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The leadership of SWAGA, led by Honourable Ifedayo Abegunde and represented by Honourable Akindele Adeniyi, recently honour a reputable member of the movement, Lady B, in Isua Akoko.

The event, which took place in the picturesque town of Isua Akoko, was a huge success, with attendees praising the organizers for a job well done. Honourable Oluwole Fanibuyan, the coordinator of SWAGA AKURE NORTH, was commended for his efforts in making the event a memorable one.

The honour bestowed on Lady B is a testament to her dedication and contributions to the SWAGA movement. The event served as a platform to recognize and appreciate her efforts, and to encourage others to emulate her example.

With this event, SWAGA Akure North has once again demonstrated its commitment to recognizing and rewarding excellence within its ranks. The movement continues to grow in strength and popularity, thanks to the tireless efforts of its leaders and members.

The leaders of the National Association of Akure Students (NAAS), Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) chapter, have graduated in grand style. Today marked the culmination of their academic journey at one of Nigeria’s premier institutions of technology.

The graduating leaders, who have demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and academic prowess, were celebrated by their peers, lecturers, and the university community. Their achievement is a testament to the high standards of excellence that FUTA is known for.

The National Association of Akure Students, FUTA chapter, has been at the forefront of promoting the interests of Akure students on campus. The graduating leaders have played a pivotal role in shaping the association’s activities and advocating for the welfare of their members.

As they mark the end of this chapter in their academic journey, the graduating leaders are poised to make their mark in their respective fields. Their dedication, perseverance, and leadership skills will undoubtedly serve them well in their future endeavours.

Pastor David Ogbueli, the senior pastor of Dominion City, has introduced an innovative initiative that emphasizes the importance of giving and empowering others. In a recent video, Pastor Ogbueli can be seen encouraging members of Dominion City to give to one another, with some members receiving substantial financial support.

The initiative, which is part of Dominion City’s mission to empower its members, has been met with enthusiasm and gratitude. Many members have testified to the positive impact it has had on their lives, with some reporting financial breakthroughs and improvements in their overall well-being.

Pastor Ogbueli emphasized that the initiative is rooted in biblical principles, citing scriptures that emphasize the importance of giving and generosity. He encouraged members to trust in God’s provision and to be willing to give to others, even when it seems challenging.

The “Giving and Empowerment” initiative is just one of the many ways Dominion City is working to empower its members and make a positive impact on the community. Under Pastor Ogbueli’s leadership, the church is committed to spreading the message of hope and empowerment to all.

As the initiative continues to gain momentum, it is clear that Pastor Ogbueli and Dominion City are making a real difference in the lives of their members. By emphasizing the importance of giving and empowerment, they are creating a community of people who are committed to supporting and uplifting one another.

Through this initiative, Pastor Ogbueli and Dominion City are demonstrating their commitment to empowering their members and making a positive impact on the world.

President Bola Tinubu has emphasized the need for more work to be done to improve Nigeria’s GDP growth figures. This statement comes as the Federal Government has been defending its borrowing habits, stating that it only borrows based on approvals from the National Assembly.

The FG’s defence comes after concerns were raised about the country’s increasing debt profile. However, the government has maintained that its borrowing is guided by the approvals of the National Assembly and that it is necessary for the implementation of its development projects.

Meanwhile, President Tinubu’s call for improved GDP growth figures highlights the need for sustained efforts to boost the country’s economy. As the government continues to implement its development plans, it is essential to ensure that these efforts translate into tangible economic growth and improved living standards for Nigerians.

The National Assembly has been engaging with the FG’s revenue-generating agencies to discuss the 2025-2027 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP). This interactive session aims to ensure that the government’s development plans are aligned with the country’s economic realities.

As the government continues to navigate the complexities of economic development, it is clear that a collaborative effort between the executive and legislative arms of government will be crucial in achieving the desired GDP growth figures.

In a bid to strengthen the agricultural sector, Nigeria and Brazil have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote agribusiness in all 774 local government areas across the country. This partnership is expected to enhance food security, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth.

The Federal Government has also announced plans to establish a textile and garment economic zone in Lagos, which is projected to generate 25,000 jobs. This initiative is part of the government’s efforts to diversify the economy and promote industrialization.

In another development, the Federal Government’s agricultural initiative has trained 541 youths to promote food security and employment. This program is designed to equip young people with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the agricultural sector.

The partnership with Brazil is expected to bring in expertise and technology to enhance agricultural production and processing in Nigeria. The MoU will also facilitate the exchange of ideas and best practices between Nigerian and Brazilian farmers.

As the government continues to invest in the agricultural sector, Nigerians can expect to see improvements in food security, job creation, and economic growth. With the support of international partners like Brazil, Nigeria is poised to become a major player in the global agricultural market.

In a surprising turn of events, opposition parties in Rivers State, particularly the Action Peoples Party (APP), are considering Governor Siminalayi Fubara as their candidate for the 2027 governorship election. This development comes as a shock, given Fubara’s current affiliation with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

According to sources, the APP has extended an invitation to Fubara to join their party and run for governor in 2027. The party’s chairman in Rivers State, Sunny Wokekoro, made this appeal during a solidarity visit to the APP secretariat in Port Harcourt. This move is seen as a strategic attempt by the APP to strengthen its chances in the upcoming election.

