Northern states face over 60% poverty rate – NNDC chairman
The Chairman of the Northern Nigeria Development Company, NNDC, Alhaji Lamis Dikko, has raised concern over rising poverty in the North, warning that 19 northern states are facing severe socio-economic challenges. Speaking at the ongoing Northern Nigeria Investment and Industrialization Summit in Abuja, Dikko said poverty levels in the region stand above 60 percent, with
Northern states face over 60% poverty rate – NNDC chairman
The Chairman of the Northern Nigeria Development Company, NNDC, Alhaji Lamis Dikko, has raised concern over rising poverty in the North, warning that 19 northern states are facing severe socio-economic challenges.
Speaking at the ongoing Northern Nigeria Investment and Industrialization Summit in Abuja, Dikko said poverty levels in the region stand above 60 percent, with states such as Zamfara and Sokoto recording more than 80 percent, compared to about 30 percent in the South.
He noted that traditional development approaches have failed, stressing the need to embed technology, digital infrastructure, and innovation across sectors.
According to him, closing the digital gap is crucial, as internet penetration in Nigeria is about 48 percent while many rural and northern communities remain offline, leaving more than 60 million people excluded.
Dikko warned that without urgent action, the North risks being left out of the projected $15.7 trillion global AI-driven economy by 2030. He called for expansion of affordable broadband, smartphone access, and reliable electricity as growth drivers.
On agriculture, he said the sector, the backbone of the North’s economy, has been limited by outdated practices. He argued that adopting digital agriculture tools such as drones, sensors, and AI-driven data analysis could improve yields and reduce losses.
He also identified energy poverty as a major obstacle, noting that unreliable power supply continues to cripple development. He called for investment in smart grid systems and renewable energy to modernize power distribution and cut losses.
Dikko stressed the need for regional cooperation, digital literacy programs, and empowerment of women and rural communities to ensure inclusive growth.
Northern states face over 60% poverty rate – NNDC chairman
Read moreBe patient, Tinubu’s reforms yielding results – Akpabio tells Nigerians
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio has called on Nigerians to remain patient with the ongoing economic reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, assuring that the worst phase is over and that the benefits are beginning to materialize. Akpabio made the appeal in a statement to commemorate Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, to be celebrated on Wednesday.
Be patient, Tinubu’s reforms yielding results – Akpabio tells Nigerians
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio has called on Nigerians to remain patient with the ongoing economic reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, assuring that the worst phase is over and that the benefits are beginning to materialize.
Akpabio made the appeal in a statement to commemorate Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, to be celebrated on Wednesday.
In the statement, The senate President congratulated Nigerians for their resilience, patience, and endurance over the past two years, noting that the theme of this year’s anniversary — “All hands are on deck for a greater Nigeria” — reflects the collective responsibility to build a prosperous nation.
“We are not unaware of the pains occasioned by the reforms, but I want to assure you, very soon, this will be a thing of the past because the benefits of the reforms are beginning to manifest positively,” Akpabio said.
He also congratulated President Tinubu for his commitment to peace and development, while commending members of the National Assembly, the judiciary, and Nigerians at home and in the diaspora for their support.
Rejecting claims that Nigeria’s future is bleak, Akpabio stressed that the country is “on the right pedestal” under the Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said is already reshaping the nation.
“If we all join hands together to support the reforms, Nigeria will become better and surely get to the Promised Land,” he added.
The Senate President, on behalf of his family, constituents, and the 10th National Assembly, wished Nigerians a peaceful and joyous Independence celebration.
Be patient, Tinubu’s reforms yielding results – Akpabio tells Nigerians
Read moreUCL: Barca Prepared For Tough Challenge Vs PSG –Flick
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has disclosed that the team have the quality to overcome Paris Saint-Germain in tomorrow’s Champions League clash at Camp Nou. In a chat with the club’s website, Flick noted that Barca are facing one of the best teams in Europe. “It’s a different competition. We’re facing the best team from last […] The post UCL: Barca Prepared For Tough Challenge Vs PSG –Flick appeared first on Complete Sports.
Read moreOgun Assembly approves 2026-2028 Medium Term Expenditure Framework
Ogun State House of Assembly has approved the State Medium Term Expenditure Framework, MTEF, for 2026–2028 earlier forwarded to it by Governor Dapo Abiodun in preparation for the next fiscal year . The financial framework was approved on Tuesday at a plenary presided over by the Speaker, Oludaisi Elemide, in Abeokuta. DAILY POST reports that
Ogun Assembly approves 2026-2028 Medium Term Expenditure Framework
Ogun State House of Assembly has approved the State Medium Term Expenditure Framework, MTEF, for 2026–2028 earlier forwarded to it by Governor Dapo Abiodun in preparation for the next fiscal year .
