The Nation Newspaper

Category: City Beats

  • Zulum, Oborevwori, Uzodimma, Uba Sani nominated for 2025 African Governors Award

    Zulum, Oborevwori, Uzodimma, Uba Sani nominated for 2025 African Governors Award

    Governors Babagana Zulum (Borno), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Uba Sani (Kaduna) Hope Uzodimma  (Imo) and Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa ) have been nominated for the 2025 African Governors Excellence Award.

    In a statement, Idahosa Osamahze, the vice-chairman of the selection committee, said that the event will hold on August 19 in Paris.

    He explained that the initiative is aimed at promoting excellence in public service, encourage innovation in governance, and foster best practices in leadership for Africa’s socio-economic advancement.

    Osamahze said that the prestigious event will celebrate visionary leadership, exceptional governance, and impactful development initiatives by governors across Africa. He said that the award is in recognition of commitment to driving sustainable socio-economic transformation in their respective regions and states.

    According to him, it is designed to spotlight transformative projects in healthcare, infrastructure, education, economic empowerment, and inclusive governance.

    Read Also: Tinubu fulfilling promises to northern Nigeria — Gov Uba Sani

    He said that from Egypt, the nominated Governors are Abdel Amara, Kafr El Sheikh; Amr Hanafi, Gamal Nour El-Din, and Khaled Fouda.

    Osamahze said that from Kenya, Hillary Barchok, George Natembeya, Mohamed Adan Khalif, and Jeremiah Lomorukai were picked.

    “These governors exemplify what leadership with vision, integrity, and purpose can achieve. Their work is changing lives, fostering prosperity, and inspiring a new generation of public servants across Africa,” he said.

    He said that the Paris ceremony would attract high-profile dignitaries, development partners, diplomats, and stakeholders from across Africa and Europe.

    Osamahze said that there shall be keynote addresses from global policy leaders, panel discussions on sub-national governance innovation, and networking sessions to foster intergovernmental collaboration.

  • POWA empowers 300 widows, vulnerable police families

    POWA empowers 300 widows, vulnerable police families

    Three hundred widows and less privileged women have received succour from the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA).

    The beneficiaries, drawn from across 16 states of the country, were given starter packs, foodstuffs and other goodies to support their businesses and homes.

    The empowerment event, held at Onikan Stadium in Lagos, was part of the activities lined up for this year’s POWA convention.

    Read Also: POWA raises team to engage 12 million women in agribusiness to drive food security

    According to POWA President, Dr. Elizabeth Egbetokun, the association was committed to ensuring self-sufficiency within the police community.

    She said POWA has empowered over 3,000 widows and vulnerable police families, noting that the exercise is carried out three or four times yearly.

    Aside from empowering them, she said the association ensures monitoring and evaluation through their respective states, to keep up with their progress.

    “We target widows of officers who died in the line of duty, and wives of junior ranks to augment their income and help them support their families.

    “We have visited over 16 states of the federation, and during these visits, POWA distributed a range of skill acquisition items, including grinding machines, sewing machines, bubble hairdressing equipment, cooking gas, and wheelchairs, alongside essential food items.

    “A significant recent development is the commissioning of two POWA model schools, one at Pape Barracks in Abuja and another soon to open in Bauchi State, for the children of police officers and the wider community,” she said.

  • Army General urges Nigerian industries to fund university research for national devt

    Army General urges Nigerian industries to fund university research for national devt

    A senior Nigerian Army officer, Brigadier General Sikiru Adepoju Mohammed, has called on industries across the country to begin actively funding university-led research aimed at solving sector-specific challenges.

    He warned that the widening disconnect between academia and industry remains a major barrier to Nigeria’s national development goals.

    General Mohammed made the call in Calabar while delivering the keynote address at the 2025 International Conference on Engineering, Science and Technology (ICEST), organised by the Faculty of Engineering, University of Cross River State (UNICROSS).

    The three-day event, themed “Convergence of AI, Digital Economy and Decarbonization: Engineering Science and Technology for a Sustainable Future”, brought together leading researchers, policymakers, and industrial stakeholders to chart a path for technological advancement and sustainable innovation.

    In his keynote presentation titled “Emerging Technologies and Digital Economy: Sustainable STEM Practices in Focus”, General Mohammed stressed the need for industries to stop relying solely on government initiatives and begin investing in practical, problem-solving academic research that directly addresses their operational needs.

    “There’s no better time than now for Nigerian industries to fund targeted university research that addresses the unique problems they face,” he said. “That is how innovation grows, and that is how nations develop.”

