NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Bill to establish Medical Sciences varsity, Funtua, scales 2nd reading in Senate
Politics

Bill to establish Medical Sciences varsity, Funtua, scales 2nd reading in Senate

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By Naomi Sharang

A bill to establish Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Funtua, Katsina State, has scaled second reading in the Senate.

This followed the presentation of the lead debate by the sponsor of the bill, Sen. Muntari Dandutse, during plenary on Wednesday.

Leading the debate, Dandutse said that the bill was read for the first time on Feb. 6.

He said that the bill sought to, among other things, establish the university as a hub for inclusive learning, with particular focus on medical and health sciences.

“The university, when established, is to be located in Funtua, Katsina State.

“The choice of Funtua as the proposed site of the university is deliberate, as it is central and more accessible to neighbouring states like Zamfara, Sokoto and others.

“It is instructive to also note that among the three senatorial districts in Katsina State, Funtua senatorial zone is yet to have a tertiary institution established in it,” he said.

The senator further stated that the establishment of the specialised university would provide opportunities for Nigerians in the North-West zone and other parts of the country to acquire the requisite knowledge and skills in the medical field.

In his remarks, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, said that the financial support for the institution had already been provided by the governor of Katsina State.

“It means they won’t have issues of facilities and all that. Medical sciences, medical studies can be very costly and medical equipment can also be costly.

“But of course, judging from the preparation, we look forward to the outcome of the training of these children.

“And we pray that they will come out to assist Nigeria and Nigerians and the global community,” Akpabio said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Editted by Abdulfatai Beki/’Wale Sadeeq

Road Safety International Film Festival set for debut – FRSC Official
Entertainment

Road Safety International Film Festival set for debut – FRSC Official

241 total views today

Festival

By Ibironke Ariyo and Joshua Olomu

The Road Safety International Film Festival (RSIFF), a film fiesta geared towards using cinematic platforms for road safety campaign, is set for debut in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The festival is to be staged by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and I Am the Future of Nigeria Youth Initiative (IFON) in collaboration with the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that FRSC Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, made the disclosure in a joint news conference by the organisations on Wednesday in Abuja.

According to Mohammed, the festival slated for the third quarter of the year, is part of a strategic partnership between the corps and IFON, targeted at creating a unique entertainment-based education project that will complement existing efforts of the corps.

He said the film festival tagged “Drive Right, Drive Smart”, was a unique initiative designed to complement FRSC’s existing road safety programmes through visual storytelling.

“This initiative leverages the power of film and celebrity influence to educate Nigerians on road safety rules and responsible driving behaviour.

“It intends to present a unique and innovative approach to improving road safety awareness in Nigeria.

“By integrating entertainment with education, the festival proposes to effectively engage the public and promote responsible road use in a memorable and impactful manner.

“This proposed Road Safety Film Festival, which is first of its kind in Nigeria, has been happening across the globe.

“A list of few countries it has taken place include, India National Road Safety Short Film Festival, Kolkata, European Festival of Road Safety Film, France and Chile Global Road Safety Film Festival.

“Others include Morocco Global Road Safety Film Festival, Ethiopia Global Road Safety Film Festival and Congo European Festival of Road Safety Film.

“The corps is convinced that the objectives of this festival will help the re-education and re-orientation of road users through dramatising real life scenarios using short films, skits and interactive media contents.

“To this end, we call on all entertainers, skit makers, content creators, actors, movie producers and youths to join hands with FRSC in promoting Safer Roads in Nigeria through this novel initiative,” he said.

According to the Corps Marshal, the proposed film fiesta will improve understanding of road safety laws in a relatable and entertaining manner, and drive behavioural change by demonstrating real life traffic situations.

He further said that the event would offer an opportunity to increase public awareness and compliance with road safety regulations and improve visibility and engagements with younger demographics.

He added that the festival would also provide easier access to engaging and educational contents on multiple media platforms, reduce crashes through improved driver education and achieve compliance with traffic regulations.

Earlier in her speech, Mrs Noni Okocha, Chief Executive Officer of IFON, said the ‘Drive Right, Drive Smart’ campaign was a ground-breaking national road safety initiative, that would impact greatly on road users.

