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Speaker Urges South-South Commission to Ensure Transparency, Accountability

Bilkisu Halilu Pai
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Speaker Urges South-South Commission to Ensure Transparency, Accountability

Gloria Essien, Abuja

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Tajudeen Abbas, has urged the South South Development Commission (SSDC) to live up to its mandate by bringing development to the people, especially at the grassroots.

Speaker Abbas charged the Commission to particularly address the socio-economic challenges for which it was created.

The Speaker gave the charge when the board and management of the SSDC visited him in Abuja.

“This is an opportunity to set a legacy for future generations. Serve with integrity, coordination, and vision,” Speaker Abbas told the SSDC leadership and the board, to prioritise the best interest of the South-South people.

While urging them to work closely with state governors to improve synergy, the Speaker warned against corruption, including duplication of projects and mandates.

He also called for the building of a strong institutional foundation for the future.

Speaker Abbas also advised the SSDC to conduct proper needs assessments before interventions.

The Speaker expressed the commitment of the House to giving full support to the SSDC to deliver sustainable development and stability to the South-South geopolitical zone.

The Managing Director of SSDC, Mrs. Usoro Offiong Akpabio, who led the delegation, said that the Commission is ready to commence full operations.

Mrs. Akpabio also noted that the mandate of the SSDC is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The SSDC boss also highlighted some of the Commission’s programmes and projects which cover infrastructure renewal, human capital development, environmental protection, as well as youth and women empowerment.

Mrs. Akpabio pledged accountability and transparency under her watch as Managing Director of the SSDC.

NDPC Translates Data Protection Act into Indigenous Languages

Rita Obiora
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NDPC Translates Data Protection Act into Indigenous Languages

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), in collaboration with Meta Inc., has translated the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDP Act) into Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba.

This initiative ensures that the Act is accessible and understandable to all Nigerians, regardless of language or location, while deepening citizens’ awareness of their data protection rights.

At the unveiling of the Yoruba version held in Ikeja, Lagos, South-west Nigeria, the National Commissioner/CEO of the NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatunji, in his opening remarks, expressed his appreciation to the Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Hon. Akeem Olalekan Dauda, for hosting the event and supporting the Commission’s public outreach efforts. He also commended Meta for its partnership and contribution toward achieving this milestone.

Dr Olatunji emphasised the importance of translating the NDP Act into local languages, noting that it promotes inclusivity, enhances public awareness of data protection rights, and empowers individuals to better understand how their personal data is collected, used, and safeguarded.

He added that the initiative complements President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to empower Nigerian youths through digital innovation and opportunities in the data protection ecosystem.

The Alara of Ilara Kingdom (Epe Division), His Majesty Oba (Dr) Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo, led the unveiling of the Yoruba version of the Act.

The event also featured diverse stakeholders, including Councillors, Representatives of the National Youth Council, LCDA officials, Religious leaders, Corps members, Healthcare workers, and market women, demonstrating strong grassroots support and advancing data protection awareness.

Other royal fathers in attendance included the Olu of Iwaya-Yaba Kingdom, Oba Suleiman Owolabi Ogun-Oloko, and the Olofin of Isheri and Adimula of Awori Kingdoms, Oba (Engr.) Sulaimon Adekunle Bamgbade, among others.

They delivered goodwill messages commending the Commission for the initiative and recognising it as a vital step toward educating citizens in their native languages and promoting a culture of data privacy across Nigeria.

Agriculture Agency Signs Deal to Manage Kwara Farm

Rita Obiora
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Agriculture Agency Signs Deal to Manage Kwara Farm

The National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Arzikin Noma Nigeria Limited for the management and implementation of the Renewed Hope Mega Farm Estate project in Kwara State, North-Central Nigeria.

The move is part of the federal government’s drive to boost food production and create sustainable agricultural communities across the country.

Speaking during the signing ceremony in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, NALDA’s Executive Secretary/CEO, Engr. Cornelius Adebayo described the initiative as a strategic move under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to make agriculture attractive and profitable for Nigerian youths.

According to him, the project has commenced in Ora, Kwara State, as well as in Ilawe, Ekiti State, and Bauchi State. Arzikin Noma, a private agribusiness anchor, will be responsible for managing the Ora site.