    Read Also: Reps panel urges DSS, Army to grant access to terrorism suspect Danladi

    He emphasised that the digital economy Nigeria envisions cannot materialise while engineering education remains largely theoretical. “Industries must invest in research. Universities must build functional labs. And together, we must deliver innovation that solves African problems,” he added.

    General Mohammed also urged engineering faculties to integrate structured, hands-on learning into all academic levels. “Universities need to stop producing engineers who have never used a screwdriver. Practicality must return to our classrooms,” he said.

    Challenging the academic sector to break from tradition, he encouraged the adoption of systems thinking and interdisciplinary approaches as essential tools for navigating the age of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.

    The Army officer also shared key innovations from the Emerging Technologies Research Hub under his leadership, spotlighting real-life projects developed by students under his mentorship. Despite his military and academic commitments, he reaffirmed his passion for supporting young talent, including pupils and high school students.

    General Mohammed, who holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Leeds, further educated participants on the technology life cycle and the importance of knowing when to pursue in-house development versus adopting external solutions.

    He also highlighted essential tools for modern engineering practice, such as Power BI, 3D Printing, Raspberry Pi, Arduino, and operations research software.

    In his closing remarks, he commended the organisers of ICEST 2025 for fostering a critical interface between science, policy, and industry, and thanked the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for granting him the approval to participate.

    Currently serving as Director of Logistics at the National Defence College, Brigadier General Mohammed is a chartered engineer and a fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), UK. His career spans key roles, including Military Plant Representative in Ukraine, Director at the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria, and Senior Lecturer at the Nigerian Defence Academy.

  • Koroma, Mutfwang laud Stanley Uzochukwu’s humanitarian impacts in Nigeria

    Koroma, Mutfwang laud Stanley Uzochukwu’s humanitarian impacts in Nigeria

    Stanel Group/The Delborough Lagos Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Stanley Uzochukwu has taken humanitarian impacts further in Nigeria by donating personal residence for orphanage and building a state-of-the-art WAEC and NECO approved school for orphans and less privileged Nigerians in Jos, the Plateau State capital.
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    ‎The African youths model announced the donation while empowering widows, disabled and less privileged Nigerians with over 3000 modern sewing machines, grinding machines, wheel chairs and food items worth over One Billion Naira (N1,000,000,000.00) through his foundation, Stanley Uzochukwu Foundation to mark his birthday.
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    ‎The Foundation is committed to improving the living standards of orphans, widows, disabled and other less privileged Nigerians across the thirty six (36) states in Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja through education, mentorship and empowerment.
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    ‎The commitment has kick-started with the official commissioning of the rebuilding of JOFIN orphanage home housing a well equipped and computerized WAEC and NECO approved school in addition to donating his residence for orphans in Jos today, Wednesday 30th July 2025.
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    ‎Stanley did not just build the home and the school for the orphans and less privileged Nigerians in Jos but he also equipped the school with modern science equipment, computer lab, pays salaries of all staff and caregivers, feeds and awards free education to all the students (orphans and less privileged) at all levels as well as providing for their basic needs.
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    ‎In September 2024 when The Delborough Lagos boss’ attention was drawn to the starving orphans and the dilapidated state of the JOFIN Orphanage Home in Jos, Dr. Stanley immediately directed the SUF Chief Executive Officer and her team to reach out to the management of the Home. The team relocated to Jos and fed the suffering orphans for over a week, treated them medically and provided their educational needs including uniform, sandals, books, toiletries, soaps, body creams, etc and enough raw food from them till date.

