Author: Atoyebi Adenike
By Atoyebi Nike Nigeria will host the next African School Games in 2027, following an official confirmation from the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA). The announcement came in a letter addressed to Habu Gumel, President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), and dated August 5. The decision was reached during ANOCA’s recent Extraordinary Executive Committee meeting. This marks the second edition of the youth competition, with the inaugural games held in Anaba, Algeria, from July 24 to August 5, 2025. ANOCA’s leadership expressed confidence in Nigeria’s preparedness to deliver a world-class event, citing the country’s institutional capacity…
By Atoyebi Nike The Federal Government has backed the inaugural Arewa International Film Festival (AIFF), pledging support for the cultural initiative aimed at promoting Northern Nigeria’s rich storytelling and heritage. Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, described AIFF as a vital platform to showcase the North’s untapped creative potential, urging stakeholders to focus on what the region can offer. Themed “Showcasing Untapped Potential and Promoting the Rich Historical Heritage of the Sahel Region,” AIFF seeks to correct underrepresentation of Northern narratives in film. Musawa said the festival aligns with federal plans to build film infrastructure,…
By Atoyebi Nike The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has received commendation from the Volunteer Media Advocacy for Accountable Leadership over its recent staff promotion examination, which the group described as transparent, merit-driven, and in line with public service standards. In a statement signed by its national coordinator, Aminu Augustine, the advocacy group said its review found that the NCC followed due process and ensured that promotions were based strictly on performance and available vacancies, as stipulated by public service rules. “Each cadre had limited slots, and not all who passed were promoted where vacancies were unavailable. This aligns with the…
By Atoyebi Nike Airtel Nigeria has announced fresh investments to accelerate its 5G network rollout across the country, as part of efforts to meet Nigeria’s fast-growing demand for mobile data. Speaking during a media roundtable in Lagos, Airtel CEO Dinesh Balsingh said the company is expanding infrastructure and working with device manufacturers to make 5G smartphones more affordable for Nigerians. “Cities like Lagos are growing fast. At Airtel, we recognize data is the new oxygen,” Balsingh said. “We’re building a smart, scalable network that can support Nigeria’s digital future.” While three telecoms MTN, Mafab, and Airtel hold 5G licenses, overall…
By Atoyebi Nike The Federal Government is turning to Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements to bridge a funding gap of about N3 trillion required to complete key road projects across the country. This follows the decision of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to stop funding under the tax-credit scheme, effective August 1, 2025. The development was disclosed by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, during a press briefing in Abuja, as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). He said President Bola Tinubu has directed the ministry to identify alternative funding models to prevent project abandonment. “We are…
By Atoyebi Nike Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday called for a direct meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin to seek an end to the ongoing war, following talks between Donald Trump’s special envoy and the Kremlin leader in Moscow. The proposal came a day after former U.S. President Trump described discussions between his envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Putin as “highly productive.” Despite the diplomatic overture, U.S. officials maintained their commitment to enforcing sanctions on Russia’s trading partners. Zelensky confirmed he spoke by phone with Trump, who reportedly said he could meet Putin “very soon.” According to Zelensky, European leaders…
By Atoyebi Nike Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has presented employment letters to 1,038 successful candidates in agriculture-related fields, reaffirming his administration’s dedication to reviving the sector and reducing unemployment. The distribution ceremony, held at the Government House in Kano, was attended by top government officials, traditional leaders, and beneficiaries from the 44 local government areas. “This administration is committed to restoring the lost glory of agriculture in Kano,” Governor Yusuf said, adding that the new recruits form a vital part of the state’s strategy for food security and economic empowerment. The new agricultural extension workers will be…
By Atoyebi Nike Gombe State is set to host Nigeria’s first federal veterinary hospital under the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project, marking a major milestone in the country’s livestock development drive. The proposed facility will provide diagnostic, treatment, research, and training services, significantly enhancing animal health and disease control in the region. It will be sited in the state’s new 184-hectare Agro-Livestock Development Zone, which already includes an international livestock market, abattoir, tannery, and leather factory. National L-PRES Coordinator, Malam Sanusi Abubakar, announced the development during a technical visit to the state. He confirmed Gombe was selected to…
By Atoyebi Nike Nigeria has called for urgent reforms to expand financial access for youth and women in agribusiness. Speaking on behalf of the Finance Minister at an AfDB policy dialogue, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite said inclusive finance is key to unlocking Africa’s agricultural potential. She noted that over 70% of Nigerians are under 30, while women make up more than half of the agricultural workforce yet both groups face serious barriers to funding, markets, and training. “It’s not charity, it’s smart economics,” Uzoka-Anite said, emphasizing that supporting these groups boosts productivity and national growth. Key initiatives under the Tinubu administration…
By Atoyebi Nike A three-man panel of the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, has reinstated a preservation order on 14 properties and N400 million linked to former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello. The ruling, delivered on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, overturned an earlier decision by the Federal High Court which had struck out the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) suit based on Bello’s immunity as a sitting governor. The properties include high-value assets such as a hotel apartment at the Burj Khalifa, Dubai. The preservation order was originally granted by Justice Nicholas Oweibo on February 22, 2023, under the…