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Akpabio Ignites Fresh Hope for Ibadan State

By
Ola Akinola
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0

Senate President Endorses Demand During Symbolic Visit to Olubadan

In a development that has re-energised long-standing agitation for the creation of Ibadan State, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has described the demand as “legitimate and popular,” assuring stakeholders that the matter will receive serious attention on the floor of the National Assembly.

The high-powered endorsement came on Sunday during a courtesy visit to the private residence of the newly installed 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, at Bodija, Ibadan. Accompanied by a delegation of senior senators — including Adamu Aliero, Yahaya Abdullahi, and Sarafadeen Ali — Akpabio delivered what many in Oyo State are interpreting as the strongest signal yet from the 10th Senate on the viability of carving out a new state from the present Oyo.

“Ibadan is an incoming state,” Akpabio declared bluntly. “It is one of the states whose creation is being demanded by the people.” He added that the issue would be thoroughly examined when constitutional amendment processes resume.

The visit carried extra symbolic weight given the timing: it came barely weeks after Oba Ladoja’s coronation and his public reiteration of the Ibadan State demand during his installation ceremony, where he personally presented the request to President Bola Tinubu.

Oba Ladoja wasted no time in using the occasion to press home the agitation. “My subjects have given me the mandate to represent their interests on all issues, including the creation of Ibadan State,” the monarch said. “I placed this request before President Bola Tinubu during my installation ceremony, and I am repeating it today. My people want Ibadan State, and I appeal to you to use your office to ensure its actualisation.”

The Olubadan also broadened his appeal, calling for constitutional safeguards to protect traditional rulers from arbitrary removal by state governors. “If there is a need to amend the constitution, it should be done to strengthen and protect the traditional institution,” he urged.

Akpabio, in turn, showered praise on the monarch, describing Oba Ladoja — a former senator and governor of Oyo State — as “a blessing not only to Ibadanland but to the entire South-West region.” He highlighted the monarch’s track record as a nationalist, politician, entrepreneur, and administrator, predicting that his reign would bring “remarkable progress” and “innovation” to the traditional institution.

The Senate President’s choice of words — “Ibadan is an incoming state” — is likely to be seized upon by pro-Ibadan State campaigners as the most explicit backing the cause has received from the leadership of the National Assembly in recent years.

For context, the agitation for Ibadan State dates back decades, rooted in the city’s historical size, population density, economic weight, and sense of marginalisation within the larger Oyo State structure. Proponents argue that Ibadan, one of Nigeria’s most populous and culturally significant cities, deserves statehood in its own right, with the proposed capital at Ibadan itself.

Yet the path to state creation remains notoriously difficult. Any new state would require a constitutional amendment — a process that demands two-thirds approval in both chambers of the National Assembly and ratification by at least two-thirds of state Houses of Assembly nationwide — a high bar that has frustrated similar demands in the past.

Akpabio’s visit and endorsement, however, inject fresh political momentum at a time when the Tinubu administration has signalled openness to constitutional reforms in other areas. Whether that openness extends to the politically sensitive question of new states — especially one that would alter the balance of power in the South-West — remains to be seen.

For now, the Senate President has raised expectations sky-high. Ibadan’s advocates are already framing Sunday’s encounter as a turning point: the day the number three citizen in the land publicly declared their dream state “incoming.”

The real test will come when the constitutional amendment process formally begins. Until then, Ibadan watches, waits — and hopes.

My Loyalty Is 100%: Reinstated FCT Education Secretary Returns with Vows of Discipline

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

In a carefully choreographed return to office, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, Mandate Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory Education Secretariat, has used his first public appearance since reinstatement to pledge absolute loyalty to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, announce a fresh wave of internal reforms, and attempt to reassure anxious parents that all public schools in the territory remain safe.

Speaking shortly after resuming duties, Hayyo framed his comeback as divine vindication and ministerial mercy. “I thank God Almighty for vindicating me over the last incident,” he said. “I also sincerely thank the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, who understood the situation and reinstated me. My loyalty to the Honourable Minister is 100 per cent.”

The “last incident” — widely understood to involve the unauthorized issuance and circulation of sensitive administrative decisions by a director without clearance from the Mandate Secretary or the Minister — was never explicitly detailed in the statement. Hayyo, however, used the episode as the springboard for his first major reform announcement: mandatory refresher training for all directors, including newly appointed ones.