    Read Also: Dr. Stanley Uzochukwu congratulates Ghana president-elect, Mahama

    It was then the Foundation brought succor to the orphans with a promise to transform the Home by rebuilding the structure, equipping the school, drilling a solar-powered borehole and providing food items and all other basic needs of the suffering children.
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    ‎Having completed all the promises/projects in less than a year, Dr. Stanley returned to Jos to commission the transformed orphanage and to also mark his birthday with the orphans, less privileged and widows alike.
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    ‎Remarkable highlight of the event was the presentation of 3,500 sewing machines, grinding machines, wheel chairs and food items to widows, disabled and less privileged Nigerians by the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang and supported by former President of Sierra Leone, Ernest Bai Koroma.
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    ‎Addressing the crowd, Dr. Stanley Uzochukwu said: “I am only fulfilling a covenant made with God today and I am indeed grateful to Him”
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    ‎He urged the beneficiaries to maximize the opportunity saying, “Don’t sell the equipment. My wife is coming to train you on tailoring and set up a fashion design for each of you.”
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    ‎Dr. Uzochukwu thanked his excellencies Gov Mutfwang and Koroma for giving the widows and the disabled persons the privilege to see a sitting governor and a former president in their midst.
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    ‎Lauding Dr. Stanley Uzochukwu’s humanitarian impacts on the Plateau people, Gov Caleb Mutfwang said: “I rejoice with the beneficiaries of SUF Initiatives and gestures. This gives honour to God Almighty. The prayers of the women and less privileged will keep you progressing in life.
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    ‎”I enjoy other well-to-do and influential Nigerians to emulate Dr Stanley.”
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    ‎On his part, President Koroma thanked Dr. Stanley for his humanitarian impacts while congratulating him on his birthday.
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    ‎Koroma urged other influential Nigerians to emulate Dr. Stanley to provide relief for the less privileged Nigerians and also charged the beneficiaries to utilize the gifts with determination to make something out of it so that they would also be of helpers to others in the society.
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    ‎In October 2024, Stanley Uzochukwu foundation gave N40m empowerment grants to 80 SMEs and over the years the Foundation has trained, mentored and empowered over 5,000 Nigerian youths through its annual empowerment program tagged, ‘Master Class With Stanel’ initiative.

  • Police advisory

    Police advisory

    The Lagos State Police Command has advised the public especially those who lost their vehicles and a stolen TV set or abandoned around the city to report at Isheri, Satellite and Morogbo Divisions for identification and claim within 14 days.

    Isheri Division: stolen smart TV A55 set of year 2022; Toyota Rav 4 with registration number EKY 615 GA; Tricycle with no AKM 940 WZ and TVS motorcycle with no FKJ 252 QP, according to CSP Amuda Abolaji, DPO.

    READ ALSO: Transforming health sector

    Satellite Division: Red Toyota Corolla with no YAB 319 AV; one scrap Toyota Camry with no LE 899KJA.

    Morogbo Division: One unregistered 18-seater bus.

  • Abbas hosts equity circle to tackle Nigeria’s housing deficit

    Abbas hosts equity circle to tackle Nigeria’s housing deficit

    In a strategic move aimed at tackling Nigeria’s housing and infrastructure challenges, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen hosted a high-powered delegation from Equity Circle in Abuja for a forward-looking dialogue on the country’s housing future.

    The meeting sparked fresh optimism, with both parties exploring innovative ideas and collaborative approaches to address the nation’s longstanding housing deficit.

    Leading the Equity Circle team was CEO John Igbinosa, accompanied by Director of Marketing Fabian George and Director Adewale Da Silva.

    They were joined by Tamar Forteta, Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor, and Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi, member representing Ndokwa East/Ndokwa West/Ukwuani Federal Constituency.

    Speaker Abbas commended the delegation’s forward-thinking vision, noting, “Voices like Equity Circle inspire us to rethink how we address housing needs.”

    Read Also: Poverty, climate crisis, insecurity threaten half of Nigerians — Speaker Abbas

    Forteta and Ezechi underscored the importance of leveraging public-private partnerships to drive sustainable progress in the sector.

    Igbinosa reaffirmed Equity Circle’s commitment to building accessible and inclusive communities, while George declared, “We’re here to build cities that inspire progress.”

    The dialogue signals a renewed push toward innovative, people-centred housing policies driven by collaboration between government and forward-thinking private sector actors.

  • New environment boards inaugurated, tasked on transparency, innovation

    New environment boards inaugurated, tasked on transparency, innovation

    The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Environment, Mahmud Adam Kambari, has charged newly appointed chairmen and board members of agencies under the ministry to demonstrate unwavering commitment to national service, environmental protection, and sustainable development.

    Kambari, represented by the Director of Legal Services, Mrs. Oluwayemisi Salako, gave the charge during the inauguration and retreat ceremony held in Abuja for the governing boards of the ministry’s agencies.

    He urged the appointees to uphold the highest ideals of integrity, transparency, and innovation as they steer their respective agencies toward achieving Nigeria’s environmental priorities.

    “Your appointments come with immense responsibility,” Kambari said. “As custodians of the environment, your leadership will shape policies, ensure good governance, and direct programmes that translate into real impact for national growth.”

