No fewer than 500 persons in the Onigbongbo Local Council Development Area of Lagos State have received support items such as cash grants, sewing machines, grinding machines, freezers, among others, from the Executive Chairman of the LCDA, Moyosore Adebanjo.
Adebanjo, who reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to turning challenges into opportunities for residents, said the empowerment items provided were tools for building long-term, sustainable livelihoods.
He also announced the forthcoming launch of the Onigbongbo Marshall (O’Marshall) Security Initiative, a community-based security network designed to strengthen neighbourhood safety and support existing security agencies.
Other items distributed included hairdryers, solar lights, generator sets, clippers, and CNG tricycles, along with ICT opportunities facilitated through a strategic partnership with the Industrial Training Fund (ITF).
Speaking at the event, Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende, described the initiative as a powerful step toward expanding economic access and improving livelihoods.
He noted that the programme reflected Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to inclusive growth, youth development, and community advancement across Lagos State.
Also speaking, the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, commended Adebanjo for embodying progressive ideals through initiatives that prioritise citizens’ well-being.
He urged beneficiaries to maximise the value of their new tools and grants to grow their businesses.
Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has been honoured with the Best Performing Governor Award for 2025 by the NTA Kaduna Network Centre, adding another major recognition to his growing list of achievements.
The award, presented yesterday, was described as a strong endorsement of the governor’s commitment to stabilising Kaduna, strengthening security, and promoting inclusive governance that resonates across communities.
Represented by the Commissioner for Information, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, Governor Sani was celebrated for transforming Kaduna into a national model for peace-building, development and responsive leadership.
Despite a year marked by complex national challenges, Kaduna has recorded notable gains in security, rising investor confidence and renewed citizen engagement under Governor Sani’s reform-driven leadership. NTA officials hailed him as a “pillar of stability” whose inclusive policies have strengthened political participation and social cohesion.
The colourful award ceremony, chaired by Rt. Hon. Aminu Sani Jaji, PhD, drew high-profile guests including Senator Shehu Sani, members of the National Assembly, NBTE’s Prof. Idris Bugaje, media executives and other stakeholders.
Speakers highlighted the Governor’s strides in peace-building, infrastructure renewal, education, healthcare and social welfare, describing Kaduna’s progress as unmatched among subnational governments in 2025.
They noted that the administration inherited significant challenges but responded with clear strategies and tangible solutions—from security partnerships that reduced rural banditry to expanded opportunities in skills development, mass transit, housing, MSME support and capital projects.
His inclusive leadership style, offering greater representation to women, youths and minority groups, was praised as a unifying model.
Receiving the award on the Governor’s behalf, Maiyaki reaffirmed the administration’s resolve to sustain ongoing reforms, deepen grassroots engagement and accelerate development across all 23 LGAs. He dedicated the honour to the people of Kaduna State, saying their support remains central to the Governor’s achievements.
The NTA recognition further elevates Governor Uba Sani’s national profile as a bridge-builder and reform champion, reinforcing Kaduna’s growing reputation for stability, inclusiveness and people-centred governance in 2025.
Ghana will in January host a major continental leadership forum designed to reinforce political and economic relations with Nigeria, it has been learnt.
The Regal Influence Summit is being organised by the KRIF Foundation — a non-profit dedicated to advancing ethical leadership, governance and transformational development across Africa.
Managing Director, KRIF Foundation, Mrs. Awura Adjoa Okosun, said the Summit will serve as a platform for Nigeria and Ghana to align influence for measurable continental impact.
“The Regal Influence Summit will bring together leaders who shape policy and development across Africa.
“Nigeria’s role in West Africa is significant, and deepening collaboration between both nations will support regional transformation,” she noted.
Held under the theme “Commanding Influence, Shaping Nations,” the 2026 Summit is expected to feature Nigerian and Ghanaian Presidents and former Presidents, First Ladies, business magnates, investors, diplomats, and royal institutions.
Discussions will focus on policies that unlock trade, investment flow, youth empowerment, democratic institutions and cross-border business growth.
The Foundation emphasises that with Africa projected to host the world’s largest workforce by 2040, Ghana and Nigeria must leverage their influence to mobilise sustainable development solutions.
According to the Foundation, key activities lined up for the Summit include: Presidential and First Ladies’ dialogue, investment and policy roundtables, royal panel of eminent chiefs and queen mothers, leadership masterclasses and keynote sessions, networking for Public–Private Partnerships and gala night and legacy awards.
The organisers added that several social-impact programmes will also be unveiled to deepen cooperation across both countries, including a Regal Mentorship Programme, Widow’s Empowerment Fund, scholarship initiatives, a Braille inclusion project, and an interfaith dialogue platform.
It said the expected outcomes include a leadership communiqué with action-oriented solutions, expanded cross-border partnerships and a strengthened Ghana–Nigeria influence bloc.
Originally scheduled for November 2025, the Summit was rescheduled to honour the memory of the late former First Lady of Ghana, H.E. Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings. The event will take place at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, Accra.
