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Lagos State Launches Maiden Eko Round City Trade Fair

Oluwasola Akintonde
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Lagos State Launches Maiden Eko Round City Trade Fair

The maiden edition of the Lagos Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Exclusive and Eko Round City Trade Fair has launched with an opening ceremony where exhibitors and entrepreneurs were encouraged to explore the various opportunities available to them in Lagos State and beyond.

The week-long fair, which runs from December 8 to 14, 2025, at the National Stadium Surulere, is a major initiative organised by the Lagos State Government, in collaboration with the Surulere Fiesta and the Eko Round City Trade Fair organising body, aimed at accelerating grassroots enterprise and fostering inclusive economic growth across the Lagos Division.

The Honourable Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investments, Mrs Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, said that the event stands as a strong expression of the spirit that drives Lagos State, which is the spirit of enterprise.

Ambrose-Medebem praised Lagos for remaining the economic centre of Nigeria with over twenty-two million residents and thousands of businesses that contribute to the national GDP.

She said, “The administration of Mr Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu continues to expand opportunities across every sector to support this growth. Through the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Development Agenda, Lagos has deepened its support for commerce, transportation, technology, social services, and sustainable urban expansion. Each pillar of this agenda aligns with the needs of the business community. The government has focused on building a stronger enabling environment marked by improved security, infrastructure, ease of doing business, and targeted support for MSMEs and cooperatives.”

Ambrose-Medebem said that the Lagos State Government has, in the last few years, invested in strengthening the trade and investment climate through market development, industrial hubs, enterprise support programmes, and reforms that improve market access for small businesses.

“The MSME platform has been expanded through capacity building, grants, business clinics, digital market access programmes, and partnerships with banks and development finance institutions,” she explained.

Ambrose-Medebem further said that “Lagos has also supported cooperatives because they remain an important structure for financial inclusion and group enterprise across the state.”

According to her, the purpose of the fair is anchored on five important objectives, and they include creating an inclusive marketplace where artisans, petty traders, informal-sector actors, micro-businesses, and growing MSMEs can showcase their products and services; promoting capacity building and business growth through workshops, business clinics, mentorship, and entrepreneurship support sessions; fostering deeper networking and collaboration across the participating LGAs; and bridging the informal and formal sectors.

The fourth important objective, according to the commissioner, is providing a social and educational play area for children, ensuring that families can participate fully without worry, as well as strengthening grassroots economic activity, stimulating trade, generating jobs, and supporting the gradual formalisation of informal enterprises.

Aside from promoting local production and reducing dependence on imported goods by showcasing quality alternatives made in Nigeria, SMEs contribute directly to job creation, income growth, and economic resilience.

On his part, the Chairman of the Eko Round City Trade Fair, Ògbóni Fouad Oki, described the event as the start of “a new chapter, a chapter of empowerment, enterprise acceleration, and inclusive economic growth.”

Ogboni Oki said that the fair is strategically designed for the resilient MSME community, which he described as the “heartbeat of Nigeria’s economy”.

He urged participants to leverage the platform to its full potential by connecting with networks, financiers, and government agencies, exploring new markets and expanding customer bases, as well as learning, innovating, and evolving for the next level of prosperity.

According to Ògbóni Oki, the Eko Round City Trade Fair is more than just an event; it is an “emerging institution, a bridge between government and the grassroots; a catalyst for economic renewal.”

He said that the fair represents a collective resolve to unify diverse communities across the Lagos Central Senatorial District, including Surulere, Lagos Island, Lagos Mainland, Eti-Osa, and Apapa, to strengthen value chains and promote inter-LGA collaboration.

Ogboni Oki then assured that the organisers are laying the foundation for what is projected to become the largest community-driven MSME trade fair in Lagos State, with an aim to grow in influence, reach, and impact annually.

The fair is a direct response to the commitment of the state leadership, especially Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, whose support for MSMEs is seen as a cornerstone of the “Greater Lagos Rising” vision. Ògbóni Oki made sure to acknowledge the “dependable partner”, the Honourable Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade & Investment, and his “brother and partner in progress”, Hon. Bamidele Sulaimon Yussuf, Executive Chairman of Surulere Local Government, for their crucial support in actualising the initiative.

