Nigeria and Israel have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation in security, counter-terrorism, and economic development.
The pledge was made during a high-level political dialogue held in Abuja between Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and Israel’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sharren Miriam Haskel-Harpaz.
Both countries emphasised the need for stronger collaboration in intelligence gathering, information sharing, and counter-terrorism financing.
They also stressed the importance of advanced security training to combat global threats.
Discussions focused on enhancing trade and investment opportunities, with Nigeria seeking to leverage Israel’s expertise in technology and innovation to boost its economic growth.
The two nations agreed to promote cultural exchange programmes, tourism, and cooperation in agriculture to strengthen people-to-people ties.
They further explored collaboration in technology and innovation for border management, capacity building, and consular and immigration matters.
To solidify their partnership, Nigeria and Israel agreed to facilitate exchange programmes and study tours to promote mutual understanding and cooperation, and to establish a more robust bilateral framework to ensure sustained dialogue and collaboration.
The meeting reflects the enduring and strategic partnership between Nigeria and Israel, with both countries committed to addressing global security challenges and advancing economic development.
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has alerted the public to a security breach at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Keffi (New), Nasarawa State, that occurred in the early hours of 12 August 2025.
According to an official statement by the Service’s Public Relations Officer, Umar Abubakar, some inmates attacked personnel on duty, compromising the facility’s security and enabling sixteen inmates to escape custody.
During efforts to contain the situation, five custodial personnel sustained varying degrees of injuries, with two in serious condition currently receiving urgent medical attention at a government health facility. Seven of the fleeing inmates have since been recaptured and returned to custody.
The Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, visited the facility and ordered a thorough investigation into the incident. He warned that “no staff will be spared if found culpable,” and directed an immediate search in collaboration with sister security agencies to recapture the remaining escapees.
He further urged the public to “remain calm, vigilant, and to promptly report any suspicious movements or sightings of fleeing inmates to the nearest security formation.”
While preliminary investigations continue to determine the circumstances surrounding the escape, the Nigerian Correctional Service reassures the public of its unwavering commitment to public safety and the security of all custodial facilities nationwide.
Senator Sunday Katung (Kaduna South-PDP) has empowered more than 500 youths and women in his constituency with industrial sewing machines, generators, and deep freezers.
The intervention, carried out in partnership with the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanisation, was aimed at enabling beneficiaries to become self-sufficient.
Speaking during the distribution in Zonkwa, Katung, represented by Simon Arabo, urged recipients to use the items to improve their lives and contribute to the economic development of their communities.
He reaffirmed his commitment to facilitating interventions that directly impact the welfare of his constituents.
In his remarks, Gideon Gwani, Chairman of the distribution committee, highlighted the inclusivity of the programme, noting that beneficiaries cut across party lines.
“Katung is not a senator that discriminates on the basis of party affiliation and that is why we have members of the APC and other parties among the beneficiaries today,” Gwani said.
He further cautioned beneficiaries to use the equipment for its intended purpose and warned against selling the items.
Kaduna South PDP Chairman, Danjuma Akuso, commended Katung’s efforts to invest in youth and women, saying his activities have helped preserve the party’s positive image locally and beyond.
Kamaludeen Nafiu, Chairman of the Southern Kaduna Tailors Association, expressed gratitude for the lawmaker’s support, stressing that Southern Kaduna has the potential to become a garment production hub and generate youth employment.
Beneficiaries Maimuna Adamu and Mohammed Zakari also thanked Senator Katung, noting that the equipment would significantly boost their businesses and help meet growing customer demand in the area.
In a major move aimed at reforming Nigeria’s freight forwarding landscape, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commenced high-level consultations with key industry stakeholders on a proposed review of licensing renewal fees for Licensed Customs Agents.
The initiative, which was disclosed at a stakeholder meeting at the NCS Headquarters in Abuja, signals a shift toward stricter regulatory standards and increased operational efficiency in the customs brokerage sector.
Present at the meeting were top executives from major freight forwarding associations including the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), the Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON), and the Customs Consultative Committee (CCC).
The planned licensing fee review is expected to take effect in January 2026, following the conclusion of ongoing stakeholder consultations.
According to the NCS, the decision is rooted in Sections 103 to 107 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and forms part of broader efforts to modernise the Service and align with economic and operational realities.
Speaking on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, the National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, stated that the revised fee structure is aimed at reinforcing professionalism, improving service quality, and eliminating sharp practices.