The financial framework was approved on Tuesday at a plenary presided over by the Speaker, Oludaisi Elemide, in Abeokuta.
DAILY POST reports that the report was presented by the Chairman, House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Musefiu Lamidi, who thereafter moved the motion for its adoption.
The report was subsequently considered and adopted sector by sector, with allocations covering personnel, overhead, and capital expenditures for the states ministries, departments and agencies from the year 2026 to 2028.
The Majority Leader, Yusuf Sheriff, moved the motion for the approval of the report, seconded by the Minority Leader, Lukman Adeleye and supported by the Whole House.
Following that, the Speaker directed the Clerk/Head of Legislative Service to forward the Assembly’s resolution to Governor Abiodun to allow for early preparation of the 2026 budget and subsequent fiscal years.
Meanwhile, the Speaker announced Dickson Awolaja as the new Deputy Minority Leader, replacing Lukmon Atobatele, while Waliu Owode would now take the position of the Deputy Minority Whip.
Ogun Assembly approves 2026-2028 Medium Term Expenditure Framework
Read moreManufacturers expect further lending rate cuts after CBN’s 50bps MPR slash
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has expressed optimism that the recent decision by the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to lower the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) by 50 basis points will pave the way for deeper cuts in lending rates to support the country’s struggling manufacturing sector. The post Manufacturers expect further lending rate cuts after CBN’s 50bps MPR slash appeared first on Nairametrics.
Read moreLagos Govt appoints Mandy Kiss as anti-drug abuse ambassador
The Lagos State Kick Against Drug and Substance Abuse initiative, LASKADA, has unveiled social media personality, Ayomiposi Oluwadahunsi, popularly known as Mandy Kiss, as one of its brand ambassadors. The appointment was confirmed during a LASKADA event on Tuesday, where the state’s Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, officially conferred the role on
Lagos Govt appoints Mandy Kiss as anti-drug abuse ambassador
The Lagos State Kick Against Drug and Substance Abuse initiative, LASKADA, has unveiled social media personality, Ayomiposi Oluwadahunsi, popularly known as Mandy Kiss, as one of its brand ambassadors.
The appointment was confirmed during a LASKADA event on Tuesday, where the state’s Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, officially conferred the role on her.
In a viral video shared by an X user, @dammiedammie35, Ogunlende explained that the decision to engage Mandy Kiss was driven by her wide reach and influence among young people.
“We’re here with Mandy Kiss, and she has agreed to become one of our LASKADA ambassadors. Drug abuse is a pandemic affecting our streets, our society, and our communities. The government cannot fight it alone. We must collaborate with people who can reach the masses, and Mandy Kiss, with over 400,000 followers, fits that role,” he said.
He added: “With the powers conferred on me, I hereby appoint her as one of our brand ambassadors. So, say no to drugs. Say what? Say no to drugs.”
The development comes just days after Mandy Kiss sparked controversy on social media over her recent “marathon sex” remarks, which drew widespread criticism.



Lagos Govt appoints Mandy Kiss as anti-drug abuse ambassador

Man United Must Step Up Their Game –Amorim
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has called on his players to step up the standard of their game if they are to change the fortune of the club. Recall that the Portuguese tactician is under immense pressure following United’s dismal start to the season with just two wins, one draw, and three defeats from their […] The post Man United Must Step Up Their Game –Amorim appeared first on Complete Sports.
Read moreNPFL Threatens To Sanction Warri Wolves Over Aluma’s Suspension
Warri Wolves have been queried by the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, following the suspension of its head coach Napoleon Aluma. The NPFL in a letter to Warri Wolves signed by its Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi, mandated the club to ensure full compliance by submitting its contract with all of the club’s technical and […] The post NPFL Threatens To Sanction Warri Wolves Over Aluma’s Suspension appeared first on Complete Sports.
Read moreEdo Assembly refuses to confirm ex-lawmaker as commissioner over DSS petition
The Edo State House of Assembly on Tuesday declined to screen and confirm a former member, Chris Okaeben, for appointment as commissioner, over an alleged petition before the Department of State Service, DSS. DAILY POST reports that the Speaker of the Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, disclosed this during the confirmation of commissioner-nominations at an emergency plenary
Edo Assembly refuses to confirm ex-lawmaker as commissioner over DSS petition
The Edo State House of Assembly on Tuesday declined to screen and confirm a former member, Chris Okaeben, for appointment as commissioner, over an alleged petition before the Department of State Service, DSS.
