News Agency of Nigeria
My resignation not admission of guilt – Nnaji
General News

My resignation not admission of guilt – Nnaji

By Sylvester Thompson

Mr Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, says his resignation from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet is not an admission of guilt but a personal choice,

This is contained in a statement he signed in Abuja.

Nnaji was appointed as minister by the administration of President Bola Tinubu in August 2023, but resigned amidst controversies surrounding allegations of certificate forgery.

He noted that over the past week, an orchestrated, sustained campaign of falsehood, politically motivated, and malicious attacks were waged against him across print, electronic and social media platforms.

He said these unfounded allegations and media distortions not only caused personal distress but distracted him from work.

According to Nnaji, he put in five decades building a reputation anchored on hardwork, honour and service to humanity.

He said that he could not, in good conscience, allow these distortions to cast a shadow over the noble objectives of the present administration.

“My decision to step aside is therefore a personal choice, not an admission of guilt. It is a principled decision to respect the sanctity of due process and to preserve the integrity of the judicial proceedings currently before the court, ” he said.

Nnaji expressed optimism that in the end, justice will vindicate the just. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

DisCos install 225,631 meters in Q2, 2025 – NERC
General News

DisCos install 225,631 meters in Q2, 2025 – NERC

By Constance Athekame

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), says Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) installed 225,631 meters in the second quarter of 2025.

The commission said this in its second quarter report posted on its website.

NERC said the figure represented an increase of 20.55 per cent compared to the 187,161 meters
installed in the first quarter of 2025.

It said that during the period, 147,823 meters representing 65.52 per cent have been installed under the Meter Assert Provider (MAP) framework.

While 5,315 meters have been installed under the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF), and 12,259 others under the Vendor Financed framework.

”Two hundred and thirty four meters were installed under the DisCo Financed framework.

”As at the end of June 2025, only 6,422,933 out of the total 11,821,194 active registered customers in the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) were metered translating to a metering rate of 54.33 percent,” it said.

The report also said that DisCos successfully resolved 1,129 complaints out of the 2,474 filed at the
NERC- Customer Complaints Unit (CCU). adding the figure translated to a resolution rate of 45.63 per cent.

It, however, put the number of complaints received across all DisCo-CCUs at 227,267, representing a 10.67 per cent decrease compared to the 254,404 in the first quarter of 2025.

”As in previous quarters, metering, billing and service interruption were the prevalent issues of customer complaints during the quarter.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ese E. Ekama-Williams

Tinubu accepts Uche Nnaji’s resignation as minister
General News

Tinubu accepts Uche Nnaji’s resignation as minister

‎By Muhyideen Jimoh
‎
‎President Bola Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, following allegations of certificate forgery.
‎
‎The announcement was made in a statement by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Tuesday in Abuja.
‎
‎It will be recalled that President Tinubu appointed Nnaji in August 2023.
‎

‎In his resignation letter on Tuesday, Nnaji thanked the President for allowing him to serve the country.
‎
‎The Minister claimed that he has been a target of blackmail by political opponents.
‎
‎Tinubu, however, thanked him for his service and wished him well in future endeavours.
‎
‎The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that an online report alleged that Nnaji forged the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and national youth service certificates he presented to secure his ministerial appointment in 2023. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Tayo Ikujuni

Tinubu hails Alake as a dependable ally at 69
General News

Tinubu hails Alake as a dependable ally at 69

By Muhyideen Jimoh
‎
‎President Bola Tinubu has warmly felicitated his long-time ally and Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr Dele Alake, on his 69th birthday anniversary.
‎
‎Tinubu, in a statement on Monday in Abuja by Presidential Spokesperson Mr Bayo Onanuga, extolled Alake’s loyalty, professionalism, and decades-long service to national development.
‎
‎Tinubu described him as a dependable ally, a consummate strategist, an outstanding journalist, and an accomplished public servant.
‎
‎The President highlighted their enduring partnership, praising Alake’s role in advancing public communication and national development over the years.
‎
‎He lauded the minister’s current drive to transform the Solid Minerals sector into a major revenue stream for the country.
‎
‎”On this special day, I pray that Almighty God will continue to bless Dele with good health, wisdom, and strength.
‎
‎”He has remained a committed, loyal, and outstanding ally for several decades.

