Nigeria’s First Lady, Sen Oluremi Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), in partnership with the Tony Elumelu Foundation, has launched a N25 million empowerment programme for 500 women in Kogi.
Tinubu, inaugurating the disbursement on Thursday at Government House, Lokoja, said the scheme was aimed at boosting economic growth and supporting women entrepreneurs across the country.
Represented by Kogi Governor’s wife, Hajia Sefinat Ododo, she explained that the initiative targets 18,500 women nationwide, with 500 beneficiaries in each state, including the FCT.
She said 500 Kogi women would each receive N50,000 grants to strengthen their small businesses and improve their economic stability.
According to her, the programme was designed to support hardworking women traders and entrepreneurs who sustain their families while uplifting their communities.
Tinubu stressed that empowering women was vital to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG-5 on gender equality and SDG-8 on decent work and economic growth.
The initiative was made possible through a N1 billion donation by the Tony Elumelu Foundation to the Renewed Hope Initiative.
The First Lady added that the scheme underscored RHI’s commitment to promoting women’s economic independence and strengthening households, communities and the nation.
Secretary to the Kogi Government, Dr Folashade Ayoade, thanked the First Lady for remembering Kogi women and praised Elumelu’s philanthropic support.
She urged the beneficiaries to use the funds wisely to expand their businesses and ensure quality education for their children.
Kogi Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Fatima Momoh, said the programme fulfilled a vision to uplift women and transform communities through sustainable support.
Momoh assured that her ministry would continue backing initiatives that promote women’s empowerment across the state.
Hajia Sefinat Ododo presented N50,000 cash to a beneficiary during the Lokoja event.
Grateful beneficiaries, including Aisha Salihu, lauded the First Lady and the Governor’s wife, saying the support would enhance their businesses and livelihoods.
On August 19, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, turned 50.
A milestone. For a man of his status, you would expect a birthday bash complete with the dainties of vanity. And why not? A golden jubilee for a man of undeniable accomplishments deserves a festoon of golden confetti in Dubai, the Caribbean or any of the exotic offshore getaways.
But not Ogbuku. He chose a different path. A path of value, decorum, and compassionate reflection on humanity especially on the well-being of the Niger Delta region.
A true born of the region, precisely of the Ogbia ancestry in Bayelsa state, Ogbuku was raised to cherish value, integrity and uphold the dignity of his family tree, a family that through the ages has endured as an emblem of honour and veracity.
So, rather than get drowned in the fountain of merriment and high spirit of splash and dash as some persons are wont, Ogbuku chose sobriety. He embraced scholarship and intellectual exegesis.
He chose the occasion of the birthday memorial to unveil two books that not only provide a veritable inquisition into the past and struggles of the Niger Delta people but also offers a reliable and feasible roadmap to the birthing of a prosperous future for the region.
The birthday coursed through Abuja to Port Harcourt before hitting home in Bayelsa. A tripodal trail, each event and venue symbolizing the essence of his life and the office he occupies. In Abuja, two critical books were unveiled: Strategies & Imperatives for Developing the Niger Delta; and Rethinking the Niger Delta: Thoughts and Writings. Both books empirically reflect Ogbuku’s character and commitment to thought leadership even as they offer nuggets to sustainable development of the Niger Delta.
The book presentation ceremony turned out most expectedly an intellectual fellowship, epitomizing the inclination of the NDDC boss to critical thinking, strategic visioning and cerebral value system.
Then, there was an anniversary dinner in Port Harcourt, the headquarters of NDDC. The dinner, typical of Ogbuku, had all the trappings of decorum, moderation with noticeable sprinkling of refined elegance.
It was a dignified gathering of family members, friends, colleagues and a coterie of stakeholders who came to honour a life of service to humanity and a man who trades with virtue as his currency.
There was a defined spiritual dimension to the celebration underscored by a thanksgiving service at St. Mark’s Anglican Church, Ayakoro, Bayelsa State. The service was solemn, void of ecclesiastical charlatanry of any sort. A moment he shared love with family members and people of the local community.
