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IGP Warns Against Attacks on Police Officers

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The Nigerian Police says it will no longer tolerate unprovoked attacks on police officers.

Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, gave the warning during a conference with senior police officers in Abuja, Nigeria’s Capital.

IGP Egbetokun lamented recent attacks on 11 Police personnel on September 19 and 22 by suspected armed herdsmen and local militias at Agu Centre, Katsina Ala.

The IGP clarified, ” I have issued warnings against attacks on police officers carrying out their lawful duties.

“Attacks on our personnel are unacceptable. We do not condone any form of assault on police officers performing their legitimate functions.

“Repeatedly, I have appealed to the public: if you disagree with the conduct of any police officer, kindly report the matter to the appropriate authorities.”

The Police Chief emphasised that “every state has a Commissioner of Police, every division has a Divisional Police Officer (DPO), and every area has an Area Commander.”

Egbetokun added that the Police Force also has a Complaint Response Unit in all police formations across the Federation, and their contact details have been publicised several times for the public.

He lamented that “If you disagree with the behaviour of any police officer, do not attack them, report their conduct to their superior. Be assured that such reports will not be ignored.

“All necessary disciplinary actions will be taken against the offending officer.”

He stated that disciplinary measures taken against erring officers were made public to encourage citizens to report misconduct.

According to him, the Force takes reports of misconduct by men and officers seriously and never hesitate to discipline those found culpable.

The Police Chief also emphasised that the authorities would not shut the door on criminals who wished to embrace peace.

The IGP, who responded to questions on the ongoing negotiations with notorious bandit leaders in Katsina State, added that if they were willing to surrender, they would be welcomed.

 

Engineering Professionals Urged to Utilise AI, Big Data

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Nigerian civil engineers have been called upon to take advantage of artificial intelligence and Big Data to create smarter, safer, and more sustainable infrastructure that responds to the needs of growing populations.

The Engineers have also been advised not to just be consumers of technology but to contribute to it.

The African Continental Representative of World Council of Civil Engineers, WCCE, Dr Aishatu Aliyu Umar, made the call at the 20th General Assembly of the WCCE holding in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

Speaking on the theme of the Assembly “Artificial Intelligence, Data and Design: Reimagining Civil Engineering for a Connected World,” she pointed out the different ways artificial intelligence is reshaping the engineering landscape.

“Artificial Intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept. It is here, shaping how we model bridges, monitor structural integrity, manage urban traffic, predict environmental hazards, and even optimise construction costs in real-time. Combined with big data analytics and cutting-edge design tools, we now have the potential to create smarter, safer, and more sustainable infrastructures.”

She advocated for engineers to contribute to data and technology that would advance the profession by mainstreaming data-driven policy in our public works, ensuring the curricula in universities reflect the new digital reality, pushing for collaboration across borders, sharing knowledge and resources so no region is left behind.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr George Akume, said the challenges of climate change, rapid urbanisation and population expansion have raised the need for engineers to be innovative in building resilient infrastructure that would push development.

“This year’s theme is both timely and inspiring. It underscores the urgent need to harness emerging technologies to transform infrastructural planning, improve construction processes and optimise resources.

“The integration of artificial intelligence and data-driven design will open new frontiers for productivity, sustainability and connectivity across the nation”, Akume said.

The SGF, who was represented by his senior technical adviser, Prof. Babatunde Bernard, said the General Assembly is timely as it is taking place at a time when the Nigerian President has prioritised infrastructure in his development agenda and is carrying out this agenda through several flagship infrastructural projects.

The President of the WCCE, Mr Oscar Alberto Sánchez Zúñiga, pointed out that climate change, natural disasters and lack of sustainable infrastructure underscore the role of engineers even in providing solutions.

He emphasised the importance of Engineers viewing their profession as a service to humanity.

“Let us renew our commitment to excellence, responsibility, sustainability and ethics. Let us never forget that we are builders of trust, leaving a piece of ourselves in every project and planting seeds for a better tomorrow,” Zuniga said.

 

 

Malawi’s President Concedes Election to Predecessor

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Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera has conceded defeat in this month’s presidential election to his rival and predecessor, Peter Mutharika, in the largely poor Southern African nation, battered by soaring costs and severe fuel shortages.

“It is only right that I concede defeat out of respect for your will as citizens and out of respect for the constitution.