 

Olusola Akintonde

Senate Demands Comprehensive Review of Nigeria’s Anti-Drug Strategy

Bilkisu Halilu Pai
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Senate Demands Comprehensive Review of Nigeria’s Anti-Drug Strategy

The Nigerian Senate has challenged the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to work together to pursue a comprehensive review of the country’s anti-drug war regime.

The Legislature explained how the National Assembly completed the process of reviewing the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act, 2004 in June 2025, but President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declined assent because a section of the amendment bill conflicted with Section 58(4) of the 1999 Constitution.

Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele made the remarks during a technical workshop of the NHRC at Civil Society, Human Rights Defenders Forum and Human Rights Expo held in Abuja on Monday.

The workshop, titled “Towards a Comprehensive Drug Harm Reduction Strategy in Nigeria: Legislative Perspectives and Opportunities,” was convened to improve drug laws and policies, so that they are not detrimental to the health and wellbeing of people who use drugs and their communities.

Senator Bamidele, represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Charles Luri-Bala, commended the NHRC and its strategic partners for organising the workshop aimed at crafting a comprehensive drug harm reduction strategy for the country.

The Senate leader noted that the Senate “recognise that the challenges posed by illicit drug use require a multi-sectoral approach that respects the fundamental rights of all persons, particularly those in vulnerable populations.

“At the National Assembly, we believe that an effective drug strategy must shift away from overly punitive policies that only exacerbate stigma to comprehensive approach that prioritize treatment, rehabilitation, and social reintegration.

“These are the issues that informed the decision of the 10th National Assembly to amend the National Drug Law Enforcement Act, 2004. But Mr. President declined assent to the bill because it conflicted with Section 58(4) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).”

He observed that the fact that the president declined assent to the bill in June 2025 “does not mean the bill cannot be brought again if the section that conflicts with the Constitution is substantially addressed.”

Senator Bamidele, therefore, urged the stakeholders to work together towards this end because the bill, if eventually enacted, will revolutionise the country’s anti-drug war, pointing out its significance to national development.

He assured the stakeholders that the lawmakers “are committed to reviewing and supporting an amendment to the legislation that would provide adequate legal and institutional backing for evidence‑based drug‑harm‑reduction strategies.

“The insights and recommendations generated from this workshop, particularly from the legal and specialist perspectives, will be invaluable for the National Assembly as we consider necessary policy reforms.”

In June 2025, President Tinubu declined assent to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 into law, citing its breach of or conflict with Section 58(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The President explained that the proposed law seeks to give the NDLEA a portion of the proceeds from drug-related crimes.

Currently, according to him, all proceeds of crime must be paid into the Confiscated and Forfeited Properties Account.

President Tinubu Meets Rivers, Ebonyi Governors

Rita Obiora
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President Tinubu Meets Rivers, Ebonyi Governors

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday met separately with Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara and Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru, at the State House, Abuja.

Governor Fubara was sighted entering the State House at about 5:01 p.m. and was received by the Presidential Protocol Liaison Officer before proceeding to the President’s office.

He departed around 5:45 p.m., but details of the discussions were not disclosed as of press time.

Earlier , Governor Nwifuru had also been ushered in for a separate meeting with the President.

The purpose of his visit similarly remained undisclosed.

The meeting with Fubara comes on the heels of Friday’s defection of 17 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

Governor Nwifuru, a former Speaker of the Ebonyi House of Assembly and now an APC governor, has in recent months held several engagements with the Presidency, focusing largely on infrastructure development and security coordination in the South-East.

EU Countries Agree on New Asylum, Migrant Return Policy

Victoria Ibanga
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EU Countries Agree on New Asylum, Migrant Return Policy

The European Union, EU Countries has settled their final negotiating positions for several proposed migration laws on new asylum rules, a common EU list of “safe countries of origin” and an EU-wide policy for illegal migrant returns.

