Author: Atoyebi Adenike
By Atoyebi Nike The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria has appealed to the North East Development Commission to make livestock development a central part of its 2026 programmes. The group said pastoralist communities, despite being among the worst affected by insecurity, have benefited least from the Commission’s interventions. In a statement signed by National President Khalil Mohammed Bello, the association praised the NEDC for its achievements in rebuilding infrastructure, supporting education and healthcare, aiding displaced families and assisting security agencies. It also commended the Commission’s emergency response during last year’s Maiduguri floods. However, KACRAN said pastoralists who operate…
By Atoyebi Nike The Federal Government is working to expand Nigeria’s Strategic Food Reserve to stabilize food prices, support farmers and strengthen year-round food production. Agriculture and Food Security Minister Abubakar Kyari disclosed this during a facility tour in Kaduna, held alongside the National Council on Agriculture and Food Security meeting. Kyari said the government plans to stockpile food strategically to give farmers financial liquidity and enable all-season farming, especially during the dry season. He acknowledged farmers’ concerns about rising input costs despite falling food prices and assured them that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is addressing the issue to balance…
By Atoyebi Nike Education leaders from across Nigeria are meeting in Akure for the 69th National Council on Education to consolidate the policy reforms introduced in recent years and strengthen data-driven decision-making in schools. The gathering brings together commissioners, permanent secretaries, directors and experts from all states and the FCT. The NCE, Nigeria’s highest policy-making body in the sector, reviews national strategies each year and aligns federal and state actions. Recent sessions have centred on digital transformation, teacher professionalism, and curriculum reform. Last year’s 68th Council in Abuja approved significant updates, including new competency-based curricula for basic and senior secondary…
BY Atoyebi Nike Nigeria has made a major return to the global capital markets, raising $2.35 billion through a Eurobond issuance that drew an unprecedented $13 billion in orders. The Debt Management Office described the deal as a landmark that reflects strong international confidence in Nigeria’s economic reforms and fiscal direction. The issuance was split into two tranches: a $1.25 billion 10-year bond due in 2036 and a $1.10 billion 20-year bond maturing in 2046. The notes were priced at yields of 8.63 percent and 9.13 percent, respectively. According to the DMO, the orderbook reached a record peak, drawing demand…
By Atoyebi Nike The Senate has passed the Sexual Harassment of Students (Prevention and Prohibition) Bill, 2025, which recommends prison terms of up to 14 years for educators convicted of sexually harassing students in Nigerian tertiary institutions. The bill, sponsored by Deputy Senate Leader Oyelola Ashiru, seeks to curb persistent cases of lecturers coercing students for grades, admissions or other academic benefits. Ashiru said the legislation is designed to safeguard students from sexual misconduct and uphold ethical standards in higher education. The bill outlines strict penalties. Offenders under Clause 4 (1) to (3) face between five and 14 years in…
By Atoyebi Nike China will introduce a new digital arrival card and expand its visa-free transit policies as part of efforts to simplify travel and revive tourism. Beginning November 20, 2025, travellers can submit entry details online through the National Immigration Administration’s platforms, reducing reliance on paper forms. Digital kiosks will support those who have not completed the process before arrival. Several traveller groups, including Hong Kong and Macao permit holders, cruise passengers and airport transit passengers, are exempt from the new requirement. The upgrade is one of ten measures aimed at boosting accessibility. From November 5, China’s 24-hour visa-free…
By Atoyebi Nike Dozens of world leaders are gathering in Belém, Brazil, between Thursday and Friday for high-level discussions ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference, which officially opens on Monday. The talks are aimed at accelerating global efforts to curb rising temperatures. European leaders at the pre-summit meeting include German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, alongside officials from the EU and the United Nations. Brazil hopes the gathering will build momentum for COP30, which will welcome tens of thousands of participants from nearly 200 countries. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva,…
By Atoyebi Nike The President of the Trade Union Congress, Festus Osifo, has cautioned that the Federal Government’s planned 15 percent import duty on petrol could worsen the economic strain on Nigerians. He said the union is reviewing the proposal and consulting widely to understand its full impact. Osifo warned that the duty could quickly translate into higher pump prices since Nigeria still sources most of its petrol from abroad. He questioned the rationale behind imposing new taxes when the nation’s refineries remain idle. Osifo noted that the Dangote Refinery already enjoys duty waivers because it operates in a free…
By Bagudu Mohammed I recently stumbled upon a fascinating concept: “why the brain needs friends.” The phrase instantly ignited curiosity, provoking reflection and a kind of quiet wonder that felt both enlightening and entertaining. It made me think deeply about the human craving for friendship, social interaction, and belonging, the same desires that have turned new media into one of the most transformative forces in modern history. In earlier times, friendships were sustained by patience and distance. People could go months without speaking and still call one another “dear friends.” But today, silence is interpreted as neglect, and not replying…
By Atoyebi Nike Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has restated his administration’s commitment to transforming the education sector through expanded infrastructure, reforms and new learning opportunities. He made the pledge at the combined 15th, 16th and 17th convocation of Adamawa State University, Mubi, where 9,225 students graduated. The graduating class included 42 First Class students, 1,734 with Second Class Upper, 5,252 Second Class Lower, 1,842 Third Class and one with a Pass degree. The postgraduate category featured 22 PhDs, 100 MScs, 47 MPAs and several PGDs. Fintiri praised the graduates, calling their achievements a symbol of hope. He reaffirmed…