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Wike in Dubai, to Showcase Abuja’s Investment Opportunities at Global Mayors’ Summit

Toyin Adebayo
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Wike in Dubai, to Showcase Abuja’s Investment Opportunities at Global Mayors’ Summit


The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has arrived in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to participate in the 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum (2025APCS) where he will pitch Abuja as a top destination for global investment.

His Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, confirmed the development in a statement on Monday.

Wike departed Abuja on Sunday and arrived in Dubai at about 4:00am, where he was received by Nigeria’s Consul General in Dubai, Ambassador Zayyanu Ibrahim, alongside officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

According to Olayinka, the FCT Minister will on Tuesday lead a high-level discussion panel, engage global mayors, and field strategic questions on Abuja’s growth, governance, and expanding economic prospects.

The summit, organised by the Brisbane City Council, Australia, brings together mayors, city leaders, global CEOs, and young innovators across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, South Asia and beyond promoting partnerships that drive urban development, trade and foreign investment.

Wike’s delegation includes: Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, Acting Executive Secretary, FCDA; Benedict Daudu, SSA on Legal and Multilateral Cooperation; Mukhtar Galadima, Director, Development Control; Engr. Chuks Udeh, Director, Engineering Services; and Sani Musa Daura, Director of Protocol.

Wike is expected to hold key engagements aimed at strengthening Abuja’s visibility as a modern capital and unlocking fresh investment opportunities for the city.

Alake Courts Global Investors, Says Nigeria Is Now the Best Destination for Mineral Investment

Toyin Adebayo
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Alake Courts Global Investors, Says Nigeria Is Now the Best Destination for Mineral Investment

Nigeria has emerged as the most attractive global destination for solid minerals investment due to sweeping reforms that guarantee security, transparency, and profitability, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has declared.

Speaking at the China Mining Conference in Tianjin, Alake urged international investors to raise their stakes in Nigeria’s mining sector, citing ongoing reforms that have already transformed the industry’s fortunes.

His words: “Since September 2023, when this administration assumed office, Chinese companies such as Canmax Technology, Jiuling Lithium, Avatar New Energy Nigeria Company, and Asba have invested over $1.3 billion in lithium processing. The investments have boosted Nigeria’s economic diversification efforts, reduced its dependency on oil and attracted infrastructure, technology transfer, and expertise.”

The minister, who addressed the conference on the theme: “Connect and Collaborate, Co-Build and Co-Share,” said President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to China in September 2024 has further opened the floodgates of foreign capital, with fresh commitments expected to accelerate sectoral growth.

Alake highlighted key reforms undertaken to protect investors and eliminate illegal mining, including the deployment of Mining Marshals and a satellite-powered mines monitoring system.

On the ease of doing business, he listed technology upgrades such as: Electronic Mining Cadastre (EMC+); National Mineral Resources Decision Support System (NMRDS); Regional Centres of Excellence; and Enhanced ministry and agency websites for remote global transactions

“These reforms,” he said, “guarantee improved security of tenure, faster processing of licences, and transparency that investors can trust.”

As chairman of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG), Alake reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening continental collaboration in mineral reporting systems and governance, insisting that Africa must leverage its shared mineral wealth for collective economic independence.

He disclosed that the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF) and the SMDF-AFC Facility are being positioned to support early-stage exploration and de-risking of investments across the region.

The minister extended a warm invitation to global investors to take advantage of opportunities in lithium, gold, lead-zinc, barite, rare earth elements, and other high-value minerals.

“Nigeria’s vision is not only to extract minerals but to build a globally competitive value chain that supports clean energy transition, job creation, and industrial growth all within responsible mining standards,” he added.

Presenting at a technical session on “Mining in Africa and Policy,” the Director-General of the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency (NGSA), Professor Olusegun Omoniyi Ige, showcased the National Mineral Resources Data System and the country’s extensive aeromagnetic and geochemical data, noting that while progress has been made, more investment is needed to convert proven potential into mined wealth.