“The first thing we will do is embark on refresher training for directors,” he declared. “They must clearly understand their mandates, responsibilities and the limits of their authority.” The message was unmistakable: no more rogue memos, no more freelance decisions. Going forward, every significant action must pass through the Mandate Secretary and ultimately receive the Minister’s blessing.

On the issue that most directly concerns parents — school safety — Hayyo offered a blanket assurance. “All FCT schools are very safe,” he stated categorically. “Issues of security are handled directly by security agencies such as the police and other services, who constantly brief the Minister. We only provide advice where necessary.”

The Mandate Secretary also rolled out an impressive scorecard of infrastructure investment under the current administration. He disclosed that approximately 26 per cent of the FCT’s capital budget from 2023 to date has been channelled into education — a figure that aligns with international benchmarks for social sector spending. Over 100 schools have either been renovated or are currently under renovation, with 60–70 per cent of these projects expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2026, paving the way for a high-profile commissioning ceremony by the Minister.

Hayyo linked the massive rehabilitation effort directly to improved student outcomes, pointing to FCT students’ growing success in national and international competitions, including robotics and artificial intelligence contests abroad. “The transformation of schools has a direct relationship with improved academic performance,” he said. “Today, FCT students are competing and winning internationally.”

He urged media houses and analysts to judge academic results in proper context, taking into account student population size and the quality of facilities. “FCT schools remain among the best-equipped and best-performing in the country,” he insisted.

The combination of personal loyalty declaration, internal discipline push, safety reassurance, and infrastructure boasts presents a clear picture: the Education Secretariat under Dr. Hayyo intends to project unity, competence, and forward momentum — all firmly under the minister’s command.

Whether the promised refresher courses translate into genuine administrative rigor, whether school safety assurances hold firm amid the country’s broader security challenges, and whether the wave of renovations will indeed deliver lasting academic gains will be the real tests in the coming year.

For now, the Mandate Secretary has made his position crystal clear: he is back, he is loyal, and he intends to run a tight, minister-approved ship.

Tinubu Administration Declares kidnappers, bandits, and other violent armed groups as terrorists

By
Ola Akinola
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0

In a bold escalation of Nigeria’s long-running battle against insecurity, the Federal Government has officially classified kidnappers, bandits, and other violent armed groups as terrorists — a move that strips away years of euphemistic language and promises a more aggressive, no-holds-barred response.

The announcement came during the end-of-year press conference in Abuja on Monday, where Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris delivered the administration’s position with unmistakable clarity. “Let me be clear about what this means: That henceforth, any armed group that kidnaps our children, attacks our farmers, or terrorizes our communities is officially classified and will be dealt with as a terrorist organization. The era of ambiguous nomenclature is over!”

The declaration builds on earlier statements by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his presentation of the 2026 budget to the National Assembly on December 19, where he outlined a sweeping new national counterterrorism doctrine. That framework, established in 2025, rests on **four critical pillars**: unified command, intelligence, community stability, and counterinsurgency.

Under this restructured approach, the government is no longer treating mass abductions, rural raids, and forest-based criminal syndicates as isolated law-and-order issues. Instead, bandits, militias, armed gangs, violent cult groups, forest hideout operators, and even foreign-linked mercenaries — along with their financiers, informants, and political enablers — will face the full weight of counterterrorism operations.

The shift carries significant operational implications. It expands the legal and tactical toolkit available to security forces, potentially allowing for broader intelligence-sharing, faster prosecutions under anti-terror laws, and deployment of specialized units like the newly announced forest guards to flush out hideouts in remote areas.

Idris emphasized that the policy is already showing results: coordinated efforts in 2025 led to the capture of two internationally wanted criminals, including a high-profile ISWAP leader residing in Nigeria — a figure with a substantial U.S. bounty — who is now facing trial.

The timing of the announcement, just days before Christmas and amid ongoing releases of abducted schoolchildren (including a recent group from Niger State), underscores the administration’s determination to project resolve during a period of heightened public anxiety over insecurity. It also aligns with massive security allocations in the proposed 2026 budget — N5.41 trillion earmarked for defence and security — signaling that resources will match the rhetoric.

