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Former Army Chief Lauds VON’s Role in Promoting Regional Peace

Foluke Ibitomi
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Former Army Chief Lauds VON’s Role in Promoting Regional Peace

Nigeria’s former Ambassador to Benin Republic and ex-Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (retd.), has commended the Voice of Nigeria (VON) for its professionalism and commitment to advancing peace, regional integration, and pan-African ideals.

Speaking at the VON Forum 2026 in Abuja, General Buratai described the broadcast agency as “professional, independent, pan-African, progressive, and visionary—a Nigerian voice with an African heart.”

He paid tribute to veteran journalists associated with VON, including “the late Mohammed Okorejor, former Director of News, a most dynamic analyst with professional and patriotic zeal,” as well as “Mr. Ben Shamang, a retired Director of News, who served VON with excellence.”

The former army chief also praised the agency on its 51st anniversary and lauded the Director General of VON, Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndache, whom he described as “a friend with a difference—like a son.”

Buratai underscored Nigeria’s pivotal role in West Africa’s stability, stating: “For 51 years, Nigeria has been the unshakable anchor of ECOWAS. From ECOMOG in Liberia and Sierra Leone to stabilising The Gambia and Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria has sacrificed and invested in blood, treasure, and diplomacy to defend democracy. Our stability is inseparable from the security of our neighbours.”

He further noted that “the African Union has consistently recognised this interdependence, working alongside ECOWAS to build a peaceful and integrated West Africa.”

Asserting the link between democracy and collective security, Buratai said: “Nigeria’s 51 years in ECOWAS prove that democracy and collective security are two sides of the same coin. ECOWAS should continue to engage the African Union to bring back the Association of Sahel States (AES).”

He reiterated that “the unity of ECOWAS cannot be complete without Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Republic. Without unity, progress in the region may be a mirage.”

 

Women Affairs Minister Urges Inclusive Transformation in Agriculture

Omowumi Samuel
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Women Affairs Minister Urges Inclusive Transformation in Agriculture

The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim has called for a deliberate, inclusive, and policy-driven transformation of the country’s agri-food system.

Speaking at the launch of the CGIAR Policy Innovation Hub in Nigeria and a High-Level Policy Dialogue organised by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Abuja, the Minister stressed that the future of agriculture depends on placing women at the centre of national development efforts, coordinated policy, partnerships, and measurable grassroots impact.

“This gathering is not just another policy event. It is an important opportunity to reflect on the kind of food system Nigeria must build if we are to achieve inclusive growth, sustainable livelihoods, food security, resilience, and shared prosperity,” she said.

She warned against disjointed efforts, noting that “Nigeria’s agricultural future cannot be secured through fragmented action,” and emphasised the need for an integrated, systemic approach.

READ ALSO:EU Backs €85m EIB–BOI Deal for Nigeria’s Agriculture

Highlighting gender inclusion as critical, the Minister declared, “Nigeria cannot fully transform its agri-food system without transforming the role of women within that system.”

She described women as “indispensable actors in agriculture and food systems,” while pointing to structural barriers limiting their productivity. “This is not only a gender gap. It is an economic inefficiency. It is a development gap. And it is a national opportunity gap,” she stated.

The Minister called for intentional gender inclusion. “Gender inclusion must be intentional, not symbolic. Women must be integrated into agricultural transformation from the design stage,” she said, stressing access to land, finance, and technology.

The Minister urged a shift beyond primary production. “We must move beyond production-only thinking,” she said, advocating value addition across processing, packaging, storage, transport, and exports.

Further emphasising collaboration, she stated, “Partnership must become operational. Government cannot do it alone. Researchers cannot do it alone. The private sector cannot do it alone”.

Framing women’s empowerment as an economic strategy, she said, “When women earn more, families are stronger, food security improves, community welfare rises, and local economies expand”.

On accountability, she posited, “We must increasingly judge interventions not only by activity reports, but by what changes in real lives: incomes improved, enterprises built, markets reached, productivity increased, and resilience strengthened.”