The session featured contributions from officials and experts including Mr. Xu Xueyi, Deputy Director-General of the China Geological Survey; H.E. Mohamed Ahmed Taha, Sudan’s Minister of Minerals; Ms. Phumzile Mgcina, South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources; and Mr. Joseph Lebbie, Director-General of

Police Re-Arrest Sowore After He Meets Bail Conditions

Toyin Adebayo
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Human rights activist and #FreeNnamdiKanuNow campaigner, Omoyele Sowore, was on Friday re-arrested by police shortly after fulfilling bail conditions granted by a Kuje Magistrate Court in Abuja.

Sowore, Prince Emmanuel Kanu brother to IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu former IPOB lawyer Aloy Ejimakor, and ten others were earlier granted bail in the sum of ₦500,000 each, with two FCT-based sureties, valid identification, and three years’ tax clearance.

But despite meeting all requirements, police operatives immediately took Sowore back into custody after the court sitting and transported him to the Kuje Correctional Centre.

He is scheduled to be arraigned on Monday, October 27, on fresh charges linked to his recent public allegation accusing President Bola Tinubu of criminality.

Tinubu Names Oluyede New Defence Chief in Major Shake-Up of Military Leadership

Saladin Babagana
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Tinubu Names Oluyede New Defence Chief in Major Shake-Up of Military Leadership

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved sweeping changes in the leadership of Nigeria’s Armed Forces, appointing new Service Chiefs to boost the country’s security operations.

General Olufemi Oluyede has been named the new Chief of Defence Staff, replacing General Christopher Musa.

In other key appointments, Major-General W. Shaibu is now Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke takes over as Chief of Air Staff, while Rear Admiral I. Abbas has been appointed Chief of Naval Staff.

The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye, retains his position.

President Tinubu praised the outgoing Service Chiefs for their “patriotic service and dedicated leadership,” and charged the new military heads to justify the trust placed in them and strengthen professionalism, vigilance, and unity within the Armed Forces.

The President said the appointments take immediate effect.

Wike: Court Must Subpoena Me Before I Testify in Nnamdi Kanu’s Trial

Toyin Adebayo
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Wike: Court Must Subpoena Me Before I Testify in Nnamdi Kanu’s Trial


***Says , “I don’t appear on the pages of newspapers”

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has declared that he will only testify in the terrorism trial of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, if he receives a formal subpoena from the court.

Speaking during his monthly media chat in Abuja on Friday, Wike reacted to reports listing him among witnesses expected to testify before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court.

“You don’t become a witness by reading newspapers,” Wike said. “Nobody has served me any process. Nobody has subpoenaed me.”

The Minister expressed surprise at being named in the case, insisting he never volunteered to appear.

“If you see Nnamdi Kanu, ask him why he listed me. I did not go to say I want to be a witness,” he stated.

Wike stressed that while he would not respond to social media speculation, he would respect the judicial process if officially called upon.

“If I am subpoenaed to give evidence, I must obey the court. I will appear but not because of newspaper headlines,” he added.

The Minister further noted that those who listed his name must explain their reasons, saying he is unbothered by the development.

Wike to PDP Leaders: “Stop Blaming APC — You’re the Ones Wrecking the Party”

Toyin Adebayo
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Wike to PDP Leaders: “Stop Blaming APC — You’re the Ones Wrecking the Party”

***Says he won’t attend any ‘illegal’ convention

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has slammed the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), accusing them of deliberately weakening the opposition and blaming the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for their self-inflicted crisis.

Speaking during his monthly media chat in Abuja, Wike rejected claims that the APC was sabotaging the PDP, insisting that the party’s internal wrangling is entirely the making of its present managers.

“When Buhari was in power, there was nothing the government did not do to scatter the PDP,” Wike said. “But we stood firm and made sure the party was strong. Now, there is no attempt by any government to pull PDP down you are the one destroying the party yourselves.”

The former Rivers State governor said no governor in recent history faced the intensity of political warfare he endured, yet he remained loyal to the party.

“Every day you say APC. Are you telling me it is the ruling party that should beg you to put your house in order so we don’t have a one-party state? Who does that?” he asked.

On the planned PDP National Convention, Wike declared he would not attend any gathering that violates the party’s constitution.

