National News
PRESIDENT TINUBU PLEDGES 500,000 JOBS AS AJAOKUTA STEEL NEARS COMPLETION

PRESIDENT TINUBU PLEDGES 500,000 JOBS AS AJAOKUTA STEEL NEARS COMPLETION
…Flags off Kogi APC governorship campaign
By: Our Reporter
President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared on Sunday that with the hitherto abandoned Ajaokuta Steel Complex now nearing completion, the project will have the capacity to employ 500,000 Nigerians once designated as a free trade zone.
The President further promised to fully harness the potentials of the Complex once it is completed, as it would boost Nigeria’s foreign direct investment and provide avenue for the creation of the much-needed conducive business environment for all sectors to thrive.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented the President, made this known at the flag-off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship campaign in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital.
The governorship poll in the state is slated for November 11.
Addressing a mammoth crowd in Lokoja, VP Shettima also noted that Tinubu remained committed to completing the constructions of the River Niger, the Kabba-Lokoja and the Abuja-Lokoja roads.
President Tinubu, VP Shettima stated, is a man of plenty ideas who is determined to reposition the nation in its rightful place, especially as it borders on restructuring and stimulating the Nigerian economy.
“Given Mr President’s commitment to the development of Kogi State and indeed the entirety of Nigeria, Kogi in particular being a confluence state, cannot afford to have a governor who is hostile to the center. We must be partners in progress and work hand in hand to develop this great nation,” the Vice President said.
He further hinted about plans by the Tinubu administration to make the Itakpe crop processing project a dream come true, just as he promised jobs and affordable education under the present government.
Reemphasising that the welfare of the citizenry would never be willfully compromised, VP Shettima called on Kogi citizens to come out en masse on November 11 to vote for the candidate of the APC, Ahmed Usman Ododo, in order to consolidate on the achievements of the APC government in the state.
He added that the natural endowments of Kogi State would be harnessed for the development of the state and the nation at large, adding that President Tinubu had further given his nod for the rehabilitation of Obajana-Okene road in Kogi State.
Speaking earlier, Kogi State Governor, Alh. Yahaya Bello, thanked President Tinubu for accepting to flag off the governorship campaign in his state, disclosing that his administration has achieved a lot, and it is time for consolidation in order to move the state forward.
“We have done a lot in the area of security, education and health, among others. We want to consolidate on that. I am, therefore, calling on the people of our dear state to vote for our candidate in order to move Kogi State forward,” he said.
For his part, APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, said because Governor Yahaya Bello has provided good governance to the people of Kogi, the state cannot afford to be left behind by giving power to another party different from the one at the center.
Also, the Chairman of the APC Campaign Council for Kogi State, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, enjoined the people of Kogi State to clean up their voter cards and turn out in numbers to vote for the candidate of the APC in the November 11 governorship election.
On his part, Kogi State APC governorship candidate, Ahmed Ododo, pledged to carry the people of the state along if elected, saying he remained committed to the development agenda of Kogi State.
“We will build on the legacies of my mentor, Governor Yahaya Bello. We will give attention to security, education, agriculture and health. Our women will also be empowered,” he said.
Other dignitaries at the campaign rally were the Chairman of Nigeria Governors Forum, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq; Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, and members of the National Working Committee of the APC, among others.
The Vice President’s engagements in Kogi had started with an audience with traditional rulers and other stakeholders of the state ahead of the November 11 governorship election.
At the audience with the stakeholders, VP Shettima also solicited support for the APC candidate in the forthcoming election.
Responding on behalf of his colleagues, the President, Kogi State Traditional Council and the Attah of Igala, HRH Mathew Ipaluwa, pledged their support for President Bola Tinubu.
The royal father commended the state governor, Yahaya Bello, for working hard in addressing security challenges in the state.
PRESIDENT TINUBU PLEDGES 500,000 JOBS AS AJAOKUTA STEEL NEARS COMPLETION
National News
Aisha Babangida, FIRS boss, Shagaya, others to headline WenA’s 5th Annual Conference on Tax Reforms, Cost Reduction for SME Growth

