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NiDCOM, Cross River State Inaugurate Diaspora Office

Lantana Nasir
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NiDCOM, Cross River State Inaugurate Diaspora Office

The Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NiDCOM, Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in collaboration with the Cross River State government, has inaugurated the Cross River State Diaspora Commission, CRIDCOM, office in Calabar, Southern Nigeria.

The inauguration was the highlight of a two-day working visit of the NiDCOM Chairman to Cross River State.

 The CRIDCOM office is a pivotal milestone in the state’s strategy to engage its diaspora community for growth and development.

Before the inauguration,  Dr. Dabiri-Erewa held a meeting with the Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, the Chairman of CRIDCOM, Otu Okor, and some State Commissioners.

Governor Otu lauded Dr. Dabiri-Erewa for her trailblazing efforts in fostering stronger connections between Nigeria and its diaspora.

He emphasised that “her leadership has successfully helped shift negative perceptions about Nigerians abroad and credited her impressive track record for inspiring the swift establishment of the Cross River State Diaspora Commission Office.”

“Before your leadership, there was a gap between Nigeria and other nations. Now, that narrative has transformed,” the Governor said.

Dr. Dabiri-Erewa commended Cross River for becoming the first state in Nigeria to establish a state-level Diaspora Commission building, calling it a remarkable and historic achievement.

She applauded Governor Otu’s visionary leadership and expressed her enthusiasm for the state’s active engagement in diaspora matters.

 She commended the governor for appointing Otu Okor,  a pioneer staff member of NiDCOM to head the CRIDCOM office.

NYG: Team Anambra Wins 3 Gold, 2 Silver Medals

Mosunmola Ore
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NYG: Team Anambra Wins 3 Gold, 2 Silver Medals

Team Anambra has won a total of 11 medals after Day 6 of the ongoing National Youth Games (NYG)  in Asaba, Delta State.

The medals include three gold, two silver and six bronze.

READ ALSO: National Youth Games: Ogun State Conducts Medical Check-Ups

The trio of Ubammayie Michael, Awaka Chukwuebuka, and Odii Timothy won gold in the male scrabble team event.

Blessing Ukaoha clinched gold in the female shot put while Chibuike Oranye won gold in Taekwondo, poomsae event.

Ubammayie Chidiebere, Nnenkwo Onyinye, and Nnenkwo Sandra won silver in female scrabble, while Chidinma Nwangu won silver in female Karate.

Anambra have also won six bronze medals in various events at the games.

Patrick-Estate Onyedika, Chairman, Anambra State Sports Development Commission, commended the athletes for their spirit and discipline since the beginning of the games.

Onyedum said “the team was still hopeful of more medals as the track and field events of the games enter the final stage.”

He, however, condemned the menace of age cheats at the youth level of national sports competition, and blamed it on desperation for gold and the attendant reward by some states and coaches.

The chairman said; “Anambra would continue to present athletes within the age limit for the competition, noting that that was the starting point for making of world champions.”

 

 

NAN

Eid el-Maulud: First Lady Seeks More Love Among Nigerians

Lantana Nasir
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Eid el-Maulud: First Lady Seeks More Love Among Nigerians

Wife of the Nigerian President, Oluremi Tinubu has urged citizens especially Muslims, to imbibe the good works of Prophet Mohammed as they celebrate his birthday, also known as Eid el-Maulud.

Mrs Tinubu advised in a message she issued on Friday, in commemoration of this year’s Eid el-Maulud festival.

She stressed that just as the Prophet and founder of Islam did, Nigerians should exhibit the characteristics of love, compassion and devotion to their creator.  

“On this special day of Eid el-Maulud, I extend my warmest greetings to all our Muslim faithful across the nation.

 “This celebration of the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is a time to reflect on his exemplary life of humility, compassion, forgiveness and devotion to Allah.

 “It is also a reminder for us to embody these values in our daily lives, showing love, kindness, and unity to one another,” she said.

Mrs Tinubu also enjoined Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, prosperity, and progress across the nation.

NYG: Ekiti Wins Gold In Basketball, Silver In Kungfu

Mosunmola Ore
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NYG: Ekiti Wins Gold In Basketball, Silver In Kungfu

Team Ekiti has won Gold in the male Basketball at the ongoing National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta.

Team Ekiti clinched the gold medal on Thursday after they pipped Team Lagos 19-18 in the final of the game.