Yet the move raises inevitable questions about implementation. Previous designations of groups as terrorists have not always translated into decisive victories on the ground, and critics may argue that re-labeling alone does not address root causes such as poverty, weak governance in rural areas, or the proliferation of small arms.

For now, however, the message from the Tinubu administration is unequivocal: the days of treating kidnappers and bandits with kid gloves are over. As Idris put it, if you terrorize Nigerian communities, you are a terrorist — no exceptions, no more ambiguity.

Whether this doctrinal reset delivers the promised safer Nigeria in 2026 will be the true measure of its success. In the meantime, the forest guards are mobilizing, intelligence networks are sharpening, and criminal elements have been put on notice: the era of operating under softer labels has ended.

Yuletide Security: Abuja’s Festive Crackdown – FCT Seasonal Show of Force?

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

As Christmas lights flicker across Abuja and families prepare for the usual end-of-year travel rush, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has rolled out one of its most visible security operations in recent memory. Dubbed “Operation Sweep,” the intensified drive targets miscreants, “one-chance” syndicates, illegal motor parks and street beggars, all under the banner of ensuring a peaceful yuletide.

On Monday, senior officials led by Dr. Olumiji Peter (representing the Director of Security Services, Adamu Gwary) visited some of the city’s long-standing blackspots — Apo Bridge, Area 1 Roundabout, Julius Berger Junction and Utako Motor Park — to deliver a clear message: criminal elements will not be allowed to exploit the festive season.

The marching orders, according to officials, come directly from FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who has repeatedly demanded zero tolerance for criminality in the territory. “The Minister has given a marching order that all forms of criminality must be crushed,” Gwary’s representative told transport operators and park managers.

The operation is not limited to rhetoric. Security agencies have deployed additional personnel to strategic locations, while motor park operators have been instructed to bar entry to any motorist or commercial driver unable to produce valid identification. The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) at Utako Motor Park has publicly aligned itself with the directive, promising to profile all members — especially new entrants — as part of the collective effort.

Beyond the usual suspects of armed robbers and “one-chance” operators, the FCTA has also targeted visible urban poverty. The Enforcement Unit of the Social Development Secretariat reports that 481 beggars have been removed from the streets in the past two weeks alone. Officials insist the intervention is rehabilitative rather than merely punitive: apprehended individuals are being profiled, fed, and offered vocational training where they express willingness to learn.

Yet the scale and timing of the operation have inevitably raised familiar questions among Abuja residents.

For many, the sudden burst of activity feels suspiciously seasonal. “We’ve had blackspots, one-chance kidnappings and beggars on every major junction for years,” said a commercial driver who spoke on condition of anonymity. “Why does the city only remember to ‘sweep’ when people are travelling home for Christmas?”

Critics argue that while the festive-season focus is welcome, the real test of sincerity will come in January and beyond. Will the additional patrols remain once holiday travel subsides? Will the newly profiled beggars actually complete skills acquisition programmes, or will the holding centres simply become temporary warehouses before the streets refill?

Supporters of the initiative, however, point out that visible, sustained pressure during peak criminal periods can disrupt established patterns and buy the city valuable breathing space. They also note that Minister Wike’s characteristically blunt style has produced measurable results in other areas of FCT administration — from demolition of illegal structures to aggressive revenue collection.

 

For now, the streets of Abuja are witnessing an unusually high police and task force presence, motor parks are displaying new vigilance, and many long-standing nuisances have temporarily disappeared from view. Whether this represents a genuine shift in security posture or merely a well-executed Christmas performance remains an open question — one that January’s quieter days will likely answer.

Until then, the FCT has made its position clear: this yuletide, criminality is not invited to the celebration.

Nigeria Accelerates Automotive Revolution with Focus on EVs, CNG, and Local Manufacturing

By
Ola Akinola
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0

ABUJA – Nigeria is steering towards a major industrial transformation, with the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) announcing comprehensive plans to develop a skilled workforce for electric and alternative fuel vehicles while pushing for an Auto Industry Act to secure long-term investment.

Joseph Osanipin, Director-General of the NADDC, detailed the ambitious roadmap in a media briefing on Tuesday, declaring 2026 a “pivotal year” for the sector’s evolution under the National Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP).

