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Tinubu Vows to Fast-Track Nigeria’s Growth Through Technology and Food Security in Brazil Address

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President Bola Tinubu has pledged to accelerate Nigeria’s development by prioritising technology, food security, and innovation, while drawing lessons from Brazil’s economic success.

Speaking to Nigerians in Brazil on Wednesday, Tinubu stressed the need to position Nigeria at the forefront of Africa’s progress through reforms and inclusive growth.

“We must bring Nigeria to the forefront of Africa’s progress, driven by technology, food sovereignty, and the courage to change our destiny,” the President said in a statement issued by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga.

Tinubu described his visit as a strategic step to deepen bilateral relations and tap into Brazil’s impressive growth trajectory. “Once upon a time, Nigeria and Brazil stood on the same level. Look at Brazil today, its technology, its food systems. We must ask ourselves: what do they have that we don’t? We have the brains, the energy, and the youth. We have everything we need. Now, we must act,” he declared.

The President commended Nigerians in the diaspora for their resilience, calling them vital stakeholders in building a modern Nigeria anchored on innovation, culture, and shared responsibility.

Acknowledging the hardships caused by ongoing economic reforms, Tinubu likened them to “bitter medicine,” insisting they are essential for long-term stability.

The President also pledged to forge global partnerships in manufacturing, technology, and cultural exchange, urging unity and patriotism among Nigerians at home and abroad.

“If Wole Soyinka, at over 90, can still dream and act, then we have no excuse. The dream must be realised. The time is now,” he added.

Tinubu Awaits Full Briefing on Abuja–Kaduna Train Derailment, NRC MD Takes Responsibility

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President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over Tuesday’s Abuja–Kaduna train derailment and said he is awaiting a full briefing to ensure swift action and support for affected passengers.

The incident occurred shortly after the train departed Abuja around 11 a.m. en route to Kaduna, leaving several passengers injured. Tinubu, who is currently in Brazil, extended his prayers to the victims and assured that necessary measures will be taken to prevent a recurrence.

“I am staying updated on the latest developments and await a full briefing to ensure swift action and support for all affected. The NRC is already addressing the situation, and necessary steps are expected to be taken to prevent similar occurrences in the future,” Tinubu stated on X.

Meanwhile, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Kayode Opeifa, has taken responsibility for the derailment. Appearing on a television programme on Wednesday, Opeifa apologised to Nigerians and confirmed that four passengers sustained serious injuries while two were discharged immediately.

“Beyond apologising to Nigeria, I want to say as the managing director and chief executive, I take full responsibility. And in the case of safety, there is no indifference. Once it happens, the chief executive must take responsibility,” he said.

Opeifa added that NRC will follow up with all 618 passengers onboard to provide support for possible post-traumatic experiences.

Train operations on the Abuja–Kaduna corridor have since been suspended pending the outcome of investigations by NRC, the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau, and other relevant agencies.

Injury Blow for Super Eagles as Goalkeeper Nwabali Doubtful for World Cup Qualifiers

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Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying campaign has been dealt a major setback after first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali suffered an injury while in action for South African club Chippa United.

The 29-year-old was stretchered off during the first half of Tuesday’s league clash against Richards Bay, appearing in visible pain. Chippa United’s medical team is still assessing the extent of the injury.

The development comes at a difficult time for the Super Eagles, who face crucial qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa in the coming days.

Nigeria is already battling a goalkeeping crisis, with Maduka Okoye sidelined by a two-month suspension for illegal betting. That leaves coach Finidi George with limited options, including uncapped Tanzania-based Amas Obasogie and Adebayo Adeleye of Greek side Volos NPS, who has just one international cap.

Niger Delta Youths Blockade NNPCL Headquarters, Demand CEO’s Resignation

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Hundreds of Niger Delta youths on Wednesday staged a protest at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) Towers in Abuja, demanding the resignation of the Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Bashir Ojulari, over alleged corruption and mismanagement.

The demonstrators, who arrived at the headquarters as early as 6 a.m., barricaded the main gates, preventing entry and exit while displaying banners calling for Ojulari’s removal and the appointment of a Niger Delta indigene as GCEO.

The protest caused significant traffic disruptions along Herbert Macaulay Way in the Central Business District, as vehicles were diverted and NNPCL workers were forced to park at distant locations before trekking into the premises.

Security operatives, including police officers, were deployed to maintain order and ensure traffic flow, but the demonstrators held their ground outside the Towers.

The protest underscores long-standing grievances in the oil-rich Niger Delta, where groups have frequently accused the government and state-run oil firm of neglecting local interests despite the region’s central role in Nigeria’s petroleum industry.

