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Immigration Service Sensitises Rivers Residents on Danger of Migrant Smuggling

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

As part of commitment towards eradicating the menace of migrant smuggling and upholding the dignity and welfare of Nigerian migrants, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has organised a two-day sensitisation exercise for residents of Rivers State.

The exercise which is a nationwide sensitisation campaign is aimed at educating communities on the danger of irregular migration. It also seeks to raise awareness about the risk involved, provide information on legal migration pathways, and encourage safe practices.

In his address at the programme held in Ekara community in Onne, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, yesterday, the Comptroller of Immigration Service, Rivers Marine Command Onne, Peter Iregbu, noted that the exercise is part of larger effort to curb migrant smuggling and practice that continues to plague many regions of the world, including Nigeria.

Iregbu, who led the campaign alongside other security agencies to market places and motor parks in the area, said the fight against irregular migration is not just about law enforcement; but about saving lives, protecting the dignity of the citizens, and ensuring that Nigeria remains a nation where opportunities, safety, and prosperity are available to all through the right channels.

He said, “As Nigeria Immigration Service, it is our duty to protect the lives and well-being of our fellow citizens and that responsibility goes beyond simply enforcing immigration law. We must also educate, inform, and empower our communities to make safer and more informed decisions through proper and legal channels.”

He explained that in partnership with relevant authorities, civil society organisations and other key stakeholders, the Nigeria Immigration Service is committed to ensuring that Nigerians are equipped with the right knowledge and tools to avoid falling into the trap set by criminals in various locations.

He however urged “motor park workers, market men and women, school leaders, security agencies and religious institutions to become ambassadors for this cause. As trusted voices in your various locations, your ability to communicate this massage will make a lasting impact on the lives of many Nigerians.

“Today, we are not just talking about the dangers of irregular migration, we are here to tell you about the alternatives: legal pathways that lead to safer and more sustainable opportunities for work, education and personal growth. With the right information and guidance, many Nigerians can pursue their dreams without having to resort to dangerous and illegal means,” Iregbu added.

Sensitising the participants during the programme, Deputy Superintendent of Immigration from the Service Headquarters, Abuja, Jacob Mamam, emphasised that the nationwide awareness was in the instance of the Comptroller General of Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap, across states of the federation.

Mamam, who is one of the resource persons at the event explained that “It is a routine in Immigration Service that as a lead agency in the fight against smuggling migrants in Nigeria, we have the responsibility to create awareness to the general public on the dangers and risk associated with the smuggling of migrants.

“We are also encouraging Nigerians to travel regularly. If you have to travel, it is your right, but you must use the legal means of transportation. As a Service, we issue travel documents.”

Speaking further, Mamam said, “For you to be able to travel out of the country regularly, you must first obtain your international passport, then you must define the reason why you’re traveling out of the country, you must have your valid passport, valid visa. You must travel through a recognised exit or entry where you will find immigration officers. The officers must document both while you are going and coming into the country.

“Whenever you travel without immigration officers documenting you, you’re traveling irregularly, and the Service is discouraging that. A lot of Nigerians have died in the desert, Nigerians have been exploited on the journey, some have been sexually exploited, some have had their organs harvested, some are being killed, tortured and kidnapped.”

He regretted that “A lot of things happen to travellers who choose to travel irregularly, who choose to patronise smugglers. So, the CGI’s in her commitment to a safe, secure and orderly migration asked everyone of us to go out and sensitise the general public as a preventive approach to understand that it is very dangerous to travel irregularly.”

In his remarks, the Commandant, Nigerian Navy Basic Training School, Onne, Rear Admiral Victor Choji, commended the Immigration Service Comptroller in the area, resource person for wide sensitisation programme organised for the people in Onne, noting that it would go a long way in creating positive changes.

Represented by Captain Ezeh Okorie, Rear Admiral Choji told the participants “Like the Comptroller mentioned, we are all government. Sitting down and thinking that is the government’s sole responsibility, but let’s begin to have that mindset that the places we are going to abroad, human beings develop it.

