The acting chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Emperor Jarret Tenebe, has dismissed claims of discord between him and Senator Adams Oshiomhole, as well as other party leaders in Edo North Senatorial District.
Tenebe said there were no divisions within the party leadership ahead of the forthcoming APC congresses, stressing that the party remains united.
Speaking in an interview in Benin City, he said the Edo APC would retain its current leadership structure at the congresses, describing it as a winning team.
According to him, the only disagreement he had with Senator Oshiomhole was during the party’s 2024 governorship primaries, noting that both leaders later worked together during the campaign and secured victory at the polls.
He described reports of a rift between him and Oshiomhole as false, adding that preparations for the congresses were progressing smoothly.
“Our congress is coming and it will be seamless. After that, there will be a national convention, and the APC will come out stronger,” he said.
Tenebe also said his working relationship with Governor Monday Okpebholo remains cordial, adding that the administration’s performance has earned broad support within the party.
He disclosed that all local government chairmen elected on the platform of the Labour Party, as well as 16 chairmen from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had indicated interest in defecting to the APC within the week.
According to him, the planned defections reflect growing confidence in the APC and signal a weakening of opposition parties in the state.
Commenting on Governor Okpebholo’s leadership style, Tenebe said the governor had succeeded in uniting stakeholders across political divides, noting that inclusiveness was essential for sustainable development in Edo State.
“Some party members want to create conflict between the governor and party leaders because division creates camps, and camps create opportunities for personal gain. But the governor is smart and focused. His goal is unity so that the dividends of democracy can be delivered easily to the Edo people.
“It is not the duty of the ruling party to protect the opposition. It is the responsibility of the opposition to be formidable. The Constitution guarantees freedom of association. If anyone wants to associate with us, we will accept them. I am not bothered even if all political parties collapse into the APC. If all journalists and even INEC collapse into APC, I will be happy.”
The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has called on Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, to allow reinstated local government executives to carry out their duties without hindrance, amid the ongoing council leadership crisis in the state.
The party urged the governor to avoid actions that could inflame public sentiment or deepen political tensions surrounding the dispute.
The call followed recent developments in the state, including reactions to a coalition of civil society groups that had demanded the declaration of a state of emergency over the situation in local governments.
Reacting to the matter on Sunday, APM governorship candidate, Hon. Adewale Adebayo, faulted the governor’s stance on the crisis, warning that the situation could escalate if not properly managed.
“As a democrat and governorship candidate of the APM, I oppose any attempt to obstruct democratic governance under the guise of political conflict,” Adebayo said.
He also cautioned against calls for a state of emergency in Osun State, describing such moves as potentially harmful to democratic processes.
According to him, political leaders should focus on maintaining stability and ensuring that democratic institutions function without disruption.
“Governor Ademola Adeleke should not ruin the democratic system Osun people are enjoying ahead of the 2026 election because of narrow and selfish political interests.
“It is a matter of public record that since February 2025, democratic governance at the grassroots has been suspended through political manoeuvres after the governor rejected the court-recognised APC local government executives.”
He lamented that rather than Adeleke and his government complying with binding judgments, his administration deployed cronies to frustrate local government administration and paralyse council operations across the state through strikes and the use of the Osun Assembly under the leadership of Adewale Egbedun.
The APM gubernatorial candidate disclosed that “Governor Adeleke instituted no fewer than 14 court actions on this issue and lost 13 of them. Yet, instead of respecting the authority of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, his government continues to manipulate and misrepresent those judgments through selective interpretations that suit its political agenda.
“This deliberate distortion of court rulings has created confusion, instability, and lawlessness at the local government level. Tragically, it also created the climate that led to the gruesome murder of the Chairman of Irewole Local Government, Hon. Remi Abass. While the law must take its course, leadership must also take responsibility for the environment it creates.