The church component of the birthday was a show of gratitude to God by a man who always esteemed himself of low estate and never failed to acknowledge the fact that God, and only God, had been his shepherd, compass bearer and sustainer. Ogbuku is a man of faith. His family has a deep history of religion rooted in Christianity. He has never shied away from his faith and confession in the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
Attaining age 50 is a landmark. Doing so in good health makes your debt of gratitude to God even bigger. The three events; books presentation, dinner and thanksgiving are all expressions of value, not vainglory.
History is replete with thought leaders at various levels who marked their birthdays with book presentation. On September 17, just a few days away, India’s ruling party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) plans to mark the birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a public presentation of a book chronicling the eventful life of the PM.
In Nigeria, distinguished public figures like former governor of Ogun state Aremo Segun Osoba; Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; former Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission and global finance expert, Arunma Oteh, among others had at various times marked their birthdays with book presentations.
Before he became President of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, had often marked his birthday with a colloquium during which national issues were discussed. Using the occasion of birthday to unveil books or hold public discourses is not only an act of civility, it is a way of intellectualizing the public space and sharing valuable lessons on the demands of leadership, statecraft and citizenship.
This is the path that Ogbuku, a man with a strong predilection to scholarship and intellectual activism, chose. His books are special treasure troves of ideas. They courageously curated what was, what is and what would become of the Niger Delta region if the lofty standard of leadership he has engendered at NDDC coupled with the right mix of leadership in the states are sustained.
The books elicit hope, not gloom and doom. They are firsts of their kind. Historical, contemporary and futuristic. Ogbuku deserves best wishes not a campaign to paint him and the birthday celebration in delusory dark tar.
Any wonder that President Tinubu showered the kindest words on him in his birthday message to the visionary NDDC helmsman. The President noted NDDC’s efforts under Ogbuku in infrastructure development and interventions in health, agriculture, and environmental remediation even as he prayed for his “continued good health, wisdom, and many more years of impactful service to the nation.”
The President’s charge at the book presentation sums it up: “Turning 50 is a golden milestone; it’s a time for gratitude and a renewed sense of purpose. In Dr. Ogbuku’s case, we celebrate not just the years but a life of service, scholarship, and impactful leadership.”
All of this has put a lie to the mischievously conjured tales of a non-existent after-party where obscene wealth or any form of showy adulation for lucre were displayed.
The three events that hallmarked his birthday are well documented. And they are noble exertions managed within the limits of decency and moderation. Any other activity only exists in the minds of those who have never hidden their agenda to oust Ogbuku and return NDDC to its inglorious past.
Ogbuku deserves to be celebrated, not condemned, for the bold reforms he has brought into NDDC operations, wheeling the interventionist agency from ‘transaction to transformation.’
Under his watch, there has been sustained peace in the region, increase in crude oil production and reinforced confidence of investors and stakeholders in the region.
A leader who has ensured more revenue for the nation, more infrastructure, improved healthcare, education, power, agriculture and active engagement of the once restive youths through empowerment among other totems of development, should be encouraged.
He is highly ranked among public officials who are daily adding value to the Renewed Hope agenda of the President.
Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) has urged global co-operation to tackle methane emissions and accelerate climate action.
Dr Philip Mshelbila, Managing Director of NLNG, made the call during a panel session at the Gastech Exhibition and Conference in Milan, Italy, were he also highlighted that the company had reduced Nigeria’s gas flaring by more than 40 per cent since its inception 26 years ago.
The session was themed, “Advancing Progress on Methane Abatement Through Strategic Cooperation and the Mobilisation of Finance and Technologies.”
Mshelbila stressed that methane reduction must be prioritised due to its high climate potency and short atmospheric lifespan compared to carbon dioxide (CO₂).
He explained that about 40 per cent of methane emissions were natural, while 60 per cent resulted from human activities.
“Of this 60 per cent, agriculture contributes 40 per cent, and waste, 20 per cent.
“Globally, oil and gas account for 21 per cent of total methane emissions from fossil fuels, making the sector a critical focus for intervention,” he said.