“This campaign is not just another programme; it is Nigeria’s first-ever road safety movement powered by film, media and celebrity advocacy, under the umbrella of the Road Safety International Film Festival (RSIFF),

“In collaboration with the Actors Guild of Nigeria and other key partners, we are harnessing the power of Nollywood storytelling and youth engagement to make road safety education more relatable, impactful, and far-reaching.

“Road traffic crashes remain one of the leading causes of death in Nigeria, especially among our youth, and this makes the campaign not just timely, but urgent.

“When we come together, government agencies, communities, schools, media, and celebrities—we cultivate a culture where safety becomes our second nature.

“Together, we can save lives, we can protect families, we can build a future where every road user gets home safely,” she said.

In his remarks, AGN National President, Emeka Rollas, pledged the support of Nigerian actors to the initiative, adding that actors were influencers of culture, mirrors of society, and agents of change.

“The Actors Guild of Nigeria is proud to collaborate with ‘I Am the Future of Nigeria Youth Initiative’ (IFON) and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on this historic journey.

“Many of our actors have already signed on as Road Safety Ambassadors., and they are lending their voices, faces, and influence to this noble cause as we call on many more to join.

“To my colleagues in Nollywood, this is our opportunity to give back to society by using our art for advocacy; let us create stories that matter, stories that save lives.

“When film meets purpose, magic happens; let us make that magic count, let us make Nigeria’s roads safer one story at a time,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

L-PRES engages stakeholders on livestock infrastructure sustainability
Agriculture

L-PRES engages stakeholders on livestock infrastructure sustainability

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By Felicia Imohimi

The Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) has commenced stakeholder engagement towards developing a sustainability plan for livestock infrastructure constructed across 20 states.

Speaking at a workshop on Wednesday in Abuja, Dr Sanusi Abubakar, National Project Coordinator of L-PRES, expressed concern over the number of development projects abandoned following the withdrawal of funding partners.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop, themed “Beyond L-PRES: What Next?”, focused on ensuring the sustainability of animal health and husbandry infrastructure established under the project.

Abubakar stated that the primary aim of the workshop was to develop a comprehensive and actionable sustainability plan that would serve as an effective exit strategy for L-PRES, while ensuring the lasting impact of its investments.

According to him, the forum brought together key stakeholders from both the public and private sectors, including development partners.

“It is to deliberate on strategies for ensuring the long-term sustainability, optimal use, and effective maintenance of critical livestock infrastructure after the project’s conclusion.

“The workshop seeks to address common challenges such as poor maintenance, underutilisation, and the frequent abandonment of donor-funded infrastructure projects in Nigeria,” he said.

Abubakar outlined the workshop’s objectives, which include formulating a robust sustainability plan to ensure the continuity and long-term viability of all animal health and livestock infrastructure developed under L-PRES.

Other objectives, he noted, are the development of sustainable economic strategies through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models to support the ongoing operation of the infrastructure.

He added that the workshop also aims to create incentive frameworks to encourage suppliers and industry practitioners to adopt and support existing livestock infrastructure for mutual benefit.

“Further goals include promoting private sector involvement in animal health services and encouraging community participation in safeguarding livestock infrastructure.

“The workshop is also intended to harness expert insights, best practices, and innovative approaches from key industry players to guide the implementation of sustainable infrastructure practices,” he added.

Abubakar identified L-PRES as a $500 million World Bank-funded project aimed at transforming animal health services, improving livestock productivity, strengthening value chains, and enhancing the resilience of livestock-reliant communities nationwide.

He noted that the project had made strategic investments in critical animal health and husbandry infrastructure across the country, including model veterinary hospitals, veterinary diagnostic laboratories, solar-powered cold storage facilities, and modern abattoirs.

“These investments are designed to strengthen animal health delivery systems, improve food safety and security, protect public health, and stimulate economic development within the livestock sector,” he said.

Also, Dr Chidozie Anyiro, World Bank Co-Task Team Leader for L-PRES, revealed that livestock infrastructure under the project is valued at over $200 million.

He stressed the importance of ensuring the sustainability and effective management of the facilities constructed, in order to avoid the common pitfall of post-project neglect.

