Africa's Media Giant
Africa's Media Giant
By Kayode Adebiyi
The death has occurred of Omar Farouk, the son of the traditional ruler of Dambatta of Kano State, Dr Mansur Mukhtar.
Muktar, the deceased’s father, is a former Minister of Finance,
This was announced by the family of the deceased in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.
Farouk died on Saturday in Abuja and was buried according to Islamic rites after prayers for him at the National Mosque. (NAN)
Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz
By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Deputy Commander-General (Intelligence), Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS), Dr John Metchie, has said the organisation has capacity to plug the gap in Nigeria’s security architecture.
Metchie stated this at the end of the training of Intelligence, Surveillance and Provost personnel of the NFSS on Saturday in Abuja.
He said that intelligence was the bedrock and the heart of security, adding that the forest guards possess credible and actionable intelligence that could help tackle insecurity in the forested regions.
“I keep saying that we are the missing link and I stand by that belief that forest guards are the missing link of the security architecture of Nigeria.
“I want to also take this opportunity to thank Mr President for his role in all this.
“This is because when Mr President came into power, he promised the Nigerian people that he was going to do something about security.
“Now the bill is on his table and Nigerians are watching and we are begging him to please do the needful and sign the bill immediately, so that we can assist the existing security agencies,” he said.
Metchie commended the Commander-General of NFSS, Dr Joshua Osatimehin, for providing the needed strategic leadership in ensuring that the service gets legal backing.
He also commended him for the training of Intelligence, surveillance and Provost officers to position them to deliver on the mandate of NFSS.
According to him, with the training they have received, they will go back home and will be more effective and ready to serve their motherland.
Dr Stephen Okwori, a Security, Safety and Crime Management Consultant, said that crime was normal and inevitable in any society, adding that the duty of the government and security agencies is to see that crime is reduced.
Okwori said that if the President gives assent to the NFSS Bill, it would enhance security and intelligence gathering in the local communities where most of the violent crimes are perpetrated.
He added that inadequate security presence in rural areas across the country, coupled with the vast nature of the forested areas had contributed to the heightened insecurity in the country.
“So when the bill establishing the NFSS is assented to, they (service) will now cover that gap and complement the effort or support the conventional security services that we have in the area of intelligence gathering.
“I will tell you that most of the failures of intelligence with our conventional security service is because there is no local intelligence security service to cover that gap in the area of generating local intelligence for the military and other securities agencies to work with,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Bayo Sekoni
By Okeoghene Akubuike
The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) says the Federal Government’s Public Private Partnership (PPP) initiative in the shoe and garment factory can significantly meet the uniform needs of Nigeria’s paramilitary agencies.
A statement issued by Ifeanyi Nwoko, Acting Head, Media and Publicity, ICRC, on Sunday in Abuja, said the PPP is under the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS).
He said the development followed President Bola Tinubu’s directive on the procurement of locally produced goods, a key component of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The statement quoted Dr Jobson Ewalefoh, Director-General of ICRC, who spoke during a courtesy visit by the CEO, Erojim Investments Limited, Dr Jimmy Ntuen, as saying:
“The Aba-based shoe and garment factory, alongside a tannery (leather processing facility) set to open in Kano, will significantly reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imports.
“With the Aba shoe and garment factory capable of producing 1,500 shoes per day, and a tannery set to open in Kano, we are confident that Nigeria can fully meet the uniform needs of our paramilitary agencies.”
“This is not just about producing shoes and garments, it is about creating jobs, supporting local industries, and reducing our dependence on imports in line with the President’s directive to patronise made-in-Nigeria goods.”
Ewalefoh added that the Renewed Hope Agenda was not just a political promise but a strategic blueprint for self-reliance, local capacity development, and economic growth driven by effective PPPs.
Ntuen, the concessionaire behind the Aba facility, commending President Tinubu, NCoS, and the ICRC for their support, which he described as instrumental to the success of the project.
He described the Aba factory as the largest shoe factory in West Africa, boasting an installed capacity to produce 1,500 shoes and cut 10,000 garments daily.
Ntuen revealed that the facility had already supplied thousands of high-quality shoes to the NCoS and was ready to meet the needs of other paramilitary outfits.
“We have the capability to meet the local needs of government agencies, and very soon, we will begin producing for the general public.
“Our Aba factory has created over 300 direct jobs, and the new leather shoe and garment factory launching in three months will create an additional 340 direct jobs and over 1,500 indirect jobs,” he said.