He explained that fossil fuel-related emissions arose from coal mining, flaring, venting, fugitive releases, and incomplete combustion — all requiring targeted mitigation strategies.
Mshelbila identified three key pillars for addressing the challenge which included prevention, detection and measurement, and intervention.
He said that prevention involved designing new facilities to minimise leaks and upgrading existing infrastructure, while detection and measurement relied on advanced technologies to track performance.
“If you cannot measure it, you cannot know how well you are performing,” he stated.
Mshelbila noted that methane lingered in the atmosphere for about 12 years, compared to hundreds or thousands for CO₂, yet it was over 80 times more potent, making its reduction a ‘fast-track’ climate solution.
According to him, we need to focus attention on methane mitigation technologies and support small-scale producers and transporters who often lack the capital to invest in advanced systems.
While CO₂ regulations are relatively mature, Mshelbila observed that methane policies remained underdeveloped, particularly in developing nations.
He called for industry-wide collaboration and inclusive frameworks to close this gap.
“Methane is energy. It is good as long as you keep it in-pipe. NLNG was created to monetise associated gas that was previously flared during oil production.
“We have invested in detection, measurement, monitoring, and reporting systems to manage methane emissions,” he said.
Mshelbila further said that the company had joined the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership (OGMP) and was working towards achieving Gold Standard certification.
He announced that the company would soon inaugurate a boil-off gas compressor to reintegrate methane that would otherwise be flared.
Mshelbila emphasised the importance of partnerships, funding access, knowledge-sharing to help smaller operators adopt advanced technologies, citing satellite-based detection as an innovation that could deliver industry-wide benefits.
He added that access to finance and scalable solutions was crucial for independent players to reduce flaring and emissions.
According to him, we need global stakeholders to support methane mitigation through technology, funding, and inclusive policy frameworks,” he said.
The Rivers State Chapter of the National Coconut Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NACOPPMAN) has continued its advocacy for coconut awareness and cultivation with an outreach at Community Comprehensive Secondary School, Rumukwurusi, Port Harcourt.
The sensitization programme, led by the State Chairperson, Pastor(Mrs) Ngozi Ajayi and her team, the Vice Chairman – Alhaji Ahmed Zacca, General Secretary – Engr Ongwatabo Nehemiah Epoh and the Public Relations Officer – Mrs Delight Uche-Aniche focused on educating students about the nutritional, medicinal, and economic benefits of cultivating coconuts.
Pastor Ajayi emphasized that coconuts are not only vital for improving health but also hold significant potential in wealth creation through agribusiness opportunities.
As part of the event, the team planted six coconut seedlings within the school premises.
The exercise symbolized NACOPPMAN’s flagship campaign, COSIN (Coconuts Sufficiency In Nigeria), which recommends that every family must plant at least three coconut trees to secure both future health benefits and economic stability.
Speaking during the event, teachers and staff of Rumukwurusi School commended the Association’s initiative, describing it as a timely and practical way to introduce students to agriculture as a pathway to food security, entrepreneurship, and sustainable livelihoods.
The outreach concluded with NACOPPMAN’s call on families, schools, and communities across Rivers State to embrace coconut farming as a means of fostering health, wealth, and environmental sustainability.
Guinness World Record–winning chef, Hilda Baci, is set to make history once again as she prepares the world’s largest pot of Nigerian jollof rice.
In collaboration with Gino, Hilda will mark World Jollof Day with a bold attempt to cook 250 bags of basmati rice in a giant pot measuring 6 by 6 meters wide, 1.1 meters high, and 1.3 meters deep. The historic cook-off is scheduled for Friday, September 13, 2025, at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos.
Hilda Baci biggest pot of jollof rice
Hilda revealed via her Instagram page that more than 20,000 people have registered to witness the event, expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support. Initially planned for Muri Okuola, which could only accommodate 3,500 people, the venue was shifted to Eko Hotel to ensure the safety and comfort of the large crowd.