Building a Homegrown Technical Workforce

A cornerstone of the strategy is massive investment in human capital. The Council has launched extensive training programs on Electric Vehicle (EV) technology, vehicle conversion, and alternative fuel systems for both regulators and industry technicians.

“Capacity building is one of the major pillars of the NAIDP. We have carried out training on vehicle conversion from PMS and diesel to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), as well as on electric vehicles,” Osanipin stated.

To standardize expertise, the NADDC has developed National Occupational Standards for EV maintenance and CNG retrofitting. Structured certification programs based on these standards are expected to commence by 2026, creating a formalized career path for technicians in the green automotive economy.

Bridging Academia and Industry for Local Innovation

The Council is actively fostering collaboration between universities and the private sector to ensure education aligns with market needs. Osanipin highlighted notable progress in local vehicle design, with Nigerian engineers and students developing prototypes for tricycles, buses, and electric campus shuttle buses in partnership with 12 universities.

“We want what is taught in our institutions to reflect industry realities. Producing even a few world-class auto engineers locally will have a significant impact on the economy,” he emphasized.

The Real Prize: Local Component Manufacturing

Moving beyond assembly, Osanipin identified component manufacturing as the sector’s true value driver. He revealed a critical insight: Nigeria spends more annually importing vehicle parts—like tyres, brake pads, filters, and batteries—than it does on importing fully-built vehicles.

To capture this value, the NADDC is engaging stakeholders to dismantle infrastructure, financing, and policy barriers facing local component producers. This push is particularly strategic as Nigeria positions itself to become a regional automotive hub under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Seeking Legislative Backing for Long-Term Growth

To provide irreversible policy stability and attract large-scale investments, Osanipin announced a crucial legislative initiative. The Council plans to transform the NAIDP from a policy document into a formal Auto Industry Act.

“Investment in the auto sector is huge. They will need an Act,” he stated, noting that a draft bill would soon be presented to the National Assembly for consideration.

Acknowledging that such transformative reforms often face resistance, Osanipin appealed to the media for partnership in public education. “When the pushback comes, we need you to explain to Nigerians what we are trying to do and why,” he said.

With these interconnected plans for skills development, local production, and legislative fortification, Nigeria’s automotive industry is shifting gears, aiming for a future built on cleaner technology and self-reliant industrial capacity.

Davido Bets ₦36 Million on Super Eagles’ AFCON Opener, Eyes ₦140 Million Payout

By
Ola Akinola
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0

ABUJA – In a bold display of patriotism and confidence, Afrobeats superstar Davido has placed a massive ₦36 million wager on Nigeria’s opening match at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), instantly becoming the team’s most high-profile backer and igniting fervent discussion among fans.

The singer publicly shared a snapshot of his betting slip on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, showing his stake on the Super Eagles’ Group A clash against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars. The bet predicts that both teams will score during the match, with a potential payout of approximately $96,564 (≈ ₦140 million) if successful.

A Pattern of High-Stakes Support

This is not the first time Davido has put significant money behind the national team. Ahead of Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying play-off against Gabon earlier this year, he staked $10,000 (about ₦15 million at the time) on a similar outcome. While that bet was unsuccessful due to Nigeria’s loss, it has done little to dampen the singer’s enthusiasm for supporting the Eagles with his wallet.

“Let’s get this W Nigeria ⚽️ @Stake,” Davido captioned his post, rallying support for the team as they begin their quest for a fourth AFCON title.

Mixed Reactions from the Public

The colossal bet has sparked a wave of reactions across social media and among football fans. Many have praised Davido’s unwavering and very public support, seeing it as a major morale booster for the team.

“Davido putting his money where his mouth is! That’s belief. Let’s go, Super Eagles!” one fan commented online.

Others, however, have questioned the wisdom of wagering such a substantial sum on a single football match, regardless of the potential return. “That’s life-changing money for so many people. I hope the Eagles don’t let him down again,” another user remarked, referencing the previous lost bet.

The Stakes on the Pitch

The Super Eagles, three-time African champions and runners-up in the last edition of the tournament, are clear favorites heading into their opening match against Tanzania. The match is scheduled for Tuesday, December 23, at the Complex Sportif de Fès in Morocco.

