Sunday, September 13

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AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW with DIDIER DROGBABy Ramata Sore’
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AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW with DIDIER DROGBABy Ramata Sore’

INTRODUCTION :Didier Drogba, born March 11, 1978 in Abidjan, is much more than a footballer: he is a conscience in action, a profound voice that resonates far beyond the stadiums, a vibrant heart for Africa. From 2004 to 2012, and again in 2014-2015, he wrote one of the greatest epics for Chelsea FC, in England, scoring 164 goals, including the memorable one on May 19, 2012 in the final of the prestigious Champions League, an equalizer and a decisive penalty, giving Chelsea the first European title in its history. Captain of the Ivory Coast Elephants, he carried the hopes of a people during three World Cups: 2006, 2010, 2014, and was crowned African player of the year in 2006. But, it was in October 2005 that his aura crossed the framework of sport: the day after a historic qualificati...
JAPAN DESIGNATES CITY OF KISARAZU AS HOMETOWN FOR NIGERIANS
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JAPAN DESIGNATES CITY OF KISARAZU AS HOMETOWN FOR NIGERIANS

 The government of Japan on Thursday named the city of Kisarazu as the hometown for Nigerians willing to live and work in the country as part of its strategic efforts to deepen cultural diplomacy, promote economic growth and enhance workforce productivity. Under this new partnership, announced on the sidelines of the 9th Tokyo International Conference for African Development, the Japanese government will create a special visa category for highly skilled, innovative, and talented young Nigerians who want to move to Kisarazu to live and work. Artisans and other blue-collar workers from Nigeria who are ready to upskill will also benefit from the special dispensation visa to work in Japan. Japan International Cooperation Agency, in a ceremony, also named the cities of Nagai in Ya...
Stakeholders appeal for policy assent…to boost water, sanitation, hygiene
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Stakeholders appeal for policy assent…to boost water, sanitation, hygiene

Participants at a two-day workshop organised in partnership with Self Help Africa (SHA) and supported by the UK’s FCDO through WASH Systems for Health (WS4H) Programme, in Calabar the Cross River capital, have called on the governor, Prince Bassey Otu, to approve and sign into law the developed and adopted policy implementation plan within 60 days. This forms part of the resolutions reached through an extensive stakeholders consultations and contained in a communique signed by representatives of government, House of Assembly, traditional institution, partners, civil society organisations, academia, persons living with disabilities, among others. The revised policy which replaces the state's 2011 framework seeks to position the state on a pedestal that would see it strengthening acce...
One Year of A Night of Praise: A Deep Reflection on the Faith-Inspired, People-Centred Leadership of Broda Lucky
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One Year of A Night of Praise: A Deep Reflection on the Faith-Inspired, People-Centred Leadership of Broda Lucky

-Bamofin Kayode Ajulo, OON, SAN, Ph.D. In the heart of Ondo State, a remarkable story unfolds—a narrative intricately woven with threads of faith, resilience, and divine guidance. The emergence of His Excellency, Prince Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, the Governor of Ondo State whom I fondly called “Broda Lucky” is not merely a tale of political ascent; it represents the profound impact of faith-driven governance that seeks to uplift the spirits and lives of the people. His journey, marked by significant challenges and unwavering devotion, stands as a demonstration of hope for all who believe in the transformative power of the Almighty God. From the very beginning, Broda Lucky has displayed an extraordinary commitment to serving the people of the Sunshine State, guided by a pastoral c...
Rivers Plate Striker, Asuzu Hails NFF For National Team Invitation
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Rivers Plate Striker, Asuzu Hails NFF For National Team Invitation

Argentina-based striker Jonathan Asuzu has described his invitation to Nigeria’s U-20 national team as a dream come true. The Rivers Plate forward expressed gratitude to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Federal Government for their efforts in supporting young talents. In a letter dated 8 August 2025, and signed by NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sani Maikano, Asuzu was officially invited to join the final phase of camping ahead of the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile. Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the 18-year-old striker said wearing the green and white jersey was an honour he had longed for since childhood. “To represent my country on an international stage is an aspiration I have nurtured since I was a boy,” Asuzu said. “This invitation is not just an...
His Majesty Ogiame, Atuwatse reign brought peace ….CODAFA
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His Majesty Ogiame, Atuwatse reign brought peace ….CODAFA

