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Nigeria Among World’s Most Dynamic Urban Hubs — Italian Ambassador

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Nigeria Among World’s Most Dynamic Urban Hubs — Italian Ambassador

The Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, Roberto Mengoni, has described Nigeria as one of the world’s most dynamic urban environments, citing rapid city growth, innovation, and expanding opportunities in architecture and design.

Mengoni made the remarks on Wednesday in Abuja at the inaugural Italian Design Day, organised in collaboration with the Nigerian Institute of Architects.

According to him, Nigeria’s cities are witnessing increasing emphasis on sustainable urban development, opening up new opportunities for infrastructure expansion, improved living standards, and innovative solutions to urban challenges.

He noted that initiatives such as Italian Design Day provide a platform to showcase Italy’s rich heritage in architecture and design, while also fostering global dialogue and collaboration.

Mengoni highlighted Italy’s global reputation in design, attributing it to decades of creativity, craftsmanship, and strong industrial collaboration, which have set benchmarks in architecture, interior, and industrial design.

Quoting renowned architect Renzo Piano, the ambassador stressed that architecture carries a deep responsibility, particularly in addressing challenges associated with rapid urbanisation, including housing deficits, sustainability, mobility, and the quality of public spaces.

He added that countries like Nigeria are central to this global transformation, with cities such as Lagos and Abuja emerging as hubs of innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship.

Speaking at the event, Chairperson of the Nigerian Institute of Architects, Yemi Shola-Adebiyi, said the initiative provided architecture students with valuable international exposure and opportunities to engage directly with Italian professionals.

She noted that the collaboration enhanced professional learning through knowledge exchange, helping students develop practical skills and a broader global perspective.

Shola-Adebiyi described the programme as a milestone, noting that it marked the first time Italian Design Day was hosted in Abuja, despite being in its tenth edition and traditionally held in Lagos.

She explained that the three-day event featured masterclasses, mentorship sessions, and interactive engagements designed to strengthen early professional development among aspiring architects.

The programme also included presentations by visiting architects from Parasite 2.0 Studio, who explored innovative approaches to transforming temporary spaces into permanent architectural solutions.

Students from institutions including the University of Abuja, Nile University of Nigeria, and Baze University participated in interactive sessions, exchanging ideas and insights with the visiting experts.

The event underscored the growing importance of international collaboration in shaping Nigeria’s urban future and advancing architectural innovation.

Tinubu’s Historic UK Visit: First Lady Oluremi to Preach at Lambeth Palace as President Meets King Charles

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Tinubu’s Historic UK Visit: First Lady Oluremi to Preach at Lambeth Palace as President Meets King Charles

Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, is set to deliver a sermon at Lambeth Palace on Thursday, marking a significant moment during Nigeria’s first state visit to the United Kingdom in nearly 40 years.

Her appearance coincides with President Bola Tinubu’s official trip, as both leaders arrived in London on Tuesday via Stansted Airport. In addition to her preaching engagement, the First Lady is expected to meet representatives of the Church of England the same day.

According to the official programme, the Nigerian delegation will engage in a series of high-level meetings. President Tinubu and his wife are scheduled to meet King Charles III on Wednesday. They will also hold talks with Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales before travelling together to Windsor.

Later, the British monarch will formally receive the Nigerian president at Windsor Castle, where a state banquet will be held in his honour.

The visit underscores strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. Both nations signed a strategic partnership agreement in November 2024 aimed at boosting cooperation in trade, security, and migration.

Discussions during the visit are expected to focus on British-supported port development projects in Nigeria, alongside expanding bilateral trade, which rose to £8.1 billion (approximately $11 billion) in the year ending September 2025—an increase of 11.4 per cent year-on-year.

Oyo APC Stakeholders Praise Peaceful Congresses, Demand Fair Zoning at National Level

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Oyo APC Stakeholders Praise Peaceful Congresses, Demand Fair Zoning at National Level

Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) across six local government areas in Oyo State have applauded the party’s leadership for successfully conducting its ward, local government, and state congresses without incident.

