NEWS
Enugu On The Right Path of Investment Under Mbah – Budget Minister, Bagudu
Nigeria’s Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, has commended Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, for the deliberate commitment of his administration to creating a sustainable business environment for investors, saying that the state was already on the right trajectory of investment and development.
Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah & Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu
This was even as the Ambassador of Austria to Nigeria, Thomas Schlesinger, lauded the eco-friendly business environment, which he said motivated the Austrian development partners and investors to invest in the state.
Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah & Ambassador of Austria to Nigeria, Thomas Schlesinger
The minister, who was on a working visit to Enugu alongside the Austrian Ambassador, to inspect some of the projects executed by the country’s development partners, as well as select facilities implemented under the Nigeria COVID-19 Action, Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-Cares), expressed satisfaction with the prudent and responsible use of the funds in executing the projects.
While congratulating Mbah on the successful hosting of President Bola Tinubu and the commissioning of some of the landmark projects by the governor earlier in the month, the minister expressed optimism that more projects would be completed and commissioned.
He stressed that his visit was necessitated by the need to inspect the European Business Park and the Austrian Eco-Social Market Economy Programme located at the Godfrey Okoye University where young entrepreneurs are trained, with their services outsourced in Europe and other developed countries. He said that he also inspected NG-Cares Basic Services Projects at Enugu-Ngwo, Amagu Akaegbe Ugwu and Obeagu-Uno water schemes.
“We visited 5 Local Government Areas today, namely Enugu East, Udi, Enugu North, Nkanu West and Enugu South, and all the women we met there were dancing and sent their regards. They were dancing for a good reason because you underscored the development. We visited your massive waterworks at 9th Mile delivered in 180 days.
“We’re so impressed given that the mandate of the Ministry is to appraise programmes that can either be expanded, replicated or serve as proof of consent. We are quite impressed. Apart from what we saw, we saw the practical education; we saw the outsourcing in practice and we saw partnership with the university and the bakery.
“But more than that, we saw the enthusiasm of a development partner, the Austrian Government, that appreciates that to share prosperity, you must be partners. And what we saw is a real partnership. It wouldn’t have been possible without the cooperation, leadership and guidance of Enugu State. So we must say a big thank you on behalf of all of us in the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning,” the Minister added.
Senator Bagudu also noted that Enugu State under the Mbah Administration was one of the top performing states in the utilisation of the NG-Cares funds, promising that the state stood to benefit immensely from the new phase that was being negotiated by the ministry.
He called on investors across the globe to see Enugu State and Nigeria in general as an environment receptive of businesses with high returns on investments.
“We want investors. We want people who will come to our country and make money. Our country is a haven for those who want to make money and we want to partner with them through the instrumentality of those with whom God blessed us with, such as yourself,” he added.
On his part, the Austrian Ambassador described the administration of Governor Mbah as not only business-friendly but also inspiring entrepreneurial growth among the populace.
He maintained that the state possessed the ideal condition for training of young entrepreneurs, who could outsource their skills, adding that the Austrian Government was open for partnership with Nigeria on mutual grounds that will foster development.
Reacting, Mbah argued that Nigeria could only attain its development trajectory, create wealth and eradicate poverty through a shift from the federal to the sub-national development orientation.
He said the federal government had already started beaming light towards the recommended state-to-centre development approach through the series of reform initiated by the President Tinubu Administration, maintaining that the federal government was already treating the state governments as partners in progress to be able to touch lives.
Mbah, who underscored that development waits for nobody, said the state has the capacity to absorb high skills investment across various sectors with bankable projects that can yield good returns-on-investment.
The governor said some of the interventions undertaken by his administration were deliberate attempts to lift people out of poverty by creating employment opportunities, raising better living standard and ending open defecation in the state through urban and rural water projects.
“Our development model is grassroots-based. If you take for example what our intervention in the education sector which we described as a cut-off point, we are building 260 brand new Smart Green Schools across the 260 wards. The Smart Green Schools; it’s not just about the infrastructure like the blocks which are over 7000 classrooms in total, but it’s about the features. The fact that it will finally ensure that our children have access to quality learning and they are imbued with the right skill-set required to deal with the rapidly shifting world.
