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AfDB secures N3.4trn for agro-industrial processing in Nigeria

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 Africa Development Bank (AfDB) and its partners have mobilised 2.2 billion dollars (about N3.4 trillion) to implement special agro-industrial processing zones in Nigeria.

Dr Akinwumi Adesina, the outgoing President of AfDB disclosed this in a paper presented at the 2025 Standard Chartered Bank Africa Summit recently held in Lagos.

In a copy of the presentation obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Akinwumi said the fund would be deployed to implement the phase two of the special agro-industrial processing zones covering 24 states.

He recalled that the bank and its partners had supported the launch of the special agro-industrial processing zones in the first eight States – Ogun, Oyo, Cross Rivers, Imo, Kaduna, Kwara, Kano and the Federal Capital Territory-.

Adesina, a former Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, said the initiative would revolutionise Nigeria’s agricultural sector by enhancing food security, boosting domestic production and creating thousands of employment.

According to him, investments are needed to unlock the agricultural potential in Nigeria and Africa in general, especially for value addition to agricultural commodities.

Read Also: Court orders NYSC to permit skirts for female corps members on religious grounds

To achieve that, he emphasised the need for the development of industrial platforms that would allow the continent to move up the agricultural value chains.

“The AfDB is investing massively in the development of Special Agro-industrial Processing Zones across Africa, enabled with infrastructure to support the establishment of industries to process and add value across a wide range of agricultural products.

“The bank has committed over 934 million dollar towards the development of the special agro-industrial processing zones.

“We have mobilised co-financing of 938 million dollar from partners, including the International Fund for Agricultural Development, the Islamic Development Bank, Japan International Cooperation Agency, and the West African Development Bank.

“We have also launched together with partners, the Alliance for Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones to accelerate the development of these zones across Africa, with 3 billion dollar in commitments,’’ he said..

The AfDB President also disclosed that development of the special agro-industrial processing zones is ongoing in 27 sites across 11 countries in Africa.

(NAN) 

K1 denies unruly conduct in Abuja airport incident

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 Veteran Nigerian Fuji artiste, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, has denied claims of inappropriate behaviour during a boarding incident on Tuesday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

A statement issued on Thursday by K1’s media aide, Kunle Rasheed, said the reports were exaggerated and misleading.

According to Rasheed, the incident occurred from a misunderstanding when a bottle of drinking water was handed to him while waiting in the airport lounge to board a ValueJet flight.

He said the situation escalated in spite of K1’s efforts to clarify the contents of the bottle.

“At no point did K1 act in a manner that endangered lives or breached safety regulations.

“The substance in question, which was wrongly sensationalised, was nothing more than plain drinking water, given to him at the airport lounge while he waited to board the aircraft.

“Claims that K1 blocked the aircraft or attempted to disrupt operations are completely unfounded.

“The veteran artiste, who is globally respected and frequently travels both locally and internationally, understands and strictly adheres to aviation protocols,” he said.

Rasheed said that airport officials, including the Head of Airport Security and executives from the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) intervened to de-escalate the issue.

Read Also: FAAN probes airport incident involving K1

“The Chairman and Managing Director of the airline, would not have reached out personally to appeal, tender apologies and even go as far as arranging a private jet to fly him to Lagos, at no cost.

“Despite persistent persuasion from the airline’s top executives, K1 graciously declined the offer,” he said.

He urged the media and public to avoid sensationalism and allow the truth guide their judgment.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on Wednesday, FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs Obiageli Orah,confirmed that K1 was due to board morning flight VK 201 to Lagos on Tuesday, Aug. 5.

Orah said preliminary findings confirmed that the musician attempted carrying an unidentified liquid onboard, in spite of repeated warnings from Aviation Security (AVSEC) and the Flight Captain.

She noted that under international standards, including Nigeria’s Civil Aviation Security Programme and ICAO Annex 17, liquids above 100ml must be declared and medically justified.

According to Orah, the musician was reportedly informed but declined to comply with the regulation.

“As boarding continued, an airline security officer asked the passenger to step aside for clarification,” she said.

