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Riyadh 2025: Team Nigeria Wins Gold In Wrestling, Athletics

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Riyadh 2025: Team Nigeria Wins Gold In Wrestling, Athletics

Team Nigeria has increased its Gold medal tally at the ongoing 6th Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh after winning two Gold medals in Wrestling and the women’s 4 x 100m on Wednesday night.

This is contained in a statement on Thursday by Kola Daniel, the Special Adviser to the Director-General of the National Sports Commission(NSC), Bukola Olapade.

In the 53kg freestyle Wrestling final Christiana Ogunsanya defeated her Uzbekistani opponent, Shokhida Akhmedova 11-1 in a very convincing version to claim the Gold medal.

Nigeria’s exciting young quartet of Bada Toyin, Ezechukwu Miracle, Omokwe Maria and Nweke Cynthia, later crowned the night with an excellent display to win Gold in the Women’s 4 x 100m final in a time of 44.27 seconds.

They condemned Bahrain to the silver medal with a time of 44.47s while the Gambia finished third with a time of 45.05s.

Nigeria also won an additional two silver medals and three bronze medals.

In the Men’s Javelin throw, Kure Adams won bronze while in the Men’s 400m, Badmus Atanda claimed a bronze medal.

In the women’s 400m, Patience George also finished second behind her Bahrainian opponent, while in the men’s 4x100m, the team of John Caleb, Chidera Ezeakor, Ezekiel Asuquo and James Emmanuel brought the country home in 3rd.

In Wrestling, Miesinnei Genesis, lost her Gold medal match in the Women’s 50kg freestyle final to Aktenge Keunimjaeva of Uzbekistan 5-1 to clinch the silver medal.

Olopade praised the performance of the girls and encouraged them to stay focused and disciplined ahead of other major international competitions.

“I am truly proud of both of you and just know that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will continue to expose Nigerian athletes to the best international competitions both home and abroad for podium success”.

“Your performance here means a lot to us and the NSC under the Chairmanship of Shehu Dikko is determined to ensure Nigeria continues to enjoy the feel good factor of Sports”, he said.

Team Nigeria has now won a total of eight Gold, 10 bronze and 7 bronze medals with more medals to come in Para athletics and Para-poweifting.

South-South Stakeholders, Senate Committee Demand Decentralised Approach To Curb Regional Insecurity

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South-South Stakeholders, Senate Committee Demand Decentralised Approach To Curb Regional Insecurity

Stakeholders in the South-South region, in collaboration with the Senate Ad Hoc Committee on National Security, have strongly advocated for a decentralised, grassroots-focused strategy to address the region’s escalating security challenges.

This call for a paradigm shift was made on Thursday, November 28, 2025, during the South-South Zonal Public Hearing on National Security held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Convened under the theme “The Way Forward to Tackling National Security Issues at the Local Level,” the summit assembled executive, legislative, and traditional institutions to diagnose threats ranging from crude oil theft to communal clashes.

Speaking on behalf of Rivers State Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benebo Anabraba, urged the federal government to move beyond a centralised security structure.

He argued that a “sincerely driven” approach must include the voices of local communities, describing the event as a vital feedback mechanism from the people to policymakers.

Dr. Anabraba highlighted the region’s specific vulnerabilities, asking the Senate to pay special attention to the peculiar natural environment of the coastal region, which serves as the gateway to the Gulf of Guinea.

While acknowledging the state’s collaboration with federal agencies, including the provision of operational vehicles, gunboats, and logistics, he emphasised that military hardware alone is insufficient.

He noted that the administration is prioritising youth empowerment to curb the economic desperation that often fuels piracy and illegal bunkering, asserting that security is a shared responsibility rather than the sole business of the government.

Senator Abba Moro, Chairman of the Senate Ad Hoc Committee on Security, described the current security situation as “hyper-headed,” citing threats that span environmental sabotage, banditry, and farmer-herder conflicts.

Senator Moro admitted that these challenges are deeply rooted in weak governance structures, economic deprivation, and historic grievances that have not been sufficiently addressed.

He stated that the Senate recognises that no security architecture can succeed without a clear understanding of local dynamics and promised that the committee’s findings would form the basis of legislative interventions and policy reforms.

Adding the voice of the traditional institution, the Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Chike Worlu Wodo, called for a strengthening of trust between security agencies and local residents.

He identified collaborative intelligence sharing as the key to a crime-free community, urging leaders to work together to build safer societies.

