The Nigeria Gemstone and Jewellery Expo has begun in Ibadan, Oyo State, focusing on exploring opportunities for sustainable development and investment in the gemstone sector.
The Gemstone Miners and Marketers Association of Nigeria (GMMAN) President, Mr Adeniran Ajibade, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, explained that the conference would bring together industry players, policymakers, international dealers, private operators along the gemstone value chain and other stakeholders to discuss funding opportunities aimed at developing the sector.
According to him, the conference theme, “Financing Sustainable Practices in Gemstone Mining and Processing, Jewellery Production and Marketing”, is designed to chart a roadmap for the sustainable development of Nigeria’s gemstone industry.
“The Nigerian gemstone industry has a lot of potential because the country is endowed with a wide variety of quality gemstones. At present, we are still at the early stages of development, but we need to move the process forward.
“We need to produce more, process more, add more value and export, while also encouraging increased usage of gemstones within Nigeria,” he said.
Ajibade noted that the government, as regulator of the mining sector, has already provided a roadmap for industry growth, which operators such as GMMAN have aligned with.
He stressed that their engagements with the government were geared towards ensuring the creation of an enabling environment that will drive private-sector participation and investment.
Major Challenge
According to him, financing is a major challenge in the sector, a challenge that is not peculiar to the gemstone industry but rather reflects the broader Nigerian business environment.
“The conference will therefore look at innovative ways to source funding and provide support along the value chain,” he said
Ajibade described funding for mining as high risk but said the risk for funding trading and processing, including value addition, could be lower.
“We have invited some key players who have actually succeeded in sourcing finances for their mining project to share their experience with us,“ he said.
The conference will take place from 25 to 27 August at the University of Ibadan International Conference Centre, Oyo State, South west Nigeria.
Key topics for discussion include government policy and Support for Investment in the Mining and gemstone industry, controlled blasting techniques for Safe and Efficient Mining of gemstones and Unlocking the Potentials of the jewellery industry.
Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, have seized over 32,000 litres of stolen petroleum products and arrested 69 suspects in a two-week clampdown on oil theft across the Niger Delta region.
The operations, this week, mark one of the most extensive anti-oil theft crackdowns in recent months, targeting hotspots in Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom States.
According to a statement by the Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the troops also deactivated nine illegal refining sites in collaboration with other security agencies.
In Delta State, two trucks conveying over 15,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) were intercepted in Sapele, leading to the arrest of three suspects. Additional recoveries in Nana Town, Warri North.
He said: “In Rivers State, three illegal refining sites were dismantled in Degema, yielding 7,000 litres of stolen products and a wooden boat. Troops also intercepted boats carrying stolen condensates in Omoku and recovered 1,500 litres of condensate near an illegal connection point.
“Operations in Oyigbo and Okrika led to further seizures.” “Similar raids in Andoni and along the Imo River uncovered stolen petroleum products, pipes, and valves, while two refining sites were destroyed in Obuzor and Oyigbo.
“In Bayelsa, troops discovered two reservoirs with 7,000 litres of stolen crude at Biseni, and in Akwa Ibom.”
The suspects have been handed over to appropriate authorities for prosecution, while seized products are being managed in line with operational mandates.
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, Southern Nigeria, has reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive governance, local government autonomy, and sustainable development by unveiling a ₦10 billion direct empowerment scheme across the state.
He made the announcement at the ARISE Town Square Meeting and Empowerment of Etinan Federal Constituency, which comprises Etinan, Nsit Ibom, and Nsit Ubium Local Government Areas, tagged “The Grand Homecoming.’
Unveiling the empowerment plan, Governor Eno said; ‘We have put ₦10 billion in the budget for empowerment The funds were carefully allocated: N2 billion each for farmers, traders, students, MSMEs, and other categories.”
He also highlighted additional initiatives, including N2 billion counterpart funding with the Bank of Industry to support small businesses, while urging youths to embrace digital registration for easier access to opportunities.
