scouting new territory.

What has this administration done while the ADC howls?

1. Naira stabilised, exchange rates harmonised.

2. Oil production up to 1.7MBPD.

3. FAAC allocations increased by over 60%.

4. 31 states, once crippled by debt, are now paying salaries, pensions, and contractors.

5. Naira decoupled from oil market volatility, regaining resilience.

6. Electricity restored to long-neglected communities.

7. Infrastructure delivered: Ogbia-Nembe Road, Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Road, and more.

8. NELFUND: About 400,000 students benefit from the historic loan scheme.

9. Regional Commissions were established to drive balanced development nationwide.

10. Consumer Credit Scheme launched — a first, laying the foundation for a credit-based economy and attacking corruption at its root.

These are not press statements. These are results. Tangible, measurable, and ongoing. That is leadership.

What does the ADC offer Nigerians beyond sanctimonious whining? Absolutely nothing. If the ADC spent merely half the time it uses on press releases to handle issues from its disenchanted members, the party wouldn’t grapple with many legal problems. This party is consumed by internal squabbles, facing multiple court cases over its very existence, and reduced to issuing these baseless attacks to cling to the fringes of relevance. Are these strange bedfellows, ones to be taken seriously?

No.

Let it be said without equivocation: Nigerians are not fooled. No press statement — however venomous — can erase the facts of progress.

President Tinubu honoured Buhari with dignity in death and continues to honour his legacy through hard work, not hollow words.

Governance continues, Nigeria is stable, and President Tinubu remains focused on delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda, not on dignifying the desperate antics of political scavengers.

Nigerians should ignore this political noise from an outfit gasping for attention.

Sunday Dare
Special Adviser to the President o
(Media & Public Communications)
July 19, 2025

Presidency Slams ADC For Insensitive Comments on Buhari’s Burial

Oluwasola Akintonde

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July 19, 2025

0

Presidency Slams ADC For Insensitive Comments on Buhari’s Burial

The Presidency has strongly rejected claims by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) accusing President Bola Tinubu’s administration of exploiting the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari for political gain.

In a statement titled : RE: BUHARI’S BURIAL — A RESPONSE TO ADC’S OBNOXIOUS STATEMENT, by the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Public Communications, Mr Sunday Dare, described the allegations as both dishonest and deeply disrespectful.

Highlighting the solemnity and dignity with which the State Burial ceremony for late Muhammadu Buhari was conducted, the Presidential aide emphasised that such remarks are an affront to the millions of Nigerians who sincerely mourn the loss of the revered statesman.

“Since its emergence, the ADC has resorted to issuing disjointed press statements on every passing event to remind Nigerians it now exists. In its desperation to look like an opposition party, it has now crossed every known line of decency.

“Their latest press release, alleging that President Tinubu’s government is “exploiting” the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari for political gain, is not only dishonest — it is an insult to millions of Nigerians who genuinely mourn the loss of a statesman, and who watched the State Burial accorded Buhari with solemn respect and dignity.” Mr Dare stated.

The Presidential Spokesperson further noted that President Tinubu’s administration is neither desperate nor seeking cheap popularity, he added that Instead, the government allows its “tangible achievements speak volumes, rising far above the distracting noise and political posturing of marginal groups such as the ADC.”

Mr. Dare affirmed that President Tinubu honored his late predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, with the dignity befitting his passing and continues to uphold his legacy through dedicated hardwork rather than empty rhetoric.

He noted that governance is a continum and that President Tinubu remains focused on delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda, “not on dignifying the desperate antics of political scavengers.”

Dare added that “the Tinubu led administration is focused on delivering tangible results rather than dignifying the desperate antics of political opportunists”.

The Presidential Spokesperson listed the achievements of the Tinubu-led administration to include, stability of naira, harmonised exchange rates, increased oil production up to 1.7MBPD, increase in FAAC allocations by over 60%.

He also outlined the Federal government support provided for 31 states, once crippled by debt and now paying salaries, pensions, and contractors, decoupling of Naira from oil market volatility, regaining resilience, restoration of electricity to long-neglected communities.

Others include, Infrastructure delivered: Ogbia-Nembe Road, Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Road, and more, NELFUND: about 400,000 students benefit from the historic loan scheme and the establishment of Regional Commissions to drive balanced development nationwide.

Also mentioned was the Consumer Credit Scheme launched , a project he described as a foundation laying scheme for a credit-based economy and attacking corruption at its root.

Mr Dare added that the above listed are not press statements but tangible, measurable, and ongoing under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.