“This reform is about more than just rates. It is about compliance, competence, and integrity,” Dr. Maiwada said.
“Only agents who meet our professional and regulatory standards will remain in the system.”
The new licensing regime is expected to be anchored on transparency and fairness, with incentives built in for compliant operators.
These include priority processing, better communication channels with Customs officers, and streamlined integration into the Service’s enhanced digital platforms.
Industry experts see the consultations as a significant step toward sanitisizng the cargo clearance process and improving Nigeria’s trade competitiveness.
By trying licensing to performance and compliance, the NCS aims to create a system that rewards professionalism while deterring malpractice.
Dr. Maiwada further assured stakeholders of an inclusive process, noting that all feedback from associations, individuals, and relevant government agencies will be considered before final implementation.
“This is not just an administrative change; it is a strategic overhaul aimed at creating a more secure, efficient, and competitive trading environment for Nigeria,” he added.
The consultations are part of a series of reforms under the current NCS leadership, which continues to prioritize digital transformation, operational transparency, and stakeholder engagement.
As the January 2026 implementation date approaches, industry players are advised to prepare for compliance while contributing constructively to the ongoing dialogue.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) & Co-Founder, Hafrikplay, Ms. Omobosola Alaka, has urged young Nigerians to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) as one of the newest and valuable tools to boost the digital economy.
She made the appeal in an interview with Voice of Nigeria during the “The Digital Professional Fair 2025” at the Landmark Event Centre at Victoria Island, Lagos State, South-West, Nigeria.
According to her, ChatGPT, which is one of the AI tools, has been made more earlier for people to use. You do not need to sit down throughout the day in front of your laptop to think about what to type. ChatGPT is there to assist you.
Ms. Omobosola Alaka went further to advise the Nigerian government to collaborate with the organizers of “The Digital Professional Fair, to organize more events that will bring professionals and stakeholders together who have ideas to teach people in the field. This will make the profession start making the right decisions and implementations.”
In her presentation, she said that it is this kind of event that people can connect with each other in order to boost their businesses, and that is the main reason the event was organized.
She also stressed that, for people to boost their digital businesses, they should build trust and credibility in digital interactions, and make sure that their business is registered so that someone who has similar ideas will not go ahead to register the business. People should always follow the communities that relate to their field, which will help them grow their businesses.
In the same vein, a Creative Resource Consultant, content creator and also a digital marketer, Ms. Uchechi Ihuoma, in an interview with Voice of Nigeria, stated that the best place to showcase your business globally and to reach out to people is through digital marketing.
She explained some of the tools someone needs to use to start up digital marketing, “you just need a smartphone and access to the Internet. For you to grow in the business, you desire to learn and must not learn in isolation. Lots of people started to learn Digital Marketing in isolation, and it is not possible. You must read a lot and practice what you have learned because your growth comes from what you have practiced.”
Ms. Uchechi went further to appeal to the participants in her presentation that they should use their skills to make money.
A founder of Fuse Variety, Miss Hassanant Abubakar, analysed four ways to boost digital business there are skill, systems, structure and strategy.
Another Speaker during the event, Miss Amarachi Ogbonna, spoke on freelancing and Corporate jobs. She talked about the advantages, disadvantages, and how to balance both because both require discipline.
She also advised on how to make your digital page relevant, “you must be ready and consistent to develop relevant information that will attract followers. You must know what is trending on social media”.
The convener of the Digital Professional Fair, 2025, Ms.Tutu Adetunbi, disclosed the essence of the event.
According to her, the event is a career expansion of business, to sharpen the line of digital experts, solve issues in the profession and to make the digital economy better.
She also added that the event is also to help Nigerian youths to connect with experts, have a bigger vision of themselves and learn to do things differently from what they have been doing.
This Digital Professional Fair is a three-day event from 11th to 13th of August 2025.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Mr. Abbas Tajudeen has stressed the need for Nigeria to invest more in its young citizens, especially as they constitute a huge chunk of the population.
Speaker Abbas, in his message to commemorate the International Youth Day, noted that with the youthful population being the majority, the government at all levels must prioritise policies and programmes tailored towards young Nigerians.
The Speaker called for more access to quality and affordable education, while seeking skill acquisition and empowerment of the youth. This, he noted, should be considered as an investment in the future of the country.
