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In recognition of his outstanding work in promoting gender justice, women’s empowerment, and inclusive development, Igweshi Augustine, Executive Director of the Centre for Peace Advocacy and Sustainable Development (CEPASD), has joined the prestigious Rise Up Together Leadership & Advocacy Accelerator Program. The Rise Up Together Accelerator is a global initiative that identifies, trains, and supports frontline leaders advancing gender equity across communities. Participants receive intensive leadership and advocacy training, technical support, and access to a global network of gender justice champions. The program has a strong record of influencing laws, policies, and social systems that expand opportunities for girls, women, and gender-diverse groups around the world. Augu...

By Joan Nwagwu The Federal Civil Service Pensioners (FCSP) has staged a protest to compel the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Muhammad Dingyadi, to intervene in a lingering dispute with its parent body, National Union of Pensioners (NUP). During the peaceful protest held at the FCSP Abuja branch office on Monday, the pensioners urged the minister to urgently wade in, to resolve the trade dispute. Addressing newsmen, Mr Itiona Shaku-Nor, National Assistant Secretary of the FCSP, said the issues in contention included the unlawful dissolution of the duly elected National Executive of the FCSP, Abuja branch, and appointment of a caretaker committee by the NUP to oversee the affairs of the branch. He also alleged unlawful deduction of 55 per cent statutory allocation from ch...

“Not a Burden”, an advocacy film for children with Neuro developmental disorders such as autism, cerebral palsy, among others, has premiered in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that filmmakers, actors, government functionaries, and the cast and crew of the film, were present at the Silverbird Cinemas for its screening at the weekend. The film is an initiative of Royal School of Educational Therapy Foundation(RSETF) in collaboration with Lancelot Imasuen’s Media Network Limited. “Not a Burden” brings to fore everyday deprivation and neglect children with special needs suffer in society, even in the hands of their supposed loved ones. The film advocates empathy, acceptance and inclusion for everyone to participate fully in society and...

Cross River governor, Prince Bassey Otu, has officially unveiled the 2025 Carnival Mascot and the newly established Diaspora Band. The event, performed by the deputy governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, took place, Sunday, during the Second Dry Run, held at the popular 11/11 roundabout in Calabar Speaking on behalf of the governor, Odey described the unveiling as a symbolic and historic milestone that reinforces the cultural and tourism heritage of Cross River, affirming that the new mascot captures the essence of the 20-year journey of Carnival Calabar, an event that has grown into one of Africa’s most celebrated cultural showcases. Highlighting the significance of the new emblem, the deputy governor explained that Otu had earlier approved the creation of a mascot that reflects the be...

The highly anticipated 2025 Upata Unity Cup ignited excitement across Rivers State today as the tournament officially kicked off, reaffirming its status as one of the most transformative grassroots sports initiatives in the Niger Delta. Under the visionary leadership of Dr. Chinedu Ogwus, President of Ogwus Youth Empowerment and Community Development Organization (OYECDO), this edition promises to set a new benchmark in youth-focused sporting engagement—blending athletic excellence with community development, cultural pride, and peacebuilding. Launched in 2020, the Upata Unity Cup emerged as a bold response to rising social vices among the youth in the region. Guided by Dr. Ogwus’ forward-thinking agenda, the initiative was designed to redirect young people away from violence, oil b...

Chief Dr. Kolawole Adewoyin, the Supreme Court-affirmed National President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), has warned Alhaji Maigandi Abubakar Shettima to stop parading himself as the National President of IPMAN, saying media propaganda cannot change the rule of law. In a press release, Adewoyin stated that Shettima’s actions amount to contempt of court, given the Supreme Court’s unequivocal judgment affirming Adewoyin as the legitimate leader of the association. "The Supreme Court judgment, which upheld previous rulings by the High Court and the Court of Appeal, validates Chief Dr. Adewoyin’s presidency and declares the Shettima-led national executive or any other executive as illegal. There is no way no way media propaganda can change the rul...

