Friday, July 31, 2026

First Lady Unveils Food Bank, Secures ₦65bn to Fight Hunger Nationwide

By
Justice Oladapo
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Nigeria has taken a major step in addressing food insecurity with the launch of a nationwide food intervention programme backed by over ₦65 billion in pledges from government and private sector stakeholders.

The initiative, unveiled by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, is designed to reach at least 500,000 vulnerable households in its first year through the newly established National Community Food Bank Programme.

Speaking at the launch and inauguration of the programme’s Board of Trustees, Tinubu said the initiative is a strategic response to rising hunger and malnutrition, particularly among children under the age of six. “The Community Food Bank Program was conceived by us as sustainable response to bringing healthy and nutritious food within the reach of vulnerable children under 6 years, strengthening community-based nutrition systems, and restore hope where it is most needed,” she said.

She added that the programme aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aimed at advancing food security and improving the welfare of Nigerians. According to her, the initiative is being implemented in collaboration with key institutions, including the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, and the Bank of Industry.

The First Lady announced a personal donation of ₦500 million to the fund, while acknowledging major contributions from the Aliko Dangote Foundation, ₦10 billion pledged by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited over five years, ₦500 million from the Sir Emeka Offor Foundation, and ₦17 billion from the Federal Government through the Social Action Fund. The Nigeria Governors’ Forum also committed a matching ₦17 billion, while an additional $500,000 (about ₦692.5 million) was pledged by anonymous donors.

Tinubu emphasised the importance of transparency and accountability in managing the trust fund, noting that the Board of Trustees comprises individuals with proven integrity and experience. “Their collective leadership will ensure that every Naira donated is used judiciously,” she said.

Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, described the initiative as timely, citing worsening food access challenges across the country. “Across our states, we see the pressure many households face in accessing affordable and nutritious food. More than one third of the children under five are stunted. This points to chronic undernutrition with lasting consequences for fiscal growth and development. This is not only a health issue, it’s a national issue,” he said.

Also speaking, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Mohammed Ali Pate, underscored the urgency of addressing malnutrition, describing it as both a policy and moral imperative. “Health does not begin in hospitals alone. It begins in our homes, in our communities, and it starts with adequate nutrition. And it is not only a necessity, politically, but it’s a moral imperative that we ensure that no Nigerian child goes to bed hungry,” he stated.

He confirmed that the Federal Government has approved ₦17 billion to support the initiative, explaining that the intervention would help decentralise nutrition programmes and strengthen community-level impact.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, described the programme as a shift “from sympathy to structure and from concern to coordinated response,” noting that Nigeria faces severe nutrition challenges, with millions of children affected by stunting and undernourishment.

At the operational level, the Managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture, Ayodeji Sotinrin, outlined safeguards built into the system. He said the fund would be managed through a ring-fenced account requiring multiple approvals for disbursement, with independent verification at every stage. “No single person can authorize a disbursement. A minimum of three to five authorized trustees must co-sign every approval,” he explained, adding that quarterly reports would be published to ensure transparency.

Distribution of food support is expected to leverage the nationwide primary healthcare network, ensuring reach down to ward level across all 36 states, while procurement and logistics will be supported through the bank’s extensive branch network.

Army Deploys 850 Troops to Quell Rising Tensions in Plateau

By
Laziz Olatunde
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A cross section of the troops in Jos, Plateau State. Photo: Nigerian Army | X

The Nigerian Army has intensified its response to rising insecurity in Plateau State, with the Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, approving the immediate deployment of additional troops to stabilise affected communities.

The reinforcement, carried out under Operation ENDURING PEACE, is aimed at strengthening ongoing operations and supporting personnel already on ground in efforts to de-escalate tensions and restore law and order across troubled areas of the state.

More than 850 troops have been mobilised from military formations in Abuja and Kaduna, in what officials describe as a swift and decisive intervention to contain the deteriorating security situation. The newly deployed personnel have been tasked with protecting lives and property while ensuring the safety of residents.

Addressing troops at the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force in Jos, the army chief urged personnel to uphold professionalism and discipline in the discharge of their duties. “Remain professional, disciplined and firm in dealing with criminal elements threatening the peace and security of law-abiding citizens,” he said.