    Read Also: Housing fair focuses on collaborative innovations

    He noted that the Federal Ministry of Environment remains central to tackling the nation’s major ecological challenges, including climate change adaptation, biodiversity conservation, pollution control, and sustainable natural resource management. These issues, he said, require visionary leadership and strategic collaboration at all levels.

    The retreat, according to him, offers a vital platform for the board members to align with their agencies’ mandates, understand the ministry’s strategic objectives, and exchange innovative ideas to accelerate progress toward a greener, cleaner Nigeria.

    “Let us entrench transparency, accountability, and data-driven decision-making frameworks within our agencies. These principles are crucial to enhancing public trust and institutional performance,” he added.

    Kambari emphasised that with collective dedication, the agencies can drive forward the nation’s environmental agenda and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s long-term prosperity and ecological well-being.

  • NiMet, LASWA pledge support for climate-smart ferry operations

    NiMet, LASWA pledge support for climate-smart ferry operations

    The Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMet, has pledged to support climate-smart water transport in Lagos through a strategic partnership with the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA).

    The commitment was made during a visit to NiMet headquarters by a LASWA delegation led by its General Manager, Oluwadamilola Emmanuel.

    Both agencies agreed to strengthen collaboration on weather forecasting and safety measures to improve ferry operations in the state.

    NiMet Director General Professor Charles Anosike described the partnership as “a timely and necessary step toward institutionalising climate resilience in water transportation.”

    “We are fully committed to working with LASWA to make ferry operations in Lagos safer, smarter and responsive to climate risks,” Anosike said. “NiMet will provide real-time weather information, impact-based forecasts and technical support to aid planning, reduce disruptions and ultimately safeguard lives.”

    He stressed that the initiative goes beyond technical exchange. “What we are doing is not just sharing data,” he said. “We are building a framework where early warnings become part of daily decision-making in ferry scheduling, routing and operations. That is what climate-smart transport means.”

    Professor Anosike disclosed that a formal memorandum of understanding would be signed to ensure continuity and structure. “We are not just having conversations. We are putting things in writing. The MoU will guide the terms of engagement, roles and timelines,” he said.

    He also spoke on the importance of public education and capacity building.

    Read Also: NiMet Act amendment, Anosike’s quest for best quality service delivery 

    “It is not enough to give forecasts. Operators and commuters must understand how to use the information. That is why training and sensitisation will be a strong component of this collaboration.”

    Speaking further on safety, the NiMet boss warned that unpredictable weather remains one of the leading threats to inland and coastal transport. “We have seen how sudden storms and poor visibility can put lives at risk. That is why weather alerts must become standard procedure in the ferry sector,” he said.

    Professor Anosike called on regulators to enforce compliance. “We cannot afford to run a ferry system in today’s climate without integrating meteorological guidance. Any operator who ignores weather advisories is gambling with human lives,” he said.

    He noted that NiMet had previously entered similar agreements with agencies like NIMASA, NIWA and MOWCA.

    “We are building a coordinated ecosystem where data is not just collected but applied. Safety cannot be left to chance,” he said.

    On his part, LASWA General Manager Oluwadamilola Emmanuel described the partnership as “a bold and forward-looking move to transform ferry operations in Lagos.”

    “LASWA is serious about safety, and we are proud to align with NiMet on this climate-smart initiative,” he said. “We believe that with NiMet’s support, our operators will be better equipped to respond to weather threats and maintain reliable services.”

    Emmanuel said the agency would immediately begin internal alignment with NiMet’s systems. “We are not going to wait for the MoU to take action. Our technical team will start syncing with NiMet’s forecast platforms and communication channels,” he said.

    He also appealed to private ferry operators to cooperate fully. “This is not about bureaucracy. It is about saving lives. Every operator must take weather data seriously and make it part of their standard operations,” Emmanuel said.

    He emphasised that LASWA would continue to invest in training, enforcement and public engagement. “Safety is everyone’s responsibility, and as a regulator, we will not compromise,” he said.

  • TMF urges governors to align with Tinubu’s economic vision, tackle food prices, boost human capital

    TMF urges governors to align with Tinubu’s economic vision, tackle food prices, boost human capital

    The Tinubu Media Force (TMF) has called on state governors across Nigeria to align their policies with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic vision, particularly in the areas of human capital development, food affordability, and transport innovation.

    Speaking after a strategic meeting held in Abuja, TMF national coordinator, Gbenga Abiola, emphasised the need for coordinated action at the state level to address the country’s pressing economic challenges.

    In a statement issued after the meeting, TMF urged governors to invest in education, healthcare, and skills development to build a self-reliant and competitive population capable of driving sustainable economic growth.