The stakeholders, drawn from Akinyele, Egbeda, Ido, Lagelu, Oluyole, and Ona-Ara LGAs, expressed their views in a communiqué issued after their quarterly meeting held in Ibadan.

Signed by Chairman Kamorudeen Ajisafe and Secretary Buliaminu Ogundele, the communiqué noted that the peaceful outcome of the congresses defied widespread fears rooted in the controversies that marred similar exercises in 2018 and 2022.

“Before the congresses, there were strong concerns about potential disputes based on past experiences. However, with the successful conclusion of the process, critics have been proven wrong, and the party has emerged stronger and more united,” the stakeholders stated.

They attributed the smooth conduct of the exercise to the leadership’s adoption of a consensus approach, as well as the maturity and discipline displayed by party members throughout the process.

According to them, the congresses were conducted peacefully across all 351 wards and 33 local government areas in the state, with no recorded cases of violence.

The group also congratulated former deputy governor Moses Adeyemo on his emergence as the new state chairman, pledging their full support to his leadership in advancing the party’s goals ahead of the 2027 elections.

While expressing optimism, the stakeholders urged Adeyemo to address lingering disputes in some local government areas to further strengthen party cohesion.

However, they raised concerns over what they described as an imbalance in the party’s zoning arrangement at both the South-West zonal and national levels. The stakeholders called on the APC’s national leadership to review the current structure to ensure fairness and better representation for Oyo State.

They argued that given the state’s significant population, voting strength, and human resources, it deserves a more prominent role within the party’s national framework.

“We call for justice and fairness in the zoning of positions before it is too late,” the communiqué concluded.

‘No Judge Can Order Lawyer to Kneel’ — NBA Slams Courtroom Incident

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‘No Judge Can Order Lawyer to Kneel’ — NBA Slams Courtroom Incident

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has raised strong objections over an alleged courtroom incident involving Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja, and lawyer Marshall Abubakar.

The incident reportedly occurred on March 16 during proceedings in a defamation case where Abubakar appeared as lead defence counsel to activist Omoyele Sowore.

According to reports, the trial judge ordered the lawyer to kneel for allegedly raising his voice while addressing the court on a hearing date, and also threatened to cite him for contempt.

Reacting in a statement, the NBA described the development as “deeply troubling,” warning that it has serious implications for the dignity of the legal profession and the sanctity of the courtroom.

“The courtroom is a temple of justice, governed by law, procedure, and decorum,” the association stated, stressing that judicial authority must be exercised within the limits of the law and established standards.

The NBA clarified that while courts have the power to punish for contempt, such powers must follow due process and respect the rights and dignity of all parties.

“A judge directing a legal practitioner or any person to kneel in court is not a recognised judicial sanction under our laws and does not align with expected standards of judicial conduct,” the statement said.

The association further emphasised that the integrity of the judiciary must be reflected not only in its rulings but also in how authority is exercised in court.

It advised that any act considered contemptuous should be handled strictly through lawful procedures.

“If a judge believes a person has acted contemptuously, the proper legal process must be followed,” the NBA added.

The NBA also reminded lawyers of their duty to maintain professionalism and decorum while advocating for clients.

NBA President Afam Osigwe (SAN) called for calm, urging that grievances arising from courtroom incidents be addressed through appropriate institutional channels.

He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to engaging relevant authorities where necessary to uphold the rule of law, professional standards, and judicial ethics.

AFCON Drama: CAF Awards 2025 Title to Morocco After Senegal Forfeits Final

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AFCON Drama: CAF Awards 2025 Title to Morocco After Senegal Forfeits Final

The Confederation of African Football has officially awarded the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title to Morocco after its Appeal Board ruled that Senegal forfeited the final match.

In a decision announced on Tuesday, CAF overturned an earlier ruling by its disciplinary body, siding with the appeal filed by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF).

According to the Appeal Board, Senegal breached competition regulations, leading to the forfeiture of the final, with the result recorded as a 3–0 victory in favour of Morocco under Article 84 of the AFCON regulations.