He further assured troops that the military high command has made adequate logistical provisions and supplied necessary combat enablers to support the effective execution of their mission.

The deployment comes amid heightened concerns over security in parts of Plateau State, where authorities have stepped up efforts to prevent further escalation and reassure residents of their safety. Military officials say the reinforced presence is expected to bolster operational capacity and enhance rapid response to emerging threats.

The Nigerian Army maintains that the operation is part of broader efforts to restore lasting peace and stability in the state, with a renewed focus on protecting civilian populations and neutralising criminal elements.

FG Warns Media, Security Agencies Against Ethnic Profiling

By
Laziz Olatunde
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Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris

The Federal Government has issued a strong warning against the use of careless and harmful language in security operations, media reporting, and public discourse, cautioning that such practices could deepen divisions and erode national unity.

Speaking at a high-level conference in Abuja, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stressed that the way issues are framed—particularly around security—can significantly shape public perception and societal cohesion. The event, organised by the Whiteink Institute for Strategy Education and Research Nigeria, focused on addressing stereotyping and ethnic profiling in West Africa.

Represented by the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Press Council, Dr. Dili Ezughah, the minister underscored the weight of language in national discourse. “Definitions are not neutral. They carry weight. They influence how communities are seen and how they are treated,” he said. He warned that “when definitions are careless or inaccurate, they can reinforce stereotypes, deepen divisions and create mistrust between citizens and the institutions meant to protect them.”

The minister emphasised the need for precision and responsibility, particularly when reporting on criminal activities. He cautioned against linking crimes to ethnic or religious identities, noting that such narratives risk undermining trust and cooperation in a diverse society like Nigeria. “We must promote accuracy in language. We must also ensure that individuals are held accountable for their actions without generalizing blame to entire groups,” he stated, adding, “We must distinguish clearly between criminal behavior and identity.”

Highlighting ongoing reforms, Idris pointed to the Federal Government’s efforts under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to rebuild trust and strengthen national unity. Central to this effort is the National Values Charter, which he described as a framework designed to foster accountability, inclusion, and shared responsibility among citizens and government institutions.

“The charter provides a clear framework outlining the government’s responsibilities to citizens and citizens’ responsibilities to the nation,” he said. “Its purpose is simple, to rebuild trust and create a common understanding of what it means to be Nigerian.”

He further noted that agencies such as the National Orientation Agency are driving nationwide campaigns aimed at promoting responsible citizenship and countering divisive narratives, while citizen engagement initiatives are helping to deepen trust between the government and the public.

On the security front, the minister reaffirmed that the government is strengthening its response to evolving threats, including terrorism, banditry, and organised crime. He disclosed that a comprehensive plan for transitioning to state policing is underway. “A comprehensive framework… proposes a carefully phased transition to a decentralized policing system over a 60-month period,” he said, adding that “strong safeguards have been embedded to prevent political misuse.”

Idris also highlighted Nigeria’s ongoing collaboration with international partners in intelligence sharing and capacity building, while urging caution against misrepresenting the country in global narratives. “While challenges exist, they do not define our country. Nigeria remains a place where different religious groups coexist… and where government continues to take steps to strengthen inclusion and fairness,” he affirmed.

He concluded with a direct appeal to journalists and media practitioners, stressing the urgency of professionalism in an era of rapid information dissemination. “Reporting must be responsible, verified and sensitive to context. The consequences of misinformation or careless framing can be severe,” he said.

Nigeria Moves Closer to 2031 African Games as AUSC Inspection Team Arrives

By
Kazeem Busari
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Nigeria’s bid to host the 15th African Games in 2031 has entered a decisive phase following the arrival of an evaluation team from the African Union Sports Council for a comprehensive assessment of the country’s preparedness.

The delegation was officially received by the National Sports Commission, marking a critical milestone in the competitive bidding process for Africa’s premier multi-sport event. The visiting technical experts are expected to conduct detailed inspections of key sporting facilities, supporting infrastructure, and Nigeria’s broader organisational capacity to host the continental showpiece.

