Tension is rising across Ondo State’s cocoa belt as smallholder farmers decry a new government directive requiring them to pay ₦250,000 per hectare to continue farming within forest reserves — a policy they warn could cripple livelihoods and threaten the state’s thriving cocoa industry. The farmers, who described the directive as “a death sentence on small cocoa holders,” have appealed to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa to urgently suspend the levy, warning that it could cripple cocoa production and destroy decades of agricultural progress in the state. The heartfelt plea was contained in an open letter signed by Comrade Adeola Adegoke,…
Author: National Update
In what industry watchers describe as a landmark move to redefine global cashew trade, Nigeria and Vietnam have signed a far-reaching Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen cooperation in cashew production, processing, and technology exchange. The agreement, struck between the National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN) and the Vietnam Cashew Association (VINACAS), was formalized during the 14th VINACAS Golden Cashew Rendezvous 2025, held in Hanoi from October 26 to 28, marking VINACAS’ 35th anniversary. The three-day event drew major international players in the cashew value chain — but Nigeria stole the spotlight, particularly for one reason: Kogi State’s cashew was…
By Uhuru Samuel Jalingo A civic group, Concerned Youths for Good Governance, has called on Governor Agbu Kefas to sack the Taraba State Commissioner for Finance, Mrs. Sarah Enoch Adi, following allegations of examination malpractice that have sparked outrage across the state. The call was made in a statement issued to journalists on Thursday in Jalingo, describing the alleged act as “unfortunate, unethical and unbecoming of a public official serving in a government anchored on integrity and accountability.” According to the statement, a viral video allegedly showing the commissioner’s involvement in an examination misconduct has generated widespread reactions across the…
Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has unveiled a draft ₦820.49 billion budget for the 2026 fiscal year, signaling a bold push toward shared prosperity, sustainable growth, and inclusive governance. Tagged “Budget of Shared Prosperity: Driving Sustainable Growth for All,” the proposal represents a 35.7 percent increase—about ₦215.96 billion—over the state’s ₦604.53 billion revised 2025 budget. The draft budget, approved at the State Executive Council meeting, reflects Ododo’s determination to expand the state’s economic base, improve service delivery, and consolidate ongoing reforms. Presenting the estimates, the Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Asiwaju Asiru Idris, said the 2026 plan…
***Lawmakers say cheap sachet drinks fueling youth addiction, social decay The Senate has mandated the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to stop the production and sale of sachet-packaged alcoholic beverages by December 2025. Lawmakers expressed concern that the widespread sale of low-cost, high-alcohol beverages in sachets and small bottles is posing serious public health and safety risks, particularly among the youth. The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River South), who urged the upper chamber to halt any further delay in enforcing the ban. Ekpenyong lamented that despite repeated promises, NAFDAC…
The battle for Nigeria’s energy independence has erupted into open confrontation, as the Yoruba Council Worldwide (YCW) and a coalition of civil society organizations throw their full weight behind Dangote Refinery, accusing entrenched oil cartels of holding the nation hostage to fuel importation. In a fiery open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Council — joined by the Nigeria Coalition Group (NCG) and allied partners — alleged that a syndicate of union leaders, oil magnates, and regulatory insiders is deliberately sabotaging the refinery’s operations to preserve a corrupt fuel import racket that has drained Nigeria for decades. “This is…
The ongoing trial of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has continued to stir controversy, following fresh criticism from the American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID). AVID, a U.S.-based advocacy group, has accused the court of undermining constitutional and fair-hearing standards in its handling of Kanu’s case, describing the process as a “continuing judicial travesty.” In a statement signed by its President, Chief Dr. Sylvester Onyia, the group alleged that Kanu’s ongoing prosecution lacks a valid legal foundation and violates both domestic and international legal norms. The…
The Federal Government has taken another bold step towards boosting economic growth and driving innovation with the inauguration of the Ministerial Project Approval Board (MPAB) and the advancement of a landmark digital transformation partnership with the Equipment Leasing Registration Authority (ELRA). The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, inaugurated the Board in Abuja and immediately presided over its maiden review session, which considered a public-private partnership (PPP) proposal from ELRA aimed at modernising Nigeria’s leasing industry. The initiative seeks to digitise regulatory processes, enhance market transparency, and expand access to equipment finance for…
Alh.Dr Onujagbe Nasir onujagbenasir@gmail.com Introduction: In the political history of Kogi Central, leadership has often been associated with the fierce struggle for power, self-centered governance, and a culture of political dominance that leaves the people yearning for compassionate representation. Yet, within this cycle emerged a figure who defied the norms and redefined the meaning of leadership — Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Her second year anniversary in office is not merely a celebration of tenure; it is a reference point, a wake-up call, and a lesson to emergent and established political players in the district. From the onset, Natasha did not arrive…
The attention of National Update has been drawn to certain factual inaccuracies in our earlier publication titled “Jigawa N827m Security Gift Sparks Procurement Scandal”, which alleged irregularities in the procurement of 10 Toyota Hilux vehicles by the Jigawa State Government. In light of this development, we have withdrawn the story from all our platforms. We sincerely regret any misinformation or inconvenience the report may have caused. We remain firmly committed to upholding the highest standards of accuracy, fairness, and responsible journalism. Management National Update