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FG, Benue Govt Partner To Sponsor 39 Artisans for Training in Belarus

Kamal Yalwa03 mins

ABUJA — The Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with the Benue State Government, has sponsored 39 artisans to undergo training in the Republic of Belarus, as part of efforts to expand job opportunities and enhance youth empowerment across the country. The initiative, implemented under the International Job Placement Programme, aims to equip Nigerian youths with technical and vocational skills that will make them globally competitive while fostering economic development. The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, urged the beneficiaries to be worthy ambassadors of Nigeria, stressing that the programme goes beyond job creation to include technology transfer and international exposure. “This initiative offers not just decent jobs, but also opportunities for the transfer of technology and skills which participants will eventually bring back home,” Onyejeocha said. The collaboration builds on a 2019 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) and the Government of Belarus to promote workforce development and mutual skill exchange. According to the Director-General of the NDE, Silas Agara, the request for state participation in the programme was sent to all 36 states and the FCT, but Benue was the first to meet the sponsorship requirements. “The contract for the programme spans ten years and is renewable annually, subject to satisfactory performance,” Agara explained.“Each beneficiary has also signed an agreement to remit ₦300,000 from their monthly earnings to support their families, as well as contribute a portion to a state fund designed to assist other artisans in Benue.” The Director-General of the Benue Bureau of Entrepreneurship and Wealth Creation, Benita Shuluwa, said the programme aligns with the state’s vision to build a globally competitive workforce capable of contributing meaningfully to both the local and international economy. The government expressed confidence that the skills and experiences gained in Belarus will ultimately enhance productivity, stimulate innovation, and create more employment opportunities upon the artisans’ return.

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£2 Billion Boost for Chancellor Reeves Ahead of Autumn Budget After ONS Error

Kamal Yalwa04 mins

LONDON — Chancellor Rachel Reeves has received a rare dose of good news ahead of next month’s autumn budget, after the Office for National Statistics (ONS) admitted it had miscalculated government borrowing figures — revealing an unexpected £2 billion fiscal boost. The ONS said borrowing for the financial year to August 2025 was £81.8 billion, not £83.8 billion as initially reported in September. The revision means the Treasury effectively has £2 billion more fiscal headroom as Reeves prepares to present her first full budget since Labour took office. According to the ONS, the error stemmed from incorrect VAT receipt figures supplied by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), which were used in its initial borrowing calculations. “An omission by HMRC of some payment streams from the data used to estimate VAT receipts led to the miscalculation,” the ONS explained, adding that it was “difficult to independently verify” the revenue figures supplied by HMRC. The correction also affects figures for the previous financial year, with borrowing for 2024–25 now estimated to be £1 billion lower than previously thought. Monthly borrowing estimates have been reduced by between £200 million and £500 million. Borrowing Still Above Forecasts Despite the welcome revision, total government borrowing remains well above the £72.4 billion forecast by the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) for the same period. Economists say the additional fiscal space could give Reeves limited room to manoeuvre on spending or tax decisions as she finalises her autumn budget, but warned that high interest costs and sluggish growth continue to constrain the Treasury’s flexibility. A Further Headache for the ONS The admission marks yet another setback for the ONS, which has recently faced scrutiny over data reliability. In recent months, the statistics agency has: Overestimated inflation figures for April, Delayed the release of monthly retail sales data in August due to reporting errors, and Struggled to complete its revamped Labour Force Survey, leaving policymakers — including the Bank of England — with gaps in employment data. While the ONS has pledged to strengthen its data verification systems, the repeated errors have fuelled concerns about the agency’s reliability at a time when accurate figures are crucial for fiscal and monetary policy decisions. For Reeves, however, the revision — though modest — offers a rare moment of relief before what is expected to be a politically sensitive budget presentation next month.