The two basketball teams played with composure, determination and confidence but Ekiti team displayed greater strength to win the final in a keenly contested match.

READ ALSO: Nasarawa Wins First NYG Medal in Karate

Reacting, the State Basketball Coach, Adetayo Awojinrin expressed happiness with the performance of his boys in the finals of the game.

“I am happy God crown our efforts with success, in spite of the tough matches that we encountered at the group stage, we are able to defeat Lagos at the final.

“I am proud of the team and I believe with this unique success they will win more gold medals in future,” Awojinrin.

In Kungfu, Funbi Adedoyin won bronze in 48 KG female category.

The State Head Coach of Kungfu, Ronke Raji commended Funbi for making the state proud despite the tough encounter she had with her counterpart from other states.

Also, Suleiman Abdulazeez, a Para Athlete won Gold in Discus and Silver in Shot Put.

Three outstanding athletes from team Ekiti have been invited to the National Federation for their various sports.

The names of the athletes are Abdulazeez Suleiman, a Para Athlete; Precious Ayodele, a player of Ayo Olopon and Damilola Oni, a cricket player.

Team Ekiti currently has a total of two gold, three silver and three bronze medals.

 

 

NAN

Eid-el-Maulud: Nigerian Leaders Urge Unity, Peace

Lantana Nasir
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Eid-el-Maulud: Nigerian Leaders Urge Unity, Peace

.Nigerians have joined the global community in marking the birth of Prophet Muhammad, with political and traditional leaders calling for unity, peace, compassion, and renewed faith.

Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo of Anambra State in Southeast Nigeria extended warm greetings to the Muslim Ummah in Anambra and across Nigeria, describing the celebration as “both a moment of joy and an opportunity for reflection on the enduring values exemplified by the Prophet, peace, love, and compassion.”

Governor Soludo stated this through his Press Secretary, Christian Aburime.

He said; “the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad emphasised unity, kindness, and mutual respect across religious and cultural lines.”

In Abuja, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, congratulated residents of the capital city, noting that “Eid-el-Maulud is not just a celebration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad, but also an opportunity for residents to uphold their commitment to values of acceptance, love, and kindness.”

He further stressed that “our strength lies in our unity, and our progress depends on our ability to live in harmony with one another.”

Similarly, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, urged Muslims to use the occasion for deep reflection and renewal of faith.

“As we mark Maulid Nabiyyi 1447 AH, let us be reminded of the timeless values of compassion, justice, and peace that our noble Prophet embodied,” he said in a goodwill message through his spokesman, Dr. Abdulazeez Arowona.

He further encouraged interfaith dialogue, cultural exchange, and acts of charity as ways to emulate the Prophet’s example.

Across the messages, the leaders emphasised tolerance, compassion, justice, and harmony as guiding virtues of Prophet Muhammad’s life and teachings, urging Nigerians to imbibe them to foster a more inclusive and peaceful society.

Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment To Adolescent Health

patience ameh
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Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment To Adolescent Health

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to promoting adolescent health, gender equity, and inclusive governance.

Dr. Salako emphasised that young people remain the heartbeat of the nation’s future, underscoring their vital role in national development.

Delivering the keynote at the Gender and Inclusion Summit 2025/National Dialogue on Adolescent Health and Wellbeing in Abuja, Dr. Salako said the summit theme, “New Voices and New Approaches for Accelerating an Inclusive Society,” was timely given Africa’s high risk of exclusion.

He said; “Up to 32% of the population is estimated to be at risk of social exclusion, with the highest percentage of 52% in Sub-Saharan Africa. This theme is a call for us to listen differently, act boldly, and collaborate intentionally to dismantle the systemic barriers that hinder the health, rights, and opportunities of our adolescents.”

Dr. Salako disclosed that the Nigeria Survey on Gender Norms, Attitudes, Health, and Wellbeing has provided groundbreaking insights into adolescents aged 10–14, systematically exploring five critical areas: child marriage, gender-based violence, sexual and reproductive health, HPV vaccination, and women’s economic empowerment. He emphasised its potential to reshape national policy.

“I strongly believe that the results of this survey will be instrumental in shaping policies and programs that are not only responsive but transformative,” he said, while appreciating the support of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for the project.

The Minister stated that adolescents are the torchbearers of the nations future.