“Let’s begin to sensitise our youths that hard work pays; perseverance pays overtime. It may not happen during our time, what the Europeans are enjoying today, is what their great grandparents fought and developed. So, let us begin to sensitise ourselves. If we sensitise our young ones that we can successfully stay in our country, it will go a long way,” Choji added.

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt As part of commitment towards eradicating the menace of migrant smuggling and upholding the dignity and welfare of Nigerian migrants, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has

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El-Rufai Urges Northern Nigeria to Embrace Technology, Innovation

.Advises INEC to fully adopt technology for 2027 polls

Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole in Abuja

A former Governor of Kaduna State and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Malam Nasir el-Rufai has urged Northern governors to embrace technology and promote digitalisation.

He also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to deploy technology for the 2027 elections.

He made the call at the Fasahar Zamani Digital Technology movie premiere in Abuja. The movie, produced by Blue Sapphire Hub and funded by the UK Development International, is a series of 12 episodes in Hausa subtitled in English to bridge the digital gap in northern Nigeria.

El-Rufai noted that the North is backwards when it comes to the use and deployment of technology, urging Northern governors to train digital entrepreneurs and support them with seed money.

He said, “Northern Nigeria is yet to come to terms with the reality of the tech age, and we need to have a soft way of introducing this and making it attractive and exciting for our young people.

“This production of 12 episodes of this messaging will go a long way in attracting the attention of our young people, as well as their parents, to the importance of adopting technology, digital technology in particular, as we move into the age of AI.

“The way forward now is for the state governments in Northern Nigeria to take this messaging to the next level. On our own part, I have been partnering with state governments to host Arewa TechFest.

“And I will call on all the Northern states governors to use this opportunity to take it a step further by identifying digital and tech entrepreneurs in their states and supporting them with seed money so that they can develop their ideas, create jobs, and put Nigeria on the technology map.”

The Country Lead and Programme Advisor for the U.K. Government’s Global Digital Access Programme, Idongesit Udoh, said, “This is a project that the U.K. government has supported to bring on board people who are excluded from the growing digital economy in Nigeria.

“As you may know, Nigeria’s digital economy is blossoming. It’s the fastest growing sector of the country’s economy and contributes hugely to the GDP.

“But, also, there is the fact that there are people who are not included in this sector. So, the advanced digital adoption in Nigeria was a piece of project specifically designed to bring on board women, people with disabilities, and people from communities that are completely unserved or underserved,” he said.

In her remarks, the founder, Blue Sapphire Hub (BSH), Maryam Lawan said, “Fasahar Zamani is more than just a series; it is a story of innovation, inclusion and transformation.

“Through this project, we are using the power of storytelling to bridge the digital divide and inspire our communities to embrace the world of technology.

“We want everyone in the north to key in and use digital skills. One episode is talking about gender-based violence, the other one is talking about applications for farmers, for doctors, and each episode is talking about a digital solution.”

According to her, each episode shows how technology can change lives, open opportunities, and empower communities across northern Nigeria.

“We want our people to see technology not just as social media, but as a means to learn, earn, and grow,” she added.

.Advises INEC to fully adopt technology for 2027 polls Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole in Abuja A former Governor of Kaduna State and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Malam Nasir el-Rufai has urged Northern

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Tinubu, Wike Felicitate Ayodele Fayose at 65

Deji Elumoye and Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike have congratulated the former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, on his 65th birthday.
Tinubu, in a 10-paragraph congratulatory message yesterday, described Fayose as a significant political figure in the country, stated, inter alia:

He wrote: “It gives me great pleasure to celebrate Osoko himself on his 65th birthday anniversary, November 15.
“Since the emergence of former Governor Ayo Fayose on the national political horizon as the second elected Governor of Ekiti State in 2003, during which I was serving my second term as Governor of Lagos State, he has remained a significant political figure not only in his state but also in Nigeria.