He also emphasised that the quality of shoes produced at the factory could be compared with global brands, affirming the potential of Nigerian craftsmanship when adequately supported. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Vivian Ihechu
By Angela Atabo
The Federal Government is to spend N73.9 billion to complete the reconstruction and expansion of the Maraba-Keffi road project.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the government also set a 13-month completion date of June 2026 for the project awarded to MS. China Harbour Engineering Company(CHEC) Nigeria Limited.
The Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, made these known while inspecting the ongoing expansion of the Abuja-Keffi expressway on Saturday.
Goronyo commended President Bola Tinubu for making the project a reality.
He said that the completion of the road would in no small measure reduce the transportation problems on the corridor.
“This road is very critical because it is crisscrossing a lot of states.
“We have completed the road from Keffi to Makurdi and the one from Mararaba up to Keffi is now ongoing.
”Makurdi to Enugu is ongoing and achievable progress has been recorde by the contractor.
“What we are expecting is that by June next year, the entire stretch of this road from Abuja up to Port Harcourt will be completed,” he said.
Goronyo said that the government had opened a corridor for movement of goods and services, adding that this had translated to reduction in travel time and other economic benefits.
He said from the assessment so far,appreciable progress had been made.
“This contract was awarded in June 2023 with a completion period of 30 months.
”Work started here in December last year and now you can see that they have gotten up to 42 per cent completion,” he said.
Goronyo also said that the ministry was waiting for a certificate from the contractor so that more funds would be released for the project.
He said the ministry would work out modalities to expand the lanes on the road for the benefit of Nigerians.
Speaking on behalf of the contractor, Mr Ronald Liao, CHEC Commercial Manager, said the road would achieve a 56 per cent benchmark by month end.
Liao explained that the company was unable to reach the benchmark on time due to the heavy traffic on the corridor.
“The traffic flow from Masaka to Mararaba daily is very heavy.
“So, we have no other choice but to work at night.
“That is a big task and a challenge to our work progress.
“However, with the help of the ministry and with the help of the controller and also the help of the FRSC, we will complete the work within the right time,” he said. (NAN)
Edited by Mufutau Ojo
By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu
The Regalo Hope Foundation (RHF), a non-profit organisation, had blamed poor performance of candidates in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) on poor digital literacy.
The Founder of RHF, Dr Chinenye Onuorah, made the blame in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Friday.
Recall that more than 1.5 million out of 1.9 million candidates for the UTME organised by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) scored below 200.
A breakdown of the results released by JAMB showed that 983,187 candidates (50.29 per cent) scored between 160 and 199, while 488,197 candidates (24.97 per cent) scored between 120 and 139.
Onuorah, who expressed displeasure at the performance, said that there was an urgent need to exposure students adequately to tools for digital literacy.
“What this report reveals is not just a failure of preparation, it is also a failure of responsibility.
“It is what happens when young people are left to figure out digital literacy without the tools, exposure or training they need to succeed,” she said.
She called for public/private collaborations to empower students with digital literacy to improve their performances.
The RHF founder said it was important to create an enabling environment to get students prepared for such an examination to increase their success chances.
“We need to stop talking about the youth and start building with them,” she added.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Ijeoma Popoola
By Babajide Awoyinfa
“Seven Doors”, an historical drama series by Femi Adebayo, has triumphed at the 11th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), winning three major awards, solidifying its standout status in Nollywood.
Femi Adebayo won Best Lead Actor for his portrayal of Adedunjoye, the king in the series.
Chioma Chukwuka also claimed the Best Lead Actress award for her role as Amaka, Adedunjoye’s wife.
The series also won Best Music/Score.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 11th AMVCA took place on Saturday at the Eko Hotels, Lagos.
This prestigious event celebrates excellence in African film and television, bringing together the continent’s brightest stars and industry professionals.
The awards ceremony also celebrated veterans Sani Mu’azu and Nkem Owoh with the Lifetime Achievement Awards.
Director Kayode Kasum took home the Trailblazer Award for his fresh, genre-defying impact on the industry.
Speaking at the event, Busola Tejumola, Executive Head of Content and Channels, West Africa, at MultiChoice, emphasised the AMVCA long-term commitment to the Nollywood industry.
Tejumola noted that the event was a sustainable project that has been evolving over the years to promote the industry’s growth.
“We are committed to capacity building, evolving the industry, producing and distributing the best local content available on the continent.
“The AMVCA continues to evolve every single year, and this edition is special as it spotlights younger artistes who will take the industry forward in the next 10 years,” Tejumola said.