“Please go to the portal. There will be no slots. If you are not registered, you cannot benefit. Every young person must embrace digital literacy. Even mechanics now use computers. You must learn,”the Governor told the youths.
Governor Eno also announced the disbursement of ₦361.45 million to 844 beneficiaries from Etinan Federal Constituency.
Local Government Autonomy
On the role of local government councils’ autonomy, and transparency, the Governor said: “I stand boldly to be challenged: I have never touched local government funds. Salaries of teachers and workers must first be deducted, the rest is theirs.”
He however stated that “each chairman must live in his LGA headquarters. That is why we have awarded contracts for 30 chairman residences. By God’s grace, they will be completed.”
On youth empowerment, Governor Eno charged Local Government Chairmen to support the new initiative:
“We are establishing Youth Friendly Centres in all 31 LGAs. Let every chairman give us 1,000 square metres of land. It is first come, first serve. Whoever brings the land first, we will start with them.”
The Governor dismissed allegations and speculations that the the just concluded 10 Town Square meeting were state-funded.
“People think this is government money. No. The government does not put a dime into this gathering. Stakeholders in the various federal constituencies tax themselves to sponsor this event. There is no budget for it. I am grateful for their love and trust, ” he explained
Support for Entrepreneurs
To foster national cohesion in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda, the Governor announced ₦800 million support for non-indigene entrepreneurs resident in the State.
“We have kept aside ₦800 million for non-indigenes living and doing business here. We will verify those who are here for peace and progress and support them. But if you are here to make trouble, we will show you the way back,”he said.
Reiterating his agricultural agenda, Governor Eno said: “Farmers will receive renewed grants. Agriculture is the way to food security, and our administration will continue to support our farmers.”
He lauded the resilience of women and youths, pledging sustained empowerment and inclusive governance as his administration deepens grassroots development across the state.
On aviation, Governor Eno assured the gathering that “Ibom Air remains our pride. It is the flagship of Akwa Ibom. We will continue to sustain it.”
He called for party unity under the APC, saying: “Akwa Ibom is now connected to the centre. We are an APC state. Our symbol, the broom, stands for unity, oneness, and togetherness.”
He paid glowing tributes to Leaders at the national level, pledging support for national good.
“I thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and all leaders who have supported us. We must close ranks and work as one for the good of our state.” he commended.
The Governor further reassured all Akwa Ibom residents that “this Town Square meeting may end today, but service to Akwa Ibom has not ended. We have come to assess your needs, and we will continue to work with you to deliver more.”
The Benue State House of Assembly has elected Berger Emberga as its new Speaker of the 10th Assembly, following the sudden resignation of Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh.
Emberga, who represents Makurdi North State Constituency, was sworn in on Sunday, during an emergency session presided over by Deputy Speaker, Lami Danladi Ogenyi.
Berger’s emergence as Speaker marks a significant political shift within the Assembly following his recall from a three day suspension along side three others.
They faced suspension after attempting to move a motion for the impeachment of the former Speaker.
The suspension, viewed by many as politically charged, was later lifted by Deputy Speaker Danladi, clearing the way for Berger’s return and subsequent elevation.
Observers say “the rapid developments reflect deepening divisions within the House but also highlight a strategic realignment among members.”
A motion to elect Emberga representing Makurdi North was moved by Douglas Akya of Makurdi South and seconded by Abu Umoru of Apa State Constituency.
In his acceptance speech, Emberga pledged inclusive leadership and paid tribute to his predecessor for his contributions to the legislature
Former Speaker Dajoh, in his resignation letter read by the Clerk, said “he stepped down in good faith and in the best interest of the state, assuring his continued service as representative of Gboko West Constituency.”
Governor Hyacinth Alia, in a congratulatory message, described Emberga’s election as ‘a demonstration of confidence by colleagues and a commitment to democratic values.’
He urged the new Speaker to sustain harmony between the legislature, executive and judiciary for effective governance and delivery of democratic dividends..