Beyond the date shift, organisers say the 2026 edition is strategically positioned to advance stronger ties between West Africa’s two most influential nations — Ghana and Nigeria.
The Summit will gather leaders of government, industry, diplomacy, investment, religion, and traditional institutions from across the continent to drive bilateral cooperation and shared development.
Abuja residents and the wider public have been urged to drastically reduce salt consumption as Nigeria faces a surge in hypertension, cardiovascular disease and kidney failure linked to excessive sodium intake.
The Centre for Communication and Social Impact (CCSI), working with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and other stakeholders, gave the advice on Saturday during the Lugbe leg of its public sensitisation campaign against excessive consumption of salt.
The initiative aims to prevent deaths, ease pressure on the health system and safeguard family and national economic productivity.
The Head of Programmes at CCSI, Oluseyi Akintola, said the awareness effort targets everyday dietary habits, especially among young people, because of the implications of excessive sodium consumption.
Explaining why the campaign becomes necessary, Akintola stressed that most Nigerians consume far beyond the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended daily limit of five milligrams.
“We just put so much salt that it may cause, later in life, problems for us,” he said
He described hypertension as a growing epidemic, saying, “We now have an epidemic of non-communicable disease, especially hypertension, which is directly traceable to salt intake.”
Akintola said salt preference is an acquired habit that can be changed when people are properly informed,
“That’s why CCSI is upbeat about this campaign to the grassroots”, he added, explaining that while sodium reduction has been discussed previously, the CCSI campaign represents the first national communication-led behavioural change effort.
“With consistent messaging, we believe the message will stick and get to a point where people will now say, oh, I’ve heard this somewhere… I should mind how much salt I consume every day,” he added.
He added that CCSI works closely with regulators, and that steps toward mandatory front-of-pack labelling for sodium content on packaged foods are advancing.
One of the medical experts on the team, Dr. Abbah Innocent Ochigbo of the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, warned that salt-related illnesses are now showing up in younger Nigerians.
“Before now, elevated blood pressure… and other cardiovascular diseases were very rare among young people, but we are beginning to see a rising trend,” he said.
He listed kidney failure, heart failure and chronic kidney disease among people under 40, noting that fast foods, excessive snacks and eating out are major contributors.
Warning against extra salt at the table, he said, “It’s very dangerous. You are already inviting different forms of cardiovascular diseases.
“Excess salt weakens bones, causes arthritis and osteoporosis, and compromises kidney function. Anywhere there is salt, it attracts water, increasing fluid retention and blood pressure, which over time puts harmful stress on the kidneys.”
Ochigbo called the campaign preventive and urgent, noting “The cost of managing these diseases is far more expensive compared to when they are prevented”.
The organisation’s Media and Programme Officer, Anna White-Agbo, said the campaign will expand to Lagos and Kano next year, noting that informed communities are more likely to demand supportive government policies.
The campaign flagged off at Wuse Market on December 4, offering blood pressure checks and public education.
Later, the campaign moved to Nyanya before berthing at Lugbe Mall on Saturday, then moved into Lugbe communities, attracting large turnouts and focusing on proper label interpretation, medical guidance and on-the-spot testing.
Beneficiaries also received educational materials.
White-Agbo said sensitisation will continue into next year, with grassroots outreach especially important, noting, “Not everybody has the data or resources to be online.
“But by combining digital education with market-based interventions, CCSI is hoping to build sustained public awareness around salt reduction and healthier food choices”.
Amid rising security challenges across the country, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has called on Yorubas and Nigerians in general to remain vigilant.
He made the appeal at the weekend in Ode-Omu, Osun State, during the annual Ode-Omu Day celebration—an event where residents review community progress and plan for future development.
In a statement by his media aide, Adeola Oloko, the Olubadan commended the community under the leadership of the Alaye Ode-Omu, Oba James Oladipupo, for their strong commitment to development.
He also assured that Ibadan would continue to support Ode-Omu’s growth, adding that next year, an illustrious son of the town and Parakoyi of Ibadanland, Chief Tunde Afolabi, would chair the event.
Earlier, former Minister of Police Affairs, Jelili Adesiyan, told guests that Ibadan warriors were responsible for settling Ode-Omu in its present location in 1909.
He also commended the royal fathers in attendance, particularly the Olubadan, for honouring the occasion.
The members of Olubadan-in -council who graced the occasion include Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, Balogun of Ibadanland; Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi, Osi Olubadan, and High Chief Senator Sarafadeen Alli, Ekerin Balogun of Ibadanland.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi was represented by Salu of Edunabon, Oba Kehinde Oladepo while the Ogunsua of Modakeke, Oba Francis Adedoyin and his Chiefs were also in attendance.
The Chief of Air Staff (CAS) has visited the two Nigerian Air Force pilots that survived yesterday’s crash.
The Alpha Jet pilots safely ejected following an in-flight emergency during a post-inspection functional check flight at Nigerian Air Force Base in Kainji, Niger State.