His Majesty Ogiame, Atuwatse III (CFR )reign has brought peace, unity, development and progress in Warri Kingdom . Children of Drivers and Fishermen Association of Warri Kingdom,(CODAFA) states this when they paid homage to the revered Warri monarch at the Palace (Aghofen). The socio -cultural Itsekiri group led by the Chairman and Secretary of the Association, Comrade Romeo Diden, and Mr Blessing commended the Olu of Warri for his leadership qualities While rejoicing with his Majesty on the anniversary of the 4th year of his coronation ''UGE OYO EKORO" the group pledged their loyalty to the royal father. " Ogiame Atuwatse III reign has brought peace,love ,unity and development to the itsekiri nation and warri kingdom in general and we are so happy that is why we are here cele...
Reps query NERC, others over N59bn national metering fund
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Reps query NERC, others over N59bn national metering fund

The Joint Committee of the House of Representatives investigating committee has queried the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission over the disbursement and utilisation of N59bn Central Bank of Nigeria loan for the execution of the National Mass Metering Programme. Also quried are Meristem Wealth Management Llimited and NESI – SSL for giving approval to a firm to receive 0.5% of annual collection from electricity distribution companies to 2030. In a statement issued on Saturday by its Chairman, Uchenna Okonkwo, the committee disclosed that initial investigation carried out by the committee revealed that the NNMP was initiated by NERC for the purpose of “Closing metering gap, encourage local meters manufacturers, stop collection losses and estimated billing.” The committee not...
Why junior lawyers need support to attend NBA AGC – Legal analyst
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Why junior lawyers need support to attend NBA AGC – Legal analyst

Legal analyst Carl Umegboro has stood up for junior lawyers who find it difficult to attend the Nigerian Bar Association’s (NBA) Annual General Conference (AGC). Umegboro said law firms where they work should be able to support them to attend the annual programme. Umegboro in a press statement on Saturday criticised the failure of most law firms to extend support to junior lawyers, many of whom earn as low as ₦100,000 or slightly above. He said: “This event is held only once a year, yet many junior lawyers working in well-known firms cannot afford to attend because their principals refuse to support them. “How can a lawyer earning barely enough to cover rent, transportation, and basic needs pay such fees? It is unrealistic,” Umegboro said. The NBA-AGC, he emphasised, remain...
ADC: Aregbesola receives Lagos PDP stalwarts, says party for youth, welfare
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ADC: Aregbesola receives Lagos PDP stalwarts, says party for youth, welfare

Mr Asiru George Lagos ADC party chairman, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Dr Abimbola Ogunkelu organiser., Senator kola Ogunwale.muhamedu muritala asorobi, ola olateju. Felix tai Benedict at affirmation ceremony, where like-minded stakeholders from PDP, Labour Party and other Lagosians will proclaim their membership of ADC across the twenty Local Government Areas of Lagos State. By Adeyemi Adeleye Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, ADC National Secretary, says the party will prioritise youth and women by allocating 50 per cent of elective and appointive positions to them. Aregbesola, former Osun governor, said this during the affirmation of PDP, Labour Party, and other members who defected to ADC in Lagos State. Delivering a speech titled, When Good People Unite, Nigerians Win, Aregbesola descri...
Over 500,000 Nigerians pre-register in first 5 days of CVR flag off
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Over 500,000 Nigerians pre-register in first 5 days of CVR flag off