“Effective management and long-term functionality of livestock infrastructure are critical to achieving sustainability, enhancing efficiency, improving animal welfare, and increasing livestock production.

“By exploring best practices, innovative solutions, and addressing prevailing challenges, we can collectively improve the performance and longevity of livestock infrastructure in Nigeria,” Anyiro said. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

U.S./Africa diplomacy now investment-led, not assistance-led- Envoy
Foreign

U.S./Africa diplomacy now investment-led, not assistance-led- Envoy

179 total views today

By Mark Longyen

Amb. Troy Fitrell, U.S. Department of State’s acting Head of Africa Bureau, says the country has now shifted its diplomacy in Sub-Saharan Africa from an ‘assistant-led’ to an ‘investment-led’ strategy.

The envoy, who disclosed this in a digital news conference during an official visit to West Africa, explained that going forward, commercial diplomacy would be the core focus of U.S./African engagement.

He said that the Donald Trump administration had adopted new commercial diplomacy strategy, and expressed the hope that the policy would attract private sector actors and galvanise local economies.

Fitrell said that was why earlier in February, President Donald Trump rescinded more than 90 per cent of foreign assistance contracts by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

According to him, the decision has resulted to U.S. overall aid cut of about 60 billion dollars, affecting many sectors, including Africa’s health funding, war-affected populations, humanitarian and development assistance programmes.

He said “we have for decades been defined by an assistance-led paradigm, and we are directly and intentionally shifting that toward an investment-led strategy.

“For too long, we’ve prioritised development assistance over promoting U.S. commercial engagement in Africa but the focus, going forward, will be trade, not aid.

“U.S. ambassadors are now being evaluated on how effectively they advocate for U.S. business and the number of deals they facilitate.”

The envoy explained that in line with the new policy, U.S. ambassadors serving in Africa were mandated to explore commercial opportunities and to advocate for the country’s companies.

He said the envoys were also expected to identify market reforms needed to enhance the business environment and engage with African governments on implementation.

He added that “with focus on commercial diplomacy, we must do more to connect a greater number of U.S. companies to opportunities in Africa, especially those that have yet to do business on the continent.

“With that, we can connect a greater share of the nearly 300,000 export-ready U.S. companies and the 120 trillion dollars U.S. capital market to the African continent.”

Fitrell said the Lobito Corridor, a multi-billion dollar railroad project connecting DR Congo, Zambia, and Angola with its Lobito Port for the transportation of essential goods and minerals, was the kind of project that would attract U.S. investment.

He said the future of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), the cornerstone of U.S. economic relations with dozens of African nations, rested with the U.S. Congress, adding that he was AGOA’s fan.

“My expectation is if there’s going to be a renewal of AGOA, it will probably reflect the modern world, rather than the one from 25 years ago when it was first founded,” he added.

The envoy said that the U.S. engagement with Africa would lead to more jobs and the development of Africa’s middle class.

“Just in the first 100 days of the Donal Trump administration, we’ve had 33 new deals worth more than six billion dollars, including several that were concluded last week in Abidjan,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Fitrell also took part in an event, the Africa CEO Forum, organised by the U.S. embassy in Abidjan and the U.S Chamber of Commerce.

He also laid out a six-pronged action plan and addressed the American Chambers of Commerce Business Summit 2025 at the forum, which was co-hosted by Jeune Afrique Media Group and the International Finance Corporation.(NAN)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

NOGOF 2025: Indigenous oil coys seek enabling environment, patronage
Oil & Gas

NOGOF 2025: Indigenous oil coys seek enabling environment, patronage

264 total views today

By Emmanuella Anokam and Nathan Nwakamma

Alfa Designs tasks oil firms on IT solution to curb oil theft
Oil & Gas

Alfa Designs tasks oil firms on IT solution to curb oil theft

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By Emmanuella Anokam

Alfa Designs Nigeria Limited, a leading oil and gas servicing company, has urged oil producing companies to leverage ‘Smart Con Unit’ technology, to promote safety and tackle oil theft in the country.

Mr Ikechukwu Okonkwo, Well Head Team Lead of the company, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Wednesday in Yenagoa, Bayelsa.