However, it’s worth noting that Fubara’s current predecessor, Nyesom Wike, has expressed confidence that Rivers people will not vote for Fubara in 2027. Wike’s statement reflects the ongoing power struggle between him and Fubara, which has been a dominant theme in Rivers State politics.

The APP’s move to court Fubara has sparked interesting discussions about the potential realignment of political forces in Rivers State. As the 2027 elections approach, it’s clear that the state’s political landscape will continue to evolve in unexpected ways.

Only time will tell if Fubara will accept the APP’s invitation and switch parties. One thing is certain, however: the Rivers State governorship election in 2027 will be a highly contested and closely watched affair.

In a move that is expected to bring relief to motorists and other consumers of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a reduction in the price of petrol from N990 per litre to N970/litre. This new development is a welcome respite for Nigerians who have been grappling with the high cost of fuel in recent times.

The price reduction, which takes immediate effect, is seen as a bold step by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery to cushion the effects of the high cost of living in the country. The refinery, which is one of the largest in Africa, has been at the forefront of efforts to increase the availability of petroleum products in Nigeria and reduce dependence on imported fuel.

The price reduction is also expected to have a positive impact on the economy, as it will lead to a reduction in the cost of transportation and other goods and services. This, in turn, is expected to boost economic activity and reduce the inflation rate.

The management of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has assured motorists and other consumers of PMS that the refinery will continue to work towards ensuring the availability of petroleum products at affordable prices. The refinery has also expressed its commitment to contributing to the growth and development of the Nigerian economy.

With this price reduction, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has demonstrated its commitment to the welfare of Nigerians and its determination to play a leading role in the development of the country’s petroleum industry.

The Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) is celebrating a remarkable academic achievement as 519 students from the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 academic sessions graduate with first-class honours. This impressive feat was announced by the university’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Adenike Oladiji, during a pre-convocation press conference.

A total of 6,405 students will be receiving first degrees, with 960 students set to be awarded postgraduate degrees. The breakdown of the classes of degrees shows that 3,408 students attained Second Class (Upper Division), 2,139 secured Second Class (Lower Division), and 339 were awarded Third Class degrees.

Prof. Oladiji expressed her pride in the institution’s academic excellence, stating that none of FUTA’s 59 academic programs have been denied accreditation. She also highlighted the university’s progress in physical and infrastructural development, noting that the projects demonstrate the administration’s commitment to creating a conducive learning environment.

Looking forward, Prof. Oladiji expressed optimism for continued growth and solutions to longstanding challenges, such as energy constraints. With a stable and convivial industrial ambience, she is confident that FUTA will continue to soar to greater heights.

The Nigerian government has obtained a $2.5 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), aimed primarily at supporting the proposed 2024 Appropriation Bill. While the funding provides much-needed financial relief for development and budgetary purposes, economic analysts and stakeholders have raised significant concerns about the potential long-term repercussions.

Key Details of the Loan Agreement:

Repayment in Foreign Currency: The loan must be repaid in US dollars, which poses a significant risk given the persistent depreciation of the naira. This could drastically inflate the effective cost of the loan over time.

Concessions Required: The agreement reportedly requires Nigeria to adopt policy reforms, including removing subsidies on oil and electricity. While these measures may improve fiscal sustainability, they could also exacerbate economic hardships for citizens.

Dollar Reserve Requirements: A portion of the loan must remain as foreign reserves, limiting its immediate utility for economic stimulation.

Economic Risks:
Experts have highlighted the risk of increased debt servicing costs due to the naira’s depreciation. If the currency continues to lose value, the real cost of the $2.5 billion loan could balloon to tens of billions of dollars by the time payments begin in 2034. Additionally, the removal of subsidies could lead to higher living costs, further straining households and businesses​.

Broader Context:
This loan adds to Nigeria’s already substantial debt burden, raising concerns about its reliance on external financing. While the funds could help bridge immediate fiscal gaps, the long-term impact on economic sovereignty and stability is uncertain. Critics argue that Nigeria should leverage its abundant natural resources and skilled workforce to pursue more sustainable economic strategies rather than accumulating costly foreign debt​.

In conclusion, while the IMF loan provides short-term fiscal relief, its long-term implications demand careful management and policy adjustments to avoid exacerbating Nigeria’s debt challenges.

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has solidified its position as a key player in Africa’s development with a series of groundbreaking initiatives. During its 2024 Annual Meetings in Nairobi, the bank secured a historic $318 billion capital base, empowering it to expand investments across infrastructure, green energy, and agriculture. AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina highlighted the significance of this boost, stating, “This is a major step towards equipping Africa to meet its challenges with bold, sustainable solutions”​.

One of the bank’s flagship programs is the $10 billion Alliance for Green Infrastructure in Africa, aimed at driving renewable energy and reducing carbon footprints. Additionally, AfDB’s Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) has unlocked $2 billion in funding to empower 30,000 women-owned businesses. These projects underscore the bank’s commitment to inclusive growth, gender equity, and environmental sustainability​.

In partnership with Absa Group, AfDB has also launched a transformative $150 million financial package, targeting youth and women entrepreneurs, small businesses, and housing solutions. This initiative not only strengthens domestic capital markets but also ensures affordable financing for underserved groups, signaling a shift toward equitable economic empowerment​.

With bold strategies and record investments, the AfDB is spearheading a new narrative for Africa. Its initiatives are designed to ensure the continent is not just a participant but a leader in global economic and environmental reform, building a brighter future for millions​.