“We are not only bullish about sustainable development but also inclusive prosperity, which is also what we are doing in the primary healthcare sector, with 260 Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centre. We hope to accomplish them before our second anniversary. It is also not about the structure, but making sure they are well-equipped. I have just approved the recruitment of 2,500 healthcare personnel to make sure they are well-staffed and provide 24/7 services,” he added.
According to him, the administration was also intervening in the agriculture sector through the construction of 260 farm estates to boost and upscale production across all the electoral wards, each having at least 200 hectares of land.
While adding that the farm estates will help in the training of small holder farmers with the right crops to grow, and other facilities that would ensure zero post-harvest losses, the governor urged the minister to pay special attention to Enugu State in terms of intervention that would boost micro, small and medium enterprises.
Russia will refer women who do not want to have children to psychologists under new health guidelines designed to address a systemic demographic crisis.
Russia’s dwindling birth rate has been one of President Vladimir Putin’s main worries during his 25-year rule and with Moscow having sent hundreds of thousands of young men to the front in Ukraine over the last four years, the problem has only worsened.
Under new guidelines from the health ministry for reproductive health checks, doctors will ask women how many children they want to have.
If the woman answers zero, “it is recommended to send the patient to a consultation with a medical psychologist with the goal of forming a positive attitude towards having children.”
The recommendations were approved in late February but only picked up by state media this week.
The Kremlin chief casts Russia’s shrinking population as a matter of national survival — warning in 2024 Russia faced “extinction” if it did not boost birth rates.
Russia’s birth rate is running at a 200-year low of around 1.4 per woman — far below the 2.1 that demographers say is necessary for a stable population.
In recent years Moscow has tightened abortion rules and passed bills to make so-called “child-free propaganda” illegal.
Large families are heralded as national heroes and offered a host of financial and social benefits from the state.
King Charles III says Nigeria has “profoundly enriched” the
British culture in more ways than one.
The monarch spoke on Wednesday while delivering a speech at
the state banquet hosted in honour of President Bola Tinubu and his wife,
Oluremi Tinubu.
The president and the first lady are in the United Kingdom
for a state visit — the first by a Nigerian leader in 37 years.
King Charles III described the bond between Nigeria and the
UK as enduring, adding that Britons “cherish their personal connection to
Nigeria”.
“We in the United Kingdom are blessed that so many people of
Nigerian heritage, having chosen Britain as their home, are now at the heart of
British life through excelling at the highest levels of business, technology,
academia, law, science, sport, literature and the arts, and public service,” he
said.
“I have met so many of these quiet heroes in our schools,
businesses, National Health Service and universities, including countless young
people who have flourished through the work of my King’s Trust over the last
fifty years. Only last week, I was delighted to host a rather lively group of
them for a ‘Jollof and Tea’ party at St. James’s Palace. I was firmly assured
that the Jollof was only the best: Nigerian, of course… or perhaps Ghanaian or
Senegalese. Diplomatically, I cannot remember!
“But who could have imagined that, when I first visited
Nigeria thirty-six years ago today, so many of those I might have met would
have gone on to have such an impact in the United Kingdom. From Afrobeats
filling our concert halls and Nollywood captivating our screens, to stars
competing in our Premier League and adjudicating our highest courts, so much of
Britain’s culture is, in truth, profoundly enriched by Nigeria.
“Whether they are Nigerians who have chosen Britain as their
adopted place to invest, trade or study, or Britons who cherish their personal
connection to Nigeria, they all represent a living bridge of over half a
million people who connect our nations, Mr President, and help make our
cultures richer, our shared security stronger and our economies more
prosperous.”
King Charles III added that the state visit is an
“opportunity to celebrate the fact that Nigeria is investing in Britain’s
future as much as Britain is investing in Nigeria’s”.
“The friendship between our two countries, Mr President, is
a partnership of equals that has brought us both enormous benefits. It has been
described to me as a deeply spiritual connection – beyond churches and mosques
– a deep bond through which we have strengthened our shared security, ensured
our economies are more prosperous, and empowered each other to believe in a
more hopeful future,” the monarch said.
By Ejike Abana, ABS Awka
A commission of inquiry constituted by the Anambra State Government has affirmed Chief Gibson Nwosu as the lawful traditional ruler of Awka, bringing fresh clarity to a protracted leadership crisis that has polarised the community and raised concerns about the integrity of customary governance processes.