According to Tejumola, the key to keeping viewers engaged is to create content that is relatable and resonates with them.
“The AMVCA has also had a significant impact on the careers of young artistes, with over nine billion Naira invested in the awards over the past 11 years.
“Additionally, the MultiChoice Talent Factory provides young filmmakers with a one-year development programme to hone their skills,” she said.
Other winners are: *Best Supporting Actor*: Gabriel Afolayan (Inside Life).
– *Best Supporting Actress*: Mercy Aigbe, for “Farmer’s Bride”.
– *Best Unscripted M-Net Original*: Nigerian Idol (Kassim SSulaimana and Anneke De Ridder).
– *Best Scripted M-Net Original*: My Fairytale Wedding (Chinenye Nworah & Taiwo Adebayo).
– *Best Digital Content Creator*: Iyo Prosper Adokiye, for “We Listen, We Don’t Judge – Bible Edition.
– *Best Documentary*: Dundun (Ifeoluwa Fatogun & Ebi Atawodi).
– *Best Short Film*: Jide Jblaze Oyegbile.
– *Best Cinematography*: Leo Purman, for “The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos”.
– *Best Editing*: Tongai Furusa, for “Inkabi”.
– *Best Sound Design*: Michael Botha, Olaosebikan Okonrende & Dil Chike Ajufo, for “Suspicion”.
– *Best Art Direction*: Soliu Badu Noutical & Ayanmo Yakub, for “Lisabi: The Uprising”.
– *Best Makeup*: Hakeem Onilogbo, for “Lisabi: The Uprising”.
– *Best Costume Design*: Adedamola Adeyemi, for “Christmas in Lagos”.
– *Best Writing in a TV Series*: Abel Mutua Musyoka.
– *Best Writing (Movie)*: Blessing Uzzi for “Freedom Way”.
– *Best Indigenous Language (West Africa)*: Adedimeji Lateef & Adebimpe Oyebade Adedimeji.
– *Best Indigenous Language (East Africa)*: Abel Mutua Musyoka.
– *Best Indigenous Language (Southern Africa)*: Cosmas Ng’andwe. (NAN)
Edited by Folasade Adeniran
By Angela Atabo
Former Kebbi State Governor, Sen. Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central) and former Bauchi State Governor, Alh. Ahmadu Mu’azu, have donated 40 million naira to rehabilitate some facilities in their old school.
The duo announced the donation at the maiden reunion of their Alma Mater, the School of Basic Studies, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (SBS ABU Zaria 1976/1977 set in Abuja.
Aliero, who made the donation, acknowledged that times had changed, noting that government was now facing numerous challenges, including educational funding constraints.
“The contribution I made is towards the rehabilitation of some of the educational structures we have at ABU, our alma mater.
“This is because the chairman said he went round and saw a lot of dilapidated buildings.
“For that reason, I suggest that, before we leave here, we should contribute something, no matter how small, towards the rehabilitation of such structures, he said.”
The former governor explained that his own personal donation was N20 million, while Mu’azu would match it up with N20 million.
He called on other classmates to also generously contribute toward the project.
Aliero recalled that in the old good days when they were students, government support for their education, was quite extensive, and covered free tuition, transportation allowances, and even laundry services.
He, however, said there was hope for reviving education with President Bola Tinubu’s current student loan scheme.
According to him, indigent students will be able to access loans from it to fund their education.
“Over 500 billion Naira has been set aside for that purpose.
“Even the Tax Reforms Bill that the National Assembly passed, have incorporated that request and it’s going to continue.
“So, I am very optimistic that government will be able to continue funding education, though not like it was before,” the senator said.
Aliero further said that the SBS ABU Zaria 76/77 set had contributed a lot to national development by bequeathing indelible legacies, which they were very proud of.
Also speaking, Mu’azu said the set had produced governors, ministers and senators, among others, and challenged youths to take up leadership positions.
“This is your ball. This is your generation. A lot of you refuse to offer yourselves for public service.
“At the end of the day, we end up getting half-cooked, uneducated people to lead us.
“That is not good. “I want to still pass the ball to all of you. You must take up the banner,” he said.
The traditional ruler of Karshi, the Sarkin Karshi, Abuja, Alh. Mohammed Ismaila, also an alumnus, called for a more structured alumni network and to leverage them to support schools.
“These public institutions will continue to decay unless and until they do two things, one of which is to engage the alumni.
“If you see all the great universities in the world, they engage the alumni. But here, most of the time, the university authorities don’t reach out to us.