“His steadfastness and unyielding commitment to national development and progress stand him out as a patriot,” Tinubu said.
‎
‎The President wished him long life and many more years of service to the nation and humanity. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
‎MUYI/IKU

Edited by Tayo Ikujuni

Adebogun urges real estate professionals to build sustainable, inclusive African cities
General News

Adebogun urges real estate professionals to build sustainable, inclusive African cities

 

 

 

 

 

By Folasade Adeniran

 

Dr Oladega Adebogun, founder, Caleb Group of Schools, has described Africa’s rapid urbanisation as both an unprecedented challenge and a golden opportunity for sustainable development.

 

 

 

Adebogun said this in a statement issued on Tuesday by Mr Olawale Adekoya, Information and Media Officer, Caleb University, Imota, Lagos State.

 

 

 

Adebogun, who is also the Visitor, Caleb University, was quoted to have said this in a keynote address at the 24th Annual Conference Gala Night of the African Real Estate Society (AfRES).

 

 

 

He was represented at the event by the Vice Chancellor of Caleb University, Prof. Olalekan Asikhia.

 

 

 

Adebogun said the theme, “Building for the Future: Sustainable, Inclusive, and Prosperous African Communities”, was a charge for the gathering of Africa’s foremost real estate minds to be architects of a better tomorrow.

 

 

 

“We are the custodians of the land and the shapers of the skylines,” he said, urging the industry to move beyond mere construction.

 

 

 

He outlined a three-fold mandate: to embrace green technologies for sustainability, to champion affordable housing and inclusivity for women and youth, and to design spaces that catalyse economic prosperity.

 

 

 

The immediate past President of AfRES, Dr Adekunle Awolaja, presided over an award ceremony that recognised outstanding contributions in both scholarship and industrial impact.

 

 

 

According to Awolaja, this underscores the sector’s commitment to nurturing talent and innovation. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

Association advocates housing policies to boost Nigeria’s economy
General News

Association advocates housing policies to boost Nigeria’s economy

By Angela Atabo

The Association of Housing Corporations of Nigeria (AHCN) has called for appropriate policies that will position the nation’s housing sector to remain the “engine room”  for economic development.

Eno Obongha, President and Chairman of Council, AHCN, made the call at the State of the Nation’s Housing Address to mark the 2025 World Habitat Day themed “Urban Crisis Response” in Abuja.

Obongha explained that appropriate policies and mechanism in the sector would develop both the demand and the supply end of the market which would naturally attract investment into the sector.

According to him, Nigeria’s housing sector possesses the potential to serve as the “engine room” of Nigeria’s economic development if given the right policy attention.

“In 2024, Nigeria’s housing and real estate sector was reported to have contributed over N11 trillion to GDP.

“However, after the GDP rebasing (to base year 2019), the real estate sector’s valuation (including housing, property, related services) was adjusted to N41.3 trillion and ranked as the third-largest sector in the economy in 2024.

“In the first quarter of 2025, real estate reportedly contributed 17.4 per cent to GDP while it was forecasted that the sector could grow at 6–8 per cent in 2025, with urbanisation, infrastructure investments, and unmet housing demand.

“We, therefore, want to see deliberate intervention and government responses to housing development especially in our urban centres to change the negative narratives of housing deficit to massive large scale housing provision backed up with deliberate affordability structures.”

According to Obongha, Nigeria needs a nation where appropriate action will be taken by government officials to prevent unnecessary building collapse calamity and unwarranted demolition that is usually accompanied with loss of resources and pain of displacement.