He spoke on the sidelines of the ongoing Nigeria Oil and Gas Opportunity Fair (NOGOF) 2025, being organised by Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).

The fair with the theme: “Driving Investment and Production Growth: Shaping a Sustainable Future for Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Industry through indigenous capacity development,” holds from May 20 to May 22.

Okonkwo said to maintain safety, the company innovated the technology, with an embedded system, leveraging on the Internet of Thing (IoT), to offer a remote monitoring of a Well head pressure and environment while offering safety.

He said the ‘Smart Con Unit’ device would be installed on the oil Well head to offer automation and safety to the system.

The expert said the company upgraded the unit with an embedded system to conveniently monitor through the internet, while the conventional unit only allowed physical monitoring of pressure at the Well head at an interval.

He said that the unit which had been tasted was at its packaging stage and would be assembled soon.

The expert said having the Smart Con Unit on the Well head would help prevent oil pipeline theft by shutting down the well when there was a sudden change in operating pressure.

“As soon as the system notices a pressure drop which can be as a result of oil theft or sabotage it will automatically shut down the Well, to reduce the amount of oil loss in the oil producing facility.

“It is highly recommended and advisable for most of the oil producing facilities to have this Smart Con Unit in their Well head environment to help increase response time and intervention.

“If there’s a tamper on a flow line, this system will detect the change in the oil pressure and trip off the Well automatically from further dispensing of the oil.

“The oil exploration companies should consider having the Smart Con Unit in their oil Well to optimise production and offer safety.

“The uniqueness of this smart con unit is that it enables users to view the Well head parameters at the comfort of their offices through internet, and it provides a surveillance footprint of the Well head environment,’’ he said.

Okwnkwo said the unit could also help to keep the Well head down hole safety valve continuously open for production.

“Having this smart con unit on that Well will always detect when that down hole safety valve is losing the operational pressure.

“This smart con unit communicates with what we call a smart cloud platform that assesses foot prints, provides surveillance and keeps a data transport history,’’ he said.

He described a strainer basket, being manufactured by Alpha Design with a pure stainless material as being used in the filtration of debris from damaging most of the down hole equipment.

“It helps to offer a standard filtration of all those production to prolong the lifespan of your control equipment,’’ he said.

He further identified a Diaphragm Control Pilot (DCP) as a device that is being used in assembling and production of the core unit.

According to him, Alpha Design is now a manufacturer of this DCP because its Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) has discontinued the production of the device.

He also described the turbine meter as flow rate measurement of liquid and gases.

“The unit improves on the response time in terms of emergency on the Well because if you don’t have a smart control unit to know when things happen, the response time will be very low.

“If emergency happens, this system will shut down the well and also notify the people at the office to quickly increase response time.

“All oil well head operators highly required smart con unit at their facilities for Well head management and safety at the flow line and protection of the pipeline,’’ he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

Digital institute to train 5m workers on AI in 3 years
Science & Tech

Digital institute to train 5m workers on AI in 3 years

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By Jessica Dogo

The Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) says that it will train five million Nigerian workers on Artificial Intelligence (AI) over the next three years.

The President of DBI, Mr David Daser, said this at the 21st anniversary celebration of the institute in Abuja with the theme: “Preparing Today’s Workforce for Tomorrow’s Market.”

Daser urged Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of federal, state and local governments to support and partner with DBI on the mission.

He said that DBI aimed to position Nigeria as a hub for AI innovation and training by working together with partners to ensure that the country did not lag behind in the AI revolution.

He expressed optimism that DBI, with its global network of partners and commitment to excellence, would achieve its goal of training millions of Nigerians in AI.

He said the initiative had the potential to drive economic growth, improve productivity, and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global economy.

“To this end, we call on all Nigerians, leaders of MDAs, governors, and local government authorities to support and partner with DBI in this critical mission.

“Nigeria must not lag behind in the Al revolution. Nigeria is poised to become a hub for Al Innovation and training and DBI is fully committed to making this a reality,” he said.

In his keynote address, the Managing Director, Galaxy Backbone (GBB), Prof. Ibrahim Adeyanju, said that ICT firms were not only expected to deliver but to shape the workforce in harnessing and securing innovations for tomorrow’s social realities.