Orah stated that the passenger allegedly refused and poured the liquid – later confirmed as alcohol – on the officer.

She said the musician was eventually escorted away by AVSEC’s crime unit for investigation and later released.

Also,a statement signed by NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, said the authority received the reports concerning a breach of aviation safety protocols by a ValueJet pilot at the airport.

Achimugu said the preliminary information indicated that the pilot commenced departure procedures without adhering to mandatory pre-departure clearance protocols.

“This reckless action endangered the safety of ground personnel and other airport users, contravening established civil aviation regulations and international safety standards,” he said.

He said that the pilot and co-pilot had both been suspended pending the conclusion of a full investigation into the incident.

Similarly, the management of ValueJet, in a statement, acknowledged the incident.

The airline said it was giving the NCAA its full cooperation in the authority’s investigation.

“The crew involved were removed immediately from active duty, pending the outcome of a thorough internal review and investigation that has commenced to understand the root cause and prevent any recurrence,” it said. (NAN)

FAAN probes airport incident involving K1

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The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has addressed Tuesday’s incident at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, involving a musician and a ValueJet pilot.

This is contained in a statement on Wednesday by Mrs Obiageli Orah, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection.

Orah confirmed that King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, also known as K1 De Ultimate, was due to board morning flight VK 201 to Lagos.

She said preliminary findings confirmed the musician attempted to carry an unidentified liquid on board, in spite of repeated warnings from Aviation Security (AVSEC) and the Flight Captain.

She noted that under international standards, including Nigeria’s Civil Aviation Security Programme and ICAO Annex 17, liquids above 100ml must be declared and medically justified.

The passenger was reportedly informed but declined to comply with the regulation.

“As boarding continued, an airline security officer asked the passenger to step aside for clarification,” she said.

Orah stated that the passenger allegedly refused and poured the liquid — later confirmed as alcohol — on the officer.

She said the Flight Captain intervened but faced resistance and later ordered the aircraft door closed once boarding was complete.

Read Also: FAAN launches inter-regional sports to boost staff fitness, teamwork

The passenger then moved to the front of the aircraft and refused to vacate the area, in spite of repeated instructions.

Orah said the musician was eventually escorted away by AVSEC’s crime unit for investigation and was later released.

“FAAN reiterates its firm commitment to the safety and security of all passengers, crew, and airport personnel,” she said.

She added that FAAN would not condone actions that compromise operations or violate aviation safety rules, regardless of who is involved.

“This matter is under thorough investigation. All responsible individuals will be held accountable according to the law,” Orah added.

She further stressed FAAN’s dedication to professionalism, safety, and full regulatory compliance at all Nigerian airports.

(NAN) 

Court upholds FRSC’s sanction over tampered number plate

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The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has welcomed a recent Federal High Court judgement which upheld its authority to penalise motorists who violate traffic regulations, particularly those concerning number plate standards.

This is contained in a statement by the Corps Public Education Officer (CPEO), Olusegun Ogungbemide on Thursday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the judgement was delivered on June 23, 2025, by Justice Musa Kakaki of the Federal High Court, Lagos.

It came in suit number FHC/L/CS/2367/2024 between Ojo Victor Olomi and the Federal Road Safety Commission.

Ogungbemide said that in the well-considered judgement, the court dismissed Olomi’s claims challenging the legality of the fine imposed on him and the confiscation of his driver’s licence by FRSC officials.

He said that the case stemmed from the applicant’s unlawful hand-painting of his vehicle’s number plate, rendering it non-reflective and in breach of the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2016.

According to him, the regulation mandates that all number plates remain reflective for visibility, security, and enforcement purposes.

“Justice Kakaki affirmed that the applicant’s action was a violation recognised by law and declared that the confiscation of his driver’s licence did not infringe on his fundamental human rights, as claimed.

“The court also drew a clear line between this case and an earlier judgement in Chinwike Ezebube v. FRSC, stressing that hand-painted number plates remain a punishable traffic offence,” he said.

Ogungbemide described the ruling as a landmark judicial endorsement of its powers to enforce road safety laws and a validation of its statutory responsibilities.