“While his first tenure as Governor of Ekiti was troubled and truncated towards the end of his first term, due to the abuse of presidential powers, his courage never waned. He bore the pains with uncommon strength. He embraced adversity with equanimity.

“In one of the great political comebacks of our time, he was re-elected governor of his state in 2014, setting the record as the first person to defeat two incumbent governors in Nigeria.
“Osokomole, as fondly called by his supporters, is a man who has never lacked the courage of his convictions. We can always know where he belongs on any issue. His strength as a national political figure is his consistency.

Whether right or wrong, former governor Fayose is never afraid to say his mind without minding whose ox is gored.
“Governor Fayose is a political leader who is very comfortable among his people, most especially the downtrodden. His cognomen, Ore Mekunnu (friend of the poor), is fitting. He is a colourful politician who has mastered the art of retail politics as a means of establishing a connection with the people.”

For his part, Wike described Fayose “a valuable friend and brother, who will never pretend about where he stands on issues.”
He affirmed this in his letter of congratulations to the former governor.
Wike, according to a statement yesterday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, said Fayose remained a reference point in politics and governance in Nigeria.

“From the deepest part of my heart, I congratulate you on the occasion of your 65th Birthday, coming up on November 15th, 2025.
“That you have attained this age is no doubt a confirmation of the grace the Almighty God has bestowed on you, and a challenge for more service to our country, Nigeria.

“No doubt, at 65, you have remained a reference point in politics and governance in Nigeria.
“You are such a valuable friend and brother, who will never pretend about where he stands on issues.
“To a dependable ally, whose yes is yes, and no is no, happy Birthday.”

Deji Elumoye and Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja President Bola Tinubu and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike have congratulated the former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, on his 65th birthday.Tinubu,

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Albert Austin: Global Mobility Now Central to Wealth Diversification

The Premiere, a new wealth management and global mobility advisory firm, seeks to bridge the gap between opportunity and access through citizenship and residency-by-investment, international real estate, and bespoke advisory services. Its Chairman, Albert Austin discusses the firm’s founding vision, its unique concierge-style approach and how it is helping African professionals and families unlock credible pathways to global financial growth and generational wealth. Nume Ekeghe brings the excerpts:

What inspired the creation of The Premiere and what makes it different from others playing in this space?

The Premiere was created to be a leading firm in investment immigration, luxury international real estate, and wealth advisory. We were established as a vehicle to provide Africans with equal opportunities through global mobility. We all recognise that second citizenship or permanent residency is no longer a luxury—it is an asset. Access to opportunity is an asset; if opportunities exist but you cannot reach them, then you cannot benefit from them. That is where The Premiere comes in. Our role is to provide access that enables individuals and families to take advantage of opportunities across different regions, whether for tax incentives, stable economies, safety, or wealth diversification. What distinguishes us is the concierge-style service we offer. Every client is treated like family. Beyond completing a transaction, we ensure they are fully settled and supported whether in property management, documentation, or post-transaction advisory. We have clients who began property purchases but got stuck midstream; with The Premiere, that doesn’t happen. We ensure that what you start, you complete successfully.

You’ve mentioned property and real estate. How does The Premiere support clients in selecting viable investments abroad?

Our parent company, Loft and Keys, partners with Binghatti Developers in the UAE, a multibillion-dollar real estate group. Loft and Keys was ranked number one in Africa and eighth globally among Binghatti’s partners. We conduct extensive due diligence before choosing any project. We study price per square foot, projected yield, and overall investment sustainability before taking inventory. This allows us to secure projects at favourable entry prices for clients, ensuring long-term value. For instance, our flagship project in Dubai, Binghatti Grove is an exceptional development. Every unit, from one-bedroom to penthouse, has a private balcony pool overlooking the Dubai skyline. It’s both aesthetic and functional, designed for comfort and high occupancy rates. With yields of about 10 per cent, tax-free, and the advantage of Dubai’s golden visa and stable economy, it represents an ideal investment.