Aisha Babangida, FIRS boss, Shagaya, others to headline WenA’s 5th Annual Conference on Tax Reforms, Cost Reduction for SME Growth
By: Michael Mike
Top policy influencers, business leaders, development partners, and women entrepreneurs from across Nigeria will gathered in Abuja as the Women Enterprise Alliance (WenA) is set to host its 5th Annual Conference
The conference, with the theme “Translating Policy into Practice: Cost-Reduction and Tax Reforms for Sustainable SME Growth,” is scheduled for Thursday, 16th October 2025, at the Diamond Hall, A-Class Event Centre, Wuse II, Abuja.
This year’s edition underscores WenA’s commitment to empowering Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), particularly women-led businesses, by addressing critical barriers such as high operational costs and complex tax regimes.
The event will feature key policy discussions, expert panels, and collaborative sessions designed to translate government policies into actionable strategies for sustainable business growth.
At the centre of this initiative is Her Excellency Aisha Babangida, Founder of WenA, whose leadership and advocacy for women’s economic empowerment have positioned her as a reference point in Nigeria’s entrepreneurial space.
Speaking ahead of the conference, Ms Babangida stated, “At WenA, we believe that empowering SMEs, especially women-led enterprises, means empowering Nigeria’s future.
“This conference is not just a gathering; it is a call to action for stakeholders across sectors to translate policy into tangible, impactful change.”
Among the confirmed speakers are Ms Chayla Shagaya, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Entrepreneurship, who will deliver a keynote address on scaling SMEs through cost-reduction reforms, and the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), who is expected to present critical fiscal reforms aimed at creating a more supportive tax environment for SMEs.
The conference will also feature a strategic policy roadmap presentation developed by WenA in partnership with UN Women. This document outlines practical recommendations to address the pressing challenges facing SMEs, particularly in taxation and regulatory compliance.
A high-level panel discussion will include insights from Dr Fausat Aleshinloye, Economist and Policy Analyst; Ifeoma Malo, CEO of Clean Tech Hub; Mrs Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo of SheVentures (FCMB); and representatives from Nigeria’s energy sector. The conversation will be moderated by Dr Dahiru Sani.
A dedicated session will focus on simplifying Nigeria’s tax regime, with emphasis on harmonisation, ease of compliance, and improved transparency to reduce the burden on small businesses. Participants will also benefit from extensive networking opportunities, with stakeholders from government, finance, energy, and development sectors expected to attend.
As part of recognising excellence in the SME ecosystem, the conference will celebrate standout entrepreneurs and initiatives. Awards will include the prestigious “Most Scalable Business in North-Central Nigeria” and certificates of excellence for innovation and community impact.
Aisha Babangida, FIRS boss, Shagaya, others to headline WenA’s 5th Annual Conference on Tax Reforms, Cost Reduction for SME Growth
National News
GIZ Launches Peacecore Project in Taraba,Trains Thirty Journalists on Conflict-Sensitive Reporting