“We have consistently maintained that Governor Adeleke is relying on local government funds to finance his re-election project. Funds meant for teachers, health workers, and rural development are now being trapped in political battles instead of serving the people.
“Rather than accept responsibility, the governor has chosen to harass and externalise blame against President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and other federal actors for crises that are entirely of his own making.”
“This is not about APC versus PDP. It is about democracy versus desperation, and the Osun people deserve democracy.
“We warn Governor Adeleke to stop these dangerous shenanigans and allow the court-recognised APC local government executives to function freely. Democracy at the grassroots must not be sacrificed for political survival.”
The Oyo State Police Command has recovered various quantities of suspected illicit drugs from a criminal hideout in Ibadan.
The Command said the seizure followed credible intelligence provided by a strategic partner, which led operatives to the location.
In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, Ayanlade Olayinka, said the information indicated that an apartment on Abanise Street in the Academy area of Olomi, Ibadan, was being used to store a large consignment of suspected illicit drugs.
According to the statement, the apartment was allegedly linked to one Oluwadamilare Adedayo, a male resident of the address, who was believed to be using the premises for illegal activity.
The Command said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to rid the state of criminal elements and curb the circulation of illicit substances.
“In response, detectives were promptly deployed to the location to verify and act on the information.
“Consequently, a thorough search of the apartment and its immediate surroundings was conducted. During the operation, nine (9) bags of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, one hundred and one (101) wraps of dried leaves suspected to be Canadian Loud, as well as other hard and illicit drugs, were recovered and duly secured as exhibits, thereby disrupting a suspected drug distribution network within the area.
“In view of the suspect’s absence at the time of the operation, intensive surveillance and a coordinated manhunt have been launched on the express directive of the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, Femi Haruna, to apprehend the suspect who is believed to have concealed the exhibits before police intervention.”
The Command, however, reassured residents of the State of its unwavering commitment to sustaining the fight against crime in all its ramifications and urged members of the public to continue supporting the Police with timely and credible information, as security remains a collective responsibility.
Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, has urged members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State to embark on an aggressive grassroots membership drive across the 17 local government areas of the state.
Uzodinma, who also serves as Director-General of the Renewed Hope Agenda, a pro-President Bola Tinubu group, gave the charge during the inauguration of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors in Umuahia, the Abia State capital.
Represented by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Barrister Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, the governor reminded party members and the ambassadors of the tasks ahead, particularly as preparations begin for the 2027 general elections.
He said the Renewed Hope initiative reflects the president’s commitment to restoring confidence and delivering on governance priorities.
According to Onyejeocha, the ambassadors would be responsible for grassroots mobilisation across all local government areas to strengthen support for the administration.
She urged them to serve as a bridge between the people and the government by ensuring effective communication of community needs and aspirations.
“You must listen to the needs and aspirations of your communities and relay them to the government for appropriate action,” she said.
She also encouraged the ambassadors to be proactive, innovative and responsive in their engagement with residents.
Earlier in his welcome address, the APC chairman in Abia State, Dr. Kingsley Ononogbu, commended President Tinubu for initiatives he said were aimed at developing the Southeast.
He cited the establishment of the Southeast Development Commission, the approval of an airport project in Abia, and plans for a modular refinery, among other projects in the region.
Ononogbu described the inauguration of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors as the beginning of a new phase for the party in the state and a reaffirmation of support for the president’s leadership.
The State chairman tasked the new Ambassadors to bridge the gap between the party and the people through advocacy, civic engagement, political education, and constructive dialogue.
“The message of the Renewed Hope agenda focuses on evangelizing achievements and milestones, which is not an evangelism of lies but of truth, facts, and figures.
He also praised President Tinubu for his sterling performance since he assumed office in 2023 through major infrastructural, social, and economic reforms that have put the country on the right track.
The State coordinator of the Renewed Hope Agenda, Chief Henry Ikoh, during his remarks, stated that the renewed hope Ambassadors are now working in conjunction with the Abia APC with the sole mandate of re-electing the president in 2027.
