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BREAKING: Tinubu rejects Trump’s designation of Nigeria as ‘country of particular concern’

President Bola Tinubu has rejected United States President Donald Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a country of particular concern over alleged religious persecution. Trump, on Friday, designated Nigeria as a ‘country of particular concern’, expressing concerns over a purported genocide on Christians in Nigeria. However, in a statement on Saturday, Tinubu insisted that Nigeria is
BREAKING: Tinubu rejects Trump’s designation of Nigeria as ‘country of particular concern’

President Bola Tinubu has rejected United States President Donald Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a country of particular concern over alleged religious persecution.

Trump, on Friday, designated Nigeria as a ‘country of particular concern’, expressing concerns over a purported genocide on Christians in Nigeria.

However, in a statement on Saturday, Tinubu insisted that Nigeria is a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty.

The statement read: “Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty.

“Since 2023, our administration has maintained an open and active engagement with Christian and Muslim leaders alike and continues to address security challenges which affect citizens across faiths and regions.

“The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality, nor does it take into consideration the consistent and sincere efforts of the government to safeguard freedom of religion and beliefs for all Nigerians.

“Religious freedom and tolerance have been a core tenet of our collective identity and shall always remain so. Nigeria opposes religious persecution and does not encourage it.

“Nigeria is a country with constitutional guarantees to protect citizens of all faiths.

“Our administration is committed to working with the United States government and the international community to deepen understanding and cooperation on protection of communities of all faiths.”

BREAKING: Tinubu rejects Trump’s designation of Nigeria as ‘country of particular concern’

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Obi Okonjo Thrilled About Unified Ineh Festival in Ogwashi-Uku in 18 Years

*Dismisses protest by certain aggrieved persons

Omon-Julius Onabu ithe n Asaba

The traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku in Delta State, HRM Obi Ifechukwude Okonjo, has commended the people of the kingdom for demonstrating renewed unity and sense of commonality by turning out in unprecedented numbers during the just-concluded celebration of the community’s annual Ineh Festival, saying it was a testimonial of fledging harmony and peace in the land.

Obi Okonjo noted that it was the first time since 2007 that the people of Ogwashi-Uku would celebrate, without any division, a unified Ineh Festival peacefully and to do so harmoniously with the monarch.

“We thank God that for the first time since 2007 we didn’t have double calendar for the festival. And, we thank the people for their solidarity with the Obi”, he said.

He particularly thanked the people for coming out in their thousands aa tgey queued behind him when he led the jubilant procession on Thursday, the concluding day of the famous annual feast, which is similar to the Ofala Festival celebrated by the Igbo communities across the River Niger.

Speaking through his Personal Assistant, Prince Onyeama Okonjo, who briefed newsmen on Friday at the Palace of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, the royal father said that a section of the community had previously come up with another calender from the one issued by the Palace since 2007, suggestive of the extent of intra-community conflicts of the past.

On the protest to the Government House Asaba by somw aggrieved persons against his alleged high handedness, the monarch described the exercise as a charade, and not indicating that the Ogwashi-Uku people were not solidly behind their roual father.

Obi Okonjo said that it was ridiculous that a handful of persons would go on a protest to the state government at the same time that thousands of their kit-and-kin were dancing and celebrating with their king the succesful conclusion of a historic Ineh Festival in Ogwashi-Uku in nearly two decades.

He said that it was unfortunate that the masterminds of what he called “a failed protest clearlyrejectedby the people” were actually individuals “facing serious criminal trials in court” in connection with their alleged involvement in certain activities in and around Ogwashi-Uku.

The Palace and Obi-in-Council remains law-abiding and not ready to trade words with such individuals because they constituted an infinitesimal fraction of Ogwashi-Uku people at home and the Diaspora, who were desirous of sustainable peace and progress in their ancestral land, the Obi said.

According to him, the fact the organisers of the so-called protest had hired more than 15 buses to convey people to the Government House Asaba but could load “only a two buses eventually” with less than 30 people bore eloquent testimony that the people of Ogwashi-Uku had rejected the those who obviously want to make the kingdom crises-ridden and unmanageable.

Obi Okonjo underscored the fact that he, as the traditional father of Ogwashi-Uku people and custodian of the people’s customs and traditions, including the unique land tenure system, would not do anything to undermine the Commission if Enquiry instituted by the Delta State Government in 2024 to resolve around land disputes within Ogwashi-Uku and neighbouring communities.