GIZ Launches Peacecore Project in Taraba,Trains Thirty Journalists on Conflict-Sensitive Reporting
By: Michael Mike
The German Development Cooperation (GIZ) has launched a new initiative, “PeaceCORE,” in Taraba State as part of
strategic effort to foster peacebuilding and strengthen conflict-sensitive journalism in some states in the North.
The programme aims to equip media professionals with the tools and knowledge to promote peaceful coexistence in conflict-prone communities.
The PeaceCORE project, formally titled “Strengthening Capacities for Conflict Transformation and Livelihood for Groups in Vulnerable Situations in Nigeria’s Central Zone,” is being implemented in Taraba, Kaduna, and Plateau states, and focuses on enhancing the capacity of government and civil society actors to manage conflict through sustainable dialogue, accurate information dissemination, and inclusive engagement.
As part of the initiative, GIZ hosted an intensive three-day training from October 6 to October 8, 2025, in Jalingo, bringing together 30 journalists from radio, television, print, and digital media platforms.
The training emphasized responsible and ethical reporting in times of conflict, and provided participants with hands-on experience using fact-checking tools while addressing the growing challenges of misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation in Nigeria’s volatile media landscape.
Facilitators at the workshop include: Silas Jonathan from the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) in Nigeria; Jérôme William Bationo, a conflict media specialist with MiCT in Germany; and Oluwole Oladipo Olurishe, a media development expert with GIZ.
The trio delivered sessions that blended theoretical frameworks with practical tools to enhance journalistic objectivity and sensitivity in reporting conflicts.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Chairman of the Taraba State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr. Mathew Eliud Jen, commended GIZ for its commitment to sustainable peace through media engagement. He urged participants to apply the knowledge gained to drive narratives that promote unity and discourage incitement.
“This training is a timely intervention. As journalists, we have the power to shape public perception. Let’s use our platforms to build peace, not stoke division,” Jen emphasized.
The PeaceCORE project is expected to roll out a series of media-for-peace initiatives across the state in the coming months, reinforcing GIZ’s broader objective of stabilizing conflict-affected regions through inclusive communication strategies and livelihood support.
With increasing political, ethnic, and resource-based tensions in parts of the country, stakeholders believe empowering thev media with conflict transformation tools is a crucial step toward lasting peace and sustainable development in Nigeria.
GIZ Launches Peacecore Project in Taraba,Trains Thirty Journalists on Conflict-Sensitive Reporting
National News
AUDI LEADS NSCDC’S MORALE-BOOSTING VISIT TO EBONYI

AUDI LEADS NSCDC’S MORALE-BOOSTING VISIT TO EBONYI
By: Michael Mike
The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ahmed Audi in his continued strategic operational tour of the South East was in Ebonyi State, where he emphasized the Corps’ renewed focus on personnel welfare, grassroots security, and collaborative engagement with stakeholders.
Audi, who was warmly received by the Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, noted that his visit was to assess operational challenges, boost morale, and strengthen inter-agency cooperation for sustainable peace and development in the state.

During the courtesy visit at the Government House, Abakaliki, the Commandant General commended the Governor for his administration’s commitment to security and rural development, stating that the Corps remains steadfast in complementing the state government’s vision through intelligence-driven and community-oriented operations. He also requested the continued support of the State Government in the area of logistics and operational vehicles to further enhance the Corps’ capacity to respond effectively to security challenges.
“Security is the foundation upon which progress stands. Our officers in Ebonyi are dedicated, resilient, and ready to defend the people with integrity and professionalism. The NSCDC will continue to enhance its presence at the grassroots and protect critical infrastructure vital to the prosperity of the state,” Prof. Audi affirmed.
Nwifuru, in his remarks, lauded the NSCDC for its proactive contributions to peace and security across Ebonyi, describing the Corps as a dependable partner in maintaining law and order. He pledged the continued support of the State Government in providing logistics and operational resources to ensure that the Corps can deliver on its mandate effectively.
“Ebonyi, the Salt of the Nation, thrives on resilience, hard work, and unity. Our people are industrious and peace-loving, and we appreciate the NSCDC for its unwavering service to our communities,” the governor said.
After the courtesy call, the Commandant General proceeded to the NSCDC Ebonyi State Command Headquarters in Abakaliki, where he addressed officers and men of the Corps. He charged them to remain disciplined, committed, and proactive in their duties while upholding the highest standards of professionalism. Prof. Audi also reaffirmed his administration’s continuous efforts to improve welfare, training, and logistics to enhance operational efficiency.
The Commandant General was accompanied throughout the visit by the Ebonyi State Commandant, Francis Nnadi, and other senior officers.
The tour reflects the Corps’ ongoing efforts to enhance operational effectiveness, foster synergy with state actors, and strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s internal security architecture under Prof. Audi’s leadership.
AUDI LEADS NSCDC’S MORALE-BOOSTING VISIT TO EBONYI
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