Adeyanju, represented by GBB’s Group Lead, Research Innovation and Skills, Mr Akintayo Bamise said the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2020, projected that by 2025, 50 per cent of all employees would need re-skilling.

“They will need re-skilling due to the adoption of new technologies and the evolving nature of work.

“In the ICT sector, this figure will even be higher due to the rapid automation and emerging cybersecurity threats.

“Thus, if we fail to act, we risk a scenario where innovation outpaces implementation, and talent becomes a bottleneck rather than a bridge,’’ he said.

He recalled that the 4th industrial revolution had fundamentally altered the definition of being qualified for the modern workplace.

“Today, it has demonstrated competencies that matter most.

“The reality is that we are at a pivotal moment in history, and the global economy is evolving at an unprecedented pace driven by technological innovation, and digital transformation.

“Technical skills must be complemented by critical thinking and adaptability.

“The reality is that we live in a world where the pace of technological revolution is not just accelerating, it is exponential.

“Global certifications are emerging as the new standard of competence. Also, lifelong learning is replacing one-time education, so we all need to sign up with lifelong learners,” Adeyanju said.

He said that digital literacy was not just an advantage but also the baseline requirement for participation in the digital economy.

In a goodwill message, Mr Evelyn Lewis, the Chief Executive Officer of SBTS Group LLC, a U.S-based software firm, commended DBI’s growth and transformation, saying the institute had shown resilience and tenacity.

Lewis said that the relationship between DBI and its partners aimed to provide digital training and skills development to Nigerians.

“We have now put together over an 800-course platform with DBI and fully equipped to provide modern and relevant training to its students,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Uche Anunne

Abuja enterprise agency seeks collaborations for conducive business environment for MSMEs
Economy/Business

Abuja enterprise agency seeks collaborations for conducive business environment for MSMEs

193 total views today

By Vivian Emoni

The Abuja Enterprises Agency (AEA) says it is collaborating with local and international organisations to support Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) for a conducive business environment.

said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

Ugwuada-Ezirigwe said that the agency was partnering with Japan International Agency (JICA) and Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) to support Nigerian MSMEs to be more productive in their business.

“We have collaboration, not only with JICA, but also with other international and national organisations who actually provide us with needed manpower training.

“We collaborated with KOICA to establish a Startup Digital Innovation Academy (SDIA) in the agency`s complex,’’ he said.

Ugwuada-Ezirigwe said that the initiative was part of KOICA’s broader Abuja Centre for Entrepreneur (ACE) project, which is aimed at supporting the growth of MSMEs in Abuja and beyond.

He said that SDIA served as a digital hub for SMEs, providing them with training, resources, and opportunities to improve their digital capabilities.

According to him, the agency is also partnering with the National Information Technology Agency (NITDA) to enhance investment for job creation.

“The collaboration aims to empower youth, attract investment, and create jobs, potentially through initiatives like the Abuja Start-up Hub.

“The agency is working with the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) to revolutionise the shea butter industry in Nigeria.

“The objective of the partnership is to enhance production, processing and commercialisation of shea butter, thereby promoting sustainable development and empowering local communities.

“Beyond all these engagements, the agency is also partnering with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

“The programme has gone a long way in supporting the agency for easy access in technology to help leverage and enhance businesses for our SMEs,” he said.

The AEA boss said that collaboration was crucial in the process of developing MSMEs.

“As a matter of fact, most of our activities are purely based on partnerships because the SMEs sector is so huge that we really cannot do the job alone.

“We require support, partnership and collaboration, not just from the public sector alone, but from the private sector as well,’’ he said.

Ugwuada-Ezirigwe said that the AEA was planning to host Abuja Farmers Food Fair (AFFF), adding that the agency was working with Global Learning Hub to ensure the success of the programme.

He said that the global learning hub was a platform that would facilitate access to training and knowledge-sharing, thereby, attracting people across the city.

“It aims to showcase agricultural innovations, connecting farmers with access markets and promoting economic growth in Abuja.

“The AFFF is a significant event for the agricultural sector in Abuja, offering opportunities for networking, market access, and economic growth.

“It is also a chance to explore groundbreaking innovations, connecting and interacting with industry leaders.