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disclosed that more than 505,906 Nigerians have successfully completed their online pre-registration for the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise within the first five days of its resumption. INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, made this known on Friday, August 22, 2025, during the official flag-off of nationwide sensitisation activities in Abuja.He was represented at the event by National Commissioner, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu.Professor Yakubu described the turnout as encouraging, noting that it reflects Nigerians’ strong commitment to democratic participation. “As at midnight of Thursday, 22nd August 2025, over 505,906 citizens have pre-registered since the portal opened five days ago. For us, this is a testament ...
FAAC: FG, States, LGs share N2trn July 2025 revenue
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FAAC: FG, States, LGs share N2trn July 2025 revenue

A total sum of N2.001 trillion has been shared to the Federal Government, States and the Local Government Councils at the August 2025 Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting held in Abuja.The N2.001 trillion total distributable revenue comprised distributable statutory revenue of N1,282.872 trillion, distributable Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue of N640.610 billion, Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) revenue of N37.601 billion, Exchange Difference N39.745 billion.A communiqué issued by the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) indicated that total gross revenue of N3,836.980 trillion was available in the month of July 2025.In a statement by Bawa Mokwa, Director of Press and Public relations of the OAGF, on Friday, total deduction for cost of collection was N152,68...
Cowbell “our milk” 12g sachet in circulation are fake, says NAFDAC
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Cowbell “our milk” 12g sachet in circulation are fake, says NAFDAC

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration, NAFDAC has alerted Nigerians of the circulation of counterfeit Cowbell “Our milk” 12g sachet milk in the market. NAFDAC disclosed on its social media handle X that the Cowbell “Our milk” product currently in circulation is an imitation.According to NAFDAC, Promasidor Nigeria Ltd, the Marketing Authorisation Holder of Cowbell, stopped producing Cowbell “Our Milk” in Sept 2023 and replaced it with Cowbell “Our Creamy Goodness”.It therefore warned that consumption of counterfeit milk poses serious health hazards, organ damage, and in severe cases, death. The statement reads: “NAFDAC alerts the public to the circulation of counterfeit Cowbell “Our Milk” 12g sachet milk in Nigeria. Promasidor Nigeria Ltd, the Marketing Authorisation H...
ECOWAS to Support School Feeding in West Africa with €4.5 million
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ECOWAS to Support School Feeding in West Africa with €4.5 million

The Economic Communities of West Africa States (ECOWAS) has set aside €4.5 million to support the implementation of home grown school feeding in primary schools across the region, the ECOWAS Commission said on Friday. The Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, ECOWAS Commission, represented by the Director Agriculture and Rural Development, Alain Traore, made the disclosure at the launch of the national policy forum on the institutionalisation and implementation of the home grown school feeding programme for sustainable economic growth and financial inclusion in Nigeria. The event was organised by the presidential committee on home grown school feeding and supported by ActionAid Nigeria (AAN). He said: “ECOWAS, with financial support from Spanish cooperation, is imple...
From Science Fiction to Reality: A Glimpse into the Future at Unitree Robotics
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From Science Fiction to Reality: A Glimpse into the Future at Unitree Robotics

As an international student studying in China, I’ve always been fascinated by how technology bridges culture and shapes our shared future. Recently, I had the privilege of visiting Unitree Robotics, one of China’s most exciting robotics companies. Accompanied by faculty members and Chinese students, I stepped into a realm where machines are not only smart but also mobile, agile, and surprisingly lifelike.  Unitree has gained global attention for its cutting-edge robots, particularly its quadruped models that resemble dogs and humanoid robots capable of walking. During the visit, we were shown these innovations up close.The humanoid robot was activated first. It began walking across the floor, its movements so fluid that it was easy to forget it wasn’t human. Each step was precise,...
Abuja Airport Garden City to feature over 3, 000 modern homes, best facilities-Developer
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Abuja Airport Garden City to feature over 3, 000 modern homes, best facilities-Developer