Davido’s very public gamble has undoubtedly added an extra layer of anticipation and excitement to Nigeria’s AFCON campaign, with fans now keenly watching to see if the team can deliver a winning start for themselves and their famous supporter.

Security Experts Ask Tinubu To Confront Illegal Mining

By
Ola Akinola
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0

As violence continues to stalk communities across Northern Nigeria, a coalition of security experts has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently confront what they describe as the economic underbelly of banditry: illegal mining, particularly in Zamfara State.

The call was made on Sunday in Jos, Plateau State, following a one-day retreat convened by the Arewa Patriotic Neighborhood Watch (APNW).

Addressing journalists, the group warned that without decisive action against illicit mining networks, security operations across the North would continue to face structural limitations.

Speaking on behalf of the group, the Convener of APNW, Dr. Danlami Shehu, alongside the Assistant Secretary, Alhaji Yusuf Ahmed, said illegal mining activities have persistently undermined the efforts of security agencies to curb banditry and related crimes.

According to them, armed groups operating around mining locations often enjoy protection arrangements that make such sites inaccessible to conventional security operations, thereby sustaining cycles of violence.

In their briefing, the experts urged the Federal Government to review past official reports and investigations into illegal mining in Zamfara State, including those that have mentioned political actors, stressing that revisiting existing findings could provide a roadmap for addressing insecurity.

They referenced past reports that have linked illegal gold mining in Zamfara to the financing of armed groups, while emphasizing that these documents warrant transparent and conclusive government action.

“Senator Abdulaziz Yari, right from when he was the Governor of Zamfara State, up till now that he is a serving Senator, has been frequently implicated in reports linking him and other high-level political figures to the illegal gold mining industry in Zamfara, which is considered a major driver of regional banditry”, the experts said.

The group maintained that as long as illegal mining thrives, bandit groups would retain a strategic advantage, noting that the control of mining corridors has become central to the conflict economy in parts of the North-West.

Dr. Shehu recalled that under former President Muhammadu Buhari, the Federal Government imposed a ban on illegal mining activities in Zamfara State in April 2019, citing security concerns.

According to him, “Illegal mining of gold has been fingered as the main cause of the recent atrocious turn of insecurity in Zamfara State. The federal government, under late President Muhammad Buhari, announced a ban on illegal mining in the state in April 2019, saying there was a ‘strong and glaring nexus between the activities of armed bandits and illicit miners, with both mutually re-enforcing each other’.

“The then Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu also issued an order that ‘all foreigners within mining sites are to leave immediately’, as the police launched ‘operation puff-adder’ in the government’s attempt to crush the banditry. Despite Federal Government policy, illegal activities persisted, often under the protection of armed groups who make it impossible for security agencies to penetrate the mining sites.

“The Institute for Security Studies and various reports, both national and international, indicate that the massive banditry in Zamfara is fueled by gold mining, with proceeds often used to buy arms.

“Since the battle for the gold of Zamfara has taken a new turn due to external and internal collaborations to steal state resources, Gold mines are now Blood mines. The gold extracted illegally in Zamfara is transported via flights from forests to Middle Eastern countries, and sometimes to Sudan and Cameroon, to be sold. These are known facts and there are reports which linked Senator Yari to all of these. But why is the federal government turning blind eyes to those reports?

“In 2021, there was a Ghana Gold Report which linked Yari to seized gold bars worth millions of dollars in Ghana. There are other reports, including the one carried out by a serving Member of this 10th House of Representatives. Why is the government not revisiting these, to properly address insecurity in the north?

“In 2022, the ICPC secured an interim order to forfeit 10 properties linked to Senator Yari to the Federal Government, alluding that they were ‘proceeds of corruption stemming from illegal activities’, including that of mining. Even as a sitting Governor, it was in the news everywhere that Yari was always being scrutinized by law enforcement agencies. And when he won senatorial election in 2023, he quickly rushed to court and secured an order restraining EFCC, ICPC and DSS from arresting him.

 

“But the next month, the DSS arrested and detained him for almost one week. Why has the secret police not told Nigerians their findings? Why the Federal Government not taken up the matter with the view to putting lasting solutions to the insurgencies in the north? Can a single man be more powerful than the government?”