This was made known in a statement from the Council of the European Union on Monday.

Despite strong criticism from more than 200 organisations, the key elements of the European Commission’s proposals will likely become law.

The Council will now negotiate its positions with the European Parliament to agree the final legal texts. Parliament has not agreed its final position but recent drafts retain the same elements.

EU countries also agreed on their “solidarity pool” for 2026 in which they can decide whether to help Mediterranean states with 21,000 relocations, 420 million euros in funds or other measures.

Under the asylum rules, ‘an EU country will be able to reject an asylum application if the person could have received protection in a country the EU considers safe.’

“Denmark and a majority of EU member states have been advocating for asylum processing in safe third countries in order to remove the incentives to embark on dangerous journeys to the EU,” Denmark’s Migration Minister, Rasmus Stoklund said.

He said; “We – member states – have agreed on a general approach to the revision of the ‘safe third country’ concept, which allows member states to make agreements with safe third countries on asylum processing outside Europe.”

Member states also agreed that EU accession candidate countries be designated as “safe” for asylum seekers along with Bangladesh, Colombia, Egypt, India, Kosovo, Morocco and Tunisia.

It agreed its position on a regulation which would create EU-wide rules on migrant returns, including obligations on those issued with return orders for the first time.

Migrants who fail to leave voluntarily could face prison time for non-cooperation as part of the new rules. Further, the new rules will let EU countries set up “return hubs”.

Olivia Sundberg Diez, EU advocate on migration and asylum at Amnesty International, said on Monday the agreed positions mirror the “dehumanising” approach in the U.S. and called the hubs scheme “cruel“.

“EU ministers’ position on the Return Regulation reveals the EU’s dogged and misguided insistence on ramping up deportations, raids, surveillance, and detention at any cost,” Sundberg said in a statement.

 

 

Reuters/Victoria Ibanga

Information Minister Reaffirms Commitment To Restoring Public Trust

Rita Obiora
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Information Minister Reaffirms Commitment To Restoring Public Trust

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris has reaffirmed the Nigerian Government’s commitment to restoring public trust in official communication.

Idris stated that honesty, clarity, and national interest would continue to guide the Ministry’s work.

He made this known in Abuja Nigeria’s capital, at the 2025 Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service (NAEAPS), organised by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation in collaboration with The Best Strategic Media.

Speaking with journalists after receiving the Award for Excellence in Public Communication and Transparency, Idris described the recognition as ”both gratifying and motivating.”

“This country belongs to all of us, so being recognised for contributing to its development is heartwarming. It gives us even more energy to serve,” he said.

The Minister noted that the mandate given to him by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is clear, reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment “to strengthening public communication in ways that support national development.”

“We will continue to restore trust in public communication through honest, sincere, and purposeful engagement. This is one of the major challenges, and we are confronting it with a strong sense of duty,” the Minister said.

Idris also highlighted the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to combat fake news, misinformation, and disinformation, warning that these threats are capable of destabilising communities if left unchecked.

“We are working hard to ensure Nigerians receive accurate information. Fake news and misinformation can make or mar a society, so we will continue to confront them with truthful and timely communication,” he said.

According to the Minister, the progress made so far is the result of teamwork, commending the heads of agencies, directors, and staff across the Ministry of Information and National Orientation.

He said; “This recognition is not mine alone. It belongs to everyone in the ministry who has worked hard to reposition the information and communication sector.”

Idris further encouraged Nigerians to remain united and committed to building a stronger nation.

This latest honour marks the second major National Award the Minister has received in five days, following the Business Day Award for Excellence in Public Service on December 3.

 

Niger State Governor Receives Rescued School Children

Rita Obiora
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Niger State Governor Receives Rescued School Children

The Niger State Governor, North Central Nigeria, Mohammed Bago has received 100 rescued students of Saint Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area.

The children were handed over to the Governor by the representative of the National Security Adviser, Wing Commander Abdullahi Idi Hong.

He said that “since the abduction, security agencies had been working tirelessly to ensure the safe rescue and return of the children.”