“They should also have a large alumni office and have a database, especially at this age of internet to reach for support for projects,” he said.
The President of the association, Rabiu Dagari, while delivering a keynote address, expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to reconnect.
“It is with immense joy and profound gratitude that I stand before you today as the President of our Alumni Association, on this truly historic occasion, our very first reunion party after 48 remarkable years,” he said.
Dagari said the reunion was more than a nostalgic gathering, and was a celebration of unity, which was forged at their old school.
“Tonight is not just a celebration of nostalgia but a testament to the enduring spirit and unity which the School of Basic Studies, ABU, Zaria has made possible,” he noted.
According to the alumni president, the set has accomplished great feats, having produced governors, ministers, professors, military generals, and a reigning Emir among them.
He particularly referenced the renowned Prof. Iya Abubakar as a source of inspiration for younger generations.
Dagari urged the President Tinubu to tap into the wealth of experience and expertise within the class of 76/77 by appointing some of their distinguished alumni to key government positions.
He said the EXCO was working on a proposal to identify areas that the members of the class of SBS 76/77 would address as their contribution to their alma mater.
The president also called on members to contribute both financially and intellectually to ongoing restoration efforts.
He also called for a minute of silence to honour the 114 deceased members of the set, and extended condolences to their families.
The alumni association president further urged his classmates to reconnect while time still permitted.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Mark Longyen
By Mufutau Ojo
Alhaji Raheem Adedoyin, a veteran journalist and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has commended President Bola Tinubu for putting in place a reward system for party stalwarts.
He gave the commendation in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Saturday.
Adedoyin was reacting to the appointment of Hajia Bilikisu Sanni and Bishop Bunmi Olusona as Executive Director and non executive Director of the board of the newly created North Central Development Commission.
The former Information Commissioner in Kwara described both appointments as well deserved.
He expressed gratitude to the president for always honouring Kwara in federal appointments and distribution of infrastructure projects.
” I don’t think we are celebrating these appointments enough.
” We should; it is not just that two Kwarans were appointed to federal positions of political significance, the appointees belong to the genre of politicians often overlooked in national appointments.
” They are homegrown, active at home and well-grounded in community development,” he said.
Their appointments, he said, came in the wake of similar federal recognition of prominent stakeholders such as former Kwara Executive Council member, Abdullateef Alakawa, and Chairman of APC in Kwara, Sunday Fagbemi.
Adedoyin said he was excited by the appointments given to home-based politicians as it was in tandem with the case he made to Tinubu as then APC presidential candidate when he visited Kwara in 2023.
He recalled that he had canvassed at his parley with APC stakeholders in Ilorin that recognition and patronage be given to stakeholders and politicians who toil at home for the party’s electoral success.
He thanked the president for responding positively to his request.
Adedoyin also thanked Gov. Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq and the home leadership of the party for its unrelenting quest for a good deal for Kwara at the federal level.
” There are just so many interests at stake and fierce power play at work. This is a lesson for all of us in party politics.
” We all cannot get political appointments at the same time; yours will come in different ways,” he said.(NAN)
Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz
CSCS shareholders laud N1.76 dividend payment, 2024 financial report
By Taiye Olayemi
Shareholders of the Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) have expressed satisfaction with the company’s impressive financial performance and the declaration of a N1.76 dividend payment for the 2024 financial year.
The shareholders expressed their satisfaction during the company’s 31st Annual General Meeting in Lagos, where the 2024 financial report was presented.
The shareholders commended the company’s management team for their dedication to driving growth and increasing returns on investment.
Mr Boniface Okezie, Chairman of the Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria, described the company’s financial result as excellent despite the economic headwinds.
Okezie tasked the CSCS on extending its operations to other African countries, considering its status as the biggest security depository registrar in West Africa.
He also commended the CSCS for being able to improve on curtailing fraud and forgery within the Nigerian Exchange Ltd.
He advised on reducing costs, particularly those related to expenses incurred by the board.
Also, Mrs Adetutu Shiyanbola, President of the Highly Favoured Shareholders Association of Nigeria, lauded the company’s 2024 financial performance.
She noted that CSCS’s impressive performance, marked by a 44 per cent growth in the company’s operating income, a 24 per cent rise in its profit before tax, a 37 per cent increase in gross earnings, and a 22 per cent growth in total assets, showcased the company’s significant responsibility and stewardship.
She encouraged the company to further enhance its gender balance policy, promoting greater diversity and inclusion within the organisation.