“We want to see a society governed by rules and regulations that work naturally without influence of corruption.

“We desire a new Nigeria where housing will be seen as fundamental human right of the citizenry with elimination of widening gap of social inequality between well served affluent areas and underserved informal settlements.

“A society where informal settlement will be granted equal access to infrastructural services that would make human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable with potential for scaling up.”

Obongha emphasised the importance of harmonising the Renewed Hope Housing Agenda with state governments through their respective State Housing Corporations to achieve sustainable implementation.

According to him, proper coordination will expand employment opportunities, stimulate local economies, and secure a better future for the nation’s youth.

To reposition the housing sector as a driver of economic recovery, the AHCN boss outlined 11 key strategies including: renewed commitment to social housing and promotion of local building materials.

He said others included: slum upgrading and redevelopment, scaling up Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), innovative financing mechanisms, establishment of National Housing Data Centre (NHDC) and reduction of building and land costs.

He also listed reassessment of ministries’ role in direct construction, Agric-Village Scheme, Renewed Hope Medic Cities, and rental housing development.

Obongha identified rental housing as a neglected yet vital segment of the market, calling for structured large-scale rental programmes for low- and middle-income earners.

This, he said, should be through collaborations between State Housing Corporations, Family Homes Fund, and Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN).

He also commended the Ministries of Housing and Health for initiating the Medic Cities project to provide accommodation for medical personnel and curb the exodus of health workers abroad.

He expressed concern that in spite of numerous challenges, the housing sector offered immense potential for economic recovery, job creation, and inclusive national development.

“We can leverage opportunities in the housing sector to generate viable employment avenues for our teeming youth.

“Our dream is to see housing as the driver of Nigeria’s economy — and we can make it happen if harmonisation is well coordinated and executed,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

Press Council restates commitment to deliver on mandate
General News

Press Council restates commitment to deliver on mandate

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
Dr Dili Ezughah, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Press Council (NPC), says the organisation is committed to delivering on its mandate of sanitising the print media and training of journalists.
Ezughah stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
He explained that the NPC was established by the NPC Act, CAP N128, Laws of the Federation 2004, adding that the mandate of the Council is to promote high professional standard for Nigerian Press.
He further stated that the Council was also expected to inquire and entertain complaints from members of the public about unethical conduct of Journalists,  and unethical publications.
“Also, we inquire into acts by members of the public that hinders the dissemination of information or performance of duties of journalists in the country.
“These are enshrined in section 16 of the NPC Act about complaints; and these complaints have procedures. You can only complain when something unethical is published about you, especially in the print media which we regulate.
“First, the complainant has to draw the attention of the media house to the alleged offensive publication and if he or she is not satisfied, then the complaints can be directed to the NPC.
“When we receive a complaint, we forward it to the Legal and Adjudication Unit of the Council, but if there is a board, it is forwarded to the board.
“We can then try to broker peace by writing the media house involved, but if the media house retracted the article, tender apology to the complainant or the matter is in court, we don’t act.
“However, we are committed to continue carrying out our lawful duty to deliver on our mandate and sanitise the print media to ensure that complaints on unethical publications by print media is reduced to the minimum,” Ezughah said.
He noted that between 2023 and 2025, the Council received only seven complaints from members of the public on unethical publications against them.
He further stated that the NPC had held workshops for journalists in Bauchi for North East, Karu for North Central and Lagos for South West Regions of the country, adding that other regions would benefit before the end of the year.
According to the NPC boss, the essence of workshops is to inculcate the sense of ethical compliance among media professionals, journalists and practitioners.
“This is because, if they abide by the ethics of the profession, they would uphold a high professional standard, devoid of unethical practices that will bring about complaints.
“This is because, complaints arise when a reporter breaches any of the ethics; either accuracy, objectivity, balance and the rest of them.
“So, since the establishment of the Council, we have been training and retraining journalists till date. We have never relented in going round and organising workshops and trainings for journalists.
“Most of our trainings are based on ethics, and the need for journalists to comply with the ethics of the profession,” Ezughah said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Isaac Aregbesola
Ghana to Host 2025 African Women Conference in Nov.
General News

Ghana to Host 2025 African Women Conference in Nov.