China-Africa Trade Hits $122bn In 2025 As Exports Surge 25%

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China’s exports to Africa jumped 25% year-on-year to reach $122 billion in the first seven months of 2025, driven by strong demand for construction machinery, passenger cars, steel products, and solar panels.

According to Bloomberg, the surge has already surpassed Africa’s entire 2020 trade volume with China and is on track to top $200 billion for the first time. Nigeria, South Africa, and Egypt remain China’s top trade partners on the continent.

Construction machinery emerged as the fastest-growing category, soaring 63% year-on-year, while passenger car shipments more than doubled. Steel products recorded double-digit growth, and imports of Chinese solar panels rose 60% over the past year, reflecting Africa’s increasing investment in renewable energy.

Despite the gains, Africa still accounts for only about 6% of China’s total exports, roughly half the share of the United States. However, analysts say the escalating U.S.–China trade war has accelerated Beijing’s pivot toward African markets, with some goods originally bound for the U.S. now diverted through Africa in a practice known as transshipment.

The boom is also being fueled by the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), with African countries signing $30.5 billion worth of construction contracts with China in the first half of 2025 alone — five times more than during the same period last year.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has reinforced ties by scrapping tariffs on imports from all African nations with diplomatic relations with Beijing. In June, China opened its market to agricultural products from Ethiopia, Congo, Gambia, and Malawi, bringing the total number of African countries with such access to 19.

With Africa struggling with high logistics costs and inadequate infrastructure, analysts note that China’s industrial capacity and expertise could provide vital support to the continent’s economic growth.

Wolves Knock Out West Ham In 3-2 Thriller As Leeds, Sunderland Exit League Cup On Penalties

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Wolverhampton Wanderers staged a dramatic comeback to defeat West Ham United 3-2 in the League Cup on Tuesday, piling more pressure on Hammers manager Graham Potter, while Leeds United and Sunderland both crashed out on penalties to lower league opposition.

At Molineux, Newcastle target Jorgen Strand Larsen came off the bench to score twice in three minutes, overturning West Ham’s 2-1 lead and sealing Wolves’ passage to the next round. The Norwegian forward has attracted a £50 million bid from the Magpies, who see him as a potential replacement for Alexander Isak.

Rodrigo Gomes had opened the scoring for Wolves before Tomas Soucek and Lucas Paqueta put West Ham ahead. But Larsen’s late double condemned Potter’s side to a third straight defeat, leaving them without a win this season after also conceding eight goals in their first two Premier League matches.

Elsewhere, Leeds United’s woes continued as they were knocked out by Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough. Despite spending nearly £100 million on new signings following their Premier League return, Leeds faltered on penalties, missing all three attempts after a 1-1 draw.

Sheffield Wednesday fans, already protesting against owner Dejphon Chansiri due to unpaid wages and financial troubles, were given rare joy as their side advanced at Leeds’ expense.

Sunderland also suffered embarrassment, losing on penalties to League One side Huddersfield Town after a 1-1 stalemate.

In other results, Brentford defeated Bournemouth 2-0 in an all-Premier League tie with goals from Fabio Carvalho and Igor Thiago, while Burnley edged Derby County 2-1 thanks to Oliver Sonne’s stoppage-time winner.

FG Unveils Digital Portal To Tackle Housing Fraud, Boost Transparency In Real Estate

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The Federal Government has launched a Housing Fraud Reporting Portal, a digital platform that allows Nigerians to report fraudulent activities in housing estates, submit evidence, and track the progress of their complaints.

The initiative was announced by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (FMHUD) on Tuesday, with demonstrations carried out by technical consultants Freestone Investments Limited and Prunedge Development Technologies Limited.

According to the Ministry, fraudulent practices in the real estate sector will no longer be tolerated, and perpetrators will face strict legal consequences.

The portal, accessible via https://reports.fmhud.gov.ng, provides a secure and user-friendly system for citizens to lodge complaints, which will be reviewed in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, and professional bodies.

In addition, the Ministry launched the Contract Performance and Compliance Project Monitoring System (CPCPMS), designed to track housing project progress in real time, evaluate contractor performance, and centralise project records, payment certificates, and Bills of Quantities.

Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Dangiwa, said the platforms align with the 2012 National Housing Policy, which advocates stricter regulation of the industry, certification of estate developers, and protection of citizens against fraudulent actors.

“The launch of these platforms marks a significant step towards transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the housing sector,” Dangiwa said.

Deputy Director and Head of the Ministry’s ICT Department, Dr. Marcus Amiolemen, added that the fraud portal was developed in partnership with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to ensure effective case tracking and follow-up.