The aircraft was said to have developed an emergency shortly after take-off, prompting the pilots to act swiftly, and with remarkable composure expertly manoeuvred the jet away from populated areas before ejecting, a decision that prevented civilian casualties.
The NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said in a statement on Sunday that the NAF boss had visited the pilots at the hospital, as well the site of the incident.
He the CAS praised the pilots for their courage, discipline and sound judgement, which he said prevented loss of life.
According to Ejodame, the NAF boss acknowledged the prompt, coordinated and highly professional response of NAF personnel, including Search and Rescue teams, Fire and Crash Response units, and medical practitioners, whom he said swiftly secured the area and ensured the safety and wellbeing of the aircrew.
“Their dedication, teamwork and sacrifice reflect the unwavering commitment to service that the NAF is known for,” he said.
Air Marshal Aneke have also directed the immediate constitution of a Board of Inquiry to investigate the incident.
According to NAF’s spokesperson, the incident underscores the inherent risks associated with aviation operations, particularly in military environments where airpower projection demands increased flying activities, complex missions and sustained readiness.
“It serves as a reminder of the courage and devotion to duty exhibited daily by NAF personnel who willingly operate in high-risk conditions to secure the nation.
“These men and women, through their relentless sacrifice and professionalism, deserve the utmost honour and respect,” he said.
The Indoor Sports Hall of the National Institute of Sports, Surulere, Lagos, erupted in celebration on Friday as the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) teams — Safety Shooters and Safety Babes, were crowned champions of the Ardova Handball Premier League 2025, following an elaborate finale graced by members of the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) board and top executives of Ardova PLC.
The Ardova Handball Premier League 2025, which began with the first phase in Benin City months ago, before the second phase in Lagos which ends with a finale that the Executive Chairman of Ardova PLC, Dr. Abdulwasiu Sowami, ably represented by the Deputy Managing Director, Ardova PLC, Mrs Abiola Babatunde-Ojo, described as delightful to watch in her speech.
For Safety Shooters, it was a historic moment as they clinched the men’s title for the first time since 2020, completing a dominant campaign that saw them finish top of the table with 57 points from 20 matches while Safety Babes also etched their name deeper into Nigerian handball history, winning an unprecedented fifth consecutive women’s championship, reaffirming their status as the league’s most dominant team, not just in the women’s category but in the history of handball premier league in Nigeria.
In the Men’s Safety Shooters finished the season in style, beating COAS Shooters 43–32 (20–10) to cap off a dominant outing in Phase 2.
Their final-day victory ensured they remained clear at the summit with an impressive 18 wins, one draw, and one loss, totaling a superb goal difference of +214 after scoring 638 goals and conceding 424.
The friendly match between Egypt and Nigeria has been postponed to 16 December, Egyptian Football Association (EFA) Vice President Khaled El-Darandaly has said.
The Pharaohs had been scheduled to face the Super Eagles on 14 December as part of both teams’ preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations, which will be held in Morocco from 21 December to 18 January 2026.
FIFA previously confirmed that players may leave their clubs to join national teams starting 15 December. The match was therefore moved to ensure the availability of key players, including Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah and Manchester City winger Omar Marmoush, for the Nigeria test.
Seven-time African champions Egypt, seeking their first continental title since 2010, were drawn into Group B alongside South Africa, Angola, and Zimbabwe.
The Pharaohs reached the final in both 2017 and 2021, losing to Cameroon and Senegal, respectively.
On Monday, Egypt coach Hossam Hassan named a 28-man preliminary squad for AFCON, with the group assembling in Cairo on Wednesday for their final preparation camp.
Coach Okan Buruk has admired the 24-year-old midfielder for some time, and Victor Osimhen is also advocating for the transfer. Osimhen might personally attempt to convince Onyedika, as they are acquainted through the Nigerian national team.
However, Club Brugge’s technical director, Dévy Rigaux, recently expressed hope that Onyedika would sign a new contract and remain for years, adding that a transfer is not currently part of the club’s plans.
Fulham and Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze has revealed his delight with the way he’s gotten off to a good start at the Craven Cottage, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 26-year-old was a deadline day loan recruit from AC Milan, but injury problems saw him limited to very few minutes, considering he had to represent Nigeria on International duty three times.
However, the one-time FIFA U-17 World Cup winner has found his creative feet again of late, and has four goal contributions in his last three games for Marco Silva’s side, including a brace against Manchester City.
The former Villareal man filled the headlines after his brace on Erling Haaland’s Premier League centurion goal marker.
Still, he’s delighted to have found his scoring touch again and thanked Fulham’s coach for pushing him to be a better footballer.
“I think I’m happy, very happy about the form I’m in and everything,” the one-time UEFA Europa League winner said in an interview on Fulham’s official website.
“I think the most important thing is the coach who’s been pushing me more to work hard and remain focused, no matter the impact on the game.
“Every game is a new game, whether or not I get assists, I just have to keep my feet ready, whether ten or twenty minutes, I have to be ready to give everything.