The Governor also commended the outgone Speaker for his role in law-making and pledged the executive’s support for the Assembly under its new leadership.
President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Brazil on a two-day state visit to strengthen cooperation and sign agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the Brazilian government.
The Presidential Jet, Nigerian Air Force One (NAF-001), with the call sign “Eagle One”, landed at 12:30am, early Monday Morning, at Brasilia Air Base International Airport, Brazil.
President Tinubu, who flew in from Los Angeles, United States, was received by senior Brazilian government officials at the Brasília Air Base.
The officials included Ambassador Carlos Sérgio Sobral Duarte, Secretary for Africa and the Middle East and Ambassador Carlos José Areias Moreno Garcete, Ambassador of Brazil to Nigeria.
Nigeria’s Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, was also at the Air Base reception.
Other ministers, heads of key government agencies, and private sector members, who will participate in series of bilateral talks and MOU signings, later welcomed President Tinubu to his hotel.
The official welcoming ceremony, with full military honours, was also scheduled for the Nigerian Leader by the Brazilian government at the Planalto Palace.
At the Planalto, President Tinubu and the President of the Federative Republic of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, will hold a tête-à-tête, followed by expanded bilateral meetings attended by senior officials of both governments.
The leaders will witness the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and address a joint press conference afterwards.
Other Engagements
During the state visit, President Tinubu will meet with the President of the Brazilian Senate at the National Congress, the President of the Chamber of Deputies, and the President of the Supreme Federal Court.
He will also participate in the Nigeria-Brazil Business Forum as part of a packed programme in Brasília on Monday.
Explaining President Tinubu’s third visit to Brazil in about 12months, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Mr Sunday Dare, in a post on his X social media handle, described the President’s visit as a strategic step, aimed at deepening cooperation with Latin America’s largest economy and a key member of the BRICS.
According to Mr Dare, “the State Visit is yet another of President Tinubu’s Power Forward Diplomacy (PFD), one that obliterates obstacles but propels Nigeria into a new era of bold economic and political diplomacy.”
He highlighted that the President’s visit to Brazil reflects Nigeria’s broader ambition to diversify and strengthen its economy beyond traditional alliances.
”Carefully Crafted Strategy”
The Presidential Spokesperson, explained that “the State Visit is the next leap forward in a carefully crafted strategy — one that transforms shared history and mutual challenges into shared prosperity.”
Mr Dare listed the reasons the President’s visit is not only timely but essential for Nigeria’s growth.
“This is the third visit of President Tinubu to Brazil, and it is with a justifiable cause. “It reflects a renewed and focused effort to build lasting economic integration between our countries—a journey that started 21 years ago under President Obasanjo and has gained fresh momentum under President Tinubu.”
The Special Adviser to the President on Media underscored the demographic parallels between Nigeria and Brazil, emphasising their comparable population sizes as a strategic foundation for deepening collaboration.
He highlighted Nigeria’s burgeoning population, projected at approximately 238 million in 2025, closely mirroring Brazil’s estimated 213 million inhabitants in the same year
“Brazil has a cattle herd of 238 million, even more than its human population. “This success in agribusiness offers valuable lessons for us as we expand our livestock industry,” he said. Substantial Agreements
Dare clarified that President Tinubu’s visit represents a decisive shift from diplomacy to substantial economic and political agreements.
“This third visit is a state visit, and it moves Nigeria from being a dialogue partner to actively cutting the necessary deals that will open up investments and strengthen cooperation,” he added.
Dare described President Tinubu’s visit to Brazil as a handshake between two Global players in their own rights across the Atlantic
He emphasized that Brazil is not a detour but a destination for mutual growth and enhanced opportunities
”Let the world take note : Brazil is therefore not a detour but a destination,” Mr Dare said.
During President Tinubu’s two day official state visit , the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and Brazil is expected to be finalised.
This landmark agreement aims to establish direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil, with anticipated operations of four to five weekly flights crossing the South Atlantic.