Compliance and credibility are major concerns in the investment migration industry. How does The Premiere ensure due diligence and client protection?

Compliance is central to everything we do. Every programme we offer whether citizenship or residency, is government-legislated and regulated. Our partners, including immigration lawyers, incubators, and funds, are all government-approved and supervised within their jurisdictions. We take responsibility for the entire process, from document verification to global checks, liaising with our partners, and ensuring that every requirement is met. For example, our Portugal fund for permanent residency is regulated by the Portuguese capital market authority, which enforces stringent due diligence standards.

In short, what we say is consistent across the entire chain, from origination to fulfilment until our clients receive their citizenship or residency approvals. That’s how we protect the integrity of the process.

Beyond real estate, The Premiere also focuses on professional residency. How are you supporting skilled Nigerians seeking permanent residency in countries like Canada?

We’re excited about our professional residency initiative, especially in healthcare. Many developed countries like Canada are facing an ageing population; the average age in Canada is 41, while Nigeria’s is 19. That demographic gap creates a global demand for skilled professionals.

We’re partnering with Canada’s largest immigration law firms to facilitate express entry for professionals such as doctors, nurses, radiologists, and pharmacists. This programme not only secures permanent residency but also provides better earning power, education access for families, and long-term economic empowerment.

For example, an international student at the University of Toronto might pay 60,000 Canadian dollars, but a permanent resident pays around 5,000. So, the return on investment is enormous when you consider the opportunities, savings, and intergenerational benefits.

How do you justify the cost in terms of long-term value and wealth diversification?

I like to say: you can’t benefit from opportunities you don’t have access to. The ability to travel, invest, or relocate without restriction is priceless. Think of it this way: a family that secures Canadian residency for their children saves over $55,000 per child, per year in tuition. Multiply that across several years, and you’ve recouped your investment many times over. It’s not just about money; it is about freedom. Imagine not being held back by visa delays or denials. When opportunity knocks, you can simply pack your bag and go. That flexibility is one of the greatest assets anyone can own.

Adding to that, these programmes also protect against inflation and economic volatility. By diversifying assets into stable, USD-denominated economies with favourable tax regimes, families can hedge against local currency risks while building generational wealth.

The Premiere says its approach is ‘tailored.’ How do you customise your services for families and clients with varying financial capacities?

The word tailored is key, it means bespoke. Our approach begins with listening. We take time to understand each client’s family structure, aspirations, financial capacity, and long-term goals.

We’re not in the business of selling generic products. We design bespoke solutions whether through citizenship-by-investment, real estate portfolios, or residency programmes that fit the client’s exact needs. It’s part of our compliance culture too; every recommendation we make must be traceable to a well-understood client need.

Our minimum investment threshold may start from $150,000, but we customise the structure to ensure that clients maximise value from every dollar invested.

You’ve spoken passionately about Dubai. Beyond the glamour, what makes it such a strategic market for investors?

Recent data shows that Dubai is now the world’s second city with the highest number of millionaires, and projections suggest it may take the top spot next year. That isn’t accidental it’s a product of deliberate policy and a strong economic environment. Dubai offers safety, zero income tax, and steady capital gains. For five consecutive years, it has ranked among the top five safest countries in the world. These are the kinds of indicators we monitor before recommending investments.

So, when we advise clients to consider Dubai, it’s because the fundamentals, security, transparency, and return on investment make it one of the most rewarding global destinations for wealth growth and preservation.

Finally, what’s the long-term vision for The Premiere?

The Premiere is your gateway to global freedom and wealth security. We’re building a brand that Africans can trust, one that embodies prestige, refinement, influence, discretion, and excellence.

Our mission is to empower individuals and families to navigate global mobility and preserve their wealth through customised immigration solutions, strategic real estate opportunities, and expert financial guidance.