The inspection exercise forms part of the AUSC’s rigorous evaluation framework, which benchmarks prospective host nations against established continental standards to ensure readiness, sustainability, and delivery capability.

Nigeria’s bid, according to officials, goes beyond staging the Games, with a strong emphasis on long-term impact. Authorities say the proposal is anchored on leveraging the event to drive infrastructure development, deepen youth engagement, and unlock economic opportunities through sports.

With a track record of hosting major international sporting events and ongoing investments across its sports ecosystem, Nigeria is positioning itself as a credible contender in the race to host the 2031 edition.

The leadership of the National Sports Commission reaffirmed its determination to present a compelling case to the evaluation team, stressing the country’s organisational strength and ambition to deliver a world-class African Games.

Officials insist that Nigeria’s vision is not only to successfully host the Games but also to create a lasting legacy that will advance sports development across the continent.

CBN’s Banking Overhaul Yields ₦4.65tn as Recapitalisation Closes

By
Kazeem Busari
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CBN governor Olayemi Cardoso

Nigeria’s banking sector has recorded a major milestone following the successful conclusion of a 24-month recapitalisation programme that saw lenders raise a combined ₦4.65 trillion in fresh capital, significantly strengthening the country’s financial system.

Announcing the development, the Central Bank of Nigeria said the exercise, which commenced in March 2024, has enhanced the resilience of banks and positioned them to better support economic growth while withstanding both domestic and global shocks.

The apex bank disclosed that the recapitalisation drive attracted strong investor confidence, with 72.55 per cent of the funds sourced locally and 27.45 per cent coming from international markets. The participation mix, according to the regulator, reflects sustained confidence in Nigeria’s banking industry despite prevailing economic headwinds.

Governor Olayemi Cardoso described the programme as a critical step in fortifying the sector’s stability and long-term viability. “The recapitalisation programme has strengthened the capital base of Nigerian banks, reinforcing the resilience of the financial system and ensuring it is well-positioned to support economic growth and withstand domestic and external shocks,” he said.

As part of the outcome, the CBN confirmed that 33 banks have successfully met the revised minimum capital requirements set under the programme. A small number of institutions, however, remain under ongoing regulatory and judicial processes, which the bank said are being addressed within established supervisory and legal frameworks. It added that all banks continue to operate normally, with no disruption to customer access or services throughout the exercise.

The regulator noted that the programme has led to improved capital adequacy ratios across the sector, with banks maintaining levels above international Basel benchmarks. Under current requirements, minimum capital adequacy ratios remain at 10 per cent for regional and national banks, and 15 per cent for banks with international authorisation.

Beyond capital injection, the recapitalisation was implemented alongside a phased exit from regulatory forbearance, a move that has improved asset quality and enhanced balance sheet transparency across the industry. The CBN said these measures have collectively strengthened overall financial system stability.

To consolidate the gains, the apex bank has intensified its prudential oversight framework, introducing stricter risk-based supervision. Banks are now required to conduct regular stress testing under defined scenarios and maintain adequate capital buffers to absorb potential shocks. The CBN added that its regulatory guidelines and supervisory mechanisms will continue to undergo periodic reviews to ensure alignment with global best practices.

Despite the scale of the reforms, the recapitalisation programme was executed without disrupting banking operations, ensuring uninterrupted access to financial services for individuals and businesses nationwide.

Court Remands El-Rufai Over Alleged ₦579m Fraud, $1m Transfers, Adjourns Bail to April 14

By
Kazeem Busari
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Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai

A Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna has ordered the remand of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, after adjourning the hearing of his bail application to April 14, 2026.

The presiding judge, Rilwanu Aikawa, fixed the date on Wednesday following arguments presented by both the prosecution and defence counsel in the ongoing criminal proceedings.

El-Rufai was recently arraigned by the anti-graft agency on a 10-count charge bordering on alleged diversion of public funds, abuse of office, and money laundering.

According to the charge, as reported by ICIR, he is accused of unlawfully receiving about ₦579 million as severance allowance—an amount said to be far above his approved entitlement—alongside multiple foreign currency transactions suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.