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Court Orders Arrest Of Ex-INEC Chairman Mahmoud Yakubu For Contempt

Wale busari03 mins

The Federal High Court sitting in Osogbo, Osun State, has ordered the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to arrest the immediate past Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmoud Yakubu, for alleged contempt of court. The order was issued just hours after Yakubu officially handed over as INEC chairman. The case stems from a suit filed by the Action Alliance (AA) accusing INEC and its former chairman of disobeying a court judgment delivered by Justice Funmilola Demi-Ajayi in suit number FHC/OS/CS/194/2024. The judgment had directed INEC to upload the names of the party’s National Chairman, Adekunle Rufai Omoaje, and other members of its National Executive Committee (NEC) onto the commission’s official website. The court also upheld the party’s elective convention held on October 7, 2023, which produced Omoaje as the legitimate national chairman, stating that the exercise was properly monitored by INEC officials. Although INEC maintained that it had complied with the judgment, the Action Alliance argued that the commission failed to fully obey the order, as Omoaje’s name was still missing from the portal. The court expressed displeasure over the partial compliance, noting that while other NEC members’ names were uploaded, the omission of the national chairman’s name violated its directive. In a fresh ruling dated October 7, 2025, and signed by O.M. Kilani on behalf of the Court Registrar, the court directed the Inspector General of Police to arrest and prosecute Yakubu for contempt within seven days. Additionally, the court awarded a cost of ₦100,000 against the judgment creditors.  

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Starmer Leads 125-Member Delegation to India to ‘Turbocharge’ Trade Ties

Kamal Yalwa05 mins

MUMBAI, INDIA — United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer has arrived in India at the head of a 125-member trade delegation of top British CEOs, entrepreneurs, and university vice-chancellors, in what the government describes as Britain’s largest-ever trade mission to the country. The two-day visit, which began on Wednesday in Mumbai, aims to “turbocharge” trade relations between the world’s fifth- and sixth-largest economies and build on the UK–India free trade agreement signed in July. Starmer said the visit would cement a new era of economic cooperation between both nations. “We signed a major trade deal with India in July — the best secured by any country — but the story doesn’t stop there,” Starmer said. “It’s not just a piece of paper, it’s a launchpad for growth. With India set to be the third biggest economy in the world by 2028, the opportunities waiting to be seized are unparalleled.” The UK government said the new trade deal is projected to boost Britain’s GDP by £4.8 billion ($6.4 billion) annually and increase exports to India by nearly 60 percent. Under the agreement, India will cut tariffs on British goods such as whisky, cosmetics, and medical devices, while the UK will reduce duties on Indian products including clothing, footwear, and food items like frozen prawns. Trade between both countries currently stands at $54.8 billion, supporting over 600,000 jobs, according to AFP. Opportunities ‘Already Opening Up’ Speaking at a business roundtable, Starmer told delegates that new commercial opportunities were “already opening up” following the deal and urged British companies to build on the momentum. During his visit to the Yash Raj Film Studios in Mumbai, Starmer announced that three Bollywood films would be shot in the UK from next year, describing it as a win for Britain’s creative and tourism industries. “Bollywood is back in Britain, and it’s bringing jobs, investment and opportunity, all while showcasing the UK as a world-class destination for global filmmaking,” he said. Starmer also met aspiring Indian footballers at a Premier League community programme, highlighting the growing cultural and sporting ties between both nations. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to meet Starmer on Thursday before both leaders jointly address a fintech conference in Mumbai, where further trade and investment initiatives are expected to be unveiled. The UK delegation includes British Airways CEO Sean Doyle, BP CEO Murray Auchincloss, and Airbus Executive Vice President Wouter van Wersch, as well as vice-chancellors from 14 British universities. The visit comes amid ongoing global trade tensions following the United States’ decision to impose 50 percent tariffs on Indian goods due to its continued trade with Russia. Despite these headwinds, both London and New Delhi say they are committed to deepening economic cooperation and expanding mutual opportunities in technology, energy, education, and film.