Ultimately, The Premiere exists to show that a home-grown African firm can operate credibly on the world stage and open doors to the opportunities our people deserve.

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Pate Unveils New Action Plans for Health Sector

.Pledges accountability, sustained reforms

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, yesterday launched a new initiative designed to improve transparency, strengthen data-driven accountability, and guide the implementation of national health priorities.

The minister also reaffirmed his commitment to sustaining reforms, learning continuously, and ensuring that Nigeria’s health system continues to deliver results that matter to its people.

Speaking on the final day of the Joint Annual Review (JAR 2025) in Abuja, Pate said Nigeria’s health sector is steadily advancing toward renewal and improved outcomes.

The minister acknowledged the progress recorded under the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp), strengthened collaboration, and the gains achieved in maternal and child health, immunisation equity, primary healthcare revitalisation, climate and health resilience, and health security.

Pate officially unveiled strategic action plans, reports, and products, alongside the adoption of the JAR 2025 communique and resolutions by participants at the 3-day Health Sector Review Meeting.

He explained that these tools are designed to improve transparency, strengthen data-driven accountability, and guide the implementation of national health priorities.

According to the minister, the purpose of the action plans, reports, and products is to save lives, reduce physical and financial hardship, and improve health outcomes and quality of life for all Nigerians.

He further emphasised that codifying these tools ensures clarity, operational guidance, and mechanisms that help sustain progress across states and local governments.

Pate commended participants, development partners, commissioners of health, heads of agencies, civil society, and the private sector for their commitment throughout the three-day review.

The minister praised the Permanent Secretary, Deju Kachallom and the management team at SWAP for their leadership on climate and health adaptation.

He encouraged states to adopt, display, and operationalise the documents for wider use.

Earlier, while presenting the Conference Communique, Kachallom said the JAR 2025 resolutions will serve to formalise commitments, strengthen accountability, and ensure all stakeholders move forward with a unified agenda for sector reform.

She noted that the framework has already contributed to measurable improvements, including reductions in maternal mortality, expanded coverage of essential services, and strengthened digital and data systems.

.Pledges accountability, sustained reforms Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, yesterday launched a new initiative designed to improve transparency, strengthen data-driven accountability,

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15% Fuel Import Duty U-Turn: ADC Takes Credit, Accuses FG of Policy Confusion

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has taken responsibility for prompting the federal government to drop its controversial plan to introduce a 15 per cent import duty on petrol and diesel, insisting that the now-abandoned measure further proves the Tinubu administration lacks clarity and is simply experimenting with governance.

ADC, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, yesterday in Abuja, recalled its October 31, 2025 warning that the proposed tariff would worsen the economic strain already inflicted by subsidy removal, currency depreciation, and rising living costs.

The ADC applauded the government for reversing course but stressed that the administration must learn to thoroughly scrutinise policies before announcing them, only to backtrack shortly after.

“Following our statement issued on October 31st, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is pleased to note that the federal government has heeded our call to reverse its ill-conceived decision to impose a 15 per cent import duty on imported petrol and diesel products.

“While we welcome the decision of the government to reverse itself on the wrong-headed policy, we are concerned that this reversal is about the seventh occasion in two years where this government would announce a policy or decision and immediately reverse itself.

”As we noted in our statement reacting to the planned tariff, the ‘new levy is likely to push the pump price of petrol beyond N1,000 per litre. If this happens, life would become even more unbearable for families, commuters, transporters, farmers, and small businesses already struggling under the weight of fuel subsidy removal without social protection and currency devaluation without safeguards.’

”We also queried why the government was contemplating taxing imported fuel without first ensuring local capacity for production.

”We find it quite interesting that these are the very reasons the government has given for reversing itself, which makes us wonder if any critical thinking and impact analysis happens in this government.

“What has become clear, however, is that President Tinubu is running a government of trial and error that is merely experimenting and bumbling through.