In true community spirit, Hilda announced that the meal will be free for all attendees. She said:
“All you have to do is come, watch, and enjoy a taste of my amazing meal.”
Ahead of the event, Hilda and her team conducted a dry run at the venue where the massive pot was assembled, testing it for leaks and ingredient balance to guarantee success. She also promised a smooth registration process for everyone attending.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) has predicted thunderstorms and rainfall across several parts of the country from Friday to Sunday, warning that the weather conditions could lead to flooding in vulnerable areas.
In a weather outlook released on Thursday, September 11, 2025, in Abuja, the agency highlighted Sokoto, Zamfara, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, parts of Kebbi, Taraba, Bauchi, Gombe and Adamawa states as likely to experience thunderstorms and moderate rainfall.
In the central region, states such as Niger, Kogi and Benue are expected to witness cloudy skies with sunshine intervals in the morning, followed by thunderstorms and moderate rainfall later in the day. Plateau, Kwara and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are also included in this forecast.
For the southern region, intermittent moderate rainfall is expected throughout the forecast period, with possible flooding in parts of Lagos, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states. Light to moderate rain is anticipated in the afternoons and evenings. Similarly, Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, Edo, Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross River and Akwa Ibom states are expected to experience cloudy skies with moderate rainfall in the morning, and further rainfall later in the day.
The agency advised against driving in heavy rain and urged farmers to avoid applying fertilizers and pesticides just before rainfall to prevent nutrient loss. It also cautioned residents to secure loose objects, disconnect electrical appliances during storms, and avoid staying under tall trees to prevent injuries from falling branches.
NIMET further directed airline operators to obtain up to date weather reports for safe and efficient operations. The agency encouraged the public to remain alert and stay updated with its weather advisories.
Algorithms, the backbone of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Internet of things, Quantum Computing and Biotechnology, and their effects, is a reflection of transformative power of technology when applied intentionally and ethically for rapid development of the society.
A lecturer in the Department of Computer Science, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Professor Daniel Matthias, stated this on Wednesday when he delivered the 118th Inaugural Lecture of the University titled, “From Algorithms to Impact: Harnessing Emerging Technologies For Socio Economic Transformation.”
Vice Chancellor, Rivers State University, Prof Isaac Zeb- Obibi ( left) presenting a commemorative plaque to Prof. Daniel Matthias, after the lecture
Prof Matthias who described Algorithm as a, “Finite, step by step set of institutions designed to solve a specific problem or perform a task”, said they are fundamental to both Computer Science and everyday life, where they serve as recipes, driving directions, or the instructions a computer used to sort data, make recommendations on social media or rank search engine results. They take input, process it through a sequence of logical steps, and produce and output.”
The university don emphasized that Africa has the most youthful population globally with entrepreneurial spirit and therefore stands at a pivotal moment to harness the potential of the technologies enabled by the algorithm to drive sustainable development.
He noted that in an era where technology is no longer a spectator in the game of societal development, with AI diagnosing diseases, to data analysis predicting natural disasters, there is no doubt that technology shapes the world.
“Africa, with its youthful population and entrepreneurial spirit, stands at a pivotal moment to harness the potential of these technologies. By addressing infrastructure deficits, fostering digital literacy, and creating supportive policies, the continent can leapfrog traditional development pathways and establish itself as a global innovator,” Prof Mathias stated.
According to him, though Africa has its challenges in infrastructure deficits such as access to technology, logistics and transportation, educational barriers in the areas of quality education and digital literacy, limited investment and informal economies, the continent has promise of potential growth with the development and use of Algorithms.
Prof Matthias attributed the potential promises to demographic advantage, ecosystems, noting that Africa has the potential to leapfrog traditional stages of technological development by adopting mobile and digital solutions directly. Furthermore, he said that focusing on renewable energy and sustainable practices can help Africa address energy shortages while promoting environmental stewardship.
He postulated that emerging new technologies in AI, Blockchain, Internet of Things, Quantum Computing, and Biotechnology are no longer just theoretical constructs, but are reshaping industries, improving lives, and addressing critical challenges in Africa and beyond, citing studies in healthcare, land registry systems, flood monitoring, and renewable energy as how technology can be harnessed for socio-economic transformation, fostering resilience, equity and economic growth.