“The Senegal National Team is declared to have forfeited the final match… with the result recorded as 3–0 in favour of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football,” CAF stated.

The board also ruled that Senegal’s conduct during the match violated Article 82 of the competition rules, thereby validating Morocco’s protest.

The controversial decision reverses the earlier outcome in which Senegal had been declared winners after a 1–0 victory over Morocco in the final played in Rabat.

The match itself was marred by tension and controversy, including protests by Senegalese players following a late refereeing decision, which led to a temporary walk-off and chaotic scenes involving players and officials.

Beyond the title decision, the Appeal Board also reviewed several disciplinary issues arising from the final.

Moroccan player Ismaël Saibari was found guilty of misconduct, with his suspension reduced to two matches—one of which is suspended—while a previously imposed $100,000 fine was отменed.

CAF also reduced sanctions against the Moroccan federation over incidents involving ball boys and laser interference, lowering fines to $50,000 and $10,000 respectively.

However, a $100,000 fine related to interference around the VAR review area was upheld.

The decision marks one of the most dramatic conclusions in AFCON history, as Morocco claim the continental title not on the pitch but through a legal ruling.

The development has sparked widespread debate across African football, raising questions about officiating, discipline, and the integrity of tournament regulations.

Pray for Tinubu’s Reforms to Succeed, Senator Abiru Urges Muslims

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Pray for Tinubu’s Reforms to Succeed, Senator Abiru Urges Muslims

The Senator representing Lagos East, Adetokunbo Abiru, has called on Muslims to sustain prayers for the success of the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that the President’s policies and reforms are already yielding positive results.

Abiru made the appeal during the 22nd Tafsir and special prayer session held at Solu Alade Central Mosque. The event was organised by the Ibeju-Lekki League of Imams and Alfas, with support from the lawmaker representing Ibeju-Lekki, Bayo Balogun.

Describing the Tafsir as a significant spiritual gathering, Abiru said it fosters unity, interfaith harmony, and deep reflection among participants. He commended the organisers for sustaining the annual prayer initiative, noting that such efforts strengthen social cohesion.

The senator emphasised that President Tinubu remains committed to key areas such as economic reforms, infrastructure development, job creation, security, and social welfare programmes aimed at improving the lives of Nigerians.

According to him, ongoing economic reforms have helped stabilise the nation’s finances, while also encouraging investment and boosting productivity.

Highlighting infrastructure as a major pillar of the administration’s agenda, Abiru pointed to the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as a transformative national project expected to enhance connectivity and unlock economic opportunities.

He further stressed the importance of faith in leadership, noting that Islam regards leadership as a sacred trust. Abiru urged Muslims to continue praying for the country’s leaders, especially President Tinubu, asking Allah to grant them wisdom, strength, and guidance in steering Nigeria toward peace, unity, and prosperity.

Guest lecturers, Kabir Olawale Paramole and Murtadho Abdul-Gafar, also advised Muslims to live in accordance with the teachings of the Holy Quran and uphold the commandments of Allah in their daily lives.

2027: Tinubu Directs Political Appointees Seeking Elective Office to Resign — Full List Affected

Lukman Omikunle
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2027: Tinubu Directs Political Appointees Seeking Elective Office to Resign — Full List Affected

President Bola Tinubu has directed all political appointees seeking elective office in 2027 to resign by March 31, in line with the Electoral Act and INEC timetable

2027 Race: Tinubu Orders Appointees to Resign by March 31

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed all political appointees under his administration who intend to contest in the 2027 general elections to resign their positions on or before March 31, 2026.

The directive, announced in a statement by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, is in line with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, and the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for party primaries.

According to the circular signed by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, the order affects a broad category of presidential appointees, including ministers, ministers of state, special advisers, senior special assistants, special assistants, personal assistants, as well as directors-general and chief executive officers of federal government agencies, commissions, and parastatals.

The statement, issued by the SGF’s office, emphasised that all affected officials must submit their resignation letters through the appropriate channels no later than the stipulated deadline.