The company will finance the participating farmers, while NALDA provides infrastructure such as land preparation and basic amenities.

“This is the era of sexy agriculture, and NALDA is at the forefront of this mandate,” Adebayo said. These mega farm settlements are clusters of at least 5,000 hectares, with land cleared, hostels, administrative blocks, warehouses, police stations, and even sporting and recreational facilities to make farming attractive to young Nigerians.

“NALDA is not involved in input or funding. Arzikin Noma will manage and finance the farmers directly because they are also responsible for the quality of output. This model ensures accountability, quality control, and sustainability.”

He emphasised that each farmer under the scheme will cultivate an average of five hectares of land, supported by a mechanisation hub providing tractor and equipment services. Farmers will not make any upfront payment, as costs for services will be deducted post-harvest through a transparent wallet system.

Adebayo expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for supporting the initiative, noting that the project will contribute to building Nigeria’s middle class and achieving food security.

“This project will create jobs, improve the economy, and rebuild rural communities. The Renewed Hope Agenda is real; our hope is renewed,” he said.

The NALDA boss also reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to transparency and implementation, highlighting several partnerships that have already been honoured, including collaborations with the Anambra State Government, the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Agbeyewa Farms in Ekiti, among others.

He added that NALDA is also partnering with the Nigerian Sugar Development Council to demonstrate the profitability of commercial sugarcane farming, with bulldozers already deployed to the site.

“We are a government agency that honours its agreements. This partnership is another proof that NALDA delivers on its promises,” Adebayo said, calling on private sector players in oil, gas, and telecoms to invest in agriculture.

Speaking at the event, the Group Managing Director of Arzikin Noma, Mr Michael Adeshola, commended President Tinubu for his foresight and commitment to transforming agriculture into a viable, youth-driven enterprise.

“This partnership is the big one that will transform Nigeria’s food system. With NALDA’s mandate to open over 10 million hectares in 10 years, Nigeria is closer than ever to achieving food sovereignty.”

He added that the collaboration between government, private investors, and development partners would promote climate-smart agriculture, create jobs, reduce rural-urban migration, and make Nigeria a food hub for Africa.

The event coincided with World Food Day, observed globally on October 16, underscoring the partnership’s alignment with international efforts to combat hunger and promote food security.

Trump, Putin to Discuss Ukraine War in Hungary

Hauwa Mustapha
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Trump, Putin to Discuss Ukraine War in Hungary

US President Donald Trump says he would meet again with Russian President Vladimir Putin in an effort to end the war in Ukraine.

A date has not been set, but Trump wrote on social media that the meeting would take place in Budapest, Hungary.

Trump’s announcement came shortly after finishing a call with Putin.

Budapest resident György Szirmai said the meeting is “a positive development” and Hungary can play a key role “in discussions about the outcome of the war.”

Trump’s announcement about the Budapest meeting came one day before sitting down with Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House.

The Ukrainian president has been seeking weapons that would allow Ukrainian forces to strike deeper into Russian territory.

Zelenskyy has argued such strikes would help compel Putin to take Trump’s calls for direct negotiations to end the war more seriously.

 

 

 

Africanews/Hauwa M.

FCT Minister Emphasises Citizens’ Role in National Development

Oluwasola Akintonde
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FCT Minister Emphasises Citizens’ Role in National Development

The Minister of the Nigerian Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has commended the critical role of responsible citizenship in governance and infrastructure development across the country.

The minister made this known while commissioning the newly constructed roads within Mabushi District in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

The minister stressed that a good citizen focuses on the welfare of the country rather than engaging in unnecessary criticisms.

Wike revealed that the Mabushi road project was initiated not from an official memo but from a personal call by a responsible citizen, Damien Dodo (SAN), who alerted him to the deplorable condition of the road.

He noted that, “That is what responsible citizens should do, not by going to social media and begin to castigate government for political purposes”.

The minister stressed that the identified resident neither lived nor worked on the street, but recognised a public need and took the necessary steps in contacting the government for action.

” I was in my office when one of my friends called my attention to the Kez Udezue Street in Mabushi District, which, he said, was terribly bad. I directed the Executive Secretary of FCDA to assess the condition of the road, and he subsequently confirmed to me that the road was in poor condition. I said okay, look for any contractor that has the capacity to move in and see that we solve that problem,” he added.