Contributing, Alhaji Ahmed, a native of Zamfara State, said the impact of illegal mining extends beyond security, affecting public health, livelihoods and state revenue.

He said, “Zamfara State is strangulated by its politics. Its health is disturbed by the ineptitude of its past and present leadership. Over the years its economy is defined by huge illegal mining for gold by the political class, especially Senator Abdulaziz Yari, while the government watched without acting, observing a dark cloud of violence descends on the people by the activities of illegal miners and militias.

“In March 2010, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)/Doctors Without Borders warned the world that an estimated 400 children died from lead poisoning in Zamfara. The cause of the poisoning is unsafe mining activities. The mass poisoning affected villagers in three Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Anka, Bukkuyum and Maru.

“Even Senator Yari himself had admitted previously that, over $500 million was generated annually from mining without significant funds entering the state’s coffers. He was able to know this because he leads a very powerful cartel in the illegal mining business which even the current state governor knows.

“Although Yari has always denied these allegations, but the intersection of his governorship, the rise of banditry during his tenure, and the massive illegal mining operations has led to sustained scrutiny. All the time, various security agencies would arrest him and release him the next moment. Nigerians deserve to know what is happening. Our people back home are really suffering the heat from these illegal activities and those of the bandits. But then, they cannot voice out, perhaps, for fear”.

Ahmed further recalled that he and other Zamfara indigenes participated in a protest in Abuja in 2019 against insecurity and illegal mining, an action he said drew the attention of the Federal Government at the time.

As of the time of filing this report, Senator Abdulaziz Yari was unavailable for comment. He was said to be attending an award ceremony in Ibadan, Oyo State. The Senator has, however, on several occasions in the past, publicly denied all allegations linking him to illegal mining activities, as previously reported in the media.

Minister Endorses Ranching as Future of Nigerian Livestock Production

By
Ola Akinola
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0

ABUJA – The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has thrown his weight behind the ranching model as a sustainable and scalable solution for Nigeria’s livestock sector, declaring it an essential component for economic growth and conflict resolution.

The Minister’s endorsement came on Sunday during an inspection tour of the Manchong Integrated Farms Limited in Nasarawa State, a facility he described as a “clear proof of concept” for modern ranching.

A Viable Model for National Scaling

Speaking after touring the expansive farm, Minister Maiha expressed satisfaction with its operations, which include modern livestock production, advanced feed and fodder development, and systematic genetic resource management. He noted that despite the ongoing dry season, the farm maintained lush green pastures supported by natural irrigation.

“The farm is a lighthouse and a pilot that has demonstrated beyond doubt that this can be done,” Maiha stated. He explained that ranching entails confining animals within a defined space with adequate feed, water, and professional management—a model already working successfully at Manchong.

The farm currently houses over 300 cattle across major beef and dairy breeds and produces a surplus of high-quality feed annually.

Strategic Partnerships for Nationwide Impact

The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development announced plans for a strategic partnership with Manchong Farms, focusing on two critical areas:

1. Feed and Fodder Production: The farm, which already supplies fodder to states like Jigawa and Yobe, will be developed into a national hub. Minister Maiha envisions a “national fodder supermarket” where small-scale livestock owners can order feed remotely.

2. Genetic Improvement Program: The facility will serve as Nigeria’s pilot centre for new breeding programmes. “For most of the genetic materials we intend to introduce into the country, we will first work with this farm to produce offspring that can then be multiplied and propagated across Nigeria,” the Minister disclosed.

Addressing Conflict and Unlocking Economic Potential

The farm’s owner, Yakubu Dogara, established the operation to demonstrate that ranching is a practical solution to Nigeria’s recurring farmer-herder conflicts.

“We wanted to show our people that ranching is not a far-fetched idea. It is doable,” Dogara said. “If we replicate this model across Nigeria, we can address insecurity, promote peace and unlock massive economic opportunities.”

He highlighted the sector’s enormous potential, noting that the global dairy and beef market is valued at approximately $2.5 trillion. With northern Nigeria holding over 70% of the nation’s livestock population, capturing just 5–10% of this market could translate to about $25 billion in annual revenue.