“Go to the grassroots and preach the gospel of President Tinubu’s performance, APC flag will continue to fly in Aso Rock, the 184 wards and 17 local government Areas in the state.
He also commended Tinubu for increasing allocation given to the state and local government, which has translated to development.
Prince Paul Ikonne, alongside Sen Nkechi Nwogu, the former senator representing Abia central in their separate remarks, labeled the renewed hope ambassadors as foot soldiers of Tinubu in the local governments of the state, with the mandate of mobilizing grassroots support for the president’s re-election.
“We’ll massively vote for President Tinubu in 2027 because of his great achievements. Abia will no longer be left behind in the scheme of things, and therefore, all hands must be on deck to re-elect the president in 2027.
Highlights of the event include the formal inauguration of the renewed home Ambassadors by Chief Henry Ikoh, the state coordinator, and the commissioning of the Renewed Hope Ambassador’s office, Umuahia, to the admiration of all and sundry present.
…NDLEA intercepts meth consignments in yogurt packs, Mp3 speakers
…raids Colos factory in Ibadan, arrests kingpin
A 62-year-old Lagos-based businessman, Nwabueze Nicholas Izueke, has been arrested at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), Kano, by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) while heading to China with 95 jumbo-sized wraps of cocaine weighing 1.589 kilograms buried in his stomach.
Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.
Babafemi said Nwabueze was arrested on Saturday, 31st January 2026, at the Kano airport during the outward clearance of passengers going to China via Addis Ababa on Ethiopian Airlines flight ET940.
According to the statement, when taken for a body scan, he tested positive for ingesting an illicit drug and was promptly placed under observation.
Babafemi said while under observation, the suspect, who claims he’s into the clothing and auto spare parts business in Lagos, expelled a total of 95 pellets of the class A drug in seven excretions.
In his statement, he claimed he decided to engage in illicit drug trafficking to raise enough money to complete the country home he’s building in his village, Iwollo, Enugu state, Babafemi said.
The spokesman said while a total of 627.7 kilograms of skunk, a strain of cannabis, were recovered from a makeshift warehouse within Fums Plaza in Kubwa, FCT, attempt by Ebube Okeke, Evans Ugwu, Mohammed Eze Arinze and Friday Michael to smuggle consignments of methamphetamine concealed in Mp3 speakers from Enugu to Abuja and Kaduna was on Friday 6th February foiled by NDLEA operatives in Abuja who intercepted the consignments in a bus.
Babafemi said a follow-up operation in Zuba, FCT led to the arrest of Ebube Okeke who is the owner of one of the parcels containing 173grams of meth, while the trio of Evans Ugwu, Mohammed Eze Arinze, and Friday Michael were nabbed on Saturday, 7th February, in Kaduna when they showed up to collect the second consignment weighing 28grams of meth.
The statement reads, “In a similar development, NDLEA operatives at Dan-anacha patrol point, Gassol local government area of Taraba state, on Friday, 6th February, intercepted a suspect, Yusuf Abubakar, 32, conveying packs of Hollandia Yogurt from Lagos heading to Mubi, Adamawa state.
“Acting on intelligence, the NDLEA officers searched the yogurt packs, some of which were used to conceal wraps of white powdery substance that tested positive to methamphetamine, weighing 1.8 kilograms.
“In Oyo state, NDLEA officers on Thursday, 5th February arrested a Beninoise Shuaibu Abdulrahman, 29, at Ibudo-Igboho village, Sooro Kishi, where they recovered 149.6kg
Skunk concealed in rice shafts. In a separate operation in Ibadan, a suspect, Adeniyi Adeola (a.k.a Prince) was nabbed at Foko, Agbeni market on Wednesday, 4th February. Recovered from his truck marked BDJ 767 YC include: 10,820 ampoules of pentazocine injection, and 117,820 capsules of tramadol.