“It is even more disturbing to see different agencies and officials of government singing discordant tunes on the same issue, as evidenced in their explanations for the tariff reversal.

“While one agency announced that the implementation of the policy was merely postponed, another said that it was no longer in view. This shows a government that is confused, unsure, and dangerously working at cross purposes. Nigerians deserve better.

“We urge the Tinubu government to realise that public office is a responsibility, not a laboratory. The ADC will continue to stand firmly with Nigerians and speak out against any decision that threatens their wellbeing.”

Chuks Okocha in Abuja The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has taken responsibility for prompting the federal government to drop its controversial plan to introduce a 15 per cent import duty on petrol and diesel,

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Senator Jimoh Ibrahim Empowers 1,000 Students with N100m Bursary

Sunday Ehigiator

The Senator representing Ondo South Senatorial District, Jimoh Ibrahim, has approved a N100 million bursary scheme to support 1,000 students from the Ondo South Senatorial District, in what organisers describe as a major step toward boosting educational access and youth development.

According to the organisers, the bursary will be formally presented today, at the University of Fortune, Igbotako, Ondo State, beginning at 10:00a.m.

They said the ceremony marks a significant moment for beneficiaries and the community.

“It’s a new dawn for Ondo South. The 100 millionaire bursary award ceremony is here. Once again, Senator Jim O’Ibrahim leads with vision and compassion, opening doors of opportunity and extending a hand of hope to the next generation,” the organisers said in their statement.

Providing clarity on eligibility, the organisers explained that only current students from the Ondo South Senatorial District are qualified to receive the bursary. They stressed that graduates or individuals who are no longer students will not be eligible and that any slot belonging to such persons will be reassigned to another student in the same local government.

They added that persons with disabilities (PWDs) remain fully entitled to the bursary but are expected to receive theirs through their leader, Omamofe, and should not attend the ceremony physically. All beneficiaries are expected to have provided valid contact details for verification and processing.

Explaining why the initiative matters, the organisers noted that the bursary aims to reduce financial barriers to education and empower students across the district. Each beneficiary will also be recognised as a JI Scholar, a designation that comes with an official certificate to be issued later. The certificate, they added, can support applications for future financial assistance.

On how recipients will benefit, the statement emphasised that all selected students will receive their bursary through bank drafts to be issued at the ceremony, while those unable to attend may delegate collection or complete the process through remote confirmation channels already provided.

“This is a moment of true commitment to the people, an investment in the power of knowledge, and a promise to our youth. The future begins here. Congratulations to all successful candidates; we are proud of you,” the organisers concluded.

Sunday Ehigiator The Senator representing Ondo South Senatorial District, Jimoh Ibrahim, has approved a N100 million bursary scheme to support 1,000 students from the Ondo South Senatorial District, in what organisers describe

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Wike: Payment to Waste Cleaning Contractors Would Be Merit-based

zOlawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has warned solid waste management contractors to ensure an immediate improvement in sanitation in the territory, warning that excuses would not be condoned.

He made the charge yesterday at an interactive meeting with 54 solid waste cleaning contractors recently awarded waste cleaning contracts in the nation’s capital.

The minister, who stressed the importance of effective waste management to the FCT, noted that a Task Force would be set up immediately to monitor the contractors’ operations, adding that future payments would be subject to satisfactory performance.

He also warned that he will not hesitate to terminate the contract of any cleaning company if refuse is sighted in their allocated zone.

“Management of waste is a very difficult job. So, I want to plead with you to see it that you are carrying out an assignment for the development of our capital city.

“So please help us to keep the city clean. It’s a job that you applied for, nobody forced you. I assure you that your payment is not a problem. Do the job as required and do it very well. There will be no favouritism. Your job is what will speak for you and you must get the job done. This will not be business as usual. You must work during the weekend and have a special team to evacuate waste.”