“The fair is expected to play a role in transforming Abuja into a leading agro-commerce and innovation hub in Nigeria,” he said.

He said that the AEA was the FCT’s vehicle for wealth creation, employment generation and poverty eradication. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrhahman

“Shadow Govt.”: Court to hear DSS suit against Pat Utomi June 25
Judiciary

“Shadow Govt.”: Court to hear DSS suit against Pat Utomi June 25

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By Taiye Agbaje
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, fixed June 25 for the hearing of a suit filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) against Prof. Pat Utomi over his alleged plan to establish what he called, “a shadow government” in the country.
Justice James Omotosho fixed the date after DSS’ counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, moved a motion ex-parte to serve court documents on Utomi in his Lagos address by means of courier service.
The development followed the inability of the plaintiff to effect the service of the court papers on Utomi, a Professor of Political Economy and Management Expert.
The security agency gave Utomi’s Lagos address as, “No. 6, Balarabe Musa Crescent, off Samuel Manuwa Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, State.”
After Kehinde argued the motion, Justice Omotosho granted the application and ordered Utomi to be served by substituted means.
 The judge adjourned the matter until June 25 for hearing.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the DSS, in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/937/2025, prayed the court to declare the planned shadow government as an attack on the constitution.
In the suit, Utomi, the 2007 Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), is sued as sole defendant.
The security outfit, in the suit filed on May 13 by Kehinde, contended that the move by Utomi was intended to create chaos and destabilise the country.
The DSS argued that not only was the planned shadow government an aberration, it constituted a grave attack on the constitution and a threat to the democratically elected government that is currently in place.
It expressed concern that such a structure, styled as a “shadow government,” if left unchecked, may incite political unrest, cause inter-group tensions, and embolden other unlawful actors or separatist entities to replicate similar parallel arrangements, all of which would pose a grave threat to national security.
The plaintiff, therefore, urged the court to declare the purported “shadow government” or “shadow cabinet” being planned by Utomi and his associates as “unconstitutional and amounts to an attempt to create a parallel authority not recognised by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).”
The department also sought a declaration that “under Sections 1(1), 1(2) and 14(2)(a) of the Constitution, the establishment or operation of any governmental authority or structure outside the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) is unconstitutional, null, and void.”
The plaintiff prayed the court to issue an order of perpetual injunction, restraining Utomi, his agents and associates “from further taking any steps towards the establishment or operation of a ‘shadow government,’ ‘shadow cabinet’ or any similar entity not recognised by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).”
The plaintiff, in its grounds of argument, hinged its prayers on the fact that Section 1(1) of the Constitution declares its supremacy and binding force on all persons and authorities in Nigeria.
It added that Section 1(2) prohibits the governance of Nigeria or any part thereof except in accordance with the provisions of the constitution.
According to the DSS, Section 14(2Xa) states that sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria, from whom government through the constitution derives all its powers and authority.
It contended that Utomi’s proposed shadow government lacked constitutional recognition and authority, thereby contravening the aforementioned provisions.
The plaintiff further stated in a supporting affidavit that it is the principal domestic intelligence and security agency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria statutorily mandated to detect and prevent threats to the internal security of Nigeria, including subversive activities capable of undermining national unity, peace and constitutional order.
The DSS added that it is statutorily empowered to safeguard the internal security of Nigeria and prevent any threats to the lawful authority of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and its constituent institutions.
It stated that it has monitored, “through intelligence reports and open source material, public statements and interviews granted by the defendant, Prof. Patrick Utomi, in which he announced the purported establishment of what he termed a ‘shadow government’ or ‘shadow cabinet’, comprising of several persons that make up its ‘Minister.’
“The ‘shadow government’ or ‘shadow cabinet’ is an unregistered and unrecognised body claiming to operate as an alternative government. contrary to the provision of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
“The defendant (Utomi), through public statements, social media, and other platforms, has announced the formation of this body with the intent to challenge the legitimacy of the democratically elected government of Nigeria.
“While inaugurating the ‘shadow cabinet’, the defendant stated that it is made up of the Ombudsman and Good Governance portfolio to be manned by Dele Farotimi; the Policy Delivery Unit Team consisting of Oghene Momoh, Cheta Nwanze, Daniel Ikuonobe, Halima Ahmed, David Okonkwo and Obi Ajuga: and the council of economic advisers.
“Based on the intelligence gathered by the plaintiff, the activities and statements made by the defendant and his associates are capable of misleading segments of the Nigerian public, weakening confidence in the legitimacy of the elected government, and fuelling public disaffection,” it said.
The DSS said in the discharge of its statutory duties, it had gathered intelligence confirming that the defendant’s actions pose a clear and present danger to Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.
“The defendant’s actions amount to an attempt to usurp or mimic executive authority, contrary to Sections 1(1), 1{2), and 14(2Xa) of the 1999 Constitution (As Amended), which exclusively vests governance in institutions duly created under the constitution and through democratic elections.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria has made several efforts to engage the defendant to dissuade him from this unconstitutional path, including statements made by the Minister of Information, but the defendant has remained defiant.”
The agency said that it would be in the interest of justice, national security and the rule of law for the court to declare the existence and operations of the defendant unconstitutional and illegal. (NAN)(www.namnews.ng)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza
Nigeria among Africa’s top investment destinations – Speaker
Foreign