The panel, chaired by retired Justice Paul Obidigwe, submitted its report to Governor Chukwuma Soludo after weeks of sittings marked by detailed submissions and testimonies. In all, the commission received 32 memoranda and heard 28 oral testimonies from stakeholders, including kingmakers, community leaders, and other interested parties.
Presenting the report, Mr Obidigwe said the panel found no lawful basis for the purported dethronement of Igwe Nwosu. According to him, the process fell short of the requirements of due process and breached the principle of fair hearing, rendering the action “unlawful, invalid, and of no legal effect.”
The commission further determined that the emergence of Chief Austin Ndigwe as a rival claimant to the stool did not comply with laid-down procedures. It held that both his selection and enthronement contravened statutory provisions guiding the appointment of traditional rulers in the state, thereby stripping his claim of legitimacy.
Mr Obidigwe described the crisis as not only a local dispute but also “an affront to constituted authority,” warning that disregard for established legal frameworks in traditional institutions could undermine public order and governance.
Background to the dispute
The Awka traditional stool tussle has lingered for months, with factions within the community divided over the legitimacy of the existing leadership structure. Attempts at internal reconciliation reportedly failed, prompting appeals to the state government to intervene.
The dispute reflects broader tensions often associated with succession processes in traditional institutions, where customary practices intersect with statutory regulations. In Anambra, as in many parts of Nigeria, the recognition of traditional rulers is subject to both community customs and state laws, creating potential flashpoints when procedures are contested.
Government response and next steps
Receiving the report, Governor Soludo said the state government would subject the findings to careful review and subsequently issue a White Paper to determine the official position and outline actionable steps.
Mr Soludo recalled that the government had initially refrained from вмешment, allowing the Awka community space to resolve the matter internally. However, he said the state stepped in after it became evident that local mechanisms had failed to produce a consensus.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, stressing that Anambra must remain a state where legal frameworks guide both formal governance and traditional institutions.
The governor also sent a broader signal to communities across the state, warning against situations where multiple individuals claim the same traditional stool.
“No community will be allowed to have more than one traditional ruler,” he said, adding that the government’s intervention was not intended to create winners or losers but to restore order and legality.
“There is no victor and no vanquished,” the governor stated, urging all parties to embrace reconciliation in the interest of peace and communal development.
The Kaduna state government has compensated the residents of
Malali Low-Cost, whose houses were demolished by the administration of Nasir
el-Rufai, with new plots of land.
Bashir Garba Ibrahim, director general of Kaduna Geographic
Information Service (KADGIS), who presented the land titles to the
beneficiaries, said that the gesture was aimed at fulfilling Uba Sani
administration’s commitment to ensure justice for the victims.
He said the compensation with the land titles is the outcome
of a stakeholders meeting, which took place on January 21, and resolved to
investigate the circumstances around the demolition.
While counselling against reselling the plots of land,
Ibrahim advised the beneficiaries to develop the land quickly.
“We want you to become homeowners and contribute to the
growth of our state,” he said.
While responding to the gesture of the state government on
behalf of the beneficiaries, Mohammed Auwal, chairman of the former Malali
Low-Cost residents, expressed gratitude to the governor for addressing their
concerns.
Auwal appreciated the director-general for facilitating the
new land allocation after years of struggle to get compensation.
The Kaduna State Development and Property Company (KSDPC)
had given the residents of Malali Low-Cost a seven-day notice to evict the
community in October 2020.
Although residents protested the short notice and the need
to give them the right of first refusal, the decision was shelved at the time.
However, in March 2021, another three-day notice was served
to the residents, and after the expiration of the notice, more than 80
structures were demolished.
Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, former first lady of Ondo state,
says she has joined the Labour Party (LP) in Imo state.
In a Facebook post shared on
Tuesday, Anyanwu-Akeredolu said she attended the national executive council
(NEC) and stakeholders meeting of the party in Abuja, the nation’s capital,
after joining the LP in Imo state.
She said the meeting, held on March 17, was well attended,
adding that the venue could barely accommodate the number of participants.
Anyanwu-Akeredolu commended the party for its organisational
structure across different levels.
“I wish to commend the Labour Party for the well-structured
outline of positions across State, LGA and Ward levels,” she said.
“It reflects seriousness about inclusiveness and internal
democracy. I must particularly highlight the inclusion of the position of
Deputy Chairman (Female).
“This is a bold and intentional step in a political
environment that has historically confined women to the role of Woman Leader —
often a token position without real influence.