“By bridging the gap between technical knowledge and societal needs, we can create technologies that not only solve problems, but also empower communities, foster inclusion, and drive sustainable development. Collaboration, advocacy, and mentorship are essential to ensuring that technology serves as a tool for equity, empowerment, and a better future for all,” the university Don stated.
For Africa to benefit immensely from emerging technologies, Prof. Matthias recommended the strengthening of research in emerging technologies through the establishment of dedicated research centres in AI, IoT, Blockchain, and Renewable Energy. He also advocated linking computer science with health, agriculture, and engineering as interdisciplinary projects.
He further recommended the promotion of digital literacy, Science, Technology, and Mathematics (STEM) capacity building through integrating digital skills and coding from first year across all faculties in universities and similar institutions. He called for the expansion of postgraduate and professional training programmes in data science, cyber security, and machine learning.
Prof Matthias further suggested encouragement for innovation and incubation through developing innovation hubs where students and staff can build prototypes and grant support to start-ups and tech-driven enterprises through seed funding and mentorship.
While urging for a university-industry- government partnership in order to strengthen collaborations for internships, applied research, and product development, Prof. Matthias recommended that research outcomes should align with societal needs, especially in healthcare, environment, education, and governance.
Prof. Matthias, who described himself as not merely a computer scientist who is focused on the abstract world of algorithms but a scholar striving to connect computational innovations with tangible societal progress, enumerated some of his contributions to real-world contexts, which include, developing machine learning models for public health, promoting open-source tools for education, and mentoring students to become tools for education.
Prof. Matthias also highlighted his computational intelligence on healthcare delivery in Nigeria during the COVID-19 pandemic, maternal and neonatal health statistics as significant strides. He also made significant contributions in the areas of security, privacy, and digital trust, smart cities, transportation, infrastructure, big data, cloud, and the digital economy, where his contributions “illustrate that algorithms are not merely mathematical constructs, but also facilitators of trust, privacy, and governance in the digital era,”.
In his closing remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the Rivers State University, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obibi congratulated the lecturer, describing the lecture as “fantastic” and the lecturer, as “our rare gift to Africa and the world in the field of Computer Science.”
He acknowledged that most of the recommendations of the lecturer were in consonance with what the university was doing in terms of developing a policy on the use of AI and making the university community to be digital compliant.
Mr Baba Azare, Commissioner of Police (CP), in Akwa Ibom State has warned youths against blocking of public roads and entrances of organisations to protest perceived grievances in the state, warning that those involved risk arrests.
Azare gave the warning at a news conference in Uyo on Thursday.
“I want to draw the attention of good people of Akwa Ibom to please admonish the youths against taking laws into their hands as a result of slightest provocation.
“The act of blocking public roads and gates of organisations is very serious offence,” he said.
Azare noted that some youths have cultivated the habit of blocking roads and gates on a slightest provocation between them and their employees regardless of obvious nuisance being caused.
The CP said that the command would stop at nothing to arrest and prosecute anyone caught in such act.
He advised the youths to exhaust alternative means of dialogue and not to resort to violence.
“If you have any issues, the law is very clear, you can go ahead and explore legal avenues to resolve the problems within your own organisation or communities,” he said.
Azare also said that the command would not fold its arms and watch people blocking Federal roads or public roads in the state.
He said that the command under his leadership would continue to fight crime and criminality in the state.
“I want to sincerely appreciate the good people of Akwa Ibom for their continuous support and cooperation with the Police,” he said.
Azare urged Akwa Ibom people to report any suspicious movement or persons to the nearest police station.
The National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) entered into partnership with a Chinese firm to establish Nigeria’s first insulin production plant.
Insulin is a key requirement in the treatment and management of diabetes.
The move marks a major step toward Nigeria’s medical self-sufficiency which is expected to save billions of naira in foreign exchange.