Prosecutors further alleged that the former governor received $320,800 through a series of transactions between 2017 and 2023, in addition to other foreign currency inflows from individuals reportedly still at large. The commission also accused him of conspiring to conceal the origin of the funds in violation of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to all counts when the charges were read in court.

During the bail proceedings, counsel to the defence urged the court to grant bail on constitutional grounds, arguing that the accused is entitled to liberty pending trial. The prosecution opposed the application, citing the seriousness of the allegations and raising concerns over potential interference with ongoing investigations.

This marks the second adjournment of the bail hearing. The court had earlier, on March 24, deferred ruling to March 31 after hearing initial submissions from both parties, before further adjourning to April 14.

Separately, El-Rufai is also expected to appear before a Kaduna State High Court on April 10, 2026, in another case instituted by the ICPC. Proceedings in that matter were stalled on March 31 due to the absence of a co-defendant, identified as Amadu Sule (also known as Leda), preventing formal arraignment. The case was subsequently adjourned.

According to court documents marked KDH/KAD/ICPC/01/26, the charges stem from alleged offences committed between 2015 and 2025, spanning El-Rufai’s tenure in office and the period after.

Among the allegations, prosecutors claim that in December 2016, while serving as governor, El-Rufai influenced the Kaduna State Government to approve an ₦11 billion payment to Indokaduna MRTS JV Nigeria Limited for a light rail project that was never executed.

He is also accused of approving and receiving severance payments exceeding ₦289 million in 2020 and 2023, allegedly beyond his lawful entitlement—actions the prosecution argues amount to abuse of office and corrupt enrichment.

In another count, the prosecution alleged that between March and November 2022, El-Rufai and an accomplice still at large dishonestly disposed of $1,085,066.38 in World Bank loan funds, in contravention of the terms governing the facility.

Africa Makes History with 10 Teams at World Cup as CAF Backs Continent for Glory

By
Kazeem Busari
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CAF president Patrice Motsepe

The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has hailed a historic breakthrough for African football following the confirmation that 10 nations from the continent will compete at the FIFA World Cup 2026, marking the highest-ever African representation at the global showpiece.

The expanded tournament, to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will feature a record number of teams globally, with Africa benefiting significantly from the increased allocation of slots.

CAF confirmed that the 10 African teams that have qualified for the tournament are Nigeria, Senegal, Morocco, Egypt, Ghana, Cameroon, Algeria, Tunisia, Mali, and Democratic Republic of Congo, underscoring the continent’s growing depth and competitiveness on the global stage.

Speaking on the milestone, CAF President Patrice Motsepe described the development as a defining moment in African football history, attributing it to sustained progress and rising global standards across the continent.

“CAF and African Football are proud of the 10 Countries that will be representing the African Continent at the FIFA World Cup 2026,” Motsepe said.

He added, “It is the first time in the history of the FIFA World Cup that Africa is represented by 10 Countries. This is a recognition of the substantial growth and global competitiveness of African Football. We are confident that the African National Teams at the FIFA World Cup 2026 will make us proud and that an African Nation will be Champions of the FIFA World Cup.”

The CAF President also singled out Democratic Republic of Congo for praise following their decisive victory over Jamaica, a result that sealed their qualification and capped a strong showing in the final phase of the qualifiers.

The expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams has opened new opportunities for emerging football nations, but CAF insists the continent’s qualification surge is not merely a product of increased slots but a reflection of genuine progress in talent development, infrastructure, and international competitiveness.

Semenya Slams Olympic Gender Tests, Vows Fight Against ‘Rights Violation’

By
Agency Report
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Two-time Olympic champion Caster Semenya has vowed to challenge the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) newly introduced gender testing policy, escalating a long-running global debate over fairness, science, and human rights in elite sport.

The South African athlete, who has been at the centre of eligibility disputes for years, said she would actively resist the policy, which mandates genetic screening for female athletes competing at the Olympics. “We’re going to be vocal about it, we’re going to make noise until we’re heard,” Semenya said, insisting the measure undermines fundamental rights and dignity.