“This provision signals that women are not just
participants, but decision-makers. I urge women across the country to seize
this opportunity.”
Anyanwu-Akeredolu also praised the leadership of Nenadi
Usman, national chairman of the LP.
“Importantly, we must recognize the historic moment we are
in. The Labour Party today is led by a woman — Senator Nenadi Usman,” she said.
“For the first time, a major political party in Nigeria is
under female leadership. This is not just symbolic — it is transformational.
For me, it is exhilarating.
“It provides evidence to our daughters that women can lead
at the highest levels. The psychological impact of this cannot be overstated.
It is a wake-up call for women and girls to be more and do more.”
She called on Nigerian women to join the party in large
numbers.
“I therefore call on Nigerian women who believe that they
matter in the scheme of things in this country to join the Labour Party in
great numbers — for themselves, and for their children,” she said.
“Women are natural nurturers. That instinct, when translated
into leadership, can drive compassionate, people-centered governance — exactly
what Nigeria needs at this time.”
Anyanwu-Akeredolu also suggested the inclusion of a female
child in the party logo.
“Finally, I draw attention to our party logo — Papa, Mama,
Pikin. While powerful, the depiction of the child as male reflects a bias we
must correct,” she said.
“I recommend the inclusion of a female child in the logo to
send a clear message of equality. Let Labour Party lead this change —
structurally, symbolically, and culturally.”
Anyanwu-Akeredolu added that she is aspiring to represent
Imo east senatorial district in the 2027 election.
She previously sought the Imo east senatorial ticket of the
All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2023 elections but withdrew from
the party’s primary, citing irregularities in the process.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has
officially declared Friday, March 20, 2026, the day of Eid-El-Fitr.
He made this announcement on Wednesday evening, stating that
the Shawwal crescent moon was not sighted in Nigeria.
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic month of
fasting, and is widely observed by Muslims across the world with prayers and
feasting.
Recall that this declaration aligns with the announcement
from Saudi Arabian authorities, who also confirmed that the crescent moon
marking the beginning of Shawwal was not sighted on Wednesday, setting Friday
as the date for the celebration.
Tunji Disu, the inspector-general of police (IGP), has
presented N2.4 billion in cheques to 1,075 beneficiaries and next of kin of
deceased police officers under the group life assurance and IGP family welfare
schemes.
The presentation ceremony took place in Abuja on Wednesday
at the force headquarters.
Anthony Placid, spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force
(NPF), said in a statement that the cheques cover policy years for 2018/2019,
2020/2021, 2021/2022, 2022/2023, 2024/2025 and 2025/2026, including outstanding
insurance claims.
Placid quoted the IGP as saying that the ceremony is a
solemn recognition of the sacrifices made by officers who lost their lives in
the line of duty.
While noting that the presentation goes beyond financial
assistance, he said the gesture reflects the force’s duty to honour the
bravery, service, and dedication of its fallen heroes.
Lydia Ameh, a force insurance officer, said the
disbursements “reflect the determination of the IGP Olatunji Disu to prioritise
the welfare of officers and their families.”
Ameh said the payments represent recoveries from
long-standing insurance obligations.
Gbasgbos
FG advancing partnership with Coventry University to offer UK degrees in Nigeria – Tunji Alausa
Tunji Alausa, minister of education, says the federal government is advanced a “major partnership” with Coventry University in the United Kingdom (UK) to make British degree programmes accessible in Nigeria.
Alausa announced the partnership on Wednesday on the sidelines of President Bola Tinubu’s official visit to the UK at the invitation of King Charles III.
Tinubu departed Abuja on Tuesday for a two-day state visit to London, accompanied by his wife and other top government officials.
The state visit, billed to end on Thursday, represents the highest level of diplomatic engagement hosted by the British monarchy and marks the first visit of such scale by a Nigerian leader to the UK in 37 years.
Upon arrival, a Nigerian delegation comprising top ministers, including Alausa, and some governors welcomed the president at the London Stansted airport at 3:18 pm.
‘BRINGING GLOBAL OPPORTUNITY HOME’
In a post shared on X, the minister said he met with representatives from Coventry University to advance a key partnership between Nigeria and the UK in the area of degree programmes.
“I’m in London with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and we are already making real progress — advancing a major partnership with Coventry University to bring UK degrees to Nigeria. This is personal,” Alausa wrote.