The BASA will facilitate frequent air travel, reduce travel time and logistics costs, boost trade (especially agricultural and manufactured exports), expand tourism, and deepen cultural ties between the two countries.
In other areas of agriculture, the Green Imperative Partnership (GIP), which kicks off after the visit, is to generate not less than 100,000 direct jobs and more than five million indirect jobs.
The agreement also includes potential cooperation on pilot training and airport infrastructure upgrades, further strengthening bilateral relations and economic resilience.
Sustainable Supply Chains
Brazil is a key partner in Nigeria’s food security programme.
The $2.5 billion JBS investment to strengthen food security and develop sustainable supply chains was signed in Brazil during President Tinubu’s participation at the 2024 G20 Leaders’ Summit.
The project aims to boost local production and create job opportunities for Nigerian youths.
The Green Imperative Programme (GIP), a $1.1 billion agricultural mechanisation project launched in 2019, is also on course.
It aims to supply 10,000 tractors and 50,000 units of farm equipment for assembly in Nigeria.
President Tinubu was also in Japan, last week, where he attended the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9).
Serbian tennis sensation, Novak Djokovic, delivered a lesson in Grand Slam tenacity to Learner Tien in the first round of the US Open on Sunday, as he battled past the American teenager 6-1 7-6(3) 6-2 and launched his latest quest for a record 25th major title.
Competing in his first singles match since reaching the Wimbledon semi-finals last month, the 38-year-old Serb fought through physical issues to secure his 80th win at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Victory also meant Djokovic became the first player since the sport turned professional in 1968 to win 75 straight opening-round matches at the Grand Slams, with 55 of those wins coming in straight sets.
Novak Djokovic. (R) and Learner Tien (L).
“It was a strange kind of match,” said Djokovic, who looked to be struggling with injury midway through the match. “The first set was 20 minutes and then the second one was one hour and 20, quite the opposite sets we played.”
“It was key for me to hold my nerve in the second set and clinch it in a tiebreak. After that I started feeling better. I can always do better but it’s a great way to start this year’s campaign.”
The seventh seed shrugged off a time violation to consolidate an early break at the start of the contest and a heated debate with the chair umpire shortly afterwards spurred him on to wrap up the opening set in double quick time.
The 19-year-old Tien, on a near-impossible mission to hand Djokovic his first opening-round loss at a Grand Slam since the 2006 Australian Open, had his chances to draw level during a draining second set but crumbled in the tiebreak.
After treatment for a right foot blister, Djokovic produced heavy groundstrokes from the baseline to break for a 3-1 lead in the third set and the four-times New York champion never looked back from there, booking a match-up with American Zachary Svajda.
The curtains have officially come down on the African Cadet & Junior Taekwondo Championships, bringing to a close several days of intense competition, remarkable athleticism and spirited camaraderie among Africa’s rising taekwondo stars.
The event took place at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, where athletes from over 15 countries across Africa including Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, Niger, Ivory Coast, etc, featured and showcased their skills.
National Sports Commission (NSC) chairman, Shehu Dikko, graced the closing ceremony and presented medals to outstanding athletes.
This is the first event hosted in Nigeria at this level of Taekwondo and Nigeria had its best showing winning medals across several categories ensuring a clear pathway for the futures.
The National Sports Commission congratulated all participants for their inspiring performances and celebrates Nigeria’s pride in hosting this successful continental event.
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As the athletes depart, they take with them not just memories of fierce competition but also the spirit of sportsmanship and the motivation to continue honing their craft.
The African Cadet & Junior Taekwondo Championships have once again proven to be a pivotal event for the sport’s growth on the continent, promising a bright future for African taekwondo on the global stage.
The World Bank has officially handed over 114 newly revitalised Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in Gombe State, northern Nigeria, in a bid to expand access to quality healthcare for rural communities.