“If a proper convention is to be held, why won’t I go? But I won’t go to a convention I know is illegal. How do you expect me to attend a convention that is not valid in law?” he said.

Wike also dismissed claims that Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, is rebuilding the party nationwide.

“In which state has he galvanised the support when we are losing governors every day?” he queried.

He further denied supporting former President Goodluck Jonathan for a comeback.

“Jonathan has never called me to say he is being pressured to run,” Wike said. “If he does, I will tell him my mind.”

Addressing reports that he has been listed as a witness in Nnamdi Kanu’s trial, Wike said he has received no official notice.

“Nobody has served me any process. Nobody has subpoenaed me,” he stated. “If I am invited, I will obey the court not because I saw my name on the pages of newspapers.”

Wike said his priority remains restoring order, security and development to the Federal Capital Territory.

“Some may not like the decisions, but we are not here to do what is convenient we are here to do what is right for the FCT,” he declared.

Wike Declares Zero-Tolerance for Lawless Enclaves in Abuja

Toyin Adebayo
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Wike Declares Zero-Tolerance for Lawless Enclaves in Abuja

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued a stern warning that no part of Abuja will be permitted to operate outside security control, insisting that all communities must remain open to law enforcement to prevent the rise of criminal hideouts.

Speaking during a live media chat on Friday, Wike said the FCT Administration will not allow any discriminatory or restricted area where security agencies cannot operate, stressing that such practices pose a direct threat to safety in the nation’s capital.

“You cannot create a place where police are not supposed to be,” he declared. “If you do that, you are opening the floodgate for insecurity. No area should be exempted from security access.”

The Minister said the FCTA remains committed to protecting lives and property across the territory, while ensuring that Abuja remains inclusive and secure for all residents.

“You are welcome here, you have shelter and accommodation. But we will not accept any community attempting to block security oversight. That is unacceptable,” he said.

Responding to concerns over recent enforcement actions, Wike emphasized that transparency is central to his leadership and that the administration will continue to communicate its activities openly to avoid misinterpretation.

“If you don’t inform the public, they will complain that nobody knows what is happening. Now that we are informing them, some are asking why,” he stated. “Our job is to tell people what we are doing and we will keep doing it.”

Wike reiterated that reforms aimed at restoring the Abuja masterplan and curbing illegality may generate resistance but are necessary for the capital’s long-term safety and development.

“Some may not like the decisions, but we are not here to do what is convenient. We are here to do what is right for the FCT,” he asserted.

Monthly Media Chat: I’m Not Tinubu’s Spokesman, My Job Is to Inform Abuja Residents — Wike

Toyin Adebayo
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Monthly Media Chat: I’m Not Tinubu’s Spokesman, My Job Is to Inform Abuja Residents — Wike

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed claims that he is acting as the spokesperson for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, insisting that his monthly media chat is strictly to update residents on developments within the nation’s capital.

Speaking during the FCT Minister’s Media Chat on Friday in Abuja, Wike said his mandate is to communicate the activities, priorities and progress of the FCT Administration, not to defend or speak on behalf of the entire Federal Government.

“Of course, I am not speaking for government,” Wike stated. “I am letting the world know what we are doing under Tinubu’s administration in the FCT. I owe a duty to inform the public about what is happening, what we are planning to do, and the projects already ongoing. That is my responsibility.”

Wike also criticised activist Omoyele Sowore’s allegation that the Presidency had stopped him from holding media engagements, describing the claim as “junk news” aimed at stirring unnecessary controversy.

“How will a president ban me from letting people know what the administration is doing, particularly as it pertains to the FCT?” he queried. “These are baseless fabrications.”

The Minister further debunked speculation that he was flown abroad for medical treatment, saying his political opponents were behind the rumour.

“We are all human beings and anybody can fall sick anytime,” he noted. “But it is unfortunate too I never fell sick to be flown abroad. These are lies you don’t need to pay attention to.”

Wike maintained that transparency remains central to his leadership approach and assured that he will continue engaging with the public through regular updates to ensure residents are fully informed of the administration’s programmes and reforms.