The Minister thanked the good resident and announced that the Administration will also honour him for being a good citizen in recognition of this exemplary action.

The Minister stressed that success in governance was achieved through focus, not propaganda, and assured that his achievements would silence critics.

He went further to explain that, “We will show you by next week what we have been able to do in our public schools under two years.”

He also highlighted the impact of President Tinubu’s leadership in securing interventions in the legal sector, revealing that the FCTA would soon flag off the construction of an alternative road for the Body of Benchers complex in the Research and Institutions District, in addition to providing 600 new bed spaces for the Nigerian Law School in Bwari.

“We must be happy that we have a President who remembers the requests being made to him,” the Minister stated.

Speaking on the newly constructed Esther Bali and Kez Udezue streets in Mabushi District, the Minister commended the contractor, Lubrik Construction, for the speedy delivery of the road, noting that the company had gone far with work even before the official award paper was issued, a sign of the confidence it has in the FCT Administration.

Earlier, the Minister of State, FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, said the provision of the road project in Mabushi was a testament to the impact of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in the FCT and thanked the President for his continuous support.

She also extended appreciation to the FCT Minister for his dedication and commitment to delivering on promises made and commended the National Assembly for its continuous legislative support and prompt approval of funds necessary for capital projects.

Presenting an overview of the project, Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr Richard Yunana Dauda, said the construction of Access Road to Esther Bali and Kez Udezue Streets in Mabushi District was in continuation of the mandate of developing the Federal Capital Territory in line with the Abuja Master Plan.

He remarked that the contractor had mobilised to the site immediately the contract was awarded in May 2025, and practically completed it before the stipulated project time of six months.

He stated that the scope of work executed under the project included earthworks, surface water drainage system, asphalt-paved roads with walkways, culverts, box and pipe culverts, power and water supply networks, and solar street lights.

He also highlighted the impact of President Tinubu’s leadership in securing interventions in the legal sector, revealing that the FCTA would soon flag off the construction of an alternative road for the Body of Benchers complex in the Research and Institutions District, in addition to providing 600 new bed spaces for the Nigerian Law School in Bwari.

“We must be happy that we have a President who remembers the requests being made to him,” the Minister stated.

Speaking on the newly constructed Esther Bali and Kez Udezue streets in Mabushi District, the Minister commended the contractor, Lubrik Construction, for the speedy delivery of the road, noting that the company had gone far with work even before the official award paper was issued, a sign of the confidence it has in the FCT Administration.

Earlier, the Minister of State, FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, said the provision of the road project in Mabushi was a testament to the impact of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in the FCT and thanked the President for his continuous support.

She also extended appreciation to the FCT Minister for his dedication and commitment to delivering on promises made and commended the National Assembly for its continuous legislative support and prompt approval of funds necessary for capital projects.

 

UNICEF Plans Investments to Fight Neglected Tropical Diseases in Nigeria

Ejiofor Ezeifeoma
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UNICEF Plans Investments to Fight Neglected Tropical Diseases in Nigeria

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called for increased investment to combat Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in Nigeria.

It said such efforts would improve the wellbeing of communities across the country.

UNICEF Nigeria Country Representative, Wafaa Saeed, made the call on Thursday during a town hall meeting in Faji, Odo-Otin Local Government Area of Osun State.

She described NTDs as viral, parasitic, and bacterial diseases prevalent in rural and low-income communities, noting that ‘they are termed “neglected” because they mostly affect the most vulnerable groups.”

Saeed said; “the diseases place a heavy burden on women, children, and entire communities, affecting access to education, healthcare, and livelihoods.”

She stressed “the need for more investment to reduce their impact and improve living conditions.”

The UNICEF Representative commended residents of Faji for embracing Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) initiatives that have interrupted NTD transmission in the community.

“What we see in this community shows that NTDs are preventable and treatable. When a community works together with its leaders, real change happens,” she said.

Saeed urged residents to sustain their open defecation-free status and continue investing in hygiene, toilets, and handwashing facilities.

She assured them of UNICEF’s continued support and commended their full use of medications provided to treat the diseases.