“For too long, families have had to send their children thousands of miles away in search of quality education. We are changing that.
“With Coventry University Nigeria, our students will be able to earn fully accredited UK degrees — at a significantly lower cost — without leaving the country.”
He said the government’s aim is to allow Nigerian parents to enjoy having their children at home while still receiving a world-class UK education.
According to him, the government is proposing to establish a campus at Alaro, Lagos, which will offer bachelor’s and master’s programmes across STEMM, business, and TVET, with admissions expected between the third and fourth quarters of 2026 (subject to approvals).
“Beyond access, this is about building Nigeria’s human capital — developing the skills, talent, and workforce needed to drive innovation, productivity, and long-term national growth,” Alausa said.
“We are bringing global opportunity home — where it belongs.”
Peller, the Nigerian TikToker and streamer, has reversed his
earlier decision to cancel his planned 20-state tour, just hours after
announcing it.
The content creator had originally announced a 20-state tour
across Nigeria, kicking off on March 6. The tour included planned visits to
Ibadan (Oyo state), Osun, Ekiti, Ogun, Ondo, Kogi, Kano, Kaduna, Abuja, Borno,
Edo, Port Harcourt (Rivers), Imo, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Enugu, Niger,
and Ebonyi.
During a recent TikTok live session, Peller announced that
he was ending the tour, citing what he described as hostility and backlash from
audiences as his reason.
“I am ending my tour, I am not doing the tour again. I am
the one who said I wanted to do a tour and it is still me that is saying that
it has come to an end,” he said.
“I am not doing again, I have put my hands up. You people do
not like me, you are not good people. Any state I enter, you people would say I
do not deserve to be welcomed like that. Why? What did I do?”
In a sudden turn of events, Peller has now backtracked on
that stance, confirming the tour will continue.
Speaking during another live session streamed from Ebonyi
state, Peller clarified that calling off the tour was no longer an option.
“You people should not be angry but I would not be able to
end my tour, I cannot. We are live in Ebonyi state. See the beautiful city,” he
said.
The reversal comes amid a wave of controversy surrounding
the influencer in recent days.
Peller is currently facing a lawsuit filed by a woman
identified as Osarobo Osarenoma Odigie, who is seeking N395 million in damages
over allegations of defamation, cyber harassment, and invasion of privacy
linked to an incident at a lounge.
Benin Traditional Council extended an invitation to him to
appear before a committee of chiefs to state after making what they described as an unauthorised visit
to the palace.
Russia to refer women who don’t want children to psychologists
So much of Britain’s culture is profoundly enriched by Nigeria – King Charles
Awka Stool Crisis: Commission Submits Report, Reinstates Nwosu as Lawful Monarch
Betty Akeredolu joins LP in Imo state, declares senatorial ambition
Kaduna offers land titles to victims of demolitions under el-Rufai
Sultan of Sokoto declares Friday Eid-El-Fitr
PHOTOS: IGP Disu presents N2.4bn cheques to families of deceased police officers
FG advancing partnership with Coventry University to offer UK degrees in Nigeria – Tunji Alausa
Balance of payments surplus dropped to $2.6bn in Q4 2025 | Crude exports fell by 20% – CBN
Peller makes U-turn after cancelling 20-state tour over backlash
Man Cries Out After Alleged Brutal Assault by Ocha Brigade and AGUNECHEMBA (Udogachi) Officials, Accuses Anambra Govt of Shielding Suspects (VIDEO)
Communiqué: Enugu Stakeholders Mandate Immediate Use of State Bus Terminals, Back Cashless Revenue System
Senator Uche Ekwunife Attends Soludo’s Second Term Swearing-In, Calls for Unity and Progress (See Details)
2027: Isi-Uzo Youths Back Egbuogu for Assembly Seat
Ani Salutes Mbah at 54, Credits Him with Redefining Governance in Enugu
Federal Government Pledges Online Privacy Protection For Citizens
Nigerians Free to Record Police, Court Rules
Police, Army Nab Two Robbery Suspects, Recover Stolen Tricycle in Enugu
Awka Stool Crisis: Commission Submits Report, Reinstates Nwosu as Lawful Monarch
Tinubu Mourns Uche Nnaji’s Mother, Praises Her Legacy of Sacrifice
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