DAILY POST reports that the Speaker of the Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, disclosed this during the confirmation of commissioner-nominations at an emergency plenary sitting.
The nominee, who was a former member of the House representing Oredo West Constituency, was among six nominees called inside the chamber for confirmation.
Agbebaku told the House that the report from the screening committee before him stated that the former lawmaker has issues to settle with the DSS.
He said, “Six out of the seven commissioner-nominees before us today have been cleared and confirmed, except one, who is our former colleague, Hon Chris Okaeben, who has a question to answer with DSS. So I think he has to report to the DSS office for clearance.
“That is the report before me. The report is from the screening committee and I am not a member of the committee. The committee submitted a report.
“After his appearance with the DSS. They can take him and clear him. That is not a problem at all.”
The Speaker did not disclose the nature of the petition the embattled lawmaker has with the security agency.
Meanwhile, the House cleared and confirmed, John Akhigbe, Festus Ebea and Dr Elizabeth Ebosele.
Others are Dr Jerry Uwangue, Dr Kenneth Okoruwa Ihensekhien and Barr. Usenbo Paul Ehigie.
Edo Assembly refuses to confirm ex-lawmaker as commissioner over DSS petition
Read moreTinubu Will Win 2027 Presidential Election, Says Renewed Hope Ambassadors
Tinubu Will Win 2027 Presidential Election, Says Renewed Hope Ambassadors
Kasim Sumaina in Abuja
The Renewed Hope Ambassadors s hadeclared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will record landslide victory across the country in the 2027 Presidential election.
The Renewed Hope Ambassadors in the South East in a statement jointly issued on Monday by its coordinators in the five states of the zone insisted that given President Tinubu’s growing popularity, mainly due to the economy-revamping and nation-rebuilding effects of his policies and programmes, he will have a smooth sail in 2027.
The declaration by the group is coming ahead of President Tinubu’s scheduled visit to the South East on Tuesday as part of the activities to mark the 10th year of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC in office.
President Tinubu who will be received and hosted by South East leaders in Owerri, Imo State Capital is also scheduled to commission landmark projects executed by the Governor of Imo State and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Senator Hope Uzodinma.
The Coordinators of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors in the South East; Chief Henry Ikoh -Abia State, Chief Okey Ezenwa – Anambra State, Barr. Kelechi Igwe – Ebonyi State, Barr. George Ogara – Enugu State and Rt. Hon. Opiah Goodluck – Imo State, observed that the visit is an opportunity for the President to “feel the famed warmth of the South East and to witness the massive support of the people of the zone for him and his administration”
Describing President Tinubu as “the father of our nation and the transformer of our era” the coordinators said that the South East is excited to receive the President.
“This visit to the South East Zone is significant, being a major activity to mark the historic anniversary and celebration of the impactful 10 years of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in power, especially in the last two years of President Tinubu in the saddle.
While we welcome Mr. President to Imo State, the Heartland State, the Renewed Hope Ambassadors applaud and note the economy-revamping and nation-rebuilding effects of President Tinubu’s well-thought-out policies and programmes, which are also inspiring positive actions among hardworking Nigerians across the nation, particularly in the South East and in the Diaspora.
“Such positive action is further evident in the scheduled commissioning by President Tinubu during the visit of landmark projects by His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodinma CON, the Governor of Imo State, Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Chairman of the Southeast Governors Forum, and leader of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, in line with Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Mr. President’s visit is therefore an opportunity to feel the famed warmth of the South East and to witness the massive support of the people of the zone for him and his administration
“The South East Zone, under the leadership of Governor Hope Uzodinma, is now, more than ever before, ready to showcase massive support for the President and his government” the statement read.
Assuring President Tinubu of the full support of the South East in 2027, the group called on all Nigerians to support the reelection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu “without any distraction.
“Indeed, the South East wants to vote massively for President Tinubu in 2027 to sit at the front of the table in the equitable distribution of resources and infrastructure.
“The Renewed Hope Ambassadors, therefore, reassure President Tinubu of the love, loyalty, and support of the overwhelming majority of the leaders and people of the South East and, of course, Nigerians in the 2027 presidential election.
“This is a cause to which we are totally committed, and we will continue to work hard under the leadership of Governor Hope Uzodinma to ensure that President Tinubu records a landslide victory not only in the South East but also in other parts of the country” the group stated.
Kasim Sumaina in Abuja The Renewed Hope Ambassadors s hadeclared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will record landslide victory across the country in the 2027 Presidential election. The Renewed Hope
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