Read Also: Thomas Partey arrives court over alleged rape charges

“This verdict serves as a significant nod from the judiciary validating the powers and responsibilities of the FRSC in enforcing traffic regulations.

“This is particularly as they relate to vehicle identification and road safety compliance,”he said.

Reacting, the FRSC Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, urged all motorists to desist from acts that compromised road safety and violate established regulations, such as tampering with or altering number plates.

Mohammed also called on the public to ignore misleading interpretations of previous court rulings and take due note of the legal clarity provided by the new judgement.

“The FRSC remains committed to its mission of creating a safer motoring environment and will continue to carry out its lawful duties.

“This will be with professionalism, integrity, and respect for the rights of all Nigerians,” he said.

(NAN)

Tributes as Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, Abiodun, NPAN, NGE honour Doyin Abiola’s legacy

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Nigerian leaders and media stakeholders have continued to pay glowing tributes to Dr. Doyin Abiola, the late media icon and widow of Chief MKO Abiola, who passed away at the age of 82 after a brief illness.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governors Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State and Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, as well as the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), all described her as a towering figure whose legacy shaped Nigeria’s media and democratic journey.

Tinubu: “She Was a Soldier of Democracy”

In a heartfelt statement, President Tinubu hailed Dr. Abiola as a “soldier of democracy” whose contributions to journalism, nation-building, and the June 12 struggle will never be forgotten.

“Her immense contributions to journalism and gender equity laid a foundation for generations of women. Her impact on our democracy was even more profound,” Tinubu said.

He noted her bravery during the political crisis that followed the annulment of the 1993 presidential election won by her husband, Chief MKO Abiola. He praised her leadership at the Concord Group, which played a pivotal role in championing democratic values despite the military clampdown.

Governor Abiodun:

“A Distinguished Individual and Defender of Democracy”

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, expressed deep sorrow over Dr. Abiola’s passing, describing her as a remarkable woman and a staunch defender of democracy.

“Her dedication to justice, democracy, and the betterment of her country exemplifies the strength and resilience of her character,” he said.

Governor Abiodun highlighted her unwavering role during the post-June 12 election crisis, emphasizing her courage in standing by her husband and using her media influence to uphold democratic ideals.

Sanwo-Olu:

“She Was an Amazon of the Media Industry”

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, through his Special Adviser on Media, Gboyega Akosile, said Dr. Abiola’s death was a significant loss to the journalism profession.

“She etched her name in gold in the media industry as the first Nigerian woman to be an editor and Managing Director of a national daily,” Sanwo-Olu stated.

He described her as a role model who mentored and nurtured generations of journalists who have gone on to become leaders in various sectors.

NPAN:

“A Quintessential Journalist and Media Guru”

The Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), in a statement signed by its President, Kabiru Yusuf, described Dr. Abiola as a trailblazer and media legend.

“She was the first woman to be named editor of a national daily in 1980 and became Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of the Concord Group in 1986,” the statement read.

NPAN noted that Dr. Abiola left an indelible mark in the newspaper industry and was a trustee of the association until her passing. She was also a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME).

Read Also: Late media icon Doyin Abiola to be laid to rest in Lekki, Family Confirms

NGE: “A Trailblazing Journalist and Mentor”
The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) mourned Dr. Abiola as a pioneering force in journalism, celebrating her legacy of excellence, courage, and mentorship.

“Her remarkable career trajectory, from reporter to the pinnacle of journalism, broke gender barriers and inspired generations,” said NGE President Eze Anaba and General Secretary Onuoha Ukeh in a joint statement.

The Guild highlighted her role in defending press freedom during the military era, noting that her leadership of the Concord Newspapers during turbulent times showed her strength and integrity.

Legacy of a Media Icon

Dr. Doyin Abiola was the first Nigerian woman to become Editor and later Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of a national newspaper. Her tenure at National Concord was marked by editorial excellence, fearless journalism, and a commitment to democratic values.

She is widely celebrated for her resilience during Nigeria’s darkest political period and for paving the way for women in leadership across media, politics, and civil society.