However, reinforcing thorough implementation, she cautioned: “If policy does not reach the farm, the processor, the trader, the cooperative, the young entrepreneur, and the rural woman, then policy has not yet achieved its full purpose.”

Sulaiman-Ibrahim reaffirmed her Ministry’s commitment to initiatives such as Women Agro Value Expansion (WAVE), noting that “True empowerment must go beyond subsistence support and create pathways for women to participate meaningfully in the full chain of value creation.”

The Minister ended with a call to action: “We must build a food system that is productive, inclusive, resilient, evidence-driven, investment-ready, and women-responsive.”

Mozambique Approves Law To Curb Tobacco Use

Oyenike Oyeniyi
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Mozambique Approves Law To Curb Tobacco Use

Mozambique’s parliament has approved a comprehensive tobacco control law imposing strict limits on the sale, advertising and use of tobacco and nicotine products, in a move aimed at reducing the country’s disease burden.

The legislation, adopted by consensus, expands regulation to cover electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco, vapour products and other emerging nicotine delivery systems.

The new law aligns Mozambique with the World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, a global public health treaty that requires member states to implement measures to curb tobacco consumption and protect people from exposure to smoke.

Officials said the legislation strengthens enforcement by establishing a broad legal framework for smoke-free environments, product restrictions and public health safeguards.

Presenting the bill, Justice Minister Mateus Saíze said tobacco use remains a major health challenge, contributing to cancers, congenital disorders, premature births and other chronic diseases.

He warned that smokeless tobacco, often promoted as a safer alternative, poses equal or greater health risks, including cancers of the mouth, oesophagus and pancreas.

Saíze said, “The economic toll is equally severe, costing the country an estimated 11.7 billion meticais (about $182 million) annually, or 1.3 per cent of GDP, through health-care expenses and productivity losses linked to illness and premature deaths.”

Government data shows tobacco-related illnesses kill about 9,400 people annually in Mozambique, accounting for 3.5 per cent of all deaths, with most occurring among people under 70.

 

 

 

 

 

 

AP

Rivers State: NESREA Launches Carbon Capture Platform

Iyabode Jane Aluko
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Rivers State: NESREA Launches Carbon Capture Platform

The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), in collaboration with the Africa Carbon Management Technology and Innovation Centre of Excellence and the Clean Energy Ministerial Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage Initiative, has launched a Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) Platform in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The landmark initiative signals a major shift in Nigeria’s climate strategy, positioning carbon not as waste but as a valuable economic resource capable of driving industrial growth and environmental resilience.

Delivering the keynote address, Director-General of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor, described the platform as a critical milestone in Nigeria’s pursuit of environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and industrial transformation.

READ ALSO: NESREA Launches GEF Project to Combat Plastic Pollution

According to him, CCUS offers a practical and economically viable pathway for reducing emissions while unlocking new industrial opportunities.

He explained that captured carbon can be repurposed across multiple sectors, including beverage production, cement manufacturing, chemical processing, fuel production, enhanced oil recovery, and agriculture.

“We must reduce carbon in the atmosphere to beneficial levels. Carbon capture and utilisation give us the opportunity not only to store carbon but to deploy it productively across industries.

“This is about building a circular economy, turning environmental challenges into economic opportunities,” Barikor stated.

The Director-General further stressed that the initiative is a collaborative ecosystem designed to bring together government institutions, industry leaders, academia, technology developers, development partners, and investors.

“The platform aims to serve as a hub for innovation, policy coordination, and large-scale deployment of carbon management solutions,” he added.

Also speaking, Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, commended NESREA for what he described as a practical and forward-looking intervention.

He noted that the university is strategically positioned to host the initiative, given the strong technical capacity of its Energy Technology Institute in advancing energy transition research.