Nigeria among Africa’s top investment destinations – Speaker

207 total views today

By Chinenye Ofor/Maureen Okon

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Abbas Tajudeen, has described Nigeria as one of the most attractive and lucrative investment frontiers in Africa.

Abbas made this known on Wednesday in Abuja at the maiden edition of the Nigeria-Italy Investment Summit 2025 (NIIS 2025), themed “Building Bridges: Unlocking Opportunities.”

The summit, organised by Giant Gee Nigeria Limited and partners in collaboration with the Italian Embassy, aims to strengthen bilateral investment and trade ties.

Represented by Mr Afuope Afolabi, Chairman of the Nigeria-Italy Parliamentary Friendship Group, Abbas said Nigeria’s large population and economic potential made it a prime destination for global investors.

According to him, Nigeria-Italy relations have evolved into a dynamic partnership driven by trade, investment, and high-level political consultations.

“Italian enterprises have found fertile ground in Nigeria, and we in turn have benefited from these investments, which have strengthened key sectors of our economy,” he said.

He highlighted investment opportunities in agriculture, agro-processing, dairy farming, energy, oil and gas, and solid minerals.

“This summit should serve as a springboard for both nations to reimagine bilateral economic cooperation,” Abbas added.

Deputy Speaker of the House, Benjamin Kalu, represented by Rep. Uchenna Okonkwo, noted that Nigeria, with its population of more than 220 million and vast human and natural resources, remained Africa’s largest economy.

He said Italy, the world’s eighth-largest economy, brought industrial sophistication and innovation to the table.

“These are two nations with immense potential. This summit is not just about investment; it’s about aligning values and mutual economic ambition,” Kalu said.

He emphasised the strategic importance of trust and collaboration, calling the summit a “blueprint for a bridge built not of bricks but of trust.”

Mr Iacopo Foti, Deputy Ambassador of Italy to Nigeria, called the summit a celebration of shared values and a joint commitment to sustainable development.

He lauded Nigeria’s dynamic population and growing domestic market, stating, “Italy’s cultural heritage and technological expertise make it a natural partner for Nigeria.”

Foti noted that Italy had long contributed to Nigeria’s development, particularly in energy, construction, and infrastructure.

“Italy is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, technological expertise, and strong tradition of entrepreneurship.

“Both countries have unique opportunities to harness their strengths and foster partnerships that will benefit them mutually.

“Italy has contributed to Nigeria’s economic development in various sectors, including energy, construction, and infrastructure, since Nigeria gained independence.

“In 2024, trade relations between both countries reached approximately 2.5 billion euros. In spite of the significance of this figure, there is still a need for initiatives like this summit to further promote business and investment.

“I am convinced that we will engage in insightful discussions, explore potential investment opportunities, and share best practices.

“I also believe that paving the way for meaningful investments has the power to transform our economies and improve the lives of our people,” he said.

He expressed confidence that discussions from the summit would lead to meaningful investments that could transform both economies and improve lives. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

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