The traditional ruler wondered whether the said protest to the Government House Asaba was pre-emptive of the state government’s Commission of Enquiry or an attempt by the organisers to influence the yet-to-be-released white paper on the outcome of the investigation.

The same individuals who had appealed to Obi Dr Okonjo to take urgent steps to address the issue of land-grabbing around the Ogwashi-Uku Polytechnic when he ascended the throne in 2019, were the same people who rose up against the monarch after going to court and securing a judgement that reaffirmed that he had right to manage Ogwashi-Uku land in line with its land tenure system, Prince Onyeama Okonjo lamented.

“They came up with several frivolous and nonsensical allegations against the Obi, like the chain that the Obi had demanded for permission from the palace for access to their ancestral farmlands. How ridiculous! Who does that?!

“I will provide you copies of the letter that the spokesperson for the protesters, Adigwe Eluemunor wrote to the Obi asking the Obi to urgently intervene in the labd issue behind the Ogwashi-Uku Polytechnic. So that you can see that the Obi acted on their request and eventually got the court judgement.

“Also, we shall provide you, if you want, copies of the judgement that affirms the Obi’s right over Ogwashi-Uku land, that nullified the letter that Chieftaincy wrote, and which prompted the (state) attorney-general to go to Court and said the Obi is the person who manages Ogwashi-Uku land, or he is in charge. And, there is an order of Perpetual Injunction restraining the government from (tampering) with this right to manage Ogwashi-Uku land.”

Thursday’s protest to the Government House Asaba was led by Osamor Patrick Izu, President-General of Ogwashi-Uku Development Association and Sunday Adigwe Eluemuno, General Secretary of the group.

Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo, Senior Political Adviser to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, who spoke with protesters at the entrance of the Government House, assured the people of the commitment of the state government to peace in Ogwashi-Uku, thanking them for carrying out their protest peacefully.

*Dismisses protest by certain aggrieved persons Omon-Julius Onabu ithe n Asaba The traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku in Delta State, HRM Obi Ifechukwude Okonjo, has commended the people of the kingdom

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Delta NASME Holds Maiden Conference, Exhibition to Deepen Digital Competence

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

The Delta State chapter of the Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME) has held its maiden edition of its annual state conference and exhibition 2025.

The annual conference and exhibition, themed “Leveraging on Technology for Business Growth and Expansion”, took place in Asaba, Delta State capital yesterday.

In her welcome address, the state chairman of NASME, Delta State, Lady Judith Nwachukwu, said that the choice of the theme could not have been more apt, especially with the advent of technological advancement and AI (Artificiall Intelligence) was fast becoming a major enabler of businesses.

She assured that NASME remained committed to ensuring that MSME members acquired the requisite technological skills and knowledge to sharpen their competence and innovative cutting edge in the new digital economy evolving globally.

The forum will help in enlightening and educating members and participants on the use of technology in the advancement of their businesses in the contemporary digital economic space, she assured.

Lady Nwachukwu said, “With this conference, NASME has placed on itself the responsibility of providing, promoting, and encouraging the growth of MSMSEs in our state and nation as we are conscious of the potency of our dream for a better tomorrow”.

She expressed appreciation to the Delta State Government and other corporate bodies that have shown faith in their vision and remained steadfast in partnering with NASME in its quest to build a functional and effective MSME in the state for the growth of a better Nigerian economy.

Nevertheless, she appealed to the Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for support and for certain essential utilities to enable the association to move across the 25 local government areas seamlessly.

In his goodwill message, the Chief Adviser to Delta State Governor, Chief Ighoyota Amori, commended the organisers for the initiative, which is aimed at empowering NASME with the requisite knowledge and tools to thrive in today’s economy.

The initiative is in tandem with the M.O.R.E Agenda of the Oborevwori administration regarding “meaningful development, opportunity for all, realistic reform, and enhanced peace and security”, he said..

He noted that through the M.O.R.E agenda, the state was creating an enabling environment for business to grow, and Delta State is positioning itself to be a technology-driven economy where creativity meets opportunity.

“When technology is properly harnessed, it gives the small businesses the need to thrive beyond limits; hence our young entrepreneurs can compete globally, he said.

He urged participants to take advantage of the digital opportunity to build their businesses, saying the state governor “remains committed to supporting such progress and ready to partner, empower through digital exhibitions.

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba The Delta State chapter of the Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME) has held its maiden edition of its annual state conference and exhibition

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Okoye, Lookman Feature As Atalanta’s Winless Run Continues After Udinese Defeat

Maduka Okoye and Ademola Lookman were in action as Udinese pipped Atalanta 1-0 at home, in the Serie A on Saturday. While Okoye was in goal for Udinese, Lookman was introduced in the 59th minute. Atalanta have now gone six straight games without a win (five draws, one defeat). More to follow The post Okoye, Lookman Feature As Atalanta’s Winless Run Continues After Udinese Defeat appeared first on Complete Sports.