“Adolescents represent the heartbeat of our nation’s future. Yet, they face disproportionate risks … These challenges are not just health issues; they are reflections of deeply entrenched social and gender norms that perpetuate inequality,” Dr. Salako stated.

He also highlighted the disproportionate risks they face to include:“Child marriage, gender-based violence, poor access to reproductive health, substance abuse, and mental health challenges are not just health issues.”

The Minister commended Nigeria’s policy strides, stating that under the President Bola Tinubu administration, the country has made strong commitments at both the Global Forum on Adolescent Health and the West and Central Africa platform on education, health, and wellbeing of adolescents.

“Nigeria has made commitments to improve adolescent health at the global forum for adolescent health, and the West and Central African commitment on education, health and wellbeing of adolescents,” Dr. Salako affirmed.

He further said that Nigeria has also institutionalised the International Adolescent Health Week (IAHW), commemorated annually, with the next observance scheduled for October 2025.

The Minister also highlighted reforms within the Ministry, including the Adolescent and School Health Branch of the Family Health Department, a dedicated Adolescent Health Development Technical Subcommittee, and the rollout of training manuals and protocols for frontline health workers.

“We have developed the National Adolescent Health Development Training Manual, and are leveraging it to build the capacity of frontline health workers at all levels of service delivery,” Dr Salako disclosed.

The Ministry, he said, is partnering with the EU through the EU-SARAH project in Sokoto, Adamawa, and Kwara States to expand adolescent reproductive health access, with best practices expected to be scaled nationwide.

“These initiatives are not endpoints but stepping stones and catalytic formulas to leapfrog more commitments, interventions and collaborations, ”the Minister said.

Dr. Salako further cited the successful rollout of routine HPV vaccination for girls aged 9–14 years in 2023, led by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, saying; “We have so far immunised over 14 million girls, covering about 96% of the targeted population.”

The Minister specifically urged state governments to demonstrate greater ownership of adolescent health by establishing sustainable funding mechanisms.

“I call on all our subnational governments to demonstrate priority attention for adolescent health by establishing and funding budget lines to address adolescent health matters,” Dr. Salako appealed.

He further called on stakeholders to adopt transformative strategies, strengthen partnerships, and ensure accountability in adolescent health programming.

“Let us ensure this dialogue is more than a conversation. Let it be a catalyst for change. Our joint aspiration should be to build a Nigeria where every adolescent, regardless of gender, background, or circumstance, has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to national development,” he explained.

Dr. Salako also challenged all to reaffirm to collective responsibility: “As we embrace gender-transformative approaches, strengthen multisectoral partnerships, and translate evidence into action, Nigeria shall be blessed with peace and plenty.”

Sharing Nigeria’s national vision under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the Minister said;“Our aspiration should be to build a Nigeria where every adolescent, regardless of gender, background or circumstance, has the opportunity to thrive, attain their highest potential and contribute to the development of our country.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nigeria Issues New Regulations to Digital Lending Sector

Shakirat Sadiq
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Nigeria Issues New Regulations to Digital Lending Sector

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC, has officially issued new regulations to the Digital, Electronic, Online, or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending sector to address longstanding consumer complaints and a variety of issues.

The FCCPC in a statement by the Director, Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, complaint includes exploitative practices, data privacy violations, abusive loan recovery tactics, harassment, and anti-competitive behaviour by certain digital lenders and their partners within Nigeria’s rapidly growing digital credit market.

According to the statement, “This landmark Regulations, made pursuant to Sections 17, 18, and 163 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (2018), primarily safeguards consumers by establishing a comprehensive framework.”

The Commission revealed that the framework mandates transparency, fairness, responsible conduct, data privacy, and accessible redress mechanisms, all under the oversight of the FCCPC.

Announcing the gazetting and commencement of the Regulations in his office in Abuja, the Commission’s Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Tunji Bello stated, “For too long, Nigerians have endured harassment, data breaches, and unethical practices by unregulated digital lenders. These regulations draw a clear line that innovation is welcome, but not at the expense of rights and dignity of consumers or the rule of law.”

“This Regulations provide the legal tools to hold violators accountable and promote responsible digital finance. No consumer should be harassed, defamed, or lured into unsustainable debt under the guise of digital lending,” he added.

The statement noted that the Regulations, which came into effect on July 21, 2025, establishes a robust legal framework to register, monitor, and sanction all forms of digital and non-traditional lending in Nigeria.