The initiative, delivered through the Immunization Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services (IMPACT), in collaboration with the Gombe State Government, is designed to strengthen maternal and child health services, expand immunisation coverage, and improve malaria prevention in hard-to-reach areas.
It aims to enhance maternal and child health, immunisation, malaria prevention, and other essential services in underserved areas.
Officials say “the intervention is part of a broader effort to strengthen the state’s primary healthcare system and improve outcomes in remote regions.”
The Task Team Lead of the World Bank’s IMPACT project, Dr. Onoriode Ezire, and the Gombe State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Habu Dahiru, led dignitaries and officials from the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, the Gombe State Primary Health Care Agency, and the State Contributory Health Insurance Agency, GoHealth, to hand over the keys of the upgraded facilities to selected communities.
All the revitalised centres have been upgraded to Level 2 PHCs. They are now equipped with standard facilities, including labour rooms, staff quarters, immunisation units, antenatal care services, pharmacies, VIP toilets, solar-powered lighting, and boreholes.
The centres also benefited from improved access to essential drugs, medical consumables, qualified staff, and modern equipment.
Commissioning the facilities at Akko PHC on behalf of the State Governor, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Manassah Jatau, described the development as a ‘major milestone in the administration’s effort to strengthen primary healthcare across the state.’
Dr. Jatau said, “To God be the glory for granting us the privilege to witness this event that concerns our health, without which, none of our human activities can thrive.”
He highlighted the progress made in the health sector since Governor Yahaya assumed office in 2019, noting that the state’s budgetary allocation to healthcare has increased from 3.5% in 2019 to 15%, in line with the Abuja Declaration.
Dr. Jatau said that, with World Bank support, 103 PHCs and an additional 66 health clinics had already been revitalised with clean water supply, solar power, medical equipment, and staff housing.
“As we commission these facilities, I emphasise the need for local ownership and sustainability. We must work together to ensure that these facilities continue to serve our people for years to come,” he added.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Habu Dahiru, explained that the revitalisation programme was initiated to address poor health indicators in the state, particularly in maternal health, malnutrition, and vaccination coverage.
Dr. Ezire of the IMPACT project commended Gombe State for its prudent use of resources.
He said, “Gombe State has set an example by constructing high-quality health facilities with limited funds across Nigeria.”
Similarly, the National Project Coordinator of IMPACT, Dr. Amina Abdu-One Mohammed, stressed the importance of ensuring that health facilities are adequately equipped with infrastructure, medicines, and personnel.
“Now that the structures, personnel, and drugs are in place, all stakeholders must ensure that people are aware of and encouraged to access these services,”she said
The Chairman of the Governing Council of the Gombe State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Kashere, praised the state government for its commitment to improving healthcare and urged residents to support the administration by making proper use of the facilities.
President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep grief over the passing of former Military Governor of Plateau State, Colonel Mohammed Mana (rtd).
In a condolence message, the President described the late Col. Mana as a gentleman and a patriot.
According to a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the President lauded Mana’s commitment to the common good and the pursuit of a better society, noting that his counsel and leadership would be sorely missed.
President Tinubu described Mana as a distinguished patriot and officer-gentleman who gave much to his fatherland.
Commiserating with the family, friends, and associates of Col. Mana (rtd), who passed away in the early hours of Saturday in Abuja, the President also condoled with the people and government of Adamawa State, as well as members of APC in the state, who benefited from Senator Mana’s wisdom.
Until his death, Senator Mana was the chairman of the party’s Reconciliation Committee.
The late Col. Mohammed Mana, who died on 22nd August, served as Military Administrator of Plateau State between December 1993 and August 1996.
He was also a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and represented Adamawa North in the Senate between 2007 and 2011
Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, says the Reserved Seats Bill before the National Assembly presents a great opportunity to correct the gender imbalance in leadership and strengthen the nation’s democracy.
Speaking during an online legislative advocacy webinar convened by the Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Minister stressed that Nigeria must not miss the chance to bridge long-standing significant gaps in representation, and project itself as a democracy committed to fairness and global best practices.