President Tinubu said the decision was necessary to ensure strict compliance with electoral laws and to uphold fairness in the political process.

He stressed that requiring appointees to step down before participating in party primaries would help promote transparency and create a level playing field for all aspirants.

The directive is expected to trigger a wave of resignations across key government institutions in the coming weeks, as several political appointees are believed to be nursing ambitions for elective offices at both the federal and state levels.

The move signals the administration’s intent to align fully with electoral regulations while reinforcing public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 polls. Read More

AFCON Shock: Morocco Crowned 2025 Champions as CAF Overturns Final Result Against Senegal

Lukman Omikunle
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AFCON Shock: Morocco Crowned 2025 Champions as CAF Overturns Final Result Against Senegal

CAF has awarded Morocco the 2025 AFCON title after overturning Senegal’s final win, declaring a 3-0 forfeiture in favour of Morocco

CAF Awards Morocco 2025 Title After Overturning Senegal Win

In a dramatic twist that has sent shockwaves across African football, Morocco national football team have been officially declared winners of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) overturned their final defeat to Senegal national football team.

Senegal had initially secured a 1-0 victory in the final played on January 18, in a tense encounter overshadowed by controversy late in regulation time. With the match still goalless, Morocco were awarded a stoppage-time penalty—a decision that sparked protests from Senegalese players, who temporarily refused to continue the game.

Following a delay of approximately 17 minutes, play eventually resumed. Morocco’s Brahim Díaz stepped up to take the penalty, but his effort was saved. The match proceeded into extra time, where Senegal’s Pape Gueye scored what appeared to be the winning goal.

However, CAF has now nullified that result.

In an official statement, the governing body ruled that Senegal “are declared to have forfeited the final match,” adding that the “result of the match [is] recorded as 3-0 in favour” of Morocco.

The decision effectively hands Morocco the AFCON 2025 title, rewriting the outcome of one of the most controversial finals in the tournament’s history.

While CAF did not immediately provide extensive details behind the forfeiture ruling, the development is expected to spark debate across the football world, with fans and analysts questioning the circumstances that led to such a decisive post-match intervention.

For Morocco, the ruling marks a historic triumph under extraordinary circumstances, while for Senegal, it represents a stunning reversal of what had been celebrated as a hard-fought championship victory. Read More

Sanitation Times: Why Lagosians Must Embrace Clean Living and Adopt Responsible Waste Disposal | By Kayode Alfred

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Sanitation Times: Why Lagosians Must Embrace Clean Living and Adopt Responsible Waste Disposal | By Kayode Alfred

Sanitation Times: Why Lagosians Must Embrace Clean Living and Adopt Responsible Waste Disposal

By Kayode ALFRED

In a metropolis as dynamic and ever-expanding as Lagos, sanitation transcends routine obligation—it is a fundamental pillar of urban survival. With a population that surges into the millions and an unrelenting daily influx of residents and visitors, the volume of waste generated across the city is staggering.

Absent deliberate and sustained sanitation practices, the consequences manifest swiftly and severely: choked drainage channels, perennial flooding during the rainy season, environmental degradation, and the proliferation of preventable diseases.

Sanitation in Lagos must no longer be reduced to the symbolic act of sweeping one’s frontage. It demands a conscious commitment to proper waste disposal, the rejection of indiscriminate dumping, a reduction in plastic consumption, and active participation in structured waste management systems. When refuse finds its way into gutters and waterways, the ripple effects are collective—homes are submerged, roads become impassable, and public health is compromised.

More profoundly, intentional sanitation speaks to a culture of responsibility and civic pride. The vision of a cleaner Lagos cannot rest solely on government intervention; it must be driven by the shared accountability of its people. From bustling market traders to corporate professionals, from informal vendors to residents of gated communities, every citizen holds a stake in the city’s environmental future.

Encouragingly, under the watch of Barrister Tokunbo Wahab, the Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, notable strides are being made to address the state’s sanitation challenges. Through enforcement, public awareness, and strategic environmental initiatives, the ministry continues to demonstrate commitment to a cleaner and more resilient Lagos. However, these efforts can only achieve lasting impact with the active cooperation of Lagosians, who must rise to support and sustain these initiatives for even greater results.