Dr. Abiola will be buried in Lekki, Lagos, with her family confirming that condolence visits should be directed to her Ikoyi residence, not the Ikeja home of her late husband.

Late media icon Doyin Abiola to be laid to rest in Lekki, Family Confirms

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The family of the late media trailblazer, Dr. Doyin Abiola, has confirmed that she will be buried in Lekki, Lagos, following her passing at the age of 82 after a brief illness.

A family source revealed on Wednesday that preparations are already in motion for her burial and requested that all condolence visits be directed to her Ikoyi residence, rather than the more well-known Toyin Street, Ikeja home of her late husband, Chief MKO Abiola.

As of 3 p.m. on Wednesday, the Ikeja residence remained quiet, with no official condolence activities observed at the location.

Read Also: Emir of Gusau Ibrahim Bello dies at 71

Dr. Doyin Abiola was widely celebrated as the first female Managing Director and Publisher of the National Concord Newspapers, breaking barriers and blazing a trail for women in Nigeria’s media industry.

She was also the wife of MKO Abiola, the acclaimed winner of Nigeria’s annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election. Throughout her life, she remained a staunch advocate for press freedom, democratic ideals, and justice.

Tributes have continued to pour in from media professionals, political figures, and civil society leaders, all acknowledging her pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s journalistic landscape.

Dr. Abiola is fondly remembered as a towering figure in Nigerian journalism, whose legacy will continue to inspire generations of media practitioners.

Stay with News Access NG for updates on burial arrangements and tributes to Dr. Doyin Abiola.

Abandoned Abuja Estates owned by corrupt civil servants – EFCC

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The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has revealed that many of the abandoned estates scattered across Abuja are owned by civil servants who siphoned public funds.

Speaking on Wednesday during a policy dialogue themed “Critical Issues Affecting Nigeria’s Real Estate Ecosystem,” organised by Law Corridor in Abuja, Olukoyede lamented the surge in uncompleted estates that have remained untouched for over a decade.

According to him, the EFCC has launched a special investigative team to track down the true owners of these properties across the country.

“I have set up the team. We will start visiting all the estates, not only in Abuja but across Nigeria. We want to know who owns what,” Olukoyede said.

He added that preliminary findings suggest many of these estates were developed using stolen public funds.

“It will shock you that some of these estates have been abandoned for 10 to 20 years. They just take it to a level and abandon it.
Nobody knows what is going on. What we have been able to gather is that most of these estates were funded by civil servants who have stolen money,” he explained.

Olukoyede noted that once these corrupt officials leave public office and no longer have access to stolen funds, the projects are deserted, leaving developers struggling to find investors to complete them.

Read Also: EFCC Boss Olukoyede denies forcing NNPCL CEO Ojulari to resign

The EFCC boss further disclosed that the agency has recently filed for the forfeiture of about 15 such estates and warned that more legal actions will follow.

“We have gotten more intelligence, too. Some of you sitting in this room, probably some of those estates belong to you,” he said.
“But very soon, we expect to meet you in court because there is no way we will develop this sector if we continue with that attitude.”

He also warned lawyers and real estate developers against aiding individuals involved in money laundering, urging them to uphold ethical standards and transparency in property transactions.

Meanwhile, Afam Osigwe, President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), emphasized the need for a centralised property ownership verification system to address issues of transparency and credibility in the real estate sector.

He also cautioned against arbitrary revocation of land titles, especially over unpaid ground rent, noting that such practices could discourage foreign investment.

Ayokunle Erin, head of the real estate, construction, and infrastructure practice group at Law Corridor, highlighted Nigeria’s growing housing deficit, currently estimated at 17 to 20 million units, with only about 5,000 units delivered in Abuja in 2024 — meeting less than 10% of the city’s housing demand.

“These gaps reflect deep-rooted policy failures, regulatory lapses, and legal ambiguities that continue to embolden fraudsters, quacks, and unlicensed agents,” Erin said.

The EFCC’s renewed commitment to investigating the funding and ownership of abandoned estates could mark a turning point in Nigeria’s fight against real estate-related corruption and illicit financial flows.