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10,000 Constables Pass Out of Police Training Institutions

Fola Badmus03 mins

The Nigeria Police Force has successfully passed out 10,000 newly trained Constables, following the completion of their intensive training across various Police Colleges and Training Institutions nationwide. The Passing Out Parade, which took place on October 7, 2025 simultaneously across all designated training institutions, marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts of the Force to strengthen its manpower base and enhance operational capacity in line with global policing standards. Addressing the new recruits, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, commended their commitment and perseverance throughout the rigorous training process. He charged them to carry with them the values of honour, diligence, and patriotism that have been instilled during their course of instruction.   During their training, the recruits were exposed to modern policing standards, ethical values, and practical field operations designed to prepare them for the complex realities of 21st-century law enforcement. The curriculum emphasised community partnership, intelligence-led policing, respect for human rights, and the judicious use of authority, all aimed at promoting professionalism and public trust in policing. The passing out of this set of Constables forms part of the Force’s strategic manpower development plan under the current administration, geared towards enhancing security presence, improving response capacity, and reinforcing public safety across the nation. Earlier in January 2025, a set of 10,000 constables passed out of various Police Training Institutions. IGP Egbetokun reiterates the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to continuous training, welfare improvement, and institutional reforms that would sustain the gains of modern policing and ensure a safer and more secure Nigeria for all.

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Abuja Lawyers Petition US Attorney General Against Sowore

Fola Badmus06 mins

A group of lawyers based in Abuja, have petitioned the Attorney General of the the State of New York, United States of America, seeking investigations into the financial activities of Sahara Media Group Incorporated and its owner, Mr. Omoyele Sowore. The lawyers, in a petition on their behalf by Heartland Advisors & Solicitors, dated October 7, 2025, and submitted at the United States Embassy in Abuja yesterday, also demanded a “suspension, and or invalidation of Sowore’s U.S travel documents.” Demands in the petition signed by Barrister Sunday Oluwole and Barrister Felix Olanrewaju Wolemiwa, also include; “Examination of Sahara Media Group Inc.’s financial records, including the MacArthur Foundation grant, for compliance with New York nonprofit laws (e.g., N-PCL § 112), investigate whether funds raised by Sahara Media Group Inc. are used for their intended charitable purposes or diverted to personal or political activities and review Mr. Sowore’s individual and corporate tax filings for compliance with U.S. tax laws, particularly regarding income supporting his U.S. property and lifestyle.” The petition titled; “Request for Investigation into Financial Activities of Sahara Media Group Inc. and Mr. Omoyele Sowore,” read; “We are writing to respectfully request your office’s review of the financial activities of Sahara Media Group Inc., a New York-registered entity, and its founder, Mr. Omoyele Sowore, a Nigerian citizen residing in the United States. This request stems from concerns about potential discrepancies in nonprofit financial reporting, tax compliance, and asset declarations, which may impact both U.S. and Nigerian public interests. “Mr. Sowore, a prominent activist and former Nigerian presidential candidate (2019, 2023), operates Sahara Media Group Inc., which runs Sahara Reporters. Public records raise questions about the organization’s financial transparency and Mr. Sowore’s personal financial disclosures, particularly given his political activities abroad.” They listed their key concerns to include; nonprofit Funding and Transparency, noting that Sahara Media Group Inc. received a $1.3 million grant from the MacArthur Foundation (2016–2019) for journalist training in Nigeria, and alleging that limited public reporting on the utilization of these funds raises concerns about compliance with New York nonprofit laws requiring transparency and proper use of charitable funds. “On asset declaration discrepancies, the lawyers alleged that “In 2023, Mr. Sowore reportedly declared to Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ownership of a single Nigerian property valued at ₦5 million and a 2008 Toyota Camry. However, public records indicate he purchased a U.S. property around 2018, valued at approximately $552,000, which may not have been disclosed in his INEC filing. This raises questions about potential concealment of assets or perjury under Nigerian law, with possible U.S. tax implications if unreported.” Raising questions about Sowore’s financial capacity and lifestyle, the lawyers said “Reports suggest Mr. Sowore’s son attends Dwight-Englewood School in New Jersey, with annual tuition of approximately $59,235 (2024–2025). This, alongside his political campaign expenditures in Nigeria, appears inconsistent with the reported financial capacity of Sahara Media Group Inc., which operates primarily as a media outlet. A review of his income sources and tax compliance could clarify whether these are supported by legitimate, reported earnings.” They also said that “In 2018, GoFundMe temporarily suspended a $2 million fundraiser for Mr. Sowore’s “Take Back Nigeria Movement” due to concerns about its purpose. Though later restored, this incident warrants scrutiny to ensure funds raised in New York comply with charitable solicitation laws.”

