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The United Nations (UN) agencies in Nigeria have stressed the need for adequate investment in the development of Micro, Small and Medium sized Enterprises (MSMEs) in the country. They argued that MSMEs are crucial to advance economic growth. The agencies disclosed this during the commemoration ceremony of the 2025 MSMEs Day on Monday in Abuja. The event was jointly organised by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), International Labour Organisation (ILO), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) and World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO). Director, UNIDO Sub-regional Office, Abuja, Mr. Philbert Johnson, who was represented by National Programme Officer at UNIDO, Mr. Reuben Bamidele,, said that MSME...

The Commission of the African Union has said that the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) is central in the formulation of new action plan on drug control and crime prevention on the African continent. The AU Commission stated this on Monday during an assessment visit to the NDLEA’s National Headquarters in Abuja by a three-member delegation including the team lead Dr. Olubusayo Akinola, Head of Social Welfare, Drug Control and Crime Prevention; Dr. Abiola Olaleye, Senior Drug Epidemiology and Research Officer; and Prof. Johan Strijdom, Senior Drug Control Consultant. The visit was to evaluate the African Union Plan of Action on Drug Control and Crime Prevention (2019-2025). Akinola said: “We are here to understand the status of implementation of this continental action ...

TAJBank Limited, Nigeria’s fastest growing non-interest bank, has sustained its record-breaking feat in the nation’s banking history with the payment of 20 kobo per share dividend to its shareholders at the end of financial year (FY) 2024. TAJBank’s Founder/CEO, Mr Hamid Joda, said in a statement on Monday that the payment was the third investment reward for the investors in its five years of operations. ''Available industry data on dividends paid to shareholders by most banks during the year under review showed that TAJBank’s dividend, based on earnings per share, represented one of the best in terms of dividend ratio to share value of banks nationwide. ''The major highlights of the TAJBank’s financial results in FY 2024 showed that the bank’s Total Assets grew from N518.33bn in...

One of Nigeria's wealthiest businessmen, Aminu Dantata, is set to be buried in Saudi Arabia later after he died on Saturday in the United Arab Emirates.Business mogul Dantata, 94, an uncle of Africa's richest man Aliko Dangote, leaves three wives, 21 children and 121 grandchildren.His body was transferred from Abu Dhabi where he died to Medina after Saudi authorities approved his burial in their country.It was his wish to be buried in a city he adored and where Islam's prophet Muhammad lived and died. Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu described Dantata's death as a "monumental national loss” in a statement.He said Dantata had made "sterling contributions to Nigeria's growth and development" through decades of enterprise, service, and philanthropy.He was known across Nigeria for his phila...

Details have emerged on how notorious bandit kingpin Kachalla Yellow Danbokolo died over the weekend in Zamfara State after an earlier gun battle with Shinkafi Volunteer Forces in the state. Kachalla Yellow’s death was wildly celebrated in Zamfara State and many parts of the North-West states as many locales know him as one of the most dreaded bandits in the zone, even more dangerous than his cousin, Bello Turji, whom they describe as a mere spokesperson. Security sources said Kachalla Yellow and more than 173 bandits were killed after the blistering surprise attack by the volunteer forces. The sources could, however, neither confirm nor deny the role of the Department of State Services (DSS) in the recent onslaughts which has greatly decimated the bandits, stating that the secre...

A foremost youth leader, Dr. Raymond Edoh has called for the extension of the tenure of the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyifollowing his recent appointment as the Chairperson World Customs Organisation, the highest decision-making body in global customs administration. Edoh said the extension is necessary to reward him following an overwhelming glory he has brought to Nigeria with his appointment as the Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation. He said: “This is a glory for Nigeria. It has never happened before. This has been a long-awaited dream for Africa, only to be surprised to have it bagged by the Nigerian Adewale Adeniyi, the CG Customs, Nigeria Customs Service. "The challenge now is, if his tenure is not elongated, Nigeria as...

The Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike has disclosed that the construction of roads have helped the administration stop land grabbing by the University of Abuja. Wike alleged that the institution had claimed 11,000 hectares of land, of which he had retrieved 7,000. Wike spoke at the inauguration of the Access Road to Giri District, constructed by Levant Construction Company, Limited. Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has praised Wike’s infrastructural transformation of the Federal Capital Territory, describing the projects as “bridges of inclusion, signals of recognition, instruments of national unity.” Tinubu, who was represented at the event, by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, said the minister had localised his Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that the proj...

Abuja, Nigeria – June 30 2025 - Faith Agada was among the vibrant delegate ambassadors that participated at the Diplomatic Conference 2025 held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja, where she represented Nigeria as the Ambassador to Spain during the widely acclaimed Diplomatic Simulation Exercise. Organized by the African Transformer Institute in partnership with the Center for Peace Advocacy and Sustainable Development (CEPASD), the conference convened diplomats, ambassadors, policymakers, youth leaders, and foreign policy experts under the theme:“Strengthening Nigeria’s Foreign Policy, Diplomacy, and International Cooperation for National Development.” In her role as Nigerian Ambassador to Spain, Faith Agada engaged in bilateral negotiations and simulation dialogues focused o...

Abuja, Nigeria – June 30, 2025 — Rita was among the dynamic delegates at the Diplomatic Conference 2025, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja, where she actively took on the role of Nigerian Ambassador to France during the flagship Diplomatic Simulation Exercise. The Diplomatic Conference, hosted by the African Transformer Institute in collaboration with the Center for Peace Advocacy and Sustainable Development (CEPASD), convened a distinguished gathering of ambassadors, diplomats, foreign policy experts, and emerging leaders under the theme:“Strengthening Nigeria’s Foreign Policy, Diplomacy, and International Cooperation for National Development.” Rita Lawson’s performance in the simulation exercise stood out for its strategic depth and diplomatic clarity. As the delegate...

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer The Rotary Club of Abuja, Central Business District(CBD), is initiating a project to construct two blocks of classrooms, including furniture and a Head Teacher’s office, in Nasarawa State. The incoming President of the Club, Rotarian Lauratu Yenwan in a statement issued by the Image Chair of the Club, Evelyn Onyilo on Monday in Abuja, said the projects is estimated to cost N 25 million. According to Yenwan, the club is embarking on a number of projects at its adopted community in Gidan Village of Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa. “One of the Star projects to be completed in the new Rotary year which begins on July 1, will be the completion of the construction of two blocks of classrooms, furniture and head teacher’s office. “The completion of ...

"… says he will make known to the public his choice successor at appropriate time without fear or favour…" ……….. As Sen. Adamu, Nasarawa Speaker, Women Affairs Minister, former Speaker Balarabe, SSG, others back Nasarawa Western Zone to produce the next Governor come 2027. Gov. Abdulllahi Sule of Nasarawa State says that he will make known who he will prefer to succeed him in 2027 known to stakeholders and people of the State at an appropriate time without fear or favour. This, the Governor warned aspirants to play the game by its rules and avoid overheating the political atmosphere. Sule stated this during stakeholders meeting of All Progressives Congress (APC) of Nasarawa West Senatorial Zone held in Keffi LGA today. The Governor said that he would ensure justice and fair...

History was made on 28th June as Hon. Dikko Zephaniah Kpagu Gbusu, a revolutionary voice for the oppressed people of Kuje, emerged victorious in the just concluded Social Democratic Party (SDP) Chairmanship Primary Elections for Kuje Area Council. In his victory speech, Hon. Dikko dedicated this triumph to God Almighty and to the working people, grassroots communities, and all oppressed masses of Kuje, whose voices have long been silenced by elite domination and bad governance. He expressed deep appreciation to the party officials, the electoral committee, and the courageous delegates who, despite the pressures of the ruling class, stood firm to elect him as the SDP flag bearer for the 2026 general elections. His emergence symbolizes the people's resistance against political oppress...