The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) says its 2025 National Micro Small andMedium Enterprises (MSME) GROW Nigerian Conference will drive innovation in the sector. The Director-General of SMEDAN, Dr Charles Odii, said this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja. Odii said that the conference would ensure enterprise growth and policy reform across the country’s small business sector. He said that the conference would serve as a rallying point for stakeholders to chart new pathways for strengthening the MSME ecosystem. According to him, the event, scheduled to hold from Nov. 16 to Nov. 18 in Lagos, will support the review of the National MSME Policy, which expires this year. “It will also provide fresh direction for the next five-year policy fr...

The Atlas International Hotel in Gwagwalada was alive with anticipation on the morning of November 13, 2025, as guests, legal practitioners, activists, and advocates for justice gathered for the annual seminar of the Handel Pro-Bono Link & Empowerment Foundation. This year’s theme—“Justice in a Corrupt Society: Restoring Integrity”—set the tone for a thought-provoking and impactful event. Presiding over the seminar was Chief Dr. Amb. Ebosetale David Aigbefoh, Esq, who expressed his honour at serving as Chairman. He warmly welcomed participants and acknowledged the importance of the gathering, describing it as a necessary platform for confronting the realities of corruption and reaffirming the demand for integrity within society’s justice systems. In his opening remarks, Chief Ai...

The Atlas International Hotel in Gwagwalada was alive with anticipation on the morning of November 13, 2025, as guests, legal practitioners, activists, and advocates for justice gathered for the annual seminar of the Handel Pro-Bono Link & Empowerment Foundation. This year’s theme—“Justice in a Corrupt Society: Restoring Integrity”—set the tone for a thought-provoking and impactful event. Presiding over the seminar was Chief Dr. Amb. Ebosetale David Aigbefoh, Esq, who expressed his honour at serving as Chairman. He warmly welcomed participants and acknowledged the importance of the gathering, describing it as a necessary platform for confronting the realities of corruption and reaffirming the demand for integrity within society’s justice systems. In his opening remarks, Chief Ai...

(6th Left) Honourable Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation; (7th Left) Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, Director General, Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON); (3rd Left) Malam Jibrin Baba Ndace, Director General, Voice of Nigeria (VON); (4th Left) Charles Ebuebu, Director General, National Broadcasting Commission (NBC); and other dignitaries in a group photograph shortly after the National Advertising Conference 2025, held in Abuja. By Collins Yakubu-Hammer The Federal Government has called on advertisers and other stakeholders to ensure communication renaissance to project and promote the positive image of the country. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, made the call when he declared opened the Fifth e...

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer Abuja, Nov.13, 2025 (NAN) The Federal Government has called on advertisers and other stakeholders to ensure communication renaissance to project and promote the positive image of the country. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, made the call when he declared opened the Fifth edition of the National Advertising Conference in Abuja on Thursday. The conference, which has “Marketing Communication: Transforming Businesses and Creating Growth in Challenging Times” as its theme, was organised by the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) According to Idris, the theme of the conference is both timely and strategic. The minister said, “We live in an era where businesses must innovate not only to survive but...

The Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority(NTDA), Mr. Olayiwola Awakan and Chairman, House Committee on Tourism, Hon. Muktar Muhammad, have expressed willingness to work together towards repositioning the Nigerian tourism sector to unlock its economic growth and job creation potential. They made their position known during a recent courtesy visit by the NTDA DG to Muhammad, member representing Kazaure, Roni, Gwiwa, Yankwashi Federal Constituency of Jigawa State at the National Assembly. Their discussion focused on strengthening collaboration between the legislature and NTDA to drive sustainable growth in the nation’s tourism sector. Both leaders emphasized the importance of accurate tourism data collation, adequate funding, public-private partnerships, and...

The recent appointment of Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, as Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has been widely commended as a timely and deserving choice. Dr. Udeh’s elevation follows the recommendation of His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, the Executive Governor of Enugu State. His appointment fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Chief Uche Nnaji, maintaining continuity and fairness in Enugu State’s representation at the Federal Executive Council. Governor Mbah’s recommendation reflects three clear principles — equity, excellence, and integrity. First, by selecting a replacement from the same Nkanu zone, he upheld fairness and inclusiveness. Second, he demonstrated pride in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN),...