Coordinator of the Africa Carbon Management Technology & Innovation Centre of Excellence (ACMTI) and facilitator of the CCUS Technology Innovation Platform, Dr Richard Victor Osu, emphasised that the vision is to position Nigeria as a regional leader in carbon management technologies while contributing meaningfully to Africa’s climate commitments and global decarbonisation efforts.

He explained that Port Harcourt was selected due to its strategic importance as a potential CCUS hub, particularly given its concentration of industrial and energy infrastructure.

“The platform will drive research and innovation, strengthen technical capacity, promote public-private partnerships, attract investments, and deepen collaboration with global technology and research partners,” Osu said.

Speaking on behalf of international partners, Juho Lipponen, Coordinator of the CEM-CCUS Initiative, reaffirmed support for Nigeria’s efforts. He noted that the initiative would help elevate CCUS within global clean energy discussions, improve deployment strategies, mobilise financing, and strengthen international partnerships.

The hybrid launch event drew participation from experts across the United States, France, Brazil, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom, reflecting the growing global interest in Nigeria’s carbon management ambitions.

Key national stakeholders present included the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, the Rivers State Ministry of Environment, academia, private-sector players, and development partners.

With this initiative, Nigeria is not only confronting its carbon challenge but also redefining it, transforming emissions into opportunity and laying the foundation for a low-carbon, innovation-driven economy.

INEC Postpones Nationwide Voter Revalidation Exercise

Ejiofor Ezeifeoma
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INEC Postpones Nationwide Voter Revalidation Exercise

The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, has announced the postponement of the ongoing Nationwide voter revalidation exercise until after the 2027 general election.

The decision to postpone the exercise came during the Commission’s meeting with the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Abuja.

In a statement issued by the National Commissioner and chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee of the Commission, Mohammed Haruna, the voter revalidation exercise is a critical component of the Commission’s mandate to maintain a credible and up-to-date National Register of Voters.

It is designed to verify and review existing voter records, ensure the accuracy of personal data, eliminate duplicate and ineligible entries, and strengthen the overall integrity of the voter register.

The exercise also aims to provide an opportunity for registered voters to confirm their details and make necessary corrections where required.

He remarked that INEC remains committed to the conduct of free, fair, credible, and inclusive elections in the country.

Zambia Targets 10 Million Tonnes Maize Output

Oyenike Oyeniyi
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Zambia Targets 10 Million Tonnes Maize Output

President Hakainde Hichilema has unveiled ambitious agricultural production targets, setting a goal for Zambia to produce 10 million metric tonnes of maize and one million metric tonnes each of wheat and soybeans annually by 2031.

The targets mark a significant increase from current output levels, with maize production typically ranging between 2.7 and 3.6 million tonnes in recent years, while wheat and soybean production remain below one million tonnes.

Hichilema announced the plan in Lusaka during a meeting with former Vietnamese Agriculture Minister Cao Duc Phat, as Zambia seeks to emulate Vietnam’s transformation into a global agricultural powerhouse.

Vietnam’s agricultural exports exceeded $70 billion in 2025, driven by reforms, investment in irrigation and rural infrastructure, and the adoption of digital technologies.

Hichilema said Zambia would draw lessons from Vietnam’s experience to strengthen food security, boost export earnings and improve rural livelihoods.

He noted that achieving the 2031 targets would require structural reforms in financing, sector organisation and support systems.

Phat outlined Vietnam’s 1986 liberalisation programme, which opened the economy to market forces and transformed its agricultural sector into a productive, export-oriented industry.

Hichilema said Zambia could unlock similar potential by accelerating reforms, improving productivity and expanding investment in irrigation and mechanisation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AP

Immigration Service Suspends Border Commanders

Iyabode Jane Aluko
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Immigration Service Suspends Border Commanders

The Nigerian Immigration Service has suspended senior officers overseeing key commands along the Lagos–Seme corridor following allegations of extortion.

The Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap, ordered their immediate suspension following the circulation of online reports accusing personnel at the busy border route of misconduct “bordering on extortion.”