International Recognition and Collaboration

The farm’s model has attracted international interest. Clinton Agbo, a livestock business partner to the Botswana Embassy in Abuja, described Manchong as “an excellent centre suitable for international collaboration.”

“This farm is an ideal place to commence a pilot scheme,” Agbo stated, revealing that the Botswana High Commissioner views the potential partnership as a “Pan-African effort where Botswana can support and Nigerians can lead, for the benefit of Africa.”

Minister Maiha commended the farm’s hands-on approach, signaling a shift in government policy engagement from conference halls to direct field interaction with practicing farmers.

Federal Government Declares Public Holidays for Christmas and New Year

By
Ola Akinola
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0

Abuja, December 22, 2025 — The Federal Government has officially declared Thursday, December 25, and Friday, December 26, 2025, as public holidays to mark Christmas and Boxing Day celebrations. Additionally, Thursday, January 1, 2026, has been declared a public holiday for the New Year.

The announcement was made on behalf of the government by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Magdalene Ajani.

A Call for Reflection and Unity

In his message, Minister Tunji-Ojo called on citizens to embrace the core values associated with the Christmas season. He urged Nigerians to reflect on “the values of love, peace, humility, and sacrifice exemplified by the birth of Jesus Christ.”

Emphasizing national unity, the Minister encouraged all citizens, “regardless of faith or ethnicity,” to use the festive period as an opportunity to offer prayers for the nation’s peace, security, and continued progress.

Emphasis on Security and Lawfulness

With celebrations expected across the country, the Minister issued a firm advisory on safety. He urged the public to “remain law-abiding and security conscious” during the holidays to ensure a peaceful and joyful season for all.

Concluding the statement, Dr. Tunji-Ojo extended warm wishes to all Nigerians: “The Ministry of Interior wishes all Nigerians a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.”

NAFDAC Assures Public: Recalled French Indomie Noodles Not in Nigerian Market

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

ABUJA, DECEMBER 21, 2025 – The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a firm assurance to Nigerians that the batch of Indomie Noodles recalled in France over allergen concerns is not authorized for sale and does not pose a risk within the country’s market.

The clarification comes in response to the recall announcement by French authorities, under the Rappel Conso platform, concerning a specific Indomie Noodles Vegetable Flavour. The recall was initiated due to the discovery of undeclared allergens—milk and egg—which pose a serious health risk to consumers with allergies or intolerances.

Product Not Registered, Importation Illegal

In a statement released on Saturday, NAFDAC Director-General, Professor Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, emphasized that the affected product is entirely separate from the noodles available in Nigeria.

“The Indomie Noodles Vegetable Flavour in question is not registered with NAFDAC for sale in Nigeria,” Adeyeye stated. She further highlighted that noodles are on the Federal Government’s Import Prohibition List, making their importation into the country illegal.

Heightened Surveillance Activated

To ensure the recalled product does not enter the Nigerian market through unofficial channels, NAFDAC has activated a nationwide surveillance protocol.

· The agency’s zonal directors and state coordinators have been directed to intensify monitoring and “mop up the product if found within their jurisdictions.”

· The Ports Inspection Directorate (PID) has been placed on high alert to block any potential smuggling attempts.

· The agency also extended its vigilance to protect Nigerians who may purchase food products online or while traveling abroad.

Local Production Under Strict Regulation

Professor Adeyeye explained that all instant noodle brands approved for sale in Nigeria, including Indomie, are manufactured locally. These products only receive NAFDAC registration after passing stringent regulatory checks, which include audits for strict compliance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards.

“Consumers can be confident that noodles on Nigerian shelves are produced under the strict supervision of NAFDAC and are safe for consumption,” the DG affirmed.

Public Advisory and Reporting Channels

NAFDAC has advised the public to remain vigilant and take the following actions:

· Discard the specific Indomie Noodles Vegetable Flavour from France if encountered.

· Report any suspected sale or distribution of the product immediately.

· Use the provided channels to report any adverse reactions to food or drugs.

Official Reporting Channels:

· Toll-Free Line: 0800-162-3322

· E-Reporting: Via the official NAFDAC website

The agency reiterated its unwavering commitment to safeguarding public health, assuring Nigerians that it remains proactive in monitoring both local and international markets to prevent threats to consumer safety.

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