Senate Moves to Block Wasteful Spending, Insists ‘Every Naira Must Show on the Ground’

Toyin Adebayo
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0
Senate Moves to Block Wasteful Spending, Insists ‘Every Naira Must Show on the Ground’

The Senate has renewed its push for strict compliance with Nigeria’s procurement laws, stressing that public funds must deliver visible and measurable development across the country.

Speaking at a two-day retreat organized for members of the Senate Committee on Public Procurement in Abuja, the Committee Chairman, Sen. Olajide Ipinsagba (Ondo North), said the era of opaque and inefficient contracting must end.

“Public procurement is not merely administrative; it is where government policies become real in schools, roads, hospitals and infrastructure,” Ipinsagba stated. “It accounts for a significant proportion of national expenditure and therefore demands the highest standards of integrity, efficiency and accountability.”

He said the enactment of the Public Procurement Act 2007 and the establishment of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) laid a strong foundation for reforms, but added that more decisive actions are required to align with international standards and protect public interest.

Procurement Reform as a Catalyst for Development

Ipinsagba emphasized that procurement oversight is a continuous process of adaptation and innovation to ensure transparency and value for money.

“Let us reaffirm our resolve to make Nigeria a model of procurement efficiency not just in Africa but globally,” he said. “By embracing reform, every naira spent must translate into better schools, safer roads, improved healthcare and a more prosperous nation in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”

He reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to:

Stronger legislative oversight

Enforcement of compliance

Anti-corruption safeguards

Institutional and policy reforms

Earlier, Barrister Kelechi Kingsley, CEO of LeadBold Resource Consulting Ltd, said the retreat aimed to equip lawmakers with modern tools to strengthen accountability and safeguard public resources.

“The goal is to align Nigeria’s procurement ecosystem with global best practices ensuring value for money and advancing national development through sound governance,” she noted.

INEC’s New Era Begins: Amupitan Pledges ‘Votes Will Count’ as He Assumes Office

Toyin Adebayo
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0
INEC’s New Era Begins: Amupitan Pledges ‘Votes Will Count’ as He Assumes Office


Nigeria’s new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, on Thursday formally assumed office in Abuja, vowing to uphold integrity, transparency, and credibility in the nation’s electoral process.

Amupitan, who earlier took the oath of office before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House, described his appointment as a divine call to national service.

“I consider this a divine assignment… God has directed this step and I must obey. I am here to contribute my part to the making of a new Nigeria,” he said during the handover ceremony at INEC headquarters.

Taking over from Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, who served as Acting Chairman following the departure of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Amupitan promised to place staff welfare, professional development and operational excellence at the heart of his leadership.

‘Our Mandate Is Sacred’

The new electoral chief affirmed that the Commission’s core responsibility remains delivering elections that reflect the will of voters.

“Our duty is simple but sacred to deliver elections that are free, fair and credible. The integrity of our process must never be compromised. Nigerians must continue to believe that their votes truly count,” he stated.

He assured that INEC would remain firm, impartial, and guided only by the law.

All Eyes on Anambra

Ahead of the November 8, 2025 Anambra Governorship Election, Amupitan acknowledged the pressure on the Commission to demonstrate readiness and earn public trust.

“The task before us is great, but together, we will overcome. The eyes of Nigerians are on us, and we must prove we deserve their confidence,” he said.

Continuity and Stability Recognized

Agbamuche-Mbu, in her remarks, hailed the new Chairman’s credentials as a scholar, administrator, and patriot, describing his assumption of duty as a “renewal of INEC’s commitment to credible polls.”

She maintained that he is stepping into leadership at a crucial time, noting that:

Four National Commissioners are currently in Anambra for a pre-election readiness assessment

INEC is consolidating on technological innovations such as BVAS and IReV introduced under Yakubu’s tenure


“The foundation is strong, and the path clearly defined. What remains is building, consolidation and forward march,” she said while handing over transition documents.

She expressed confidence that Amupitan’s leadership would “scale new heights” and strengthen democratic processes nationwide.

Surrounded by his family and senior colleagues from the University of Jos, Amupitan assured staff of a supportive environment where professionalism and accountability thrive.

“We will expect the best and we will provide the best conditions for you to deliver,” he pledged.

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