He emphasised that the government is committed to protecting the rights of every Nigerian child and assured that security agencies will continue to take strong measures to safeguard the country and its citizens.

Governor Bago, who became emotional while receiving the 100 children, thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, for their quick intervention in rescuing the students.

Governor Bago assured his people that the remaining students still in captivity will be rescued soon and reunited with their families.

The Governor also called for continuous prayers to ensure their safe return and to prevent such incidents from happening again in the state.

According him, the day marks an important moment in the history of Niger State.

He said he was emotionally touched by the ages and condition of the children. Medical officials have been directed to examine them to ensure they are in good health.

Governor Bago added that the state government is working with CAN, UNICEF, and other relevant bodies to ensure the safe return of all the abducted students.

Kano State, NAPTIP Lead Advocacy Against Gender-Based Violence

Peace Piak Kanu
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Kano State, NAPTIP Lead Advocacy Against Gender-Based Violence

Kano State has stepped up efforts to combat Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), as the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), in partnership with Civil Society organisations, led a road walk to raise awareness and promote collective action against violence targeting women and girls, both online and offline.

The event, part of the global 16 Days of Activism Against SGBV themed “Unite to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls,” saw participants march from the NAPTIP zonal office through major roads to the Audu Bako Secretariat, distributing sensitisation materials to residents.

The rally was led by the Kano State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Children and Persons with Disabilities, Hajiya Amina Abdullahi, alongside NAPTIP Zonal Commander, Barrister Abdullahi Babale.

The Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, who received the delegation, reaffirmed “the state government’s commitment to supporting federal initiatives aimed at protecting women and girls from gender-based crimes.”

Abdullahi urged the speedy passage of the Kano State Harmonised Penal Code Bill and the inauguration of a Child Protection Committee, saying the reforms were critical to addressing violence against vulnerable groups.

She said, “I would like to use this opportunity to present before you the long-awaited dreams of Kano State people of having a legal document which aims at addressing all forms of violence against vulnerable persons, titled draft Kano State Harmonised Penal Code Bill (the state version of the VAPP Act). Hence the imperative to pass the draft Harmonised Kano State Penal Code Bill into law, which ultimately hopes to reduce the high prevalence of abuses.”

Speaking on behalf of the Zonal Commander, Kano NAPTIP’s Head of SGBV, Hajiya Rasheedat Aminu, described the rally as “a key contribution to the nationwide campaign against SGBV.”

Stakeholders highlighted the need for stronger laws, enhanced enforcement, and empowerment programmes to curb rising cases of SGBV and digital abuse, stressing that coordinated action was vital to protect the rights and safety of all women and girls in Nigeria.

PIAK

 

First Lady Optimistic Of Prosperous Nigeria In 2026

Mosunmola Ore
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First Lady Optimistic Of Prosperous Nigeria In 2026

Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu says prosperity and economic stability await Nigerians in 2026, declaring that the worst is over with the country’s economy.

Mrs Tinubu made the declaration on Sunday in Ile-Ife, Osun State, where she was installed as Yeye Asiwaju Ile Oodua by Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife.

The First Lady, who noted that Nigeria’s economic headwinds have given way to stability, said; “citizens will have cause to smile and rejoice in 2026.”

“Nigeria’s joy has come. Those wondering how we want to do it we will be shown how things are done. By 2026, Nigeria will be in prosperity, other countries will come and borrow money from us,” she declared.

The First Lady also expressed confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s administration to turn around the fortunes of the country, stressing that his achievements would prove doubters wrong.

She said; “It is important to say it here at the source of the Yoruba cradle today, that during this present administration led by President Bola Tinubu, they will wonder how he was able to achieve such milestone.”

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, in his remarks, praised the First Lady’s commitment to human capital development, noting that her recognition for the chieftaincy title was fitting and timely.

In his goodwill message, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State also lauded the First Lady’s contribution to women, youth and girl child empowerment, saying her efforts in that regard were heartwarming.

Adeleke said his government was working closely with Oba Ogunwusi to upgrade all cultural assets in Ile-Ife, assuring him and other traditional rulers of support to promote Yoruba culture.