This sentiment was echoed by religious leaders, including the Secretary general of the Christian Association of Nigeria (South-South), Bishop Lazarus Azia and Alhaji Nasir Awhelebe Uhor of the Rivers State Council for Islamic Affairs.

They emphasised the need for faith-based organisations to be properly integrated into the security architecture to help enlighten citizens on their civic roles.

Speaking for the Nigeria Police Force, ACP Okoro Iyke reiterated that while the force remains committed to its duties, it requires robust collaboration and information sharing from all stakeholders to effectively curb criminality.

The committee is expected to compile all the submissions into a comprehensive report for the 10th Senate

Fubara Extols Former President Jonathan On 68th Birthday

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Fubara Extols Former President Jonathan On 68th Birthday

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has extended warm felicitations to former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan on his 68th birthday today, November 20, 2025.

In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Nelson Chukwudi, Governor Fubara, in a statement on behalf of his family, Government and the good people of Rivers State, praised Dr Jonathan for his leadership qualities, commitment to democracy, peace, unity and development, noting that his patriotic and selfless service to the nation, Africa, and the world have been truly exemplary.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Rivers State, I warmly congratulate His Excellency, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, on his birthday today.

“We eulogize his remarkable achievements and contributions to our nation’s development, particularly during his tenure as president. His commitment to democracy, peace, unity, and stability has earned him respect and global admiration.”

Governor Fubara wished the former President good health, sound mind, and many more years of fruitful living to continue his service to humanity. He also prayed God to continue to inspire him with wisdom and dedication to public service.

Google Lifts Africa Commitment With AI Skilling Blueprint, $2.25m Funding

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Google Lifts Africa Commitment With AI Skilling Blueprint, $2.25m Funding

Google on Wednesday announced that it had stepped up its commitment to closing the skills gap on the continent by launching the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Skilling Blueprint for Africa.

In a statement made available in Lagos, Nigeria, the organisation said that the Blueprint was a comprehensive policy roadmap to help governments build a future-proof, AI-ready workforce.

The blueprint, it said, focused on developing three critical cohorts: AI Learners, AI Implementers, and AI Innovators.

The organisation noted that the launch was part of a broader set of Africa-focused initiatives, which included a $2.25 million commitment to fund expert organisations building trustworthy public data sets for AI.

It said that the organisations are building public data sets in partnership with UN Economic Commission for Africa, UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) and PARIS21 to modernise national statistical infrastructure.

“New organisations like FATE Foundation and the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) are receiving support from the $7.5M Google.org Skilling Fund to embed advanced AI curricula into universities across Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa,” Google said.

Google noted that with Africa’s immense potential for AI-driven economic growth, and 55% of firms reporting a need for AI talent—these initiatives provide a clear roadmap and essential investment to unlock the continent’s opportunity.

Doron Avni, Google’s Vice President , Government Affairs and Public Policy, said: “Africa’s AI moment is now, and Google is committed to being a partner for the long haul,”

“The AI Skilling Blueprint provides a clear roadmap for governments to build the workforce of the future.
“By also investing in AI-ready data and expert local organisations and partners, we are helping build the interconnected ecosystem needed for a prosperous, AI-driven future for the continent.”
According to the organisation, the AI Skilling Blueprint for Africa provides governments with a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to formulate national skilling strategies.

It said that the blueprint focused on developing three critical cohorts: AI Learners, who will gain foundational AI literacy; AI Implementers, professionals upskilled to integrate AI tools into their work.

Google said the third cohort are the AI Innovators, which are deep technical experts dedicated to building the next generation of AI solutions.

It stressed that its $2.25 million contribution to organisations would help national statistical offices modernise their infrastructure and empower decision-makers with reliable data.

Google explained that the data are needed to address challenges from food security to economic growth.

“For Africa to drive sustainable development, evidence-based policymaking is indispensable. This requires accessible, reliable, and AI-ready data.

“This effort is a crucial step forward. By building a Regional Data Commons, we can empower African institutions with the data and tools they need to make strategic choices that will drive growth and prosperity,” said Claver Gatete, Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Africa.

Google further announced that FATE Foundation and the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) are among the first set of expert social impact organisations to receive funding to execute on projects consistent with its skilling mission.

It said the funding from its $7.5 million Google.org Skilling Fund commitment, would enable the two organisations embed advanced AI curricula into universities.

Google added that two other expert social impact organisations – JA Africa and CyberSafe Foundation would advance crucial work in online safety and digital literacy.

“We are incredibly proud to partner with the African Institute of Management Sciences on the Advanced AI UpSkilling Project, with support from Google.org.