Mrs Toyin Omozuwa, Press Secretary to the Director-General of the NBRDA, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, said this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.
She said the NBRDA signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Shanghai Haiqi Industrial Company Ltd, on Wednesday in Abuja to establish Nigeria’s first sustainable insulin manufacturing facility.
She said the Mustapha signed on behalf of the Federal Government, while Mr Bokai Zhai, General Manager of Shanghai Haiqi Industrial Company Ltd signed on behalf of the firm.
According to her, Mr Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, witnessed the event saying that for decades, diabetic patients have depended on imported insulin, often at high cost and with limited availability.
Nnaji said that with the agreement Nigeria would step into an era of improvement in its health security, job creation, and industrial innovation.
He added that beyond saving the nation up to one billion dollars in imports every year, the initiative offered a ray of hope to Nigerian families affected by diabetes.
Mustapha also underscored the agreement as a turning point for the health sector and for biotechnology advancement in Nigeria.
“This is a transformative opportunity, and for the first time, Nigeria will have standardised, locally produced insulin, ensuring affordability and quality not only for our citizens but eventually for Africa.
“This marks the beginning of a new chapter in our biotechnology journey, where research is converted into real solutions for Nigerians,” Mustapha stated in the statement.
Meanwhile, Zhai, said the company was committed to the project because of its potential human and economic impact.
“This cooperation will reduce reliance on imported insulin, ensure accessibility and affordability for Nigerian families, and promote the growth of the local pharmaceutical industry through technology transfer, job creation, and capacity building,” he said.
As the first insulin plant in Nigeria and among the few in Africa, the facility will enhance healthcare delivery, support industrial growth, and reduce pressure on foreign exchange.
It also positions Nigeria to lead in biotechnology and pharmaceutical innovation across the continent.
The Federal Government on Thursday began a three-day strategic retreat to harmonise the methodology for the Personnel Audit and Skills Gap Analysis (PASGA) in the Federal Civil Service.
Declaring the retreat open in Abuja, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, described the exercise as a critical step in the ongoing reforms of the Federal Civil Service.
She said the initiative aimed to reposition the service for greater efficiency, professionalism, and improved service delivery.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier directed a comprehensive PASGA across the federal service to enhance professionalism and effective service delivery.
The audit is also expected to support the development of a more agile, competent, and responsive civil workforce.
Walson-Jack described the project as a foundational reform initiative under the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP) 2021–2025.
“This project will give us what we have long needed, a credible and verifiable personnel database that captures not just numbers, but also skills, competencies, and workforce distribution across ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs),” she said.
She emphasised that the data gathered would support evidence-based planning, targeted training, strategic deployment, and transparent succession planning.
“With it, we can direct capacity building where it is most needed and plan for the next generation of civil servants,” she added.
The HCSF urged participants to work toward a unified and workable methodology that would strengthen civil service reforms.
She noted that the outcome of the retreat would shape future decisions on recruitment, promotions, postings, training, and succession.
Also speaking, Mr Folusho Philips, Chairman of Philips Consulting, the lead firm for the project, described the civil service as a “huge organisation” that required proper personnel verification.
He said the PASGA would help identify skill gaps, competencies, and strengths to ensure workers were “fit for purpose” in today’s dynamic environment.
“We want to identify the kinds of jobs we need to fill, the kind of people we need, and then address the skills and capacity gaps,” Philips said.
He added that if successful, the initiative could be replicated at the state level to improve public service delivery across the country.
Earlier, Dr Danjuma Kalba, Permanent Secretary, Common Services Office in the HCSF, stressed the need to harmonise the approaches of the 15 cluster consultants involved in the project.
“Each HR firm might adopt a different methodology if left unchecked. This retreat is essential to ensure a standardised and credible outcome,” he said.
The retreat, themed “Building a Future-Ready Workforce: Reshaping Skills Today for Tomorrow’s Nigeria,” is being attended by members of the steering committee and the implementation team.
Also in attendance are representatives from Philips Consulting and the 15 cluster consultants engaged for the national project.