“Also in Ibadan, a drug kingpin, Jimoh Nurudeen, 40, who owns a facility where he produces Colorado, a synthetic cannabis, was on Saturday, 7th February, at Badeku area of Ibadan, along with his accomplice Ogundipe Yusuf, 27. Recovered from them include: 8 litres of precursor chemical; 14 grams of skunk and other paraphernalia of Colos production, as well as a monetary exhibit of ₦7,408,400.00 and two vehicles: a Mercedes-Benz SUV marked ABC 832 AZ and a Toyota Highlander with registration number RBC 243 BS.
“In Kwara state, NDLEA operatives on Saturday, 7th February, intercepted a fuel tanker conveying petrol from Lagos to Maiduguri, Borno state. A search of the truck led to the recovery of 395,400 capsules of tramadol concealed in parts of the petrol-laden truck, while the driver was taken into custody.
While a couple, Izuchukwu Azubuike, 37, and Ifunaya Mmadueke, 32, were arrested at Umuaka, Njaba, Imo state, with 203kg skunk on Saturday, 7th February, operatives in Ondo state on Friday, 6th February, recovered 420kg skunk in a bush at Ikun Akoko.
“No fewer than 31 wraps of cocaine hidden in a hand bag were seized by operatives of the Marine Command of NDLEA from a suspect, Eze Nodebechi Austin upon his arrival from Cote D’Ivoire in a passenger’s boat at Yekeme, Badagry, Lagos state on Friday 6th February.”
Babafemi said a suspect, Adekunle Oluwatosin Olajide, was on Wednesday, 4th February, at Lagos Island by NDLEA operatives who recovered 3.6 kilograms of Canadian Loud and Colorado from him.
He said in Enugu, a drug dealer, Emeka Okeke, 37, was nabbed in his hideout at Akuruka street, Asata, Ezeagu, where various quantities of skunk, meth, cocaine, and molly, as well as N457,700 monetary exhibit were seized from him.
“Meanwhile, across all Commands and formations of the Agency nationwide, NDLEA officers continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA), sensitization activities in schools, worship centres, workplaces, and communities, among others, in the past week.
“These include: WADA enlightenment lecture to students and staff of Agulu Awka Community Secondary School, Awka, Anambra; Okeodo Community High School, Igboora, Oyo; and Wisdom Foundation Secondary School, Ado, Lagos, while the Niger State command of NDLEA paid a WADA advocacy visit to the Emir of Suleja, Alhaji Mohammed Auwal Ibrahim, among others.
“While commending the officers and men of the MAKIA, Marine, FCT, Taraba, Oyo, Kwara, Imo, Ondo, Lagos, and Lagos Commands for the arrests and seizures, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) enjoined them and their colleagues across the country to maintain the current level of professionalism and commitment in all their drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction activities,” it reads.
The federal government has commended the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, for his strategic role in securing Nigeria’s election into Category C of the Council of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) for the 2026–2027 biennium.
According to a statement by the Agency’s spokesperson, Osagie Edward, obtained by The Nation at the weekend, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, acknowledged Mobereola’s instrumental leadership and effective campaign coordination in a letter dated January 28, 2026.
The statement indicated that the commendation letter addressed to the Director General highlighted his pivotal role in Nigeria’s victory at the IMO Council elections held in London.
According to Edward, the minister noted that Mobereola’s strategic engagement with IMO Member States and effective campaign management were pivotal to Nigeria’s resounding success, reflecting a high level of dedication to advancing the nation’s maritime interests.
“Your strategic engagement with IMO Member States and effective campaign management were pivotal to Nigeria’s resounding success at the election, showcasing your steadfast dedication and unrelenting commitment to advancing Nigeria’s maritime interests,” the minister stated.
Oyetola further praised the NIMASA DG’s role in demonstrating the country’s maritime potential and reform initiatives to the international community, thereby enhancing the country’s standing in global maritime governance.