“Applicable to all unsecured consumer lending conducted through electronic, online, mobile, or other non-traditional means, the regulations set out clear requirements for registration, transparency, data privacy, ethical recovery, fair interest rates, and responsible lending.

“Critically, the Regulations prohibits pre-authorized or automatic lending, compel clear and accessible loan terms, ban unethical marketing, and mandate local ownership of at least one service provider for airtime and data lending services.”

” It also requires joint registration of all lender partnerships and prohibits monopolistic or dominance-based agreements without prior Commission’s approval.”

The statement explained that under its provisions, all digital lenders must register with the FCCPC within 90 days of commencement. Approval is dependent on meeting consumer protection, data compliance, and transparency standards.

“Non-compliant operators face sanctions, which may include fines of up to ₦100 million or 1% of turnover, as well as potential disqualification of directors for up to five years.”

The FCCPC urged all current and intending providers of digital lending services, including Mobile Money Operators (MMOs), Digital Money Lenders (DMLs), and service partners, to visit www.fccpc.gov.ng for application forms, guidelines, and compliance requirements.

“Consumers are advised to report unlawful or unregistered lenders, unfair interest rates, or privacy violations to the Commission through its complaint portal: lenderstaskforce@fccpc.gov.ng” it added.

 

 

President Tinubu Committed to Nigeria’s Economic Diversification – VP Shettima

Hauwa Abubakar Anaja
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President Tinubu Committed to Nigeria’s Economic Diversification – VP Shettima

Timothy Choji, Abuja

Vice President Kashim Shettima says President Bola Tinubu remains committed to diversifying the Nigerian economy, describing him as a leader with the political will to take bold decisions.

The Vice President was speaking on the efforts of President Tinubu to diversify the nation’s economy on Thursday at the Presidential Villa.

VP Shettima cited the President’s recent trip to Brazil which resulted in the signing of five Memoranda of Understanding covering aviation, foreign affairs, science and technology, and agriculture, saying these were deliberate and intentional steps by the President in diversifying the nation’s economy.

The Vice President stated this when he received a delegation from the Nigerian Economic Society (NES) led by its President, Prof. Adeola Adenikinju, on a courtesy visit.

“In President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, you have an ally, a friend who grew up in the same ecosystem as you, who speaks your language of business and commerce, who understands the economic terrain, and most importantly, who has the political courage,” the VP noted.

He observed that while the world is now in a knowledge-driven post-industrial age, the current government and relevant stakeholders are “in a unique position” to turn Nigeria’s potential into “demographic dividends.

The Vice President stressed that Nigeria is also in a unique position to fill global talent gaps for many reasons, including “our youthful population.”

Referencing top African unicorns domiciled in Nigeria, VP Shettima said Nigerians have the intellectual know-how, capacity, and versatility to economically reposition the country by leveraging President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Describing the NES as one of the oldest organizations in Nigeria’s economic ecosystem,  Shettima solicited the society’s support for the actualization of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He urged the body to come up with more robust solutions to Nigeria’s challenges, assuring them that the President Tinubu administration is open to their input and “perspectives on diversifying the nation’s economy.”

Speaking earlier, the President of NES, Prof. Adenikinju, applauded the economic reforms of the administration of President Tinubu, describing it as bold, profound and yielding results.

He pledged the NES’s firm support for the Tinubu administration’s efforts and policies and offered to serve, if integrated, in the Federal Government’s economic management team as well as relevant committees and bodies saddled with development and economic planning responsibilities.

He also announced plans to confer the society’s highest award, ‘Fellow of the Nigerian Economic Society (FNES)’ on Vice President Shettima at its forthcoming national conference on September 9 in Abuja.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hauwa Abu