By Victor Okoye Abuja, Nov. 10, 2025 — Fenac Secure Solutions, a leading provider of advanced home automation systems in West Africa, has introduced a new product — High-Performance Traffic Barrier Gates — into the Nigerian market. The company said the innovation is designed to enhance traffic control, improve access management, and strengthen security in residential, commercial, and industrial environments. It combines speed, durability, and energy efficiency, positioning it as a top-tier solution for Nigeria’s growing smart infrastructure sector. Speaking on the development, Jones Nwachukwu, Chief Executive Officer of Fenac Secure Solutions, said the new barrier gates underscore the company’s commitment to delivering world-class automation technologies tailored to the Nigerian ...

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, revealed that diplomatic channels are proving effective towards rapprochement in the tense relationship between the government of the U.S. and Nigeria. Idris, stated this in an interview with the UK-based Sky News programme, “The World With Yalda Hakim”. This was contained in a statement issued by Idris’s Special Assistant on Media,  Malam Rabiu Ibrahim on Tuesday in Abuja. Idris said channels of communication have been opened with talks going on for better understanding of the situation. “We believe that most of the information is a result of a lack of a proper understanding of the diversity and complexity of the problem we have at hand,” Idris said. The Minister a...

By Victor Okoye Abuja, Nov. 10, 2025 --- Utopia Bath & Kitchen, a renowned British bathroom manufacturer, has officially registered its trademark in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s ongoing global expansion strategy. Founded in 1989, Utopia is celebrated as one of the United Kingdom’s most established and respected bathroom manufacturers. For more than three decades, the company has embodied the finest traditions of British craftsmanship, innovation, and design excellence — values that continue to define its products and partnerships worldwide. All Utopia products are designed and made to the highest standards of quality and precision engineering. The company’s comprehensive range includes complete bathroom solutions such as ...

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer Dayo Olutayo, Senior Pastor of the Unity Worship Centre, formerly Good Tidings Bible Church, has called on Nigerians to listen to the voice of God and do His will to enhance national growth and prosperity. Olutayo made the call at the Grand Finale of Maranatha 2025 and celebration of the 21st Anniversary of Unity Worship Centre Abuja on Sunday in Abuja. The cleric, who noted that  the economy challenge was a global issue and not peculiar to Nigeria alone, called for tolerance. “In the Bible, money failed in Egypt and they started going to those who have goods to sell. And that is why Joseph came up. ”I believe that people with treasures in form of wisdom will come up. “We should be attentive to the things that God is saying to us in whatever...

By Joan Nwagwu The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) has called on government officials to stop using the “No Work, No Pay” policy as a tool of intimidation against workers. Prince Peters Adeyemi, General Secretary of NASU, made the call in a statement on Sunday in Abuja. The statement was titled “Recurring Threats by Government Officials to Enforce the ‘No Work, No Pay’ Policy: A Call for Justice, Collective Bargaining, and Dignity of Labour.” Adeyemi said the repeated threats by government representatives to invoke the policy were unjust and contrary to the principles of fair labour relations. He said the policy, which is often cited from Section 42(1)(a) of the Trade Disputes Act, had been misused to silence lawful industrial actions...

Renowned economist and finance expert, Mr. Lade Fasua, has commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his visionary leadership and transformative policies in Ondo State, describing his administration as “a game-changer” for economic growth and infrastructure development. Fasua, who is also a public affairs analyst, gave the commendation over the weekend in an interview with The Hope. He praised the governor for attracting a firm that had secured $15 billion to establish a refinery in Ondo State, describing the development as a landmark achievement that would position the state as a major player in Nigeria’s industrial and energy sectors. He also lauded the administration’s plans to set up a free trade zone, stressing its potential to create employment, stimulate local industries, an...