The new policy, introduced by the International Olympic Committee, requires athletes to undergo a one-time test—typically via saliva or cheek swab—to determine eligibility for women’s events based on genetic markers, including the SRY gene. The IOC says the move is designed to protect fairness in female competition, particularly in events where physical advantages linked to male puberty could be decisive.

However, Semenya has strongly criticised the framework, arguing that it places undue scrutiny on women’s bodies and identity. She described the policy as harmful and discriminatory, warning that it risks setting a dangerous precedent for future generations of athletes.

“For you as a woman, why will you be tested to prove that you fit?” she said in earlier remarks on the issue, calling the process “a disrespect for women.”

The policy has reignited divisions across the sporting world. While some stakeholders argue that biological criteria are necessary to preserve competitive integrity, critics—including athletes and human rights advocates—say the science remains contested and that such measures disproportionately affect women from the Global South.

Semenya’s stance builds on years of legal battles against regulations imposed by track and field authorities, which previously required athletes with differences in sex development (DSD) to lower natural testosterone levels to compete in certain events. She has consistently refused such medical interventions, maintaining that her natural biology should not disqualify her from competition.

Senate Passes ₦68.3trn 2026 Budget After Tinubu’s ₦9trn Upward Review Push

By
Kazeem Busari
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Nigeria’s Senate has passed a ₦68.3 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill, marking a significant increase from the initial ₦58.47 trillion proposal submitted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, following an upward review request to accommodate key national priorities.

The budget, approved during plenary after the adoption of a joint report by the National Assembly’s appropriations committees, reflects an addition of over ₦9 trillion aimed at addressing legacy obligations, funding critical infrastructure, and supporting strategic sectors such as transportation, health, and the judiciary.

Presenting the report, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Adeola Olamilekan, emphasised the importance of effective implementation, warning against delays that undermined previous budgets. He said, “That bureaucratic bottleneck that led to the challenges of late releases of funds in 2025 should be addressed holistically to achieve the theme of the 2026 Appropriations Bill: From Budget to Impact.”

A breakdown of the approved budget shows ₦4.799 trillion allocated for statutory transfers, ₦15.809 trillion for debt servicing, about ₦15–16 trillion for recurrent (non-debt) expenditure, and ₦32.287 trillion earmarked for capital projects, underscoring the government’s continued emphasis on infrastructure and economic expansion.

In his communication to lawmakers, President Tinubu explained that the budget increase was necessary to “regularise outstanding legacy capital commitments” and ensure that unresolved obligations from previous fiscal cycles do not hinder the execution of the 2026 budget. He added that the adjustments are designed to preserve macroeconomic stability and reduce pressure on the domestic financial system.

The Senate approved the budget based on key fiscal assumptions, including an oil benchmark price of about $75 per barrel and an exchange rate of ₦1,512 to the dollar, reflecting ongoing efforts to stabilise Nigeria’s macroeconomic framework amid global uncertainties.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the passage of the bill following a voice vote by lawmakers, concluding months of legislative review and negotiations between the executive and the legislature.

The approval also comes alongside a decision by lawmakers to extend the implementation timeline of the 2025 capital budget to June 30, 2026, in a bid to ensure the completion of ongoing projects and avoid disruptions in government spending.

D’banj to Launch C.R.E.A.M Experience 3.0

By
Justice Oladapo
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D'banj

Nigerian music icon D’banj, popularly known as the Koko Master, has officially unveiled C.R.E.A.M Experience 3.0, set to take place this Friday at the National Arts Theatre in Lagos.

In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, the entertainer expressed his excitement with the verified quote: “With Joy in my Heart, I present to you C.R.E.A.M EXPERIENCE 3.0 Powerfully @thecreamplatform April 3rd National Art Theatre Lagos 7pm prompt.”

The event doubles as the grand launch of The C.R.E.A.M Platform (Creative Reality Entertainment Art Music), described across recent promotions as Africa’s pioneering direct-to-fans, do-it-yourself digital community designed to connect creators, fans, and the wider creative industry.

Among other activities, the event is promoted to feature live performances headlined by D’banj himself, alongside opportunities for fans to win cash prizes, exclusive merchandise, and a major jackpot: a brand-new Geely electric car valued at N28 million.

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