In a statement, the agency’s spokesperson, Akinsola Akinlabi, disclosed that the Comptroller-General, Kemi Nandap, had “temporarily relieved the Comptrollers in charge of the affected commands of their duties” pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation.

READ ALSO: Nigeria Immigration Service to Introduce Single Travel Emergency Passport

Mrs Nandap condemned the actions in strong terms and distanced the Immigration Service from the alleged conduct.

She described the incidents as “unacceptable” and in “direct violation of the core values, ethics, and operational standards of the Service.”

According to the spokesperson, a full-scale probe has been launched to uncover the extent of the allegations, identify officers involved, and enforce sanctions without delay.

“The investigation will be comprehensive… ensuring appropriate disciplinary measures are applied with immediate effect,” Akinlabi stated.

The Lagos–Seme corridor, which links Nigeria to the Republic of Benin at the Seme land border in Lagos State, is one of the busiest and most strategically significant entry and exit points in West Africa.

The route handles heavy volumes of commercial goods, cross-border traders, and travellers, and has long been a pressure point for complaints of harassment and extortion by border officials.

 

NGX Ends Week Trading Session on High Note

Omowumi Samuel
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NGX Ends Week Trading Session on High Note

The Nigerian Exchange (NGX) equities growth continued on a record high as the week ended on a bullish note.

The All-Share Index inched up higher, rising by 0.30% to close at 203,770.43 basis points, adding roughly 608.6 points.

Similarly, the market capitalisation appreciated by N706 billion, reaching N131.1 trillion.

The market saw gains in large-cap stocks like International Breweries (+9.88%), despite lower trading volumes (548 million shares) compared to the previous session.

READ ALSO: NGX All-Share Index Sustains Bullish Sentiment

Investors witnessed a drop in the day’s trading activity as the trade volume fell to 548 million shares lower from 652 million shares of the previous session, valued at N31.4 billion in 48,538 deals.

The trading session ended with 24 gainers and 34 losers.

TRANSEXPR led the gainers chart with a 9.91 percent gain on its share price to close at N3.77k INTBREW followed with 9.88 percent profit on its share price to at N13.35k; the CHAMS recorded a 9.84 percent increase to close at N3.35k

On the other hand, OMATEK share price dropped by 10 percent to settle at N2.07k, AUSTINLAZ followed with a 9.93 loss on its share price to close at N3.99k; while WAPIC share price declined by 9.88 percent to settle at N2.92k per share among others.

 

 

Nigeria Convicts 386 Terrorists

Iyabode Jane Aluko
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Nigeria Convicts 386 Terrorists

The Nigerian Government has secured the conviction of 386 terrorism suspects following a coordinated trial process at the Federal High Court in Abuja, reinforcing efforts to combat violent extremism and uphold the rule of law.

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, said 508 defendants were arraigned before 10 courts over a four-day period, with those convicted receiving jail terms ranging from five years to life imprisonment, depending on the severity of their offences.

He said eight defendants were discharged while two were acquitted, describing the outcome as evidence of due process and judicial fairness in the proceedings.

Fagbemi added that 112 cases were adjourned and would be heard in the next phase of trials scheduled for June 15 to 18, 2026.

READ ALSO: Nigerian Air Force Decimates Terrorists’ Hideouts in Borno 

He stated that the convictions sent a strong signal to criminal elements, stressing that Nigeria would not tolerate acts of terrorism.

The trials were expedited through special sittings by 10 Federal High Court judges during the Easter holiday period, a move the minister said demonstrated commitment to timely justice delivery.

He commended the judges for responding to the government’s call to fast-track terrorism cases.

The proceedings were monitored by key stakeholders, including Amnesty International, the Nigerian Bar Association, and the National Human Rights Commission, alongside other civil society organisations, to ensure transparency and compliance with international standards.

Fagbemi also acknowledged the role of the media in covering the trials, noting that it helped to strengthen public confidence in the justice system.