“This groundbreaking initiative is a direct response to the urgent need for deep AI competencies in Africa, empowering tertiary institutions, lecturers, and students in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa.

Responding, Adenike Adeyemi, Executive Director, FATE Foundation said: “This strategic support aligns perfectly with FATE Foundation’s mission to foster innovation and sustainable economic growth across the continent, ensuring Africa is fully equipped to lead in the global technological future.”

Also, Simi Nwogugu, President and CEO, Junior Achievement Africa (JA), said: “We live in an age defined by rapid technological change and our mission at JA Africa is to ensure that African youth are not left behind.

“However, even as we engage our youth in more digital programmes and encourage AI literacy, we are fully aware of the harmful effects of unchecked online exposure and, therefore, invest equally in protecting their data, physical safety and mental wellbeing.

“Through this support from Google.org, we will give young people the tools, knowledge, and confidence they need to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.”

PDP BoT Restates Support For Turaki-led NWC

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PDP BoT Restates Support For Turaki-led NWC

The Senator Adolphus Wabara-led Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has restated its support for the Senator Taminu Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC) elected at the National Convention in Ibadan.

Wabara, in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday, said the board believes that the convention was convened in strict compliance with the Party’s Constitution, and Guidelines, the Electoral Act, all extant regulations.

He said that the convention represented the collective will of delegates and stakeholders of the PDP across the country.

Wabara condemned the invasion of the party National Secretariat by the those he described as “expelled members and armed thugs” to unleash violence on party members in an attempt to forcefully take over the party secretariat.

The BoT also condemned the action of the expelled elements who mobilised the thugs in an attempt to prevent the elected members of the National NWC led by Turaki.

He noted that Turaki was accompanied by the Chairman of PDP Governors’ Forum, Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, his counterpart, Seyi Makinde aend other party leaders from gaining access into the complex.

The board saluted the courage and resilience of the governors, NWC and BoT members, other party leaders, teeming members and supporters for resisting the invaders.

“The BoT therefore strongly denounces the statements, actions and media pronouncements by individuals who were lawfully expelled from the party.

“Their attempts to undermine the legitimacy of the Ibadan Convention and create confusion within the party structure are not only mischievous but also constitute a direct assault on the principle of internal democracy in our country.

“The BoT calls on the Inspector-General of Police to investigate the wave of attacks on the PDP National Secretariat and ensure that those responsible are held to account.

“Democracy thrives only where institutions remain impartial, professional, and insulated from partisan manipulation,” he said.

Wabara said that as the conscience of the party, the BoT remained committed to safeguarding the unity and democratic values of the PDP and ensuring that the mandate freely given by party members at the Ibadan Convention is respected.

He urged the new NWC not to be deterred but remain focused on rebuilding and repositioning PDP as they march to victory in the 2027 general elections.

NLC Condemns Kebbi Kidnap, Urges FG To Act Fast On Victims’ Rescue

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NLC Condemns Kebbi Kidnap, Urges FG To Act Fast On Victims’ Rescue

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has condemned the abduction of college students in Kebbi State and urged the federal government to take urgent action to halt rising insecurity.

The NLC President, Mr Joe Ajaero, made the position of the congress known in a statement in Abuja.

Ajaero said that the incident was shocking, especially happening in a state known for proactive security measures and steady social interventions.

He said the attack showed that the country must rethink its current security strategy to prevent further breakdown of safety across communities.

“The abduction of students in Kebbi is a painful reminder that insecurity is far from over.

“Kebbi has enjoyed stability due to regular payment of salaries, pensions, and visible infrastructural development, making the attack even more troubling

“That bandits struck with ease despite existing measures, points to something more sinister, something we must all be concerned about,’’ he said.

Ajaero said the promise made after the Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction that such incidents would not happen again had not been fulfilled.

“We had promised that after Chibok, it would not happen again, yet, here we are back to where we started,’’ he added.

He called for collective support for the Kebbi State Governor, Dr Nasir Idris, as the government and families dealt with the emotional trauma.

“The governor needs all the support he can get at this point in time,’’ Ajaero said.

He urged the federal government to intensify efforts in securing the country’s vast landmass, stressing that existing budgetary allocations had not produced meaningful results.

Ajaero said the shrinking physical and psychological spaces across the country should worry every Nigerian.

He warned that states currently facing attacks might not be the only ones at risk, noting that insecurity could escalate if not addressed urgently.