By Dorcas Jonah The Chief Executive Officer of First Rotech, Mr Austin Oguejiofor, says the Abuja Airport Garden City,will feature more than 3, 000 modern homes with state-of-the-art facilities.Oguejiofor said that the city spanning 250 hectares in Gousa District is designed to be one of the best in terms of aesthetics and quality architectural design in sub-Saharan Africa.Oguejiofor made the disclosure during a site visit by the Federal Capital Development Authority’s Engineering Department team on Thursday in Abuja.He said the aim of the project is not only to address Abuja’s housing deficit, but to provide a contemporary living environment with excellent infrastructure.Oguejiofor stated that the project would transform the Gousa District into a vibrant, well-connected community, sig...
RH-GEEP 3.0 to introduce stronger mechanism for transparency, accessibility
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RH-GEEP 3.0 to introduce stronger mechanism for transparency, accessibility

By NANThe Federal Government says, the Renewed Hope Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (RH-GEEP 3.0) will introduce stronger mechanisms for transparency, accountability, and broadening access to ensure that no Nigerian is left behind.The Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Yusuf Sununu, stated this at the Nationa! Roundtable on the RH-GEEP 3.0 on in Abuja.The Roundtable with the theme, “Building Trust, Strengthening Transparency and Scaling Impact through Financial Inclusion” was organised by the Ministry and supported by Akilaah, Sydani Group, and other stakeholders.According to Sununu, the theme is timely, purposeful, and a true reflection of a shared responsibility to make financial empowerment accessible, accountable and transformative.“Th...
Otu advocates FG’s support for nutrition, health reforms
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Otu advocates FG’s support for nutrition, health reforms

Cross River governor, Prince Bassey Otu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to a people-centered government, with special focus on nutrition, preventive healthcare, and education, while calling for greater federal support to sustain reforms. Speaking in Calabar when he received the Special Assistant to the President on Public Health, Mrs. Uju Rochas-Anwuka, the governor said his administration deliberately designed its policies to place citizens at the center of development, especially in sectors critical to human capital growth. “Our agenda was very clear from the beginning; we want a people’s government here. Everything we do places the people at the center. “Education and health are the two key areas that, if not working well, no society can make progress,” the gov...
No climate justice without social justice– NLC
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No climate justice without social justice– NLC

By Joan Nwagwu The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared that climate justice cannot be realised without social and economic justice for workers. Mr Joe Ajaero, President of the NLC, stated this at the launch of two publications on climate policies, organised in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) on Thursday in Abuja. The publications included The Nigeria Labour Congress Policy Paper on Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) 3.0 and The Nigerian Workers’ Charter of Demands on Just Transition. Ajaero expressed concern that Nigeria’s earlier Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 1.0 and 2.0) failed to capture workers’ interests. He said that trade unions, labour standards, and decent work must remain central to NDC 3.0. Accor...
PENGASSAN demands urgent refinery reforms
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PENGASSAN demands urgent refinery reforms

By Joan Nwagwu The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has called for urgent reforms in the country’s refineries and cautioned against political interference in the oil and gas sector. Mr Festus Osifo, President of PENGASSAN, made this known on Thursday in Abuja at the ongoing 4th PENGASSAN and Labour Summit 2025, themed “Building a Resilient Oil and Gas Sector in Nigeria: Advancing HSE, ESG, Investment and Incremental Production.” Osifo said that Nigeria’s refineries should operate under a model similar to the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG), where the government holds minority stakes while competent private operators take majority control for efficiency. According to him, while Nigeria’s workforce possesses the expertise to manage r...
GUPPAN wants FG reverse directive to MDAs on printing
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GUPPAN wants FG reverse directive to MDAs on printing

By Lucy Ogalue The Gutenberg Print Professionals Association of Nigeria (GUPPAN), has raised concerns over a Federal Government directive mandating Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to patronise only Government Printing Press. The association raised the concerns in a statement jointly signed by its President, Mr Adekunle Adebambo and Secretary, Mr Raymond Nwagwu on Thursday in Abuja. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Federal Government in a circular signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, instructed MDAs to halt all engagements with private printing firms. Reacting to the development, GUPPAN, said that the decision, if implemented, could trigger massive job losses and render trillions of naira in private ...