The Presidential aide urged Nigerians not to disregard what he decribed as a “distracting noise from a group clearly struggling for relevance.”

“Let it be said without equivocation: Nigerians are not fooled. No press statement — however venomous — can erase the facts of progress.

“President Tinubu honoured Buhari with dignity in death and continues to honour his legacy through hard work, not hollow words.

“Governance continues, Nigeria is stable, and President Tinubu remains focused on delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda, not on dignifying the desperate antics of political scavengers.

“Nigerians should ignore this political noise from an outfit gasping for attention.” He added.

Read Mr Sunday Dare’s Statement below ;

RE: BUHARI’S BURIAL — A RESPONSE TO ADC’S OBNOXIOUS STATEMENT

The latest outburst from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) regarding former President Buhari’s state burial is nothing but an opportunistic exercise in manufactured outrage — a laughable tantrum by a poorly amalgamated political contraption desperately clutching at straws for relevance it will never attain.

This is not the first time the ADC — in its pitiful, stuttering attempts at reinvention — has embarrassed itself with hollow, attention-seeking criticisms and press releases. A party still grappling with an identity crisis presumes lecturing the President of the Federal Republic on governance, decorum, and public accountability. How utterly ridiculous.

Since its emergence, the ADC has resorted to issuing disjointed press statements on every passing event to remind Nigerians it now exists. In its desperation to look like an opposition party, it has now crossed every known line of decency.

Their latest press release, alleging that President Tinubu’s government is “exploiting” the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari for political gain, is not only dishonest — it is an insult to millions of Nigerians who genuinely mourn the loss of a statesman, and who watched the State Burial accorded Buhari with solemn respect and dignity.

Let it be said clearly: the ADC is the one exploiting Buhari’s death for political attention, not this government. They have chosen to dance on his grave for relevance. From Atiku and El Rufai’s choreographed arrival in Daura — greeted with chants seeking to make political capital from the solemnity of the moment — to this disgraceful press statement, the ADC has shown itself to be utterly shameless.

For clarity, President Tinubu’s administration is neither desperate nor searching for cheap popularity. This government would rather allow its growing list of achievements to speak louder than the noisy irrelevance of groups like the ADC.

The burial of former President Buhari was conducted with the complete honour befitting a leader of his stature. That is why world leaders showed up, millions of Nigerians tuned in on television and across social media, and even ADC promoters were falling over themselves in Daura, prancing about the Buhari family compound like eager real estate agents scouting new territory.

What has this administration done while the ADC howls?

1. Naira stabilised, exchange rates harmonised.

2. Oil production up to 1.7MBPD.

3. FAAC allocations increased by over 60%.

4. 31 states, once crippled by debt, are now paying salaries, pensions, and contractors.

5. Naira decoupled from oil market volatility, regaining resilience.

6. Electricity restored to long-neglected communities.

7. Infrastructure delivered: Ogbia-Nembe Road, Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Road, and more.

8. NELFUND: About 400,000 students benefit from the historic loan scheme.

9. Regional Commissions were established to drive balanced development nationwide.

10. Consumer Credit Scheme launched — a first, laying the foundation for a credit-based economy and attacking corruption at its root.

These are not press statements. These are results. Tangible, measurable, and ongoing. That is leadership.

What does the ADC offer Nigerians beyond sanctimonious whining? Absolutely nothing. If the ADC spent merely half the time it uses on press releases to handle issues from its disenchanted members, the party wouldn’t grapple with many legal problems. This party is consumed by internal squabbles, facing multiple court cases over its very existence, and reduced to issuing these baseless attacks to cling to the fringes of relevance. Are these strange bedfellows, ones to be taken seriously?

No.

Let it be said without equivocation: Nigerians are not fooled. No press statement — however venomous — can erase the facts of progress.

President Tinubu honoured Buhari with dignity in death and continues to honour his legacy through hard work, not hollow words.

Governance continues, Nigeria is stable, and President Tinubu remains focused on delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda, not on dignifying the desperate antics of political scavengers.

Nigerians should ignore this political noise from an outfit gasping for attention.

Olusola Akintonde

 NUJ FCT Chair Promises Transformational 2025 Press Week

Health

patience ameh

-

July 19, 2025

0

NUJ FCT Chair Promises Transformational 2025 Press Week

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Grace Ike, says the upcoming 2025 Press Week will mark a significant departure from the usual routine.

In an exclusive interview with Voice of Nigeria, Ike emphasized that the Council is now more intentional about its activities, aiming to reshape public perception of the media.