Beyond aesthetics, the dividends of improved sanitation are far-reaching. A cleaner Lagos enhances investor confidence, stimulates tourism, and elevates the overall quality of life. It reduces the burden on healthcare systems and fosters a safer, more habitable urban environment for present and future generations.

Ultimately, the true measure of Lagos’ cleanliness lies not in policy alone, but in the everyday habits of its residents. Intentional sanitation is not a discretionary choice—it is an urgent imperative for building a healthier, safer, and more prosperous city. Read More

$6bn Mambilla Power Project Trial: Agunloye Cut FG’s Stake Without Presidential Approval —EFCC Witness Tells Court

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$6bn Mambilla Power Project Trial: Agunloye Cut FG’s Stake Without Presidential Approval —EFCC Witness Tells Court

An EFCC witness has told a Federal High Court in Abuja that former minister Olu Agunloye reduced FG equity in the Mambilla project without approval and received ₦5.6m

Mambilla Power Project Trial: EFCC Witness Testifies Against Olu Agunloye

The trial of former Minister of Power and Steel, Olu Agunloye, took a dramatic turn on Monday as a prosecution witness told the court that the ex-minister unilaterally reduced the Federal Government’s equity stake in the controversial Mambilla Power Project without presidential approval.

Testifying before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie at the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Apo Division, Abuja, the third prosecution witness, Umar Hussein Babangida, an investigator with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), alleged that the government’s stake was cut from 25 percent to 10 percent without due authorisation.

Agunloye is being prosecuted by the EFCC on an amended seven-count charge bordering on official corruption and the alleged fraudulent award of the $6 billion Mambilla Power Project contract to Sunrise Power Transmission Company Limited.

Under cross-examination by defence counsel, Adeola Adedipe (SAN), the witness maintained that the original recommendation for the Federal Government’s equity participation stood at 25 percent, equivalent to $1.5 billion.

“There was no government approval for the reduction to 10 percent,” the witness stated, insisting that the decision was taken without the knowledge of then President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Earlier in the proceedings, the court ruled in favour of the prosecution, allowing the witness to clarify alleged discrepancies between Exhibits EFCC 3K and EFCC 3D—documents relating to Federal Executive Council (FEC) deliberations on the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project dated May 21, 2003.

Explaining the documents, the witness told the court, “Exhibit EFCC 3K contains paragraph 14, which is an extract of the deliberation of the FEC meeting of May 21, 2003, concerning the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Plant and exhibit EFCC 3D, paragraph 14 is also a document of FEC meeting of May 21, 2003. Both are the same in exact words and there is no ambiguity in the two exhibits. Exhibit 3D shows paragraph 13,14, 15 while 3K shows only paragraph 14 which was transmitted to the Ministry of Power by the cabinet office,” he said.

The witness further revealed that a cabinet member was later invited on May 22, 2003, to provide a fuller account of events, as documented in Exhibit EFCC 3N—linked to a response prepared for former President Obasanjo by legal representatives from the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation.

In another key revelation, the EFCC investigator alleged that Agunloye received ₦5.6 million as gratification linked to the contract award. According to him, the money was transferred in 2003 by Jide Sotinri on the instruction of his superior, Leno Adesanya.

He added that while Sotinri claimed in an extrajudicial statement that the funds were meant for surgery, bank records indicated otherwise.

The witness also told the court that at the time the contract was awarded, there was no Ministerial Tenders Board in place, noting that the process was handled instead by a technical committee.

Following the conclusion of cross-examination, Justice Onwuegbuzie adjourned the matter to March 30, 2026, for re-examination of the witness, and further fixed April 20, 27, and 30, 2026, for continuation of trial.

The high-stakes case continues to draw attention as it revisits decisions made during Nigeria’s early 2000s power sector reforms, with significant implications for accountability and transparency in public procurement. Read More

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