Conference

By Joy Odigie

The Republic of Ghana will host the 2025 African Women Conference (AWC) to discuss pathways for advancing gender equity, leadership, and sustainable development across the continent.

A statement by the AWC Co-Convener Dr Jumai Ahmadu, in Abuja and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) said the conference will hold from Nov. 19 to 21.

The high-level conference, themed “Legacy Meets Innovation: Women Forging New Pathways for Africa’s Sustainable Development,” will provide a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange.

According to Ahmadu the conference will seek policy dialogue and partnership building aimed at strengthening women’s participation in governance, innovation, and economic empowerment.

She said the 9th edition of the conference was expected to feature keynote addresses, plenary sessions, and strategic roundtables.

The AWC would attract distinguished personalities including First Ladies, Ministers, Members of Parliament, Heads of International Organisations, Civil Society Leaders, and Women in Business from various African countries.

She said that the choice of Ghana reflects the country’s enduring commitment to democracy, inclusivity, and the empowerment of women.

“This decision to shift the conference from South Africa to Ghana follows broad consultations with partners, delegates, and regional coordinators across Africa.

“The shift is not a deviation but a strategic step to enhance accessibility, inclusiveness, and participation—core values on which AWC was founded,” she said.

Ahmadu added that countries like Namibia, Morocco Rwanda, the Gambia Ethiopia, Zambia, and now Ghana in West Africa had hosted previous editions, while Nigeria was expected to host the 10th edition in 2026.

She said that this year’s edition would focus on digital inclusion, climate resilience, leadership mentoring, and financing for women-led enterprises — critical areas shaping the continent’s development agenda.

The 2025 gathering is expected to produce a Joint Communiqué and Action Framework that would guide national and regional policies toward deepening gender inclusion and institutional reforms that uplift women and girls across Africa.

NAN reports that the African Women Conference, since its inception, has served as a rallying point for African women to share experiences.

It strengthens solidarity, and chart actionable steps toward achieving the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainabled Development Goals (SDGs). (NAN) www.nannewsngr.com

Edited by Abdulfatai Beki/Lydia Beshel

Abuja Fair: Participants throng Dangote Pavilion on special Day
General News

Abuja Fair: Participants throng Dangote Pavilion on special Day

 

The pavilion of the Dangote Group became a mecca on Saturday as participants swarmed around the company at the ongoing 20th Abuja International Trade Fair.

The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) had projected that the 2025 Fair will attract over 100,000 participants from across Nigeria and beyond.

Visitors to the company’s pavilion expressed interest in Dangote Refinery and the Group’s wide range of products.

A visitor, Peter Abdul, who spoke to newsmen at the Dangote booth, said he was particularly fascinated by the company’s range of products, especially its sugar, cement, fertiliser, and salt.

A participant from Kano, Ibrahim Rogo, expressed interest in exploring opportunities in petroleum and polypropylene trading, noting that he had collected the company’s contact information for further engagement.

Members of the diplomatic corps also visited the company’s pavilion to inquire about Dangote Sinotruk West Africa Limited, a leading truck manufacturing and assembly company under the Dangote Group.

The company is known for enhancing local capacity in logistics and transportation.

Speaking earlier, representative of the company, Hashem Ahmed, said: “Every bag of cement, every tonne of fertiliser, every litre of petroleum product, and every grain of sugar you consume from Dangote represents more than just a product.

“It represents a job for a Nigerian, a contract for a local supplier, an opportunity for a small business, and a step toward a more prosperous Nigeria.”

Hashem, a General Manager, said the company’s business partners, and mostly distributors, have contributed to unlocking its potential.