“The Ministry commends your pivotal role in demonstrating Nigeria’s maritime potential and reforms, thereby bolstering the nation’s standing in the global maritime community. As a key member of the Inter-Ministerial Bid Committee, your contributions reinforced Nigeria’s commitment to the objectives of the IMO and strengthened international maritime cooperation,” Oyetola said.
The statement quoted the minister as conveying the federal government’s appreciation for the Director General’s outstanding service and expressing confidence in his continued contributions toward advancing Nigeria’s maritime ambitions.
The NIMASA spokesperson disclosed that Mobereola, in his response, expressed deep appreciation to Oyetola for the leadership and guidance provided throughout the IMO Council election process.
Osagie quoted the NIMASA DG as attributing the electoral success to collective efforts, emphasising the dedication of the agency’s staff and the strong support from maritime stakeholders.
“This achievement reflects the dedication of our staff and the strong support of stakeholders, and it further challenges us to remain focused and committed in delivering on NIMASA’s mandate,” Mobereola said.
The statement further revealed that the DG called for renewed dedication across the agency to justify Nigeria’s election into the IMO Council by strengthening efforts in maritime safety, security, marine environmental protection, and capacity development.
Mobereola reaffirmed NIMASA’s commitment to sustained collaboration with the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to deliver on the expectations that come with Nigeria’s IMO Council membership, according to the statement.
Edward noted that Nigeria’s election into Category C of the IMO Council is considered a strategic gain for the country and aligns directly with NIMASA’s statutory responsibility as the nation’s maritime administration.
The IMO Council, he said, serves as the executive organ of the International Maritime Organisation between sessions of the Assembly, overseeing the implementation of maritime conventions and regulations that govern global shipping, maritime safety, and environmental protection.
Category C membership specifically, he noted, represents countries with special interests in maritime transport and navigation, positioning Nigeria to influence policy decisions affecting African maritime trade, shipping routes, and the broader international shipping industry.
Maritime industry analysts have noted that the election victory enhances Nigeria’s capacity to participate in shaping global maritime policies, particularly those affecting developing nations and regional trade within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.
Stakeholders in the sector have expressed optimism that Nigeria’s presence on the IMO Council will provide opportunities to address longstanding challenges in the domestic maritime sector, including effective cabotage implementation, port efficiency improvements, and enhanced maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.
Industry experts further argued that the IMO Council seat positions the country to attract increased foreign direct investment in maritime infrastructure, shipbuilding, and allied services, while also strengthening the country’s negotiating power in international maritime trade agreements.
The election comes at a crucial time as Nigeria pursues ambitious reforms under its blue economy agenda, with the maritime sector projected to contribute significantly to the country’s efforts to diversify its GDP beyond oil and gas revenue.
With the country’s maritime domain covering approximately 853 kilometres of coastline and an Exclusive Economic Zone of about 200 nautical miles, stakeholders believe the IMO Council membership will enable the country to better its maritime assets for economic development and regional leadership in West Africa.
The Delta State Head of Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Mininim Oseji, has ordered an immediate halt to the approval of staff loans for civil servants whose salaries are already heavily burdened by deductions.
The directive, described as part of decisive measures to protect workers from financial distress and restore payroll integrity, was issued recently during an unscheduled inspection of the Delta State Computer Centre, Asaba.
Dr. Oseji, who was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of Service, Mr. Wilson Chukwuka, said the government would no longer tolerate payroll practices that financially strangle workers.
During the inspection, she frowned upon cases of staff absenteeism, absconding, lateness to work, the prolonged retention of casual staff beyond approved limits, and excessive salary deductions.
She reviewed staff time books and conducted random salary checks using the payroll system, uncovering what she described as troubling inconsistencies.
To improve transparency, the HoS directed an immediate adjustment of the payroll format to reflect “Gross Salary” rather than “Total Allowance.”
