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By Collins Yakubu-Hammer The Minister of State, Trade, Industry and Investment, Sen. John Enoh urged Mrs Ngozi Oyewole and others to take the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) to greater heights in line with government’s industrialisation programme. This is contained in a statement issued by Evelyn Onyilo, Personal Assistant to Oyewole on Sunday in Abuja. According to the statement,  Oyewole is the Continental President of Commonwealth Business, Africa and also the Chairperson Wood & Wood/ furniture products of the Sectoral Group of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN). She is a fellow of the Institute of The Nigeria Training and Development (NITAD) and expected to represent MAN on the Board. The statement explained that Enoh named the Chairman of the inaugurate...

The Araba and Oluisese of Ibadanland, Ifalere Odegbemi Odegbola II, has extended heartfelt congratulations to Senator Teslim Folarin and Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi following their elevation to prestigious chieftaincy titles by the Olubadan of Ibadanland. Chief Folarin, a former Senate Leader, has been promoted to Aare-Alaasa Olubadan of Ibadanland from his previous title of Ikolaba Olubadan. Chief Sanusi, a prominent businessman and Chairman of Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort, has, on the other hand, been elevated to Ajia Olubadan of Ibadanland, having previously held the title of Jagunmolu Olubadan. In a congratulatory statement, Araba Odegbola II, who is also the Oluisese of Ibadanland praised the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba (Dr.) Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin,...

Hon. Ahmed Munir, Member, a member Nigeria House of Representatives, Thursday deferred on the notion that trade amongst members of the Economic Community of West African States is very low. Munir who is the member representing Jere Federal Constituency in Kaduna, Nigeria, said a huge volume of trade is going on among citizens of member states but not properly captured. This, he said, is because it is majorly at the informal sector.He therefore urged that the informal sector be dragged into the net of the Gross Domestic Products of Member states.Munir, who is the Deputy Chair of the ECOWAS Committee on Infrastructure was responding to questions from journalists at the sideline of the ongoing Sixth Legislature of the ECOWAS Parliament Delocalised meeting of Joint Committee on Infrastr...

The Ibara of Oba-Ile, Chief Moses Omotayo Oluwaniyi, a traditional titleholder responsible for announcing the demise of the Oloba, has arrived in Oba-Ile from Igbatoro Familugba to traditionally announce the death of the Oloba of Oba-Ile, Oba Joseph Oluwadare Agunbiade, Otutubiosun I. The traditional announcement by Ibara has plunged the entire Oba-Ile community into mourning. It was also gathered that the pre-Oduduwa royal dynasty in Yorubaland has begun traditional preparations for the burial of the first-class monarch from Oba-Ile in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State. Oba Joseph Oluwadare Agunbiade reigned for 38 years, having ascended the throne in 1987. He was 84 years old at the time of his passing. During his reign, the Oba-Ile community in Akure North ...

A first-class monarch, the Oloba of Oba-Ile in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, Oba Joseph Oluwadare Agunbiade, Otutubiosun I, has joined his ancestors. Oba Agunbiade passed away on Thursday morning at an undisclosed hospital in Akure. He reigned for 38 years, having ascended the throne in 1987. He was 84 years old at the time of his passing. The traditional announcement of the monarch’s demise is still being awaited, in line with local customs. During his reign, Oba-Ile community in Akure North Local government area of Ondo state witnessed significant economic transformation. He was known for his commitment to community development and for upholding the reputable royal dynasty of Oba-Ile. In honor of the late monarch, markets in Oba-Ile were closed on...

Cardinal Robert Prevost, an American missionary who spent his career ministering in Peru and leads the Vatican’s powerful office of bishops, was elected the first American pope in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church. Prevost, 69, took the name Leo XIV. White smoke poured out of the Sistine Chapel chimney Thursday at 6:07 p.m. local time, signaling that a pontiff had been elected to lead the Catholic Church. From the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica, history’s first American pope recalled that he was an Augustinian priest, but a Christian above all, and a bishop, “so we can all walk together.” He spoke in Italian and then switched to Spanish, recalling his many years spent as a missionary and then archbishop of Chiclayo, Peru.