“I appreciate our esteemed business partners and dedicated dealers of Dangote products here in Abuja and across Nigeria. Your commitment, trust, and resilience have been central to the success of our brand.”

He commended the Abuja Chamber of Commerce for organising the Trade Fair, and for the theme: “Sustainability: Consumption, Incentives, and Taxation”, adding that it resonates with the vision and mission of the Dangote Group.

The President of the Chamber, Chief Emeka Obegolu, said ACCI is proud of its long-standing partnership with the Dangote Group.

Obegolu said: “As a member of our Chamber, the Dangote Group has consistently contributed to the growth and visibility of the Abuja International Trade Fair.

“Their presence here today, with their impressive pavilion and diverse product showcase, is a testament to their commitment to trade promotion and to strengthening Nigeria’s industrial base.”

He added that the Dangote Group, through its operations in cement, sugar, salt, fertilizers, agriculture, and energy, has consistently demonstrated that sustainability and innovation are not just aspirations but practical business strategies.

“Their investments in local value addition, backward integration, and renewable energy solutions directly align with the Chamber’s vision for a competitive and self-reliant Nigerian economy,” he said.

He thanked the Group’s President, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, for his vision and steadfastness in fixing the Nigerian economy.

“With our four Centres, the Abuja Trade Centre (ATC), the Business Entrepreneurship and Skills Technology (BEST) Centre, the Dispute Resolution Centre (DRC), and the Policy Advocacy Centre (PAC), alongside over 16 active Trade Groups, we provide holistic support to businesses.

“In this mission, the partnership with the Dangote Group has been invaluable in deepening trade, expanding opportunities, and advocating for a friendlier business environment,” he added.(NAN)

MoodleMoot Abuja Conference to Boost NOUN’s Digital Technology Ranking – VC
General News

MoodleMoot Abuja Conference to Boost NOUN’s Digital Technology Ranking – VC

Ranking

By Emmanuel Afonne

Prof. Olufemi Peters, the Vice-Chancellor, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), says the institution is working tirelessly to boost its digital ranking and leadership in education technology.

Peters said this during a news conference to assess the level of preparation for the 3rd MoodleMoot Africa 2025 conference, to be hosted in Abuja by NOUN from Oct. 8 to Oct. 10.

Peters said that NOUN decided to host the conference to prove its continental leadership in Open and Distance Learning (ODL).

“The institution has taken a decisive step in its quest to improve its digital footprint, academic visibility and global ranking,” he said.

According to him, the conference is the first-ever to be hosted in Nigeria after two previous events hosted by South Africa.

“This conference will be held at the Shehu Yar’Adua Centre; it is not just about hospitality — it is a strategic showcase.

“NOUN is not just the host — it is the heartbeat of an event that will attract 24 countries, hundreds of innovators, and global attention to how technology is reshaping African education.

“With participants from 18 African countries and several others from Europe and beyond, NOUN uses the conference as a platform to demonstrate its leadership in digital learning and scalable education models.

“Key goals for NOUN at the MoodleMoot include enhancing its institutional digital ranking through international engagement and positioning itself as a policy influencer in Africa’s EdTech space.

“We also want to demonstrate our Moodle-powered learning innovation to a global audience. While many African institutions are still exploring how to integrate digital platforms, NOUN came to the conference with proof of scale,” he said.

The VC added that the Moodle-based system, which served no fewer than 170,000 students with cutting-edger learning analytics and hybrid delivery models, was built on open-source tools.

“With 400 delegates, including vice-chancellor, software developers and government officials, the conference becomes an active space for influence-building and agenda-setting.

“NOUN’s participation in global education conversations — particularly around open-source educational technologies, directly impacts its global visibility in academic indexing, international collaboration scores, research and innovation indicators.”

Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee for the conference, Prof. Grace Jokhtan, said the event is expected to be one of the best events organised by the institution.

(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

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