Strike: Nigerian Govt to release N11.995bn arrears to doctors, others in 72 hours

The Federal Government says it will release about N11.995 billion within 72 hours for the payment of outstanding arrears, including accoutrement allowance, to doctors and other health workers across the country. Deputy Director and Head, Information and Public Relations of the the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Alaba Balogun, made this disclosure in
Strike: Nigerian Govt to release N11.995bn arrears to doctors, others in 72 hours

Deputy Director and Head, Information and Public Relations of the the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Alaba Balogun, made this disclosure in a statement on Saturday.

The Ministry said that the move is part of ongoing efforts to resolve welfare concerns raised by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, and other unions and to reaffirm the Federal Government’s commitment to industrial peace and reform in the health sector.

According to statement, the assurance was reiterated during a high-level meeting led by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, between the top management of the ministry and the leadership of NARD, following the association’s recent agitations over welfare and professional concerns.

This is coming after a nationwide strike that began on Saturday, involving about 11,000 resident doctors across 91 healthcare facilities.

DAILY POST reports that the striking doctors are protesting unpaid arrears, delays in allowances, and other welfare-related issues despite earlier assurances from the government.

The President of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, Dr Muhammad Suleiman, had on Monday said the Federal Government owes doctors and other health workers across the country an estimated N38 billion in accumulated allowances.

Meanwhile, the statement noted that the government remains committed to ensuring that the welfare, motivation, and stability of the nation’s health workforce serve as the foundation of all health policies and programmes.

“In collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare commenced the payment of seven months’ arrears of the 25–35 per cent upward review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure to all categories of health workers, with N10bn paid in August 2025.

“Following the approval of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for these arrears owed to health workers, including members of NARD, to be paid expeditiously, as of Thursday, October 30, another sum of N21.3bn has been moved to the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System account, and payment has commenced.

“In addition, the sum of N11.995bn is being processed for release within 72 hours to pay other arrears, including accoutrement allowance.

“All these payments are being enjoyed by members of NARD in accordance with the salary structure in the health sector.

“Additionally, the Federal Government has released N10.6bn as of September 2025 as full payment for the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, paid exclusively to resident doctors nationwide,” the statement said.

Strike: Nigerian Govt to release N11.995bn arrears to doctors, others in 72 hours

Fintiri charges Adamama varsity to create solar-powered electricity

Governor Ahmadu Fintiri has charged the Adamawa State University to find a way to utilize the sunlight that abound in the state for creation of energy to power the economy. The governor, speaking on Saturday at the 15th/16th/17th combined convocation of the state-owned university in Mubi, reminded the university that he had challenged it earlier
Fintiri charges Adamama varsity to create solar-powered electricity

Governor Ahmadu Fintiri has charged the Adamawa State University to find a way to utilize the sunlight that abound in the state for creation of energy to power the economy.

The governor, speaking on Saturday at the 15th/16th/17th combined convocation of the state-owned university in Mubi, reminded the university that he had challenged it earlier on the same matter and that it must take the matter with utmost seriousness henceforth.

“I specifically challenged the university on the need to harness our natural solar radiation to generate energy,” Fintiri said, stressing that he had not received any positive response even after endowing a professorial chair to facilitate the necessary research.

He said his challenges to the university are as serious as any of the projects of his government, insisting that the university must act on such challenges.

The governor threatened actions that the university may not find pleasant, saying that if the university management is not ready to confront his specific challenges, he needed to know.

“Perhaps, I have to hire those who can,” he warned, stressing that solution-based knowledge is what Adamawa State, Nigeria and the world needs to advance.

“Any knowledge that cannot solve a problem is knowledge doomed for extinction,” he asserted.

Earlier during the ADSU combined convocation, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Augustine Clement explained that among a total of 9,225 graduating students, 42 made first class degrees; 1,734 obtained second class upper; 5,252 second class lower; and 1,842 third class degrees.

The VC announced also that the National Universities Commission, NUC, has granted approval to the university to start seven new programs, namely Cyber Security, Information Systems, History Education, English Education, Public Relations, Journalism & Media Studies, and Educational Management.