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Nyanya-Mararaba District, has commended President Bola Tinubu for signing into law four new tax bills passed by the National Assembly.The new chairman of the district,  Mrs Kafilat Adeshola gave the commendation at her investiture ceremony on Saturday in Abuja.She said the laws would take Nigeria to greater heights.“It is a good step in the right direction. It is now for professional accountants and stakeholders to equip themselves, look at it and provide good advice to their clients accordingly.“The new tax law has brought good relief, not only to members of ICAN, but every tax paying Nigerian.“With the tax reform, all accountants are advised to encourage and advise their clients so as not to be ag...

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has felicitated the Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adeniyi, on his election as Chairperson of  the World Customs Organisation (WCO). The President, Chairman of Council of NIPR, Dr Ike Neliaku, in a congratulatory letter signed by the Director, Public Relations, Mr Stanley Ogadigo on Saturday in Abuja,  lauded Adeniyi’s elevation to the top leadership of WCO. WCO is a intergovernmental organisation which serves as highest decision-making body in global customs with its headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. Adeniyi, the Immediate past vice president of NIPR was elected at the concluding session of the 145th/146th WCO Council Meeting held on June 28 in Brussels, becoming the ...

By Samuel Aduloju It was a free-for-all in Ujabhole, Irrua municipal community of Esan Central Local Government area of Edo State, following fierce resistance to prevent the installation of a chief priest "from a wrong ruling house", to preside over annual Aba Festival. Community sources in Ujabhole confirmed to our correspondent that no fewer than three persons lay dead while several others were seriously injured. According to investigations, the Ehimen ruling house had been reputed for fielding a candidate aschief priest for the Aba Festival but that another family, reputed as rich and influencial, had sought to pervert the age-long tradition, thus drawing the anger of the locals. The Aba festival is one of the leading native event of Esan people in Edo State, drawing indgen...

By Lucy Ogalue The Kaduna State Government and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) have signed a N1 billion Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support the growth of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the state. The MoU, signed by Governor Uba Sani and SMEDAN’s Director-General, Mr Charles Odii, establishes a strategic partnership aimed at improving access to finance, strengthening entrepreneurship, and creating jobs in both urban and rural areas of Kaduna State. At the core of the partnership is a N1 billion Matching Fund, with N500 million contributed by each party. The fund is designed to provide affordable and accessible financing options for Nano, Micro, and Small Enterprises (NMSEs), enabling them to access working ca...

By Victor Okoye Members of the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja have expressed gratitude to the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and the Board of Trustees (BOT) led by Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem for their efforts to reopen the club. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the club was temporarily closed for renovations, which are expected to bring the facilities up to international standards. As a result of all the efforts of the Chairman and members of the BOT, the minister on Saturday visited the club to assess the facilities. Wike during the visit assured that the clubhouse will be renovated immediately, first under an emergency intervention, focusing on areas where golfers socialize and relax. The minister also promised thatother sections of the club woul...

The Oke-Odo Club, Kudeti, Ibadan, honored the memory of the late Dr. Victor Omololu Sowemimo Olunloyo, former Governor of Oyo State, as he was laid to rest. Dr. Olunloyo, who passed away on April 6, 2025, at 89 years old, is being celebrated for his remarkable contributions to academia, governance, and community development. The Club, in a press release signed by its President, Elder (Arc.) Kola Olawale, highlights the late Dr Olunloyo’s legacy who was born at Olunloyo Compound in Oke-Odo, Ibadan South East Local Government Area of Oyo State. Dr Victor Omololu Sowemimo Olunloyo is a illustrious son of Oke-Odo and a distinguished scholar, statesman, and mentor whose impact resonates deeply within Oyo State and across Nigeria. The Club extended sincere condolences to the Olunloy...

The Supreme Court affirmed National President of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Chief Kolawole Adewoyin has said that the conflict between Israel and Iran was a major factor behind the recent surge in global oil prices. Chief Kolawole Adewoyin stated this while speaking in an interview with Arise TV. He explained that despite recent efforts by the Nigerian government to promote local refining and introduction of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as an alternative fuel, international events continue to drive up the cost of petroleum products. “The war between Israel and Iran has caused a significant increase in crude oil prices globally,” Chief Kolawole Adewoyin said. “This, in turn, impacts the landing cost of petroleum products in Nigeria, even as ...