“This bill presents a historic opportunity to correct the imbalance in representation. For too long, policies that directly affect women and girls have been shaped without adequate female voices at the table. By ensuring women’s inclusion, Nigeria will be reinforcing the strength of our democracy while aligning with international standards,” she declared.
The Minister commended the leaders at the national and subnational levels, appealing for strategic support.
Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim
“For the first time, we have leaders, that understand gender issues and the importance of, mainstreaming gender into all of our affairs; knowing that it’s smart economics, that for any country to address economic gaps, you have to feature both genders so that we don’t continue to limp on one leg
“Most men you see today in leadership positions know the importance of having women in those roles,” she said.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim also observed that women already bear a significant share of the nation’s socio-economic responsibilities and deserve a place where decisions are made.
“Today in Nigeria, more than 70 percent of homes are headed by women who serve as breadwinners. Women and men think differently, they solve problems differently. For any nation to truly address economic gaps, both genders must feature, so that we do not continue to limp on one leg,”she stressed.
The Minister emphasised that the Bill must be treated as a serious legal instrument to avoid implementation gaps.
“This is not a jamboree. My only caution is that we should be very, very mindful and we should ensure that we perfect this legal instrument so that when it’s being passed, it’s implementable and it can be able to quickly solve our problems… the last thing we want is to end up with a problem and trying to solve a problem. This is something that can make history,” Sulaiman-Ibrahim declared.
Bold Step
In her contribution, the UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, commended the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and other stakeholders for their leadership in advancing the Reserved Seats Bill, describing it as a bold step for Nigeria’s democracy.
“I would believe the bill is yet another opportunity to deepen that reform agenda by strengthening Nigeria’s democratisation process… Now, the HB 1349 is not about special favours. It is about fairness. It is about justice and nation building,” she said.
The UNDP Representative also cited lessons from other African nations.
“Other African countries have walked this path with success. We know that Rwanda, Tanzania, Senegal, and Uganda have demonstrated. That when women are in Parliament in greater numbers, Parliament delivers more inclusive policies, stronger economies, and more resilient societies.
“The evidence is clear. Rwanda’s Parliament, where women hold over 60% of seats, has championed far-reaching reforms in education, child health, digital inclusion… Uganda’s reserve seats for women has enabled stronger legislation on gender-based violence, maternal health, and significant affirmative action programmes for women’s economic empowerment,” she noted.
Situating the discourse to Nigeria, Attafuah reminded that Nigerian families already nurture daughters with aspirations that equal to any nation’s needs.
UNDP Resident Representative Elsie Attafuah
“Every Nigerian family invests heavily in the education of their daughters… Many of these young women rise to global platforms as scholars, entrepreneurs, and leaders. Why then should they not also have a platform to play a role in nation-building, in governance, in shaping Nigeria’s future?
“This is a once-in-a-generation window, friends. With momentum for women’s groups, bipartisan champions, and public support, the 10th Assembly can make history. Nigeria can make history,” she stressed.
She concluded: “Passing this bill will send a powerful message that Nigeria believes in the potential of all its citizens, women and men, to shape its future. Because inclusive governance is not just the right thing to do, it is also about smart economics, smart politics, smart development. So colleagues and friends, this is Nigeria’s moment to rise. Let us not miss it.”
The Reserved Seats Bill (HB 1349) seeks to create additional parliamentary positions exclusively for women, aimed at broadening women representation and strengthening Nigeria’s governance and democratic process.
The webinar themed “Understanding HB1349” aimed at deepening a wider understanding of the Reserved Seats Bill, unpacking the real intent of the bill, addressing prevailing myths, and highlighting its potential to transform representation and governance in Nigeria.
Stakeholders at the webinar urged citizens to ensure its passage by the 10th National Assembly by taking ownership of the process, to build a country where everyone truly has a seat at the table through sustained advocacy, accountability, and cross-party support .