She also directed the Permanent Secretary to formally caution Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), especially Directors of Finance and Accounts, against excessive and unjustified deductions from workers’ salaries, warning that further infractions would attract sanctions.
She also instructed the Director of Computer, Mr. Tuoyo Eweto, to ensure the prompt monthly submission of the state’s wage bill and warned staff of the Computer Centre against soliciting inappropriate gratifications from financial institutions and other organisations handling salary deductions.
The visit, which featured the Head of Service personally reviewing payroll data, was aimed at strengthening audit verification, transparency and fraud control.
The visit also served as a follow-up to the two-day workshop on audit verification and fraud control held in November last year.
AXA Mansard Insurance Plc has sustained its growth momentum in the 2025 financial year.
It recorded a 22 per cent increase in gross insurance revenues to ₦160.56 billion, driven by strong renewals and broad-based expansion across its key business segments, particularly health insurance.
In its unaudited financial results for the year ended December 31, 2025, the Group reported solid top-line performance across Property and Casualty, Life and Savings, and Health businesses, reflecting the resilience of its operating model amid a challenging macroeconomic environment.
A breakdown of performance showed that Property and Casualty insurance revenue rose by 11 per cent to ₦68.48 billion from ₦61.88 billion in FY’24, while Life and Savings grew by 14 per cent to ₦25.77 billion from ₦22.56 billion.
The Health segment recorded the strongest growth, expanding by 40 per cent to ₦66.32 billion, compared with ₦47.23 billion in the previous year.
Despite the strong revenue growth, Profit Before Tax (PBT) declined sharply by 81 per cent to ₦6.12 billion from ₦31.69 billion in FY’24.
However, the company noted that the decline was largely due to foreign exchange effects recorded in the prior year.
Commenting on the results, the Chief Financial Officer, Mrs. Ngozi Ola-Israel, explained that FY’24 earnings benefited from a one-off foreign exchange gain of ₦27 billion, compared with a ₦0.9 billion foreign exchange loss in FY’25. “Excluding this non-recurring FX impact, underlying profitability improved significantly, with adjusted profit before tax rising by 46 per cent year-on-year to ₦6.98 billion,” she said.
According to her, the performance reflects disciplined underwriting, sound risk management, and continued improvements in operational efficiency, despite elevated claims severity and frequency in the Property and Casualty and Health portfolios.
Also commenting, the Chief Executive Officer, AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, Mr. Kunle Ahmed, said the Group maintained a strong financial position during the year, supported by robust premium growth, prudent capital management, and adequate liquidity.
He added that while inflationary pressures and higher claims affected margins, the company’s balance sheet and cash generation remained resilient.
On regulatory compliance, Ahmed noted that the Group’s unaudited FY’25 numbers position it to exceed the new minimum capital requirements under the NIIRA, with over ₦15 billion for non-life business and ₦10 billion for life business.
Looking ahead to FY’26, management said its focus would be on accelerating profitable growth, strengthening underwriting and claims discipline, deepening cost efficiency, and investing further in digital and data capabilities to enhance customer outcomes and long-term shareholder value.
Governor Uba Sani has said that his administration has pursued difficult but necessary reforms to stabilise public finance, improve governance and create a predictable business environment in Kaduna State.
The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner of Business Innovation and Technology, Mrs Patience Fakai at the opening ceremony of 47th Kaduna International Trade fair on Saturday, said that the reforms are now yielding results.
‘’Kaduna State has consistently ranked first in Nigeria’s Subnational Fiscal Transparency Index for two consecutive years, reflecting our commitment to openness, accountability, and prudent public financial management,’’ he recalled.
The Governor noted that the theme of the trade fair, ‘’From Reforms to Results: Economic Transformation through Sustainable Local Content Development,’’ is apt.
He recalled that last Monday, the Kaduna State Fiscal Responsibility Commission organised a capacity strengthening workshop for ‘’public fund managers on the prudent, transparent, and accountable use of public resources.’’