A member of the Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria, Mrs Juliet Mbaka, commended the CSCS for the dividend paid and urged the company to look toward improving it in the current year.
Mbaka also urged the management of the company to consider giving some bonus to its shareholders.
Responding, Mr Temi Popoola, Chairman of the Board of Directors for CSCS, said the board would look critically into increasing dividends in the coming years.
He said one of the biggest projects the board was working on had to do with expanding the reach of the CSCS.
He explained that the CSCS is also working on embracing the African Exchange Linkage Programme as a way to extend its operations.
He said, “We are also taking intentional steps toward gender balance, embracing women with the right character and expertise on the board.”
Also, Alhaji Haruna Jalo-Waziri, Managing Director of CSCS, attributed the high cost of operation of the company to inflation, adding that the company continues to work on optimising costs.
He said the CSCS had achieved remarkable growth in combating cybercrime as it continues to invest hugely in cybersecurity infrastructure.
“We are scaling up our cybersecurity infrastructure, and this is one of the reasons we are incurring more costs. We are building KPIs and engaging Artificial Intelligence.
“Also, for our Corporate Social Responsibility, we are being strategic to embrace initiatives that, in turn, build our business,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa
By Busayo Onijala
With a tea plantation history spanning over 400 years, Malipo County in Yunnan Province is showcasing the success of China’s poverty alleviation and rural revitalisation efforts.
Located in the southeastern part of Wenshan Prefecture, Malipo is home to eight indigenous ethnic groups – Han, Zhuang, Miao, Yao, Yi, Dai, Gelao, and Mongolian.
It is also home to over 133 hectares of tea plantation that have provided sustainable livelihoods for locals, while enhancing regional infrastructure and international trade.
On Friday, the China Public Diplomacy Association (CPDA) and Malipo County’s Communist Party Committee hosted the opening of the Third Laoshan International Tea Festival.
The festival is a testament to how tea cultivation helped to turn a once impoverished region into a vibrant, globally-recognised centre of tea culture.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN ) reports that Malipo’s tea will make a historic appearance at the United Nations in May, underscoring its role in the global story of China’s poverty alleviation.
In her keynote address, China’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms Hua Chunying, highlighted how Malipo’s tea industry reflected China’s broader poverty reduction strategies.
“This tea is more than just a source of income. It tells the story of China’s efforts to transform rural areas through targeted aid and diplomacy.”
The tea, once a humble local crop, has become a symbol of China’s international engagement, often presented as a ‘national gift’ at global events.
It has been featured in 16 countries, showcasing China’s commitment to cultural exchange and mutual learning.
Malipo’s transformation is also a result of strong diplomatic support facilitated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China.
Earlier, during a news conference, Xiao Changju, Mayor of Malipo County People’s Government, said that the tea festival was an opportunity for Malipo to expand its international cooperation and elevate its global presence.
“To achieve the goals of enriching border residents, beautifying border areas, stabilising border communities, and fortifying border defences, Malipo must open its doors wider and reach new heights through external collaboration.”
Under the guidance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malipo’s tea industry has played a central role in its economic and social revitalisation, helping to lift the region out of poverty.
In 2020, Malipo shed its label as an “impoverished town” through efforts that included the revitalisation of its ancient tea trees.
Also, upon the invitation of the foreign affairs ministry, Sunwah Group, in 2023 signed a cooperation agreement with Malipo County, and its investment of 10 million yuan has helped to develop the tea industry.
Since 2023, the industry has developed 28 tea products, processed over 60 tonnes of tea leaves and created over 8,000 job opportunities.
Jason Choi, Director, Jason KS Choi Foundation and Sunwah Group, said it was the group’s mission and social responsibility to help local citizens to earn better.
“Tea factories were previously without standardisation and modernisation but it is a different situation at the moment.
“Malipo boasts of a unique natural environment and abundant resources with over 6,000 tea trees; therefore, sustainability for the environment is a driving force for us,” he said.
Ambassador Wang Donghua of the CPDA praised the global impact of Malipo’s tea.
He said the essence of Chinese tea culture, harmony, equality and mutual respect, was embodied in Malipo’s success, and it reflected China’s vision of a shared future for humanity.
“Malipo’s rise from poverty to prosperity is a testament to the power of strategic diplomacy and the potential of agricultural industries such as tea to drive economic transformation.”
In the future, Malipo plans to expand its tea industry further, with goals to enrich border communities, beautify local areas, and stabilise border defences through increased global collaboration. (NAN)
Edited by Ijeoma Popoola