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Alleged N33.2bn Fraud : EFCC Seeks Adjournment To Regularise Witness List against Dasuki

Fola Badmus04 mins

Justice Charles Agbaza of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, Abuja on Tuesday, October 8, 2025 adjourned the trial of former National Security Adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki(retd) to October 31, 2025 to allow the Commission update its list of witnesses and for continuation of trial. Dasuki is facing prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on an amended 32-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust and money laundering amounting to N33.2 billion. He is being tried alongside a former General Manager of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Aminu Baba-Kusa, and two companies — Acacia Holdings Limited and Reliance Referral Hospital Limited. Count one reads: “That you COL. MOHAMMED SAMBO DASUKI (RTD.) whilst being the National Security Adviser, on or about 27th November, 2014 in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, entrusted with dominion over certain properties, to wit: the sum of N10, 000, 000, 000 (Ten Billion Naira) being part of the funds in the account of National Security Adviser with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the equivalent of which sum you received from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in foreign currencies to wit: $47,000,000 (Forty Seven Million Dollars) and 5.6 million Euros purporting same to be for special security service, committed criminal breach of trust in respect of the said property when you dishonestly released the said amount for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential primary election and you thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 315 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 532, Vol. 4, LFN 2004.” They pleaded “not guilty” to the charges when they were read to them. Testifying before the court, an EFCC detective, Adariku Michael, stated that the anti-graft agency acted on intelligence report in September 2015 alleging large-scale movement of funds by the ONSA between October 2014 and April 2015 adding that the case was assigned to a special task force led by ACE 1 Halimah Kazeem, and that investigation activities began with a letter to the CBN. Solomon Umoh,SAN, counsel to Baba-Kusa objected to Micheal’s testimony arguing that his name was not included on the EFCC’s original witness list. Responding, counsel to the EFCC, O. Atolagbe explained that the witness had earlier testified before the chief judge and that the witness already tendered documents to the court. Atolagbe further informed the court that the matter before the court has lasted for almost ten years, prompting him to request for an adjournment to regularise the list of witnesses the Commission has which was not objected by the defence. After hearing from both sides, the judge adjourned the matter to October 31, 2025 for continuation of trial.  

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Gov Zulum Rewards Anambra Nurse With House For 24 Years Of Service In Borno, Employs Her Son

Wale busari02 mins

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has gifted a fully furnished two-bedroom house to Mrs. Marbel Ijeoma Duaka, a healthcare worker from Anambra State, in recognition of her outstanding dedication and years of service to the people of Mafa. Mrs. Duaka has worked at the Mafa Primary Healthcare Centre for over 24 years, earning admiration for her resilience and unwavering commitment, especially during the height of the Boko Haram insurgency when many others fled the community. Governor Zulum, while presenting the house, praised her loyalty and compassion, describing her as a true example of professionalism and service. He noted that Mrs. Duaka remained in Mafa, caring for residents despite the risks and hardship, and even provided medical treatment to his family members, including his mother. As part of his appreciation, Zulum also offered automatic employment to Mrs. Duaka’s son, Anthony, a graduate of Banking and Finance from Kashim Ibrahim University, Maiduguri, recognizing the family’s contributions to the state’s healthcare sector. The governor’s gesture has drawn wide commendation, with many describing it as a reflection of his commitment to rewarding merit and encouraging public service dedication across ethnic and regional lines.  

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