According to Governor Uba Sani, the workshop was necessary because ‘’investors go where governance is clear, rules are predictable, and public finance is credible.’’
‘’Evidence shows that subnational governments with higher fiscal transparency attract more private investment and enjoy stronger investor confidence due to reduced information asymmetry and governance risk.
‘’Kaduna State’s performance, therefore, directly enhances trade, lowers the cost of doing business, and positions the state as a reliable destination for both domestic and international investors,’’ he added.
Governor Uba Sani pointed out that this year’s edition of Kaduna International Trade Fair provides a platform to translate that confidence into partnerships.
According to him, the focus of Kaduna State on local content development is intentional because ‘’industrialisation must be rooted in local enterprise, local skills, and strong local value chains.’’
‘’ From agribusiness and solid minerals to manufacturing, ICT, and services, Kaduna State remains committed to policies that support indigenous businesses while remaining open to global capital and expertise,’’ he maintained.
In a keynote address, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Nura Abba Rimi, disclosed that the Nigeria Trade Policy is now at the execution state.
According to the permanent secretary, ‘’our success is measured by the new factories and exports crossing our ports, benefiting local traders and innovators.’’
Alhaji Nura disclosed that ‘’the term “local content” is evolving — it is no longer just about oil; it is becoming central to our wealth and industrial growth.’’
‘’By prioritizing Nigerian-made goods, we keep wealth within the country and support a circular economy. We have created digital platforms to track trade, encourage local sourcing among major investors, and streamline trade processes by eliminating bureaucratic hurdles. This is enabling faster market access for Nigerian exporters,’’ he said.
He further said that Federal Government is addressing infrastructure deficits and improving access to finance for businesses that are sourcing locally, challenging exhibitors to prioritize local suppliers because it strengthens our economy.
In his welcome address, the President of KADCIMA, Alhaji Farouk Suleiman noted that although Nigeria has entered a season of necessary reforms, but reforms do not create prosperity.
According to him, ‘’only production creates prosperity. Only skills create jobs.Only enterprise creates wealth. And that is where Chambers of Commerce must lead.’’
The President said that the new leadership of KADCCIMA is embarking on a deliberate institutional turnaround agenda to serve not merely as an event organizer, but as a policy advocate; a business accelerator; a skills development platform; and a year-round engine of economic growth.
He said that youth and women skills development remain KADCCIMA’s top priority, adding that they are its greatest resource.
‘’Under our new direction, KADCCIMA will champion vocational and technical skills acquisition, digital and ICT training, agro-processing and light manufacturing skills, entrepreneurship incubation, mentorship and market access, and affordable financing linkages,’’ he added.
Alhaji Farouk promised to work with government, development partners, and the private sector to establish Skills Acquisition and Enterprise Development Centres that empower our youth and women not to search for jobs, but to create jobs.
The Katsina State Police Command has apprehended 35-year-old Sahabi Rabi’u, wanted in connection with the murder of a 30-year-old nursing mother and her 10-month-old baby in Sheme village, Faskari Local Government Area.
The state police spokesman, Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, confirmed that during questioning, Rabi’u admitted involvement in the crime and revealed that he conspired with an accomplice, who remains at large, to lure the victims to the outskirts of Sheme village. There, the victims were reportedly killed, their bodies burned, and dumped into a nearby well.
Investigations indicate the crime stemmed from a paternity dispute involving the victims, which escalated into the fatal attack. The bodies have been recovered, and authorities are working to apprehend the fleeing suspect.
Katsina State Commissioner of Police, CP Bello Shehu, condemned the act as “barbaric and inhumane” and assured that the command would leave no stone unturned in ensuring justice.
He appealed to the public to provide information that could assist in the investigation, promising that all tips would be handled confidentially.
The police confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, with further updates to be communicated in due course.