“We’ve gotten to a point where we’re no longer doing activities just for the sake of it. We’re stepping into the media space with purpose, letting people know that we are changing the narrative,” she stated.

“It is no longer business as usual and in the course of this programme, we hope to see changes at the council level in terms of infrastructural development.

That is one big area , we are yearning towards and we know that with Mr. Project, the Honourable Minister of the Federal capital Territory, Mr Nyesome Wike present, it will go a long way to see that the yearnings and cries of journalists, particularly FCT is given adequate attention,” She expressed the hope.

Outlining activities for the this 2025 press week, Ike said it kick-started on Friday with jummat prayers.

“We went to the mosque, My vice chairman, led the team to go to the mosque to , give Allah praises for how far we have come and to also seek his blessings, while we embark on this remaining five days for the press week,”

“ Today is Saturday is medical outreach. We also felt it is necessary for us to come up with a medical outreach for our members. For me it is paramount, We are always chasing the story. We are always the frontline workers in the quest for truth, justice, national development but we barely have time for ourselves,”

She appreciated Nizamiye Hospital for partnering with the Council for the outreach saying “This is the second one we are having with the esteemed Nizamiye hospital, we found favour and they decided to embark on this for us. They also billed two persons for medical eye surgery,”

Ike said on Sunday, there will be a Church Service “ to say thank you to God for how far we’ve come and we ask for more blessings going forward,”

The Chairman said the 2025 Press Week theme, “Journalism in a Changing World: Press Freedom, Media,Democracy and the Society” is centered on journalists in an evolving world and what they face.

She added that on Monday, Journalists will “Walk for Press Freedom” promoting ethical journalism.

“Despite the challenges, we’ll continue to reclaim the civic space. Despite the harassment, despite the intimidation, we’ll remain strong to ensure that we carry out our duties,”

While declaring zero tolerance for false publications, and clamouring for press freedom, Ike cautioned:

“so while we are doing your story, it must be balanced, your story must be such that you do not misinform the public, so that we can write without any intimidation, censorship and carry out our duties effectively. But I also tell my people, while you clamour for press freedom, you must write and do it responsibly because journalism without responsibility is a no-no for me”

She stated that the climax of the Press Week will be a Public Lecture, slated for Tuesday, July 22, 2025, to be graced , by high profile dignitaries.

“ The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abas Tajudeen PhD is expected to be the Guest Speaker. The Chairman of Occasion, former Governor of Nassarawa State, Tanko Almakkura. We are also expecting the First lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the wife of the President, Her Excellency Oluremi Tinubu. So, the programme is well-packaged and packed,”

Rounding off with optimism, She Congratulated all Journalists in the FCT and appreciated Transcorp Hilton Hotel for partnering with the Council in hosting the public lecture.

“ I also want to say thank you to Transcorp Hilton for partnering with NUJ, for giving us that place free. I’m happy that we also have sponsors who have decided to identify with the union. So, it’s a step in the right direction and a welcome development. I want to say congratulations to members of NUJ FCT, Abuja “ She rounded off.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Medical Director of the Nizamiye Hospital, Dr Nurullo Sadikov says the Medical Outreach collaboration with the Nigerian Union of Journalists, FCT, is one of the social responsibility projects of the hospital.

“With this outreach programme we want to prevent chronic diseases and then we want to manage the acute problems at the moment.”

Sadikov added that it want to also give the awareness to the community about the sickness and prevention of diseases.

“…as a journalist all have mostly, at the moment what we are seeing, they have the eye problems because of so much reading and writing. So they have to escape and save their eyes,”

He cautioned Journalists on the needs for healthy living and diet

“Every time, every day working, walking , healthy, working skills we are advising; better to prevent the diseases than treat it,” He advised.

General Practitioner, Dr. Elyon Wodung also advised Journalists on regular medical check-ups.

“despite the fact that your job can be quite demanding and all. Coming in for medical check-ups and regular follow-ups and all that will be very good and beneficial to all of them.” He charged

A Former Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Paul Ella Abechi commended the organisers of the outreach, saying “It’s a legacy that will be remembered and should continue,”

Emilia Ohuabunwa, a participant, adjudged the outreach as a very laudable.

“Its very laudable for the fact that they went out to bring a reputable foreign medical team, with high quality drugs, equipment and staff who listened and attended to us patiently,” she commended.

The NUJ FCT Council, 2025 Press Week which commenced on Friday, July 18th will run until July 25th 2025.

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