    “Governors must prioritise investing in their people—especially in education, healthcare, and skills training,” the group stated. “This is the most effective way to improve quality of life and ensure long-term prosperity.”

    TMF also expressed concern over the rising cost of food, describing it as one of the most urgent issues confronting Nigerians.

    The group urged state governments to establish food hubs and frameworks for bulk purchasing, logistics management, and price regulation to help stabilise prices and protect vulnerable households.

    Citing Lagos State’s food logistics model as a successful example, TMF encouraged other states to adopt similar strategies tailored to their local contexts.

    The group also called for state-level adoption of the Federal Government’s Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) transportation initiative.

    It recommended the rapid rollout of CNG refuelling stations and the integration of CNG-powered buses into local transport systems to reduce dependence on petrol and lower transport costs.

    Read Also: BUA Foods posts N912.5b half year revenue

    “Investments in CNG infrastructure will not only reduce transportation costs by as much as 50%, but also unlock environmental and employment benefits,” TMF stated. “This is a clear opportunity for governors to deliver immediate relief to citizens and drive sustainable development.”

    The federal government, according to TMF, has already demonstrated commitment by distributing 64 CNG buses nationwide and securing over $791 million in investments targeted at expanding the CNG sector.

    The Tinubu Media Force concluded its statement with a call for unity of purpose among state leaders. 

    It reaffirmed its support for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and emphasised that achieving the administration’s goals requires full collaboration between federal and state actors.

    “Governors must rise to the moment. This is the time to invest in people, lower costs for the average Nigerian, and innovate for the future,” the group declared.

    The TMF is a national grassroots media and advocacy structure comprising six regional coordinators, 36 state coordinators, 109 senatorial coordinators, and local government representatives committed to advancing the policies and principles of the Tinubu administration.

  • PPDC opens portal for $7,500 mini-grant to power grassroots accountability

    PPDC opens portal for $7,500 mini-grant to power grassroots accountability

    The Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) has opened the portal for registration for the Community Accountability Mini Grant to support grassroots organisations committed to tracking projects and promoting procurement transparency nationwide.

    The organisation said the grant is a step in strengthening civic tech and empowering citizens to hold the government accountable using data.

    Through the grant, about 37 local organisations in Nigeria will be empowered to enable them to monitor and track procurement processes in their respective states.

    PPDC Chief Executive Officer, Lucy Abagi, announced the initiative during a press conference on Thursday in Abuja.

    Abagi said the application will open on August 1 and run for two weeks, while the programme will end in December 2025.

    She said each grassroots organisation will receive a $300 Small Grant Fund to track procurement processes within their states.

    Conditions to access the grant are: owning a registered business organisation, having a physical office, as well as evidence of monitoring and tracking procurement processes in their respective states.

    Mrs. Abagi said, “This initiative, launched in partnership with Devon Technologies through the Budeshi platform, is designed to support community advocates, whether you’re a public procurement monitor, a grassroots organisation, or a citizen advocate, passionate about tracking public projects and ensuring service delivery reaches the unreached and communities left behind.

    Read Also: Oyo maintains high female enrollment in WASSCE, NECO SSCE – Report

    “The Budeshi Grant Application Portal is an open, transparent digital platform designed to support local organisations across Nigeria in applying for and managing small grants dedicated to tracking public procurement projects in their states.

    “Built by Devon Technologies Ltd and powered by PPDC, this new system ensures that the grant process is inclusive, accountable, and citizen-centered, from registration to reporting.”

    Programmes Officer at PPDC, Precious Adigwe noted that while the mini-grant is modest in financial terms, the real value lies in the skills and tools beneficiaries will gain.

    “Our goal is to train 37 organisations, one from each state and the FCT, in data collection, advocacy strategies, and the use of civic tech platforms like Budeshi and FOI tools,” she explained.

    She said that the training phase is scheduled to run from August 2025 to March 2026, with ongoing support provided through virtual mentoring and legal advisory services.

    Adigwe said, “To qualify, applicants must be registered entities or willing to register through PPDC’s pro bono legal network. They must also have a physical presence, be actively involved in civic accountability, and demonstrate previous community engagement work.

    “Applicants will undergo a multi-stage selection process involving essays, documentation, and video pitches to prove their readiness to represent their communities and the PPDC brand.”

    PPDC’s Communications Manager, Nnenna Eze, said, “This grant is not just about money; it’s about shifting the power to those who need it most — the people at the grassroots.”