In a bold move to cement its role as a continental economic powerhouse, Nigeria has unveiled the African Trade Centre (AATC) in Abuja, an ambitious pan-African initiative designed to supercharge intra-African trade, unlock investment flows, and deepen regional integration. The launch of the AATC marks a watershed moment not just for Nigeria but for the entire continent, signaling a new era of African-led economic cooperation. Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed Manga in a statement indicated that the the Abuja-based hub positioned as the nerve center for trade intelligence, innovation, and market integration, is the first of several planned…
Author: National Update
Once known for throwing the world’s most lavish wedding, steel magnate Pramod Mittal now stands at the centre of a courtroom scandal, accused of betraying his creditors to secretly enrich his own family. The High Court in London heard explosive claims this week that Mittal — declared bankrupt with £2.7 billion in debts — diverted £63 million to his wife and children instead of settling what he owed. At 68, the Mayfair-based tycoon is being sued by Global Steel Holdings, a former company of his, which alleges he and his family fraudulently “siphoned” $180 million from a nearly half-billion-dollar settlement…
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja In an apparent move to address the heat waves and other ecological challenges in the state the Kogi State House of Assembly has appealed to the State Government to adopt global climate change remedial practices. The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of Urgent Public Importance raised on the floor of the House by Kabba Bunu State, Hon. Bello Oluwaseyi Victor (APC-Kabba-Bunu) to address the growing apprehension over heat waves being experienced, especially in Lokoja, the state capital. The Lawmaker urging his members to support the motion noted that Kogi State being a host to…
***In partnership to empower African kids in Tech-world By Friday Idachaba Nollywood superstar, Mercy Johnson, has been unveiled as Brand Ambassador for RYD Learning, an innovative educational platform, to join forces, inspire and equip African children with cutting-edge technological skills to excel in the global tech industry. Philip Etim, Founder of RYD Learning, while speaking at the unveiling of the new Brand Ambassador in Abuja said, “We believe that every child deserves access to high-quality tech education, regardless of background or location. As the brand ambassador, Mercy Johnson is expected to play a pivotal role in promoting RYD Learning’s mission…
In what’s being interpreted as a strategic move ahead of Nigeria’s shifting political tides, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar led a powerful delegation of Northern political heavyweights to visit former President Muhammadu Buhari in Daura. Far from a routine post-Sallah courtesy call, the presence of ex-governors Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna) and Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto) alongside Atiku signals a deliberate show of unity and influence from the Northern political bloc. The meeting, shared via Atiku’s social media, showcased not just camaraderie but quiet calculations that could reshape power dynamics ahead of 2027. “As usual, [Buhari] cracked me up… to the extent that…
In the crowded stalls of Nigeria’s bustling markets, a silent killer is being sold with a smile. Wrapped in gold-foiled boxes and bearing foreign scripts, North Korean dietary supplements—touted as ancient Eastern miracle cures—are slipping into the hands of unsuspecting Nigerians. But behind the promise of boosted energy, stronger vitality, and natural healing lies a cocktail of deadly toxins. A recent investigation has revealed a horrifying truth: these products are laced with mercury, arsenic, cadmium, lead, banned steroids, and illegal sexual enhancement drugs, some at levels thousands of times beyond safe limits. One such supplement, Angung Uhwanghwan, tested at 9,556…
***A Call for Unity and Truth, asEdo, Kano Stand Together Over Tragedy In a show of rare solidarity and urgency, the Federal Government and Edo State have launched a joint fact-finding committee to uncover the truth behind the tragic killing of hunters in Uromi, Edo State — an incident that has shaken the nation and claimed the lives of sixteen individuals from Kano State. Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, made the disclosure during a solemn meeting with a high-powered delegation from Kano State, led by its Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo, at the Government House in Benin City.…
The Presidency has issued a statement clarifying the errors found in the list of appointments made by President Bola Tinubu since May 29, 2023, after it attracted criticism for its incompleteness. The list was initially shared to address claims of regional imbalance in the President’s appointments, an issue raised by Senator Ali Ndume of Borno South. Ndume, an All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker, had alleged that President Tinubu’s appointments violated the federal character principle during an interview with Arise Television. The Presidency swiftly denied the allegation, and in response, Sunday Dare, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and…
***Denounces Allegation as Political Blackmail, Urges Swift Police Action Senate President Godswill Akpabio has fired back at suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, petitioning the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, over what he describes as a “malicious and false” assassination allegation designed to incite unrest and damage his reputation. The petition, dated April 3 and also forwarded to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, calls for an immediate investigation and prosecution of the Kogi lawmaker under criminal defamation and incitement laws. Akpabio’s reaction follows comments made by Akpoti-Uduaghan during a homecoming rally in Kogi…
***Urges Action as Intra-African Trade Lags Behind Global Averages Nigeria’s Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, has issued a strong call for urgent and coordinated customs reforms across West and Central Africa, positioning trade facilitation as a cornerstone for regional prosperity. Speaking at the opening of the Fourth Conference of Development Partners of the World Customs Organization for West and Central Africa (WCO-WCA) on Wednesday in Abuja, Edun challenged regional leaders and development partners to confront long-standing trade inefficiencies head-on. “We are sitting on a combined population of 450 million people and a GDP nearing…