The Conclave to elect a new Pope has just begun in Vatican as the Cardinals are now taking Oath of the Cardinals before the election proper after chanting the Litany of the Saints. Click on Sharpedgenews to get latest from the Vatican City. May God help our Cardinals to make a right choice. Amen!

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer The Director-General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Malam Jibrin Ndace, has sought a partnership with the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) to fight fake news, misinformation, and to project the country’s interests. Ndace made this request when some members of the Guild paid him a courtesy visit on Wednesday in Abuja. He said that VON is responsible for correcting all negative perceptions and deliberate falsehoods about Nigeria and Africa spread by foreign media.“Interestingly, the NGE shares a similar role with VON. Like VON, the Guild also has had to contend with other news services. It is important and imperative to take seriously its gatekeeping function. “VON and the Guild must work together to ensure we carry out our mandates free from ethnocentric or ...

The House of Representative has set up a sub -committee to investigate the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s National Mass Metering Programme (NMMP) for which the sum of N200 billion was earmarked in 2020. Hon. Uchenna Okonkwo, Chairman of the newly inaugurated committee made this known in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday. Okonkwo said that the committee was constituted with three members from each of the six geo-political zones with Hon. Uchenna Okonkwo, representing Idemili North and South Federal Constituency as the Committee Chairman. ``Other members of the committee are; North East- Hon. Obed Shehu, Hon. Ali Shettima, Hon. Abel Fuah. North West – Hon. Salisu Koko, Hon. Ahmed Munir, Hon. Sani Umar Bala. ``North Central- Hon. Gbefwi Jonathan, Hon. Abdulmaleek Danga, Hon. Chi...

By Joan Nwagwu The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, (SSANU) has expressed concerns over delay in the payment of salaries of its members since the migration to the Government Integrated Financial and Management Information System(GIFMIS), platform. Mr Mohammed Ibrahim, President of SSANU said this in a letter addressed to the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF) and made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja. The letter was titled, "Concern over the consistent delay in the payment of monthly salaries of University workers,''. Ibrahim in the letter had appealed to the AGF to swiftly intervene to prevent a breakdown of industrial harmony within the tertiary institutions. "The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) writes to expre...

The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (P-CNGI), in partnership with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has begun the enforcement of 40 per cent public transport fare reduction on CNG converted commercial vehicles. The P-CNGI made this known in Abuja on Friday, while making the official public announcement of 40 per cent reduction on fares on routes serviced by NURTW CNG-converted vehicles. Speaking at the event which took place at the Area 1 Park, Garki, Mr Michael Oluwagbemi, P-CNGI Chief Executive Officer and Programme Director, said the aim was to execute President Bola Tinubu’s mandate on affordable transportation for Nigerians. Oluwagbemi, represented by Mr David Idakwo, Regional CNG Expansion Coordinator, North, said the event was designed to ...

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to reclaiming ungoverned areas, particularly forests in the North West and across Nigeria. The President vowed to deploy advanced surveillance and technology to combat kidnapping, banditry and terrorism. He made the promise when he addressed Katsina elders and leaders at a state dinner held at the Government House. “On the issue of security raised by former Gov Aminu Masari again this evening, yes, I agree that security is a challenge for the country. “I addressed the men and women of the armed forces earlier today and assured them that we will do everything to fight terrorism and banditry. “We will invest more in technology and take over the forests. Security is a national issue, not just at the local...

President Bola Tinubu has lauded Nigerian soldiers, describing them as brave, gallant officers and defenders of the nation. The president made the remark during his official visit to the frontline troops in Katsina State. “I stand before you today not just as your President and Commander-in-Chief, but as a fellow patriot, deeply humbled by your courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the peace, security and sovereignty of our great nation. “You are the shield of Nigeria, the brave sons and daughters who stand between our people and the forces of terror. “Every inch of ground you hold, every terrorist you neutralise, and every community you secure is a victory for justice, freedom and the future of our children”. He said the fight troops were waging in Katsi...