In his remarks, President and CEO of UNICEF USA, Michael Nyenhuis, praised the community and its traditional ruler for achieving open defecation-free status and stopping NTD transmission.

He encouraged them to sustain good hygiene practices to ensure children’s health and a better future.

Osun State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Prof. Moruf Adeleke, represented by Gbadebo Iyanda, also commended UNICEF for launching NTD and WASH programmes in Faji about seven years ago, noting that the interventions have produced remarkable results.

The UNICEF team inspected boreholes, toilets, and other facilities provided under the initiative and received testimonies from residents on how the treatments helped eliminate diseases such as Onchocerciasis and Lymphatic Filariasis.

The traditional ruler of Faji, Oba Moshood Olaleke, thanked UNICEF and the state government for their support, which he said contributed to the town’s success in eradicating NTDs and promoting hygiene.

NDDC, NDCCITMA Disburse ₦1.5 Billion to Empower Businesses

Rita Obiora
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NDDC, NDCCITMA Disburse ₦1.5 Billion to Empower Businesses

Iquo Williams, Port Harcourt

In a move to stimulate economic growth and empower entrepreneurs in the Niger Delta region, the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA), in partnership with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has released N1.5 billion to support 1,500 businesses across the region.

The announcement was made during the official flag-off of the Investment Partnership Scheme in Port Harcourt, capital of River State, Southern Nigeria, where beneficiaries were presented with cheques as part of the first phase of disbursement.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of NDCCITMA, Ambassador Idaere Gogo-Ogan, stated that the initiative targets business growth at all levels, from nano enterprises to medium-scale businesses.

According to him, the breakdown of the funding includes:

•N200,000 for nano businesses

•N3 million for micro businesses

•N7 million for small-scale businesses

•N20 million for medium-scale enterprises

“Our core mandate is to reduce poverty in the region, we are optimistic that our partnership with a strong institution like the NDDC will enable us to reach the most vulnerable and build sustainable businesses,” Gogo-Ogan said.

He emphasised the importance of bottom-up development, adding that true prosperity must include those at the grassroots level.

The NDCCITMA Chairman also announced that the funds would come with a low-interest rate of just 0.6 per cent, a move designed to ensure affordability and scalability for recipients.

To ensure sustainable impact, the Chamber will also implement a mentorship-based support system, including business promotion, capacity building, and market access strategies to help local enterprises compete nationally.

Also present at the launch was Mrs. Lyna Okara, NDDC Director of Commercial and Industrial Development and Chairperson of the Implementation Committee, who praised the initiative as a timely intervention for regional development.

“This scheme is not just a financial lifeline, it is a strategic investment in the region’s future, we are setting the stage for industrial revitalisation and inclusive growth, urging beneficiaries to take full advantage of the opportunity,” she noted.

Igniting economic transformation 

In her remarks, a representative from the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Mrs. Olalek Rasheed, urged entrepreneurs to maintain proper financial records and ensure that funds are used strictly for business purposes.

She warned against misappropriation, noting that misuse could undermine the credibility of the programme and limit future opportunities.

The disbursement is the first phase of what organisers described as a long-term, scalable programme aimed at empowering over 2,000 people, reducing unemployment, and igniting economic transformation across the Niger Delta.

The joint effort between NDCCITMA and the NDDC is expected to become a model for regional economic development and inclusive growth across Nigeria.

Venezuela Asks Security Council To Declare US Strikes Illegal

Jide Ibitoye
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Venezuela Asks Security Council To Declare US Strikes Illegal

Venezuela has asked the United Nations Security Council to determine that deadly U.S. strikes on vessels off its coast are illegal and issue a statement backing Venezuela’s sovereignty.

U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered a large U.S. military buildup in the southern Caribbean, and the troops have conducted at least five the Trump administration has described as involved in drug trafficking, without providing evidence.

According to Reuters News Agency, a letter to the 15-member Security Council, by Venezuela’s U.N. Ambassador Samuel Moncada, accused Washington of killing at least 27 people in the strikes on “civilian vessels transiting international waters.”

He asked the council to “investigate” the strikes to “determine their illegal nature” and issue a statement “reaffirming the principle of unrestricted respect for the sovereignty, political independence, and territorial integrity of states,” including Venezuela.