He emphasised that both platforms reaffirm the government’s commitment to safeguarding citizens’ interests and improving service delivery in the housing sector.

Tinubu Meets NGX Board, SEC DG In Brazil, Pledges More Reforms To Strengthen Capital Market

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised the significant growth of Nigeria’s capital market since the start of his administration, citing soaring market capitalisation, stronger trading activity, and expanded investment opportunities for both Nigerians and international investors.

Speaking on Tuesday during his state visit to Brazil, President Tinubu received the Board of Directors of the Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX) and the Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). He described the capital market’s performance as a reflection of investor confidence in his administration’s bold economic measures.

“Nigeria’s markets must be a trusted engine of enterprise and prosperity. My government will continue to pursue reforms that unlock capital, protect investors, and drive innovation, so that our economy works for every Nigerian,” President Tinubu said.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the financial ecosystem, stressing that ongoing dialogue with stakeholders is crucial to achieving the Renewed Hope Agenda and positioning Nigeria as Africa’s leading investment destination.

The President assured the delegation of continuous support for the market and pledged readiness to introduce additional reforms to deepen and expand the sector.

SEC Director-General, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, highlighted the recently signed Investment and Securities Act (ISA) 2025, describing it as one of Africa’s most comprehensive frameworks for capital markets. He said the Act would propel Nigeria toward a ₦300 trillion market while safeguarding investors and ensuring equitable wealth distribution.

NGX Group Chairman, Alhaji Umaru Kwairanga, commended the administration’s reforms, noting that trading volumes and market value have nearly tripled since Tinubu assumed office. He called for the accelerated listing of major state-owned enterprises such as NNPC Limited and proposed tax incentives to sustain market momentum. He also extended an invitation to the President to visit the NGX trading floor.

Temi Popoola, Group CEO of NGX Group, underscored the need to modernise infrastructure, deepen product innovation, and expand retail participation through digital platforms to enhance inclusivity and sustainability.

NGX Director, Nonso Okpala, credited the administration’s reforms, particularly exchange rate stability and macroeconomic predictability, for driving growth. He urged Nigerian businesses to list on the Exchange as a pathway to wealth democratization and broader participation.

Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
August 26, 2025

Abuja-Kaduna Train Derails, Passengers Evacuated Amid Chaos

Panic gripped passengers on Tuesday morning after an Abuja-Kaduna train derailed along the corridor, forcing a chaotic scramble for safety.

The incident occurred at 11:09 a.m. at KM 49 between Kubwa and Asham stations, shortly after the train departed Abuja. Eyewitnesses described the scene as tense, with passengers rushing out in fear and confusion.

While the cause of the derailment remains unknown, security sources confirmed that military personnel have been deployed to assist in evacuating stranded passengers.

In a statement, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) confirmed the derailment involving its Kaduna-bound AKTS service. NRC Managing Director, Kayode Opeifa, said emergency response teams, medical personnel, and nearby hospitals had been mobilised to provide support.

He assured that the “full complement of security” was already on the ground and that efforts were ongoing to move all passengers safely back to Abuja.

The NRC has yet to disclose if there were any injuries or fatalities.

Delta Police Arrest Four Officers Over Viral Money-Counting Video

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The Delta State Police Command has arrested four officers filmed in a viral video counting bundles of cash inside a patrol vehicle, a scene that sparked public outrage nationwide.

Police spokesperson Bright Edafe confirmed the arrests in a statement on Tuesday, disclosing that the officers, including two senior personnel, were identified and brought before the Commissioner of Police.

According to Edafe, the senior officers have been queried, while the two inspectors are currently detained and awaiting an orderly room trial.

He assured the public that the Command would impose appropriate disciplinary measures to address the incident.

ASUU Protest In Uyo: Lecturers Demand Implementation Of 2009 Agreement

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Uyo Chapter, has called on the Federal Government to immediately implement the renegotiated 2009 agreement to address what it described as the persistent decline in the nation’s education sector.

The protest, declared by ASUU’s national body, was led by the UniUyo Chapter Chairman, Prof. Opeyemi Olajide, and involved professors and senior lecturers. Demonstrators marched across the Town Campus, University Annex, and Main Campus, carrying placards highlighting their demands and grievances.

Prof. Olajide, speaking to ADBN TV, lamented that the government’s failure to honor the agreement had left institutional facilities obsolete, dilapidated, and grossly inadequate for effective teaching and learning due to chronic underfunding.

The protest disrupted both academic and social activities on campus, with all examinations scheduled for Tuesday, August 26, 2025, suspended.