The minister also urged residents to provide feedback to the government on the contractors’ performance, assuring residents that their feedback matters in ensuring payments.

Earlier, the Coordinator of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), Mr. Felix Obuah, confirmed that 54 successful contractors were selected from over 500 applicants, adding that the companies had been duly issued letters of award and assigned different beats across the FCT.

Speaking on behalf of the contractors, Mr. Ibrahim Babayo, thanked the minister for the audience and urged his colleagues to heed the warnings, while also pledging the contractors’ commitment to ensuring a clean FCT.

zOlawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has warned solid waste management contractors to ensure an immediate improvement in sanitation in the territory, warning that excuses would

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GFX Leads African Financial Inclusion Drive By Tokenising Government Bonds

Ghana-based brokerage firm GFX has announced a landmark initiative placing the company at the forefront of Africa’s financial innovation.

A statement explained that GFX has entered into a strategic arrangement with Libeara, a leading tokenisation platform backed by Standard Chartered Ventures, to deliver a governance-driven, transparent and inclusive model for accessing government-issued financial instruments across Africa.

The announcement, made during the Singapore FinTech Festival, marked a major step toward democratising access to regulated financial assets and aligns strongly with Africa’s commitment to sound financial governance, integrity, best practice, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“Across many African countries, ordinary citizens face significant barriers when attempting to invest in government bonds and other state-backed instruments.

“High minimum investment thresholds – designed to minimise administrative costs and prioritise large institutional transactions – have excluded the majority of the population from participating in their country’s financial health and long-term development.

“GFX is now leading the solution by deploying Libeara’s tokenisation infrastructure to reduce administrative costs, improve transparency, and ensure that secure, lower-value investments become viable for everyday Africans.

“Tokenising bonds on a blockchain allows for efficient settlement, reduced reconciliation burdens, and enhanced traceability, making it possible to maintain strong governance while lowering minimum investment amounts,” the statement added.

It noted that with this foundation, GFX provides regulators with a platform that is secure, conservative, carefully risk-managed, and deliberately inclusive. Our approach does not dilute governance standards – instead, it elevates them, ensuring that digital transformation strengthens the integrity of Ghana’s financial system while expanding safe access for millions of citizens.

GFX remains fully aligned with the direction set by the Bank of Ghana, the Ghana SEC, and global regulatory peers. Every step of our programme is built around one core commitment:

To ensure that innovation never runs ahead of governance, and that inclusion never compromises investor protection.

“On a continent where the majority of savings remain outside the traditional financial system, our mission is to create a new bridge: one where anyone with a smartphone and 50 Ghana cedis in their pocket can invest in their nation’s future with dignity,” said Joe Anka, CEO of GFX.

GFX’s initiative fits directly into the Bank of Ghana’s roadmap for safe, well-regulated digital innovation. The forthcoming Virtual Asset Services Providers (VASP) Bill will establish a comprehensive framework to ensure that digital asset applications – especially those tied to real-world regulated instruments – adhere to strict governance, investor protection, and compliance standards.

The Bank of Ghana and the Securities and Exchange Commission of Ghana will jointly supervise these activities, ensuring alignment with both local legal requirements and international best practice. In the interim, the regulatory sandbox offers a controlled testing environment allowing innovators like GFX to trial blockchain-based financial tools under real-market conditions while mitigating risk.

Libeara’s platform currently supports close to US$800 million in regulated on-chain real-world assets.

“Libeara is bringing the real-world assets on-chain one step at a time, in a safe and compliant manner, and we are proud to make headway into the African continent through this initiative,” said Aaron Gwak, Founder and CEO of Libeara.

“This partnership highlights the importance of tokenisation serving real-world needs — enabling financial inclusion in underserved markets. We believe that access to stable, high-quality financial instruments should not be the privilege of the few – but a fundamental right for all, so that everyday Africans can own a piece of their nation’s economic future,” he added.