On his part, Oba Ogunwusi, thanked everyone who attended the event and described the First Lady as a mother figure, whose support and role as stabilizing factor in the nation is inspiring.

“Her sterling qualities in all areas of human endeavour mark her out anytime, any day as one to be celebrated,” the Monarch stated.

Mrs Tinubu’s installation as Yeye Asiwaju Ile Oodua was part of activities marking the 10th Coronation Anniversary of Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife.

 

 

President Tinubu Meets Six APC Governors

Rita Obiora
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President Tinubu Meets Six APC Governors

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has met with six Governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the State House, Abuja.

The Governors who met with the President behind closed doors were those of Jigawa, Umar Namadi; Edo, Monday Okpebholo; Ekiti, Biodun Oyebanji; Kogi, Usman Ododo; Sokoto, Aliyu Sokoto; and Kebbi, Dr. Nasir Idris.

Details of the meeting were not yet made public as of press time. The closed-door session, which lasted for about two hours, took place against the backdrop of recent security challenges confronting the nation.

When journalists sought their comments, the Governors declined to speak.

Minister Reaffirms Presidential Support for Judiciary Reform, Independence

Peace Piak Kanu
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Minister Reaffirms Presidential Support for Judiciary Reform, Independence

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike has reiterated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would continue to support the judiciary to enhance productivity, reduce delays, and uphold its independence and integrity.

The Minister disclosed that budgetary provisions had been made to construct additional residential houses for FCT High Court Judges to address housing shortages and ensure all judicial officers were appropriately accommodated.

While delivering a goodwill message at the Special Court session formally marking the commencement of the 2025/2026 Legal Year of the Court of Appeal in Abuja on Monday, Wike said, “Well-equipped court facilities, chambers, and support infrastructure ensure that judicial work is conducted in a professional, safe, and conducive environment.”

He said that, “Under the President’s decisive action, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has formally handed over the Certificate of Occupancy for the Supreme Court’s land and commenced the full perimeter fencing of the entire complex to safeguard the nation’s apex court against encroachment and security breaches.”

Wike noted that this swift, long-awaited intervention had provided the Apex Court with much-needed confidence, stating, “This confidence-building action trickles down to each arm of the judiciary.”

He highlighted various interventions by the President through the FCTA, including the ongoing construction of secure residential quarters for Heads of Courts, a new Magistrate Court Complex in Jabi District to expand access to justice, Staff Quarters for the Nigerian Law School in the FCT, and the design and construction of the Court of Appeal Abuja division Complex, as well as residences for Justices of the National Industrial High Court Abuja Division and Federal High Court Abuja Division.

Wike said these projects were designed to directly support judges in performing their duties.

He said; “The reasoning of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is that providing comfortable and secure accommodation allows judges to focus entirely on the timely and efficient administration of justice, free from the distractions of inadequate living conditions.”

Reiterating continued FCTA support for justice reforms, he said, “As we step into the new Legal Year, the FCT Administration remains resolute in its determination to further support the implementation of justice reforms. Our priorities for the 2025/2026 Legal Year are focused on consolidating the gains made and expanding support where it is most needed.”

Wike further stated, “We will aggressively push for the timely completion of the new residential quarters for Heads of Courts and the Jabi Magistrate Court Complex to ensure prompt utilisation. Furthermore, we have made budgetary provisions to construct additional residential houses for FCT High Court Judges to mitigate housing shortages and ensure all judicial officers are appropriately accommodated.”

The FCT Minister also stressed the need for collaboration with FCT-based judiciary, including the Court of Appeal, to support the digitisation of court proceedings and registries.

He said, “Justice must never be compromised under any circumstances, for it is the bedrock of our democracy and the safeguard of public trust. It is the responsibility of all stakeholders, judges, legal practitioners, government agencies, and citizens alike to work collaboratively to strengthen and improve our judicial system. I am confident that the commencement of this 2025/2026 Legal Year will herald a period of unprecedented success, wisdom, and efficiency for the Court of Appeal.”

PIAK

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