A new wave of agricultural revolution is sweeping through Katsina State as 34 young Nigerians trained in advanced tractor and planter assembly emerge as the face of Governor Dikko Radda’s bold vision for self-reliance, productivity, and innovation in the sector. In a press briefing held in Abuja, Ambassador Bernard Oshi, President of Ben 10 Equipments Inc., hailed the initiative as a “game-changing blueprint” for youth empowerment and agricultural transformation, declaring Governor Radda “the kind of leader Nigeria desperately needs.” “These young men now hold the keys to industrial growth. They’re not just assembling machines—they’re building the future of Nigerian agriculture,”…
Author: National Update
The city of Abuja sparkled with elegance, prestige, and inspiration as Accolade Dynamics hosted the 2025 edition of its highly anticipated Yellow Ball Honors and Awards at the luxurious Transcorp Hilton on Saturday, May 10th. The grand event brought together a constellation of high-profile personalities and changemakers to celebrate excellence, innovation, and impact across various sectors. Gracing the occasion were distinguished figures from government, business, media, and civil society. At the heart of the night’s celebration were honourees who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication in their fields, both within Nigeria and across the African continent. Topping the list of…
***Jonathan: ‘Clark Was a Man Beyond Replacement’ At the Service of Songs held in St. James Anglican Church, Asokoro, on Saturday night, Nigeria’s top political figures came together not just to mourn Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, but to honour a voice that shaped decades of the nation’s journey. From President Jonathan’s emotional tribute to Senate President Akpabio’s symbolic farewell, the night echoed one resounding message: a monument has departed, but his legacy is alive. They remembered him as fearless, prophetic, and unyielding—a voice for justice, federalism, and the Niger Delta. With reflections from General Lekwot, Adolphus Wabara, Don Etiebet, and…
A routine patrol turned into a daring counteroffensive on the high seas last Saturday when operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Marine Police intercepted a violent pirate assault along the Oron-Calabar waterways. Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, DSP Timfon John in a statement on Monday indicated that at exactly 12:06 PM on May 10, 2025, officers on a search-and-rescue mission received an urgent distress call: sea pirates—seven in number, heavily armed and speeding through the waves—were attacking innocent travelers. Explaining further, the statement said the Officer-in-Charge of the Marine Police didn’t hesitate to respond as he led a…
***Badaru says national defence must go beyond talk The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, CON, mni, has thrown his support behind the 10th Senate’s planned National Security Summit, describing the initiative as a timely and necessary response to Nigeria’s evolving security landscape. Speaking at the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing on the performance of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Badaru welcomed the summit as a platform for meaningful dialogue, but emphasized that ideas must translate into action if real progress is to be made. Answering a question from Punch reporter Abdullahi Adeba, the Minister said: “Summits give you an opportunity to listen,…
***Raises Alarm Over Health Hazards, Environmental Risks, and Seed Dependency By Fatima Ndagi The Centre for Food Safety and Agricultural Research has issued a strong warning to Nigerian lawmakers, calling for immediate legislation to prohibit the use and distribution of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in the country. Speaking at a one-day training session for members of the House of Representatives Press Corps, the Centre’s Executive Director, Qrisstuberg Amua, stressed the urgent need for Nigeria to protect public health, food sovereignty, and environmental integrity. The workshop was held at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja. Amua argued that GMOs pose serious…
At the prestigious University of Cambridge’s African Together conference, former Nigerian presidential candidate Peter Obi delivered a stirring call to action, urging young Africans to take charge of the continent’s future by confronting corruption and prioritising people-centered development. Speaking on the theme “The Making of Africa’s Future Presidents,” Obi emphasized the urgent need for leadership grounded in competence, compassion, and character. He pointed to the transformative experiences of countries like China, India, and Vietnam, which achieved rapid progress through strategic investments in education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation. “You are the future presidents of Africa—but before that future can be realised,…
The Leader of the Senate, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, has felicitated with elder statesman and Afenifere Worldwide Leader, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, on his 99th birthday, describing him as a true Omoluabi and an unyielding defender of Yoruba interest. In a statement released on Sunday by his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs, Senator Bamidele expressed deep gratitude to God for granting Pa Fasoranti longevity, a sound mind, and an enduring legacy of selfless service to the Yoruba people and the Nigerian nation. Born on 11th May 1926 in Uso, Ondo State, Pa Fasoranti is widely regarded as a distinguished…
A Nigerian journalist and activist, Francess Olisa-Ogbonnaya, has come forward with explosive claims that social media influencer Sandra Duru—also known as “Prof Mgbeke”—attempted to orchestrate a N30 million smear campaign against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Olisa-Ogbonnaya made the allegations during an appearance on Adeola Fayehun’s YouTube show, where she revealed she was offered N400,000 to create false narratives using manipulated audio files and a fabricated script. She said Duru initially sent N100,000 as a gift, followed by another N300,000 with instructions to voice over content aimed at discrediting the senator. “She wanted me to produce content suggesting the senator made certain…
Cocoa farmers across Nigeria have lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council for approving the elevation of the National Cocoa Management Committee into a full-fledged National Cocoa Board—a move they describe as a “game-changer” for the industry. The commendation came from the Cocoa Farmers Alliance Association of Africa (COFAAA), Nigeria Chapter, and the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria (CFAN), two of the country’s leading cocoa farmer organizations. Speaking on their behalf, Comrade Adeola Adegoke, who serves as both Global President of COFAAA and National President of CFAN, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu, the Minister of Agriculture and…