He particularly urged the various stakeholders in the public and private sectors to invest more in talent hunts, entrepreneurship, and sports, stressing that this move will shield the youth from crime and other vices.
While urging the youth to be patriotic and law-abiding citizens, the Speaker called on the religious and cultural institutions to continue to mould young Nigerians towards virtues, and against vices.
He emphasised the need for the teeming young population to be morally upright, hardworking, disciplined, and dedicated in their endeavours.
Speaker Abbas wishes young Nigerians a happy Youth Day celebration.
The newly deployed Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in Kwara State, Dr. Hale Gabriel Longpe has paid a courtesy visit to the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
The visit, which took place at the Commission’s office in GRA, Ilorin, was aimed at strengthening institutional collaboration between the two agencies in the discharge of their statutory mandates.
Welcoming the REC, the Ilorin Zonal Director of the EFCC, Daniel Isei, commended INEC for its pivotal role in safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic process.
He reaffirmed the EFCC’s readiness to support the electoral body in ensuring free, fair, and credible elections in Kwara State.
He noted that the fight against corruption includes curbing electoral malpractices such as vote buying, bribery, and other forms of financial inducement that undermine the integrity of the polls.
Earlier, Dr. Longpet said that the visit was part of his familiarisation tour to key stakeholders in the state and a demonstration of INEC’s commitment to partnering with anti-graft agencies in the quest to deepen democracy.
He stressed that credible elections require the joint effort of all stakeholders to ensure transparency and accountability before, during, and after the electoral process.
While outlining his vision for electoral administration in the state, Dr. Longpet emphasised the need for citizens to actively participate in the ongoing voter registration exercise.
He disclosed that about 166,800 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) remain uncollected in Kwara as at today.
“I want to boost the voting strength of Kwara, but I cannot do that without people coming out to participate in voter registration,” he said, urging residents to collect their PVCs and register to vote in future elections.
Areas of Collaboration
Both agencies identified key areas of collaboration, including intelligence sharing on electoral offences, joint sensitisation campaigns to educate the public against vote trading, and the prompt prosecution of electoral offenders.
The REC expressed optimism that with the EFCC’s support, incidences of financial inducement during elections could be drastically reduced, thereby enhancing public confidence in the process.
The meeting ended on a note of mutual commitment, with both parties pledging to work closely in the interest of democracy, good governance, and the rule of law.
The Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar is set to host a crucial Group D encounter in the CAF African Nations Championship, tagged (CHAN) 2024, as Nigeria’s Home Eagles face off against Sudan.
Nigeria, considered strong contenders for the title, find themselves at the bottom of Group D with zero points after a disappointing 1-0 loss to reigning champions Senegal in their opener.
Sudan, on the other hand, salvaged a point in their first game with a 1-1 draw against Congo. While a draw isn’t ideal, it gives them a slight edge over Nigeria. The clash kicks off at 6pm (WAT) from the Amaan Stadium.
A win for Nigeria could revive their CHAN journey. For Sudan? It would fuel a campaign built on resilience, belief, and quiet determination.
PREVIEW
Under the guidance of experienced Ghanaian coach Kwesi Appiah, Sudan will be looking to capitalize on Nigeria’s shaky start and build momentum.
For Coach Eric Chelle’s men, this is a must-win fixture for Nigeria to keep their CHAN dreams alive. Anything less than three points would almost certainly spell an early exit from the tournament.
Nigeria, who lost 1-0 in its opening match to defending champions Senegal, are bottom of Group D with zero points fighting for survival, while For Sudan sits third in Group D with one point.
Home Eagles and Super Eagles coach, Chelle, was blunt about the stakes.
Coach of the Home Eagles and Super Eagles, Eric Chelle.
“I just want to win the game,” he said. “It’s my game project. I know that it’s a game project that rewards a lot of intensity and aggression. To stay ambitious, we need to win this game against Sudan.”
Chelle admitted that the pressure is immense following the defeat to Senegal: “I know there is pressure on us, and it’s normal.”
Home Eagles in training.
“We are a big country, a great football nation, and we need to do better in the next game,” he added.
“The reality now is that we are low, but we are together as a unit. If we get the three points after the game, it will breathe more life into the group.”
Nigeria’s squad news offers mixed fortunes. Left-back Taiwo Abdulrafiu, who limped off against Senegal, is fit to return.
But first-choice goalkeeper Ani Ozoemena remains sidelined with a knee injury, meaning Ebenezer will start between the posts.