In Caracas, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said that while the CIA has long been linked to coups around the world, no previous government had publicly stated it ordered the CIA to “kill, overthrow, and destroy countries.”

Maduro accused the CIA of being authorized to conduct operations aimed against the peace of Venezuela.

“But our people are clear, united, and aware. They have the means to once again defeat this open conspiracy against the peace and stability of Venezuela,” the president said during an event broadcast on state television.

However, the Security Council will be unable to take any action beyond holding meetings on the situation because the United States holds veto power.

The council met for the first time last week over the tensions at the request of Venezuela, Russia, and China.

Reuters/Jide Johnson.

 

 

 

World Food Day: Anambra Government Reaffirms Drive for Food Security

Rita Obiora
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World Food Day: Anambra Government Reaffirms Drive for Food Security

The Anambra State Government says it is intensifying efforts to strengthen food security across the state.

The State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Forster Ihejiofor, described Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s Solution Government as “a front-runner in food security through agriculture-led transformation.”

Speaking during the 2025 World Food Day celebration in Awka, South-East Nigeria, Dr. Ihejiofor said: this year’s theme, “Hand in Hand for Better Food and a Better Future,” underscores the importance of collective action in building a sustainable food system.

Dr. Ihejiofor outlined several initiatives currently transforming the state’s agricultural sector, including the Regenerative Agriculture Policy, Oil Palm and Coconut Revolution, Igbo Economic Tree Crops Programme, and the distribution of free organic fertiliser to over 20,000 smallholder farmers.

He also cited the IFAD-VCDP empowerment of more than 13,000 farmers, the ATASP-1 Mega Irrigation Project in Ayamelum serving 10,000 hectares of rice fields, and the planned Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) and Agriculture Transformation Centres (ATCs) designed to boost processing, value addition, and youth employment.

The Commissioner commended ongoing community-based efforts such as the Farm to Feed Campaign, which has been adopted by Local Government Mayors to promote household food production, and the Healthy Living Gardens Initiative.

The initiative is led by the wife of the Governor, Dr. Nonye Soludo, to encourage schoolchildren to engage in nutrition and environmental awareness activities.

He said; “these interventions reflect a shared commitment by government, farmers, and stakeholders to make Anambra a food-secure and economically vibrant state.”

 

Minister Redesignates JAMB as Sole Authority for University Admissions

Oluwasola Akintonde
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Minister Redesignates JAMB as Sole Authority for University Admissions

By: Acheme Jack

The Nigerian government through the Ministry of Education has debunked news making rounds that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) was no longer required for admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

It stated that the board remains the only authorized body for admissions into Nigeria tertiary institutions.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa
in a statement by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade noted that “the report is false, baseless, and did not emanate from the Federal Ministry of Education

“At no point did the Ministry issue or authorize any statement suggesting that JAMB is no longer mandatory for admission into tertiary institutions.

“For the avoidance of doubt, JAMB remains the statutory and legally empowered body responsible for conducting entrance examinations and coordinating admissions into all tertiary institutions in Nigeria. The established admission processes through JAMB remain fully operational, and any contrary information should be disregarded in its entirety,” the statement read.

According to him, the Ministry completely dissociates itself from the false publication, urging the general public, especially prospective students, parents, and tertiary institutions to rely solely on the official communication channels of the Ministry and JAMB for accurate and verified information regarding admission policies and education-related matters.

Dr. Alausa reaffirmed the Ministry’s collaboration with JAMB and other relevant agencies to upholding transparency, fairness, and credibility in Nigeria’s tertiary education admission system.

“The Ministry remains committed to protecting the integrity of the admission process and ensuring that merit and due process guide all admissions into higher institutions,” he said

The Minister cautioned media houses, bloggers, and online platforms to verify information from official sources before publication to avoid misleading the public and spreading misinformation capable of causing unnecessary confusion within the education sector.

“The Federal Ministry of Education reiterates that there has been no change in the existing role of JAMB which remains central and indispensable in Nigeria’s tertiary education framework. Any publication or online post claiming otherwise is entirely false and should be treated as such,” he said.

He urged members of the public to visit the official websites and social media handles of the Federal Ministry of Education and JAMB for authentic updates on educational matters

 

Olusola Akintonde

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