Vice-President Kashim Shettima, alongside other world leaders, joined thousands of Gabonese citizens on Saturday to witness the swearing-in of Brice Nguema asthe newly elected President of Gabon. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nguema emerged as President of Gabon on April 12, 2025, after defeating seven other candidates in the country’s recent presidential election. Nguema has been the interim President for 20 months following a change in government and the ouster of former President Ali Bongo. The inauguration ceremony, which was held at the Stade de l’Amitié sino-gabonaise in Libreville, Gabon, featured military parades, a march-past and displays of Gabon’s rich cultural heritage. In his inauguration speech, Nguema thanked citizens of the country for their ove...

FEC approves policy to prioritise Nigerian businesses By Salif Atojoko The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the Renewed Hope Nigeria First Policy proposed by President Bola Tinubu to prioritise Nigerians in all business activities. Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, announced this after the FEC meeting in Abuja. CUE IN VIDEO “If there are any businesses to be done by anybody, the priority will be Nigerians first. If you have any local content, there is no reason for you to go outside this country to import. “Its aim is to make government to invest in our people and our industries by changing how government spends money, how we procure, and how also we build our economy. “Going forward, Nigerian industries will take pre...

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) says collaboration with the Nigerians in the Diaspora Commision’s (NiDCOM) on issues of migration will accelerate the country’s development. Ms Dimauche Sharon, the new Chief of Mission for IOM to Nigeria, said this on Tuesday during a curtesy visit to Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, NiDCOM’s Chairman/Chief Executive Officer in Abuja. Sharon lauded the achievements of the commission while emphasing on the creation of the State Focal Point as apt in addressing both migration and remittances challenges. She commended Dabiri-Erewas’ leadership and the work that she had done to establish leadership in NiDCOM since its inception. “From our side as IOM, we have been honoured and privileged to work with you and your team. “There are a num...

Tax Justice and Governance Platform has advocated for gender perspective analysis of Nigeria's informal sectors tax policy and administration, sighting the important roles women play in the payment of tax in Kano State. Dr Muhammad Mustapha, Executive Director of Dispute Resolution and Development Initiative, has called on the government to critically examine how tax systems impact male and female informal business owners differently, with a focus on equity, efficiency, and access to resources. While briefing News men at Mumbaiya house, Kano, Dr Mustapha, analysed the role women play in the payment of tax in the informal sectors as very strong and dynamic. "The gender aspect of tax and taxation is very critical and crucial." "If you look at some parts of this country, the role...

The Director- General of Nigeria Conservative Foundation (NCF), Mr Joseph Onoja, has advised Nigerians to choose tree planting over lavish birthday and anniversary parties. Onoja made the call on Friday in Abuja at the maiden edition of the Abuja Garden Festival against the backdrop of severe heatwaves being currently experienced in parts of the country. He said that being intentional about tree planting by deliberately channeling resources to it will go a long way to reducing the effects of climate change in the country. "We don't call it planting of trees, we actually call it nurturing of trees because you don't just put a plant on the ground and think that it will just grow, it has to be nurtured for two or three years so that it will be able to grow and it will be able to per...

By Joan Nwagwu Amb.Engr. Abdullahi Hashim, a prominent member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), has commended President Ahmed Tinubu for approving the Renewed Hope NigeriaFirst Procurement Policy in the country. Hashim gave the commendation in a statement made available to journalists on Tuesday in Abuja. He described the policy as a bold and strategic move that places Nigerian talent and innovation at the center of national development. It would be recalled that the new policy was recently confirmed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris,who directed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to prioritise local content in procurement processes. The policy also mandates that only when no viable local option exists may the Bu...