JAMB Delists 23 CBT Centres

Iyabode Jane Aluko
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JAMB Delists 23 CBT Centres

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), following the conduct of the 2026 Mock Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), has delisted 23 Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres for technical deficiencies.

The Board has also issued warnings to centres with minor technical issues, while one centre will no longer be used in any of the Board’s examinations.

Spokesperson of the Board, Dr Fabian Benjamin, in a statement, noted that the Mock UTME was introduced to enable candidates to familiarise themselves with the Computer-Based Test (CBT) environment, and also serves as a critical platform for the Board to assess its level of preparedness.

“It provides an opportunity to identify centres that fall short of the required operational and technical standards.

“In the aftermath of the 2026 Mock UTME, the Board’s internal review mechanisms identified a number of centres that failed to meet these standards.

“Consequently, the Board has taken decisive steps, in line with its commitment to maintaining the integrity of its examination processes, to ensure that only centres that are fully prepared and compliant participate in the main UTME exercise,” he explained.

The Board listed the delisted centres with their states and centre names as follows:

ABIA

Micben Seat of Wisdom Academy Umunteke Asa (Micben ICT Hall), Ukwa West, Abia State

ANAMBRA

Bishop Crowther Seminary CBT Centre, 110 Work Road, Behind State Ministry of Works, Awka.

The Oracle Lens, Ubili Town Hall, Nnokwa, Anambra State

BAYELSA

Derby’s Young ICT Centre, Behind Government Science and Technical College Okaka, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State

DELTA

Avid ICT Solutions CBT Centre, Institute of Continuing Education (I.C.E), No. 2 Victor Chuks Odogwu Street, Asaba, Delta State
Brightfield School CBT, 18 Onwugbonu Crescent, New Layout, Ekpan, Uvwie
Conarina Maritime Academy, Eseme River Road, Oria-Abraka, Ethiope East, Delta State

EDO

Daniet Global Resources, No. 124 Akpakpava Road, Opposite Zenith Bank, Ikpoba Slope, Oredo, Benin City, Edo State
Moses and Grace College of Health Sciences and Technology CBT Centre, 3rd Richard Street, Obe Community, After Rock of Ages Church, Off Benin–Sapele Road, Benin City

FCT

De-Lite CBT Centre, Model Secondary School Maitama, Lake Chad Avenue, Maitama, Abuja.

ZulQud Consult Ltd (ZCL CBT Centre), Government Secondary School Lugbe, By Car Wash, Lugbe Bridge

LAGOS

Florin High School, 23/25 Olutimehin Street, Off Ajiboye Street, Military Zone Bus Stop, Off Idimu Road, Ejigbo, Lagos State.

Folbob CBT Centre, 5 Road 10 Folbob Zone, Losooro, Lakowe School Gate Bus Stop, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State

Great Kezino College CBT Centre, 118/120 Agunfoye Road, Adamo, Ikorodu, Lagos State

Obans CBT Centre, Plot 32 Oba Ijaolu Road, Elepe Bus Stop, Off Ijede Road, Ikorodu, Lagos State

Teesas Learning and CBT Centre, Izedon Place, 2 Prince Samuel Adedoyin Street, Opposite Mercedes Benz, Off Ikate, Lekki Expressway, Lagos State

OGUN

Braingate Model Schools CBT Centre, Arepo-Fadunsin, Ijoko

Greenhills Academy, Cele Bus Stop, Oke-Ola, Itele Road

OSUN

Oduduwa University CBT Centre, Ipetumodu, Ile-Ife, Osun State

OYO

Lasting Glory Schools CBT Centre, No. 1 Baale’s Quarters, Kajola, Ejioku, Ibadan, Oyo State

Nesam International School CBT Centre, Nesam International School, No. 1 Alexander Road, Apata, Via Immaculate Hospital
SAF Polytechnic, Along Iseyin–Oyo Road, Idi-Ori, Iseyin, Oyo State

PLATEAU

Rabjib Computer Academy, Behind Union Bank, Along Museum Road, Jos, Plateau State

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