NNPC cuts petrol price to N875/litre in Lagos, N900/litre in Abuja

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The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has reduced the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, at its retail stations across Lagos and Abuja.

As of Wednesday, August 6, 2025, petrol is now selling at N875 per litre in Lagos and N900 per litre in Abuja, marking a N40 reduction from the previous prices of N915 and N955 per litre respectively.

At NNPC’s Fadeyi outlet along Western Avenue in Lagos, motorists confirmed the new price adjustment. Similarly, in Abuja, petrol is now being dispensed at N900 per litre at the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) outlet in Kubwa.

Despite NNPC’s downward price review, major marketers like Mobil and AP, both partners of the Dangote Refinery, have maintained their pump price at N915 per litre, as observed by TheCable.

Read Also: NNPC remits N6.96tn to federation in five months, records N905bn profit for June

This move comes amid rising concerns over fuel affordability and the volatility of petrol prices across Nigeria.

Just last week, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) revealed that the average price of petrol jumped by 38.32% year-on-year, reaching N1,037.66 in June 2025, compared to N750.17 in June 2024.

According to the NBS report, Jigawa, Ondo, and Lagos States recorded the highest average retail prices, while Yobe (N950.60), Kogi (N986.67), and Imo (N987.86) posted the lowest prices in June.

Fuel pricing has remained a key issue for consumers and businesses across the country, with many Nigerians urging regulatory agencies and marketers to find a balance between affordability and sustainability.

Stay with News Access NG for ongoing coverage of fuel price updates and economic developments in Nigeria.

2027: PDP reveals conditions for Goodluck Jonathan to get automatic presidential ticket

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has hinted at the possibility of offering former President Goodluck Jonathan an automatic ticket to contest the 2027 presidential election — but only under specific conditions.

Daniel Woyengikuro, the PDP’s National Financial Secretary, disclosed this during an interview with Vanguard, where he emphasized that Jonathan must first return fully to the party and take on a more active political role.

“Is he not the best candidate for us at this moment? He is not just a former president; he is the leader of the party now,” Woyengikuro stated.

Read Also: Why Obi will never be president of Nigeria, by Omojuwa

He added that, aside from former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Jonathan holds the highest political standing within the party. “Goodluck Jonathan is the national leader of this party,” he said.

When asked if the PDP was ready to hand Jonathan an automatic presidential ticket, Woyengikuro replied:

“For me, that’s what I firmly stand for. You can quote me anywhere — I want him to come.
An automatic ticket for him, as it stands now. Because we must salvage both this party and the nation.”

The remarks have sparked renewed speculation about a potential political comeback for Jonathan, who served as Nigeria’s president from 2010 to 2015. Although he has kept a relatively low political profile in recent years, the former president has continued to enjoy support from various segments of the party.

Political analysts believe the PDP’s overtures could reshape the dynamics ahead of the 2027 general election, especially as the opposition party works to strengthen its base and unify its leadership.

BBNaija: Ivatar explodes at Joanna during heated clash over wager task

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Drama erupted in the Big Brother Naija Season 10 house as housemates Ivatar and Joanna got into a fierce verbal altercation during a wager task rehearsal.

The confrontation occurred during preparations for the house’s weekly wager, which required the housemates to participate in fitness activities and select random tasks from a lucky dip.

Tensions flared when Ivatar claimed she was sent by her team to retrieve their task. However, Joanna allegedly tried to cut in line, triggering Ivatar’s fury.

Read Also: BBNaija: Kayikunmi, Isabella spark controversy with intimate moment

In a fit of rage, Ivatar lashed out at Joanna, accusing her of being disrespectful and uncooperative. The disagreement quickly escalated into a shouting match between the two housemates.

“Carry your madness out of my sight! Don’t shout in my ear! Take your madness somewhere else — local person like you, always acting like a mad woman!” Ivatar yelled during the outburst.

The incident sent shockwaves through the house, with other housemates stunned by the intensity of the exchange. Social media has since been buzzing with reactions, as fans debate who was at fault.

As tensions continue to rise in the house, viewers are keeping a close eye on how this confrontation might affect team dynamics and future nominations.