“It was clear that my rival, Peter Mutharika, had an insurmountable lead over me.

“In the days that remain, I want you to know that I am committed to a peaceful transfer of power,” Chakwera said.

While the Electoral Commission was due to release the results of the vote at a briefing later on Wednesday, official results released so far show that ex-president Mutharika has gained a strong lead over Chakwera.

Last week, citizens took to the polls to vote on the country’s next leader, in a vote that analysts predicted would be one of the most tightly contested elections in the country in recent history between Mutharika and Chakwera, the candidates of the two biggest parties in Malawi’s parliament.

 

Ballon d’Or: NFF congratulates Nnadozie, Madugu

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The Nigeria Football Federation has congratulated Super Falcons and Brighton & Hove Albion of England’s safe hands Chiamaka Nnadozie on her fourth-place finish at this year’s Ballon d’Or ceremony, in Paris.

Nnadozie, who has been Africa’s Best Goalkeeper for the past two years, was also named Goalkeeper of the Tournament for this summer’s Women Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco, where she played a key role in Nigeria’s 10th triumph.

“We heartily congratulate Chiamaka Nnadozie on her fourth-place finish in the race. It is a commendable feat given the calibre of goalkeepers she was up against. Finishing fourth is a big achievement and we believe in her capacity to win this trophy very soon,” NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi said.

Sanusi also gave kudos to Super Falcons’ Head Coach Justine Madugu, who also finished fourth in the Women’s Coach of the Year category.

“Coach Madugu’s feat further underscores the fact that the NFF was right to have given him the Super Falcons’ head coach’s role, which had earlier been validated with him leading the team to victory at the WAFCON in Morocco. We congratulate him on this feat and wish him victory in the awards in the coming years.”

Nnadozie finished fourth behind England and Chelsea FC’s Hannah Hampton, who took home the Trophée Yachine (named after former Soviet goalkeeper Lev Yashin), Gotham FC’s Ann-Katrin Berger and Barcelona FC’s Cata Coll.

She however finished above Arsenal FC’s Daphne van Domselaar in the Top Five.

Madugu was fourth in a race won by Sarina Wiegman, who led England to the UEFA Women’s Championship title, and which also included Chelsea’s Sonia Bompastor, Brazil’s Arthur Elias and Arsenal FC’s Renée Slegers.

Nigerian Equities Extend Losses as Index Falls by 0.40%

Toyin Ajadi

For the second consecutive day this week, losses persisted on the Nigerian equities market on Tuesday, with key indicators declining by 0.40%.

The All-Share Index shed 568.62 basis points, or 0.40%, to close at 140,929.60 points, compared to 142,498.22 points recorded on Monday. Market capitalisation also depreciated by ₦326 billion to settle at ₦89.198 trillion.

Market sentiment remained negative, with 16 gainers against 35 losers at the close of trading.

Leading the gainers’ list were Thomas Wyatt Nigeria, Chellarams, and RT Briscoe, which recorded price increases of 9.8%, 9.59%, and 9.5% respectively, closing at ₦2.80, ₦16.00, and ₦3.92.

Also Read: NGX Equities Maintain Negative Close

Conversely, Dangote Sugar Refinery topped the losers’ chart with a 10% drop to close at ₦54.00. It was followed by Wema Bank, which fell by 8.27% to ₦18.85, while Secure Electronic Technology declined by 6.25% to ₦0.75.

Consolidated Hallmark Holdings recorded the highest trading volume with 170 million shares, followed by Zenith Bank with 104 million shares.

A total of 759,058,546 shares, valued at ₦25.72 billion, were traded in 23,639 deals on Tuesday.

Nigeria, UAE Firm Sign Landmark Deal on Cargo Security

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The Federal Government of Nigeria has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with DALIL Engineering Company of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the deployment of Advanced Cargo Information (ACI) systems across Nigerian airports.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who signed on behalf of the Federal Government, described the agreement as a bold step towards repositioning Nigeria as a leading aviation and logistics hub in Africa.

Keyamo said implementation of the MoU will begin with feasibility studies in October 2025, followed by a nationwide rollout in the third quarter of 2026.

He stressed that the adoption of ACI systems will be a game-changer for Nigeria’s aviation and cargo operations.

According to him, ACI will strengthen aviation security through early detection of high-risk cargo, reduce clearance bottlenecks, streamline cargo processing and improve efficiency.