Ghana-based brokerage firm GFX has announced a landmark initiative placing the company at the forefront of Africa’s financial innovation. A statement explained that GFX has entered into a strategic arrangement

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Gov Mbah Inaugurates Committee to Review State-Controlled Taxes, Revenues

Gideon Arinze in Enugu

The Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has inaugurated a committee to carry out a comprehensive review of tax policies, rates, levies, and fees under the control of the state.

According to government, the committee, which has two weeks to carry out its assignment, would benchmark Enugu State’s revenue practices against Lagos, Abuja, and other South-east states as they relate to Land Use Charge, Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) fees, market levies and stall rents, business premises registration, signage and advertisement fees, among others, and recommend reforms to improve compliance, fairness, transparency, and revenue efficiency.

The nine-man committee, which has the Solicitor-General of Enugu State, Ikechukwu Ezenwukwa, as Chairman, and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Revenue Mobilisation, Adenike Okebu as Secretary, comprises members drawn from interest groups, market associations, government, organised labour, and the civil society.

They are the Chairman, Trade Union Congress, Enugu State chapter, Comrade Ben Asogwa; Chairman of State Market Association, Chief Chinwuba Igwesi; Head of Legal, Enugu State Inland Revenue Service, Ngozi Ezema; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Markets, Chief Chinedu Mbah; 1st Deputy President, Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, ECCIMA, Engr. Nnanyelugo Onyemelukwe; Deputy Council Chairman and representative of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, Enugu State, Hon. Paul Okwo; and representative of the civil society, Barr. Crownwell Chibuzo.

Inaugurating the committee at Government House, Enugu, yesterday, Governor Mbah, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, said that the committee was initiated in response to various public complaints relating to taxes and state-controlled revenue heads.

He added that the committee’s terms of reference include to: “review existing harmonisation/consolidation laws and other revenue-related laws in Enugu State; review the implementation of such laws and their impact; identify and evaluate all revenue heads under the control of Enugu State (excluding federally administered taxes like VAT and Stamp Duties); identify all areas of duplication and multiple taxation across the state, including the local government; examine the impact of the expansion of the tax bracket and issues of a culture of non-tax payment; and assess the fairness, transparency, and efficiency of current tax rates and collection processes in Enugu.”

He directed the committee to ensure proper stakeholder engagement by conducting surveys and interviews with property owners, market traders, local government revenue officers, local government chairmen, civil society organisations, and business owners, among others.

Providing more insights into the state’s revenue mobilisation reforms, the governor said his administration, upon assumption of office, took determined steps to move revenue collection from “a fragmented silos model to a unified, data-driven, and performance-oriented revenue ecosystem.”

“One of the most decisive reforms we undertook was the complete stoppage of cash collection across all MDAs. This was not merely a procedural change. It was a philosophical shift toward transparency and traceability.

“Today in Enugu State, all payments are now routed through digital platforms, ensuring real-time monitoring and eliminating leakages. This move has drastically reduced opportunities for fraud and enhanced public confidence in our systems.

“To drive accountability, we introduced a Performance Appraisal Framework for all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, as each Ministry, Department and Agency, MDA, is now assigned clear revenue targets linked to their operational mandates,” he stated.

Mbah also explained that the government had built the faith of the people by ensuring that every revenue collected was deployed to their service.

“Revenue is not just a fiscal tool. It is a moral obligation. Every naira we collect must translate into better schools, safer roads, cleaner water, and a brighter future because our vision for Enugu State is bold and transformative, rooted in the unwavering principles of transparency, traceability, and accountability,” he concluded.

In his remark, Chairman of the committee, Ezenwukwa, said that the setting up of the committee further underscored the governor’s place as a listening leader, who cared about the concerns of the people.

He thanked Mbah for finding them worthy of undertaking the onerous task, assuring that members would justify the confidence reposed in them.

Gideon Arinze in Enugu The Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has inaugurated a committee to carry out a comprehensive review of tax policies, rates, levies, and fees under the control