Fintiri charges Adamama varsity to create solar-powered electricity

NAFDAC destroys over 80 containers of fake drugs, food items

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, says it has destroyed no fewer than 80 containers of fake and substandard medicines and foods as part of its nationwide enforcement drive. The Director Investigation and Enforcement, Chairman Federal Task Force, NAFDAC, Dr. Martins Iluyomade, made this known at a press briefing on
NAFDAC destroys over 80 containers of fake drugs, food items

The Director Investigation and Enforcement, Chairman Federal Task Force, NAFDAC, Dr. Martins Iluyomade, made this known at a press briefing on Saturday to hint the public about a recent attack on its officials at the Trade Fair market in Lagos.

Iluyomade stated that over the years, the agency has battled a persistent challenge of fake, substandard, and counterfeit medicines and food items flooding Nigerian markets, particularly in major commercial hubs in Lagos.

“Currently, we are destroying over 80 containers of fake and substandard products. The moral decadence in Nigeria is so much and a lot of people benefit from this illicit trade and the rate is alarming.

“We will continue to mop up these markets in our bid to reduce the level of substandard to the barest minimum,” he said.

The Director described the incident, which occurred on Thursday, October 30, 2025, as a serious threat to enforcement operations, saying enforcement has gotten that dangerous for our officials, but someone has to do it.

He said, “About 10 operational vehicles worth over N25 billion were reportedly vandalised during the attack.”

Iluyomade lamented the alarming rate of fake and substandard products in Nigeria, particularly in major commercial hubs, noting that a lot of people benefit from this illicit trade.

NAFDAC destroys over 80 containers of fake drugs, food items

Hold executive to account for loans, 2025 budget or resign — Group tells NASS

The Civic Alliance for Fiscal Transparency, CAFT, has asked members of the National Assembly to either hold the executive accountable for newly approved foreign loans and the delayed implementation of the 2025 capital budget or resign from office. In a statement on Saturday, Engr. Ayodele Olaposi, president of CAFT, said Nigerians were tired of a
Hold executive to account for loans, 2025 budget or resign — Group tells NASS

In a statement on Saturday, Engr. Ayodele Olaposi, president of CAFT, said Nigerians were tired of a legislature that “approves loans with one hand and closes its eyes with the other.”

He said the duty of lawmakers goes beyond appropriation to ensuring that every borrowed dollar and every naira budgeted for capital projects delivers visible results for the people.

Olaposi said that while President Bola Tinubu’s administration had recorded revenue gains through fiscal reforms and improved oil receipts, the benefits were yet to reflect in the lives of ordinary Nigerians because the 2025 budget remained largely unimplemented.

“It is unacceptable that after celebrating revenue growth and approving multi-billion-dollar loans, the government still drags its feet on the 2025 capital budget,” he said.

“This delay hurts the economy and erodes public confidence. Implementing the budget fully and transparently will prove that this administration is genuinely committed to developing the land and not just managing headlines.”

CAFT noted that Nigeria’s debt stock has continued to rise, crossing N149 trillion in mid-2025, while service obligations now consume over 60 percent of federal revenue.

The group warned that without strict legislative oversight, future generations would inherit debts without development.

“The National Assembly must not become a clearing house for unsustainable borrowing. Every loan approved must be tracked, audited, and tied to measurable impact. The time has come for legislators to justify the trust placed in them or make way for those who will,” Olaposi said.

The group urged the federal legislature to compel full disclosure on how the new foreign loans will be spent, project by project, and to ensure that priority is given to infrastructure, job creation, and poverty reduction.

It also called for the publication of quarterly progress reports to restore public confidence in fiscal governance.

“True accountability is not about speeches or committee sittings—it’s about results. When roads are built, when schools function, when hospitals receive equipment, Nigerians will know that governance is working. Until then, every borrowed fund must remain under scrutiny,” the statement added.

CAFT reaffirmed its support for responsible fiscal management and lauded the administration’s stated commitment to non-oil revenue growth and local industrialisation. However, it insisted that economic success must translate to social progress.

“The government must not allow bureaucratic inertia to undermine the promise of reform. We call on lawmakers to stand firm, demand performance, and ensure that the 2025 budget serves its purpose — to rebuild confidence and deliver development for all Nigerians,” the group said.

Hold executive to account for loans, 2025 budget or resign — Group tells NASS

Q3 2025: UBA delivers N538bn PAT, robust balance sheet

Following its recently released half-year financials, Africa’s Global Bank – United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has announced its audited results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2025, where it recorded strong and impressive growth across all its key indicators. The post Q3 2025: UBA delivers N538bn PAT, robust balance sheet appeared first on Nairametrics.