He added that it would also enhance government revenue assurance via real-time data capture, facilitate international trade, and boost Nigeria’s position as a regional logistics hub.

He further explained that the system aligns with global best practices and ensures compliance with ICAO and WCO standards.

Keyamo also stated that the partnership with DALIL UAE, a globally recognised provider of aviation security and cargo solutions, goes beyond technology transfer, as it seeks to entrench resilience, efficiency, and competitiveness in the aviation sector.

“This MoU is not just about technology transfer; it is about building resilience, efficiency, and competitiveness in Nigeria’s aviation sector. Nigeria is now set to leverage cutting-edge innovation to drive security, trade facilitation, and revenue growth,” he stated.

He assured that the Federal Government will continue to provide the enabling policy environment necessary for the smooth implementation and sustainability of the project.

The agreement was sealed during a high-level mission to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, led by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.

EU Backs Nigeria’s Strategy To Strengthen National Security

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The European Union (EU) has reaffirmed its commitment to stand with Nigeria in tackling insurgency by supporting the country’s updated Policy Framework and National Action Plan for Preventing and Countering Violence.

This was disclosed at the validation workshop, convened by the Office of the National Security Adviser in Abuja, which brought together ministries, security agencies, civil society, academics, faith leaders, and international partners.

According to the EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, the revised framework marks a critical step in tackling the drivers of violence while safeguarding citizens’ rights.

The envoy underlined the importance of implementing the strategy at the state and community levels, ensuring rural areas are not left behind, and prioritising youth empowerment programmes to undercut extremist recruitment. 

To conquer the hearts and minds of the population, protecting and respecting fundamental rights is key,” Mignot warned.

Welcoming participants on behalf of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, said the review was more than a technical process; it was the endorsement of a shared vision. 

“This is not just about a document. It is about anchoring prevention and resilience as central pillars of Nigeria’s national strategy,” he declared.

He highlighted that since the first framework was launched in 2017, Nigeria has expanded non-kinetic approaches, from early-warning systems and counter-narratives to community engagement and youth empowerment. The updated plan now integrates gender and youth perspectives, human rights, and climate-related risks.

With the EU’s STRIVE Global programme and Hedayah providing technical support, Nigeria’s PCVE framework is expected to serve as a blueprint for coordinating government, civil society, and international responses to extremist threats.

NHIA Launches Neonatal Health Services in Kano

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The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has launched the neonatal component of its Comprehensive Emergency Obstetrics and Neonatal Care (CEmONC) Programme in Kano State, aimed at expanding quality healthcare access for vulnerable populations.

The initiative was formally inaugurated with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NHIA and the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), under the supervision of the Kano State Commissioner for Health, Dr Abubakar Labaran Yusuf.

The Director General of NHIA, Dr Kelechi Ohiri, represented by Dr Sikiru Salaudeen, Director of Informal Sector Department, disclosed that the pilot phase of the neonatal programme is already running in four Lagos facilities, while four hospitals in Kano, including AKTH, will also administer the scheme.

Dr Salaudeen explained that over 200 facilities nationwide are already implementing the maternal component of the programme, treating more than 14,000 women, 40 per cent of them from Kano.

He emphasised that, “The neonatal component builds on the successes of the maternal arm, targeting conditions such as birth asphyxia, neonatal sepsis, neonatal jaundice, and acute surgical emergencies.

“To ensure transparency, independent external verifiers have been engaged to provide oversight.”

Speaking on behalf of AKTH, Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, Prof. Abdurahman Suwaid, revealed that 972 women had already benefited from the maternal component at the hospital, making it the largest NHIA beneficiary-holding facility in Nigeria.

The MoU also covers three other Kano-based facilities: Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital, Mohammed Abdullahi Wase Specialist Hospital, and Khalifah Shiek Isiyaka Rabiu Paediatric Hospital.

Isak Scores First Liverpool Goal In League Cup Win

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Alexander Isak scored his first Liverpool goal to inspire a 2-1 win against Southampton in the League Cup third round, while Chelsea survived a scare to beat third-tier Lincoln on Tuesday.

Isak was making his third appearance for Liverpool since his British record £125 million ($169 million) move from Newcastle on transfer deadline day.

The 26-year-old had drawn a blank in his 58-minute debut appearance against Atletico Madrid and also failed to net after coming off the bench for the last 23 minutes of Saturday’s Merseyside derby win over Everton.