Rivers Communities on Edge As Government Moves To Revoke Land Titles In Two LGAs

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Rivers Communities on Edge As Government Moves To Revoke Land Titles In Two LGAs

Land and property owners in parts of Elelenwo and Igwuruta communities in Obio/Akpor and Ikwerre Local Government Areas of Rivers State have been gripped by anxiety following a fresh move by the state government to revoke Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-Os) covering extensive parcels of land.

The Atlantic Bell reports that the panic was triggered by a public notice published on Friday, November 14, 2025, in The Tide Newspaper, in which the state government announced its intention to withdraw titles for multiple plots — totalling more than 500 hectares — in Igwuruta, surrounding communities in Ikwerre LGA, and Elelenwo in Obio/Akpor LGA.

Issued under the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and citing “overriding public interest” pursuant to Section 28 of the Land Use Act 1978, the notice directs affected landowners to submit claims and supporting documents to the Ministry of Lands and Survey on or before November 28, 2025. Lands for which no claims are submitted will be deemed unclaimed and automatically taken over by the state.

Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Mr Tamunosaki Sordum, said valuation teams have begun assessing affected properties, assuring that compensation will reflect current market value plus an additional 10 per cent disturbance allowance.

The Atlantic Bell reports that the announcement has triggered a rush for clarification, with many buyers reportedly discovering encumbrances previously flagged in the state’s 2023 GIS land registry.

Government sources say the targeted area, strategically located near the Port Harcourt International Airport, has been earmarked for major infrastructure expansion, new road networks, and housing schemes under Governor Fubara’s 2025 development blueprint.

However, legal experts warn that classifying unclaimed plots as “unoccupied” could raise constitutional concerns over fair hearing, recalling previous controversies surrounding mass land revocations during the Greater Port Harcourt City project.

Community leaders in Elelenwo and Igwuruta have begun convening emergency meetings, urging residents to remain calm while advocating for transparent engagement and prompt compensation.

Meanwhile, long queues have formed at the premises of the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation in Diobu, Port Harcourt, as desperate landowners scramble to obtain copies of the November 14 edition of The Tide to study the notice. With the newspaper snapped off newsstands, prices reportedly surged to between ₦2,000 and ₦5,000 per copy, while photocopies sold for about ₦2,000.

Despite the tension, government officials maintain that the acquisition of dormant lands is essential to the state’s broader development agenda, aimed at decongesting Port Harcourt, boosting investment inflows and creating jobs for the state’s growing youth population.

Wike Warns South-South Development Commission Against Repeating Past Failures

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Wike Warns South-South Development Commission Against Repeating Past Failures

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has cautioned the newly inaugurated South-South Development Commission (SSDC) to remain firmly focused on its mandate and avoid the pitfalls that plagued previous regional intervention agencies.

Wike gave the charge on Wednesday when he received the Commission’s board and management team, led by its chairman, Mr. Chibudom Nwuche, and Managing Director, Ms. Usoro Akpabio.

The Minister warned the leadership to steer clear of distractions and resist external pressures capable of derailing the Commission’s developmental objectives. According to him, several interventionist bodies in the past underperformed due to corruption, divided loyalties and weak leadership.

He stressed that the progress of the South-South region would depend on the personal commitment of those appointed to drive development, rather than the pursuit of titles or influence. Wike lamented that many officials in similar bodies lacked dedication, noting that only hard work and discipline would justify their appointments and align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Taking a swipe at the performance of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Wike decried a culture where contractors “arrived with portfolios,” yet billions of naira yielded scant results. He urged the SSDC leadership to avoid duplicating projects, awarding politically motivated contracts or sidelining community involvement.

Wike further tasked the board to uphold discipline, maintain internal cohesion, resist undue pressures and adhere to prudent financial management, insisting that the South-South was expecting a distinctly higher standard of performance.

He commended the commissioners and directors for their willingness to serve, expressing hope that they would project the region positively and reinforce the President’s confidence in their appointments.

Responding, Ms. Akpabio said the delegation’s visit was aimed at strengthening institutional relationships and deepening collaboration with federal agencies and stakeholders. She pledged that the Commission would prioritise regional development planning and ensure the South-South remained central to national policy implementation.

She added that the SSDC’s liaison office in Abuja would be enhanced to improve engagement with relevant federal bodies, affirming the Commission’s resolve to deliver on its mandate and advance economic growth across the region.

FAAC: FG, States, LGCs Share N2.094trn Revenue For October

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FAAC: FG, States, LGCs Share N2.094trn Revenue For October

The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), has shared a total sum of N2.094 trillion revenue for the month of October among the Federal Government, states and the Local Government Councils (LGCs).