In it’s openig encounter at the tournament, Sudan were held to a 1-1 draw with Congo, in a game they could have won, but defensive lapses proved costly.
Sudan had Congo on the ropes but lost their grip in the final minutes. It’s a lesson Appiah doesn’t want repeated and he’s made that clear.
For Sudan’s head coach Kwesi Appiah, the match against Nigeria is not just another match, it’s a chance to set the record straight.
Sudan’s head coach, Kwesi Appiah.
“So far, preparation has gone really well,” said Appiah, speaking with composed confidence. “Our last game against Congo didn’t go entirely our way, but now we have the opportunity to turn the tables.”
Nigeria may have stumbled in their opener against Senegal, but Appiah isn’t buying into any narratives of weakness.
“One game doesn’t define a team,” he cautioned. “Every Nigerian player is dangerous. We must be ready for a physically strong side with serious attacking intent.”
For Sudan, it’s a chance to build momentum in a campaign fuelled by belief and resilience. For Nigeria, it’s pure survival — a “do-or-die” scrap to keep their African Nations Championship hopes alive.
Two different journeys now converge under the same pressure: win or risk an early exit in the competition. With both teams desperate for points, this clash could explode into one of the group stage’s most compelling contests.
Sudan currently sit third in Group D with one point; Nigeria, bottom with none, know a loss would almost certainly send them packing.
A win for Sudan would put them within touching distance of the knockout rounds; a win for Nigeria would drag them back into contention and keep the group’s fate undecided until the final day.
Whatever the outcome, expect intensity from the first whistle — because for both sides, the margins for error have already disappeared.
The Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Jackie Waayas has described the Nigerian Youth as Architects of the Future.
Celebrating the 2025 International Youth Day, which is on August 12, she applauded the boundless potential, creativity, and courage of the Nigerian youth.
Ms Wayaas described the Youth as the heartbeat of the nation, the thinkers, builders, and visionaries whose dreams would shape the destiny of the country.
“Patriotism is more than a feeling; it is an action. It is the decision to rise each day determined to make Nigeria better than it was yesterday. True patriotism is expressed in service, in responsibility, in standing for justice, in choosing unity over division, and in committing to the hard work of nation-building.
“The Nigeria of our dreams will not be handed to us — we must build it. And that responsibility rests on every one of us, especially the youth. We must take an active interest in the leadership of our nation, participate in politics, engage in meaningful dialogue, and hold leaders accountable. Your voice matters. Your vote matters. Your leadership matters,”she said.
Ms Wayaas said when Youths embrace patriotism as a way of life, they can over come the challenges ahead.
She also urged Nigerians, to support the young people, guide them, mentor them, and open doors for their ideas to flourish.
“Together, let us transform our love for Nigeria into action that will build the nation we all dream of,”she added.
A governorship aspirant under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun state, Mr Kunle Adegoke (SAN), has promised to transform the state if elected as Governor.
Adegoke was speaking at the APC Party Secretariat in Osogbo while declaring his intention to join the 2026 governorship race in the state.
He noted that the challenges of Osun state were many, and only a responsive, proactive, well meaning and pragmatic leader could make all the difference for the state.
The aspirant explained that his declaration of intent was not a fluke but a product of years of planning and deep research, aimed at understanding the problems of the state and ways to solve them.
“So I have perfected plans to ensure that the economy of Osun is completely re-engineered and overhauled. And to this extent, we are looking at things that we have, not only in terms of natural resources, we are equally looking at human resources.
“And we have done a lot of work. We have done a lot of preparation since 2011 when I first came upon the idea that I would like to be governor one day in Osun State.
“I have been working seriously to ensure that what we call land management, what we call Agric revolution will be brought to bear in Osun State.
“And we are going to reinvent our financial policies that it will become possible for the state to survive with or without allocations from the federal government.” he said.
Action Plan
Adegoke also stated that his action plan would be strategic in purpose, based on four core pillars of economic revival, transformation of education and healthcare, infrastructural development and enhanced security.
According to him, the economy of the state would be revived through revolution in agriculture, industrialisation, mining and tourism, while education and healthcare would be modernized in a safe and secured environment attractive to investors.
He said nothing would be impossible to achieve in such a state as Osun, where people are diligent, resilient and positive about life.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria then called on all citizens and residents of the state to join hands with him to build a better Osun state, where good governance and followership make the most for all and sundry.