But Isak got off the mark in the 43nd minute as Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy tried a short pass that was intercepted by Federico Chiesa, who picked out the Sweden striker to fire home.

It was a belated birthday present for Isak, who turned 26 on Sunday.

Isak, who had scored for Newcastle in their League Cup final win against Liverpool last season, was taken off at half-time as he builds up his fitness after missing pre-season training while his transfer was being negotiated.

Shea Charles equalised for the Championship side in the 76th minute with a close-range finish after a wayward header from Liverpool’s Wataru Endo.

Arne Slot had made 11 changes from the Everton game but substitute Hugo Ekitike saved Liverpool’s understudies from a penalty shoot-out when he finished off Chiesa’s pass in the 85th minute.

The French striker took off his shirt to celebrate and was dismissed for a second bookable offence.

Liverpool have made a perfect start to the season, with seven successive wins, including five in the Premier League to take them to the top of the table and one in the Champions League against Atletico.

 

Lessons from China’s CPC for Nigerian Political Parties

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The Communist Party of China (CPC) is the world’s largest political party with over 95 million members and has played a central role in China’s transformation since its founding in 1921.

From humble beginnings, it has guided China into becoming one of the leading economies of the world, demonstrating how discipline, long-term planning, and people-centred governance can serve as tools for national development.

Nigeria, Africa’s largest democracy, also has vibrant political parties such as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC). Though younger and operating in a multi-party environment, Nigerian political parties are also central to the country’s democratic journey. As Nigeria continues to strengthen its democracy, there are valuable insights it can draw from the CPC experience while also offering its own unique democratic contributions to global governance.

Shared Origins and the Power of Vision

Both China and Nigeria share histories shaped by struggles for unity, resilience, and the pursuit of national development. The CPC was founded in 1921 at a time when China was fragmented, while Nigeria’s modern political parties emerged in the late 20th century to consolidate democracy after years of military rule.

What both contexts reveal is the importance of strong, visionary leadership and collective purpose. Just as the CPC anchored its growth on long-term discipline and ideological clarity, Nigeria’s parties continue to evolve as pillars of democratic participation, inclusion, and nation-building.

People-Centered Governance

A defining strength of the CPC is its commitment to people-centred governance, placing citizens at the heart of decision-making. This principle resonates with Nigeria’s democratic ideals, where political parties are expected to represent the will of the people and address their needs.

Both China and Nigeria can share experiences on how governance can remain closer to the grassroots, ensuring policies address the aspirations of ordinary citizens. In this way, parties in both countries can serve as engines of social stability and development.

Accountability and Discipline

The CPC has built systems of accountability aimed at ensuring discipline within its ranks and curbing excesses. Nigeria, on the other hand, continues to strengthen its democratic institutions and anti-corruption frameworks to improve public trust. Both systems highlight a shared global challenge: the need for integrity and transparency in governance.

By exchanging best practices, Nigeria and China can jointly demonstrate how discipline and accountability in political leadership can enhance credibility and foster sustainable development.

Long-Term Planning and Development

China’s five-year development plans have been central to its modernisation drive. Similarly, Nigeria has developed national plans and policies aimed at diversifying its economy and achieving inclusive growth. Both nations recognise that sustained progress requires more than short-term victories; it demands vision, continuity, and collective ownership of national goals.

This shared emphasis on planning offers grounds for greater cooperation, particularly in areas such as industrialisation, education, infrastructure, and poverty reduction.

Global Cooperation and Shared Future

While China operates under a one-party socialist system and Nigeria under a multiparty democracy, both recognise the importance of political stability, unity, and people-centred leadership. Their different systems provide complementary lessons for the world: the CPC’s discipline and continuity on one hand, and Nigeria’s openness and democratic participation on the other.

Together, China and Nigeria, two of the world’s most populous nations, can chart a path of mutual learning. Strengthening party systems, promoting people-first governance, and pursuing long-term development are not just national goals but global responsibilities in a world seeking peace, prosperity, and equity.

The journey of the CPC and Nigeria’s political parties highlights that there is no single model of governance. What matters is discipline, accountability, vision, and the commitment to place people at the centre of development.

As China and Nigeria continue to deepen bilateral cooperation, the lessons from their political experiences can inspire not only their citizens but also the global community. Both nations, working together, can demonstrate how strong institutions and people-driven politics can shape a better future for humanity.