The revenue was shared at the November Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting on Wednesday in Abuja.

This is according to a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, which was made available to newsmen by Bawa Mokwa, the Director, Press and Public Relations, Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF)

The communiqué said that the N2.094 trillion total distributable revenue comprised distributable statutory revenue of N1.376 trillion, Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue of N670.303 billion, and Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) revenue of N47.870 billion.

The communiqué said that total gross revenue of N2.934 trillion was available in October.

It said that total deduction for cost of collection was N115.278 billion, while total transfers, interventions, refunds and savings was N724.603 billion.

“Gross statutory revenue of N2.164 trillion was received for the month of October. This was higher than the sum of N2.128 trillion received in September 2025 by N36.832 billion.

“Gross revenue of N719.827 billion was available from the VAT. This is lower than the N872.630 billion available in September by N152.803 billion,” it said.

The communiqué said that from the N2.094 trillion total distributable revenue, the Federal Government received a total sum of N758.405 billion and the state governments received N689.120 billion.

It said that the LGCs received N505.803 billion, while the sum of N141.359 billion (13 per cent of mineral revenue) was shared to the benefiting states as derivation revenue.

“On the N1.376 trillion distributable statutory revenue, the Federal Government received N650.680 billion and the state governments received N330.033 billion.

“The LGCs received N254.442 billion and the sum of N141.359 billion (13 per cent of mineral revenue) was shared to the benefiting States as derivation revenue,” it said.

It said that from the N670.303 billion VAT revenue, the Federal Government received N100.545 billion, the state governments received N335.152 billion and the LGCs received N234.606 billion.

It said that a total sum of N7.180 billion was received by the Federal Government from the N47.870 billion EMTL, the state governments received N23.935 billion and the LGCs received N16.755 billion.

NPC: 17 States Implementing Contributory Pension Scheme, 12 Lagging Behind – DG

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NPC: 17 States Implementing Contributory Pension Scheme, 12 Lagging Behind – DG

The Nigerian Pension Commission (NPC), on Wednesday, said 17 of the 36 states in the federation are implementing the contributory pension scheme.

The Director General (DG) of the commission, Ms. Omolola Oloworaran disclosed this in her address of welcome at the Second Run 2025 Consultative Forum for states and the FCT held in Benin.

Oloworaran, however, lamented that 12 states were yet to start, while seven were at various stages of establishing their pension bureaus.

She also said that the existing micro-pension plan for the informal sector was being redesigned and rebranded as Personal Pension Plan to take care of the millions of Nigerians in the informal sector.

She commended President Bola Tinubu for approving a ₦758 billion bond to settle legacy pension liabilities, such as accrued rights, pension increases, and minimum pension guarantees.

Oloworaran was represented at the event by the Commissioner of Inspectorate in the commission, Samuel Uwandu.

She said: “Today, under the CPS, that promise is being kept for over 10.9 million workers at the federal, state, and private sector levels, with pension assets now topping ₦26 trillion, fueling our nation’s development.

“But our mission as an industry is not complete,” She added.

According to Oloworaran, the success of this national reform rests on its implementation in every state, local government, and across the informal sector.

“This forum is the engine of that collaboration.

“This November marks one year since I assumed office as DG of NPC, and it has been a year of deliberate reform, focused on strengthening governance and expanding the value of the pension system for all Nigerians,” she said.

Oloworaran said that last year, the commission achieved the timely payment of accrued pension rights, the planned re-introduction of gratuity payments for federal civil servants under the CPS, and the introduction of a new Pension Contribution Remittance System (PCRS) to eliminate errors and delays in pension remittances, among others.

She emphasised that the success of Nigeria’s pension system “depends on the extent to which sub-national governments embrace the full implementation of the CPS/CDBS”.

She commended the states that had made significant progress by enacting pension laws and commencing contribution remittances for their workers.

In a presentation on “Recent Developments in the Pension Industry,” the Acting Head of Corporate Communications of the Commission, Ibrahim Buwai, said the scheme for the informal sector “offers a flexible structure for individuals to contribute at their own pace, ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of employment type, can build retirement savings”.

Declaring the two-day event open, Gov. Monday, Okpebholo said his administration believed in the contributory pension scheme.

Okpebholo, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor, said that he was already expecting a report on the pension scheme in the state and was ready to abide by the recommendations.

He said the administration had released ₦3 billion of the ₦5 billion owed to staff of the state-owned College of Education, disengaged when the school was taken over by the Federal Government.

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