Railway Corporation Creates New Offices, Reshuffles Managers

Hauwa Abubakar Anaja
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Railway Corporation Creates New Offices, Reshuffles Managers
David Adekunle, Lagos
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, says three new offices have been established, and District Managers have been reshuffled across its districts and corridors for service delivery.
Dr. Opeifa said that the creation of three new offices; Business Process and Efficiency and Due Diligence Desk (BUPED), Customer Service Desk, and Corporation’s Statistician Office, was part of NRC’s ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening operational efficiency, business processes, accountability, and service delivery across its operations.
He further announced some key movements  to include; Engr. Nneka Angelique Ikwuka, who had served as Railway District Manager (RDM), Western District in Ibadan, who was redeployed to Headquarters as Coordinator for Freight Services, Lagos–Kano (Narrow Gauge).
Naomi Itajobi, previously Assistant Director of Procurement, has now been appointed as RDM for the Western District, Ibadan.
Accordingly, Engr. Suleiman Obafunsho, who was RDM for the North West District, Minna, has been redeployed to Headquarters as Project Coordinator, Lagos–Kano Narrow Gauge Rehabilitation, while Engr. Ilesanmi Ayokunle, Assistant Director of Track, takes over as RDM, Minna.
“In the Eastern District, Mr. Victor Adanu has been redeployed from his role as RDM, Enugu, to Headquarters as Assistant Director, Train Monitoring and Control, with Mr. Agwonye Francis Ejike, Chief Accountant, appointed as the new RDM for the district. 
At Lagos District, Engr. Augustine Arisa, has been reassigned as Coordinator, Locomotive Services and Maintenance, while Engr. Rasheed Adewale Adedeji, former RDM Northern District, Zaria, has been redeployed to serve as RDM, Lagos District.
Aliyu Mainasara, who had been RDM for the North Eastern District, Bauchi, now takes over as RDM, Northern District, Zaria.
Mr. Wilson Obada retains his position as RDM, North Central District, Bauchi, while Zirra Marcellinus, Assistant Director of Operations, has been appointed as RDM, North Eastern District, Bauchi.
In the Warri–Itakpe corridor, Engr. Abdulganiyu Sani, formerly Coordinator of WITS, has been redeployed as Coordinator, Freight services, Warri-Itakpe corridor, with Wyep Najul, Assistant Director of Operations, appointed as Coordinator, Warri–Itakpe Standard Gauge.
At the Abuja–Kaduna Train Services, Mohammed Ibrahim retains his position as Manager, AKTS.
Other appointments approved by Dr. Opeifa include Oyekunle Oyewole, as Head of the Business Process and Efficiency and Due Diligence Desk (BUPED); Nma Odimkalu, Chief Internal Auditor, who assumes the additional role of Coordinator, Freight SG Lagos–Ibadan; and Dennis Ujah, Chief Human Resource Officer (Protocol and Transport), who now also serves as Coordinator, Lagos Terminus Business District.
Furthermore, Engr. A.T. Quadri, Assistant Director (Mechanical & Electrical), has been assigned as Coordinator, Coach and Wagon, while Rita Onyiagha, Assistant Director (Establishment), becomes Corporate Head of the newly created Customer Services desk in addition to her current duties.
Also, Hamza Abdulradak, Motive Power Officer in the WITS corridor, has taken on the role of Head, Customer Service WITS, and Dauda Akinola, Chief Policy and Planning Officer, has assumed the additional role of the Corporation’s Statistician.
Dr. Opeifa emphasised that the shake-up is part of NRC’s ongoing reform to reposition the Corporation for improved service delivery across both standard and narrow-gauge operation.
Hauwa Abu

Usman Seeks Robust Legislation on Nigeria’s Waterways

Hauwa Abubakar Anaja
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Usman Seeks Robust Legislation on Nigeria’s Waterways

Bitrus Kozah, Abuja

The Interim National Caretaker Committee Chairman of the Labour Party in Nigeria, Senator Nenadi Usman, has called for more robust legislation and stricter regulations of the country`s inland waterways.

Her call follows the recent boat mishap on the Kainji River in Niger State, central Nigeria, where the death toll which was earlier pegged at 29, has risen to 60.

On Tuesday, September 2, a boat carrying 90 passengers from Tugan Sule in Shagunu Ward of Borgu Local Government Area (LGA) to Dugga, for a condolence visit, capsized around Gausawa community in Malale Ward of Borgu LGA.

The incident according to the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, NSEMA, was attributed to overloading and a collision with a tree stump.

The Labour Party Interim National chairman said: “It is with a heavy heart that I received the tragic news of the recent boat mishap in Niger State, where initial reports put the death toll at about 29, but has now, regrettably, risen to nearly 60 lives lost.”

“I, therefore, use this moment to call on the relevant authorities to urgently consider more robust legislation and stricter regulation of our inland waterways,” she said.

 

 

 

 

 

Hauwa Abu

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