Category: News

The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service has intensified its clampdown on smugglers and economic saboteurs, recording significant seizures valued at over ₦1.18 billion in Duty Paid Value (DPV) within six weeks.

Addressing journalists at the Unit’s headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, reaffirmed the Unit’s unwavering commitment to protecting Nigeria’s economy and national security through strategic anti-smuggling operations.

“Our Unit remains firm and focused on safeguarding the nation’s borders, curbing illicit trade, and protecting consumers from dangerous products,” Shuaibu stated.

He said that through intelligence-driven operations and enhanced surveillance across Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, and Ondo states, the Unit made 125 successful interceptions. The confiscated items include: 5,015 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice (equivalent to 8 trailer loads), 15 used vehicles (Tokunbo), 640 parcels of Cannabis Sativa (weighing approximately 431.8kg), 460 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (about 11,500 litres), 143 bales of used clothing, 2 jumbo sacks of used shoes, and 1 sack of used clothing, 390 bottles of Codeine, 310 packs of foreign-labelled drugs, and 19 cards of Tramadol, 210 pieces of used tyres, One 20-foot container (ONEU 2419369 FTC) containing 752 cartons of Calcium Lactate, intercepted for false declaration and Four suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures and are currently under investigation, with plans to transfer them to relevant prosecuting agencies.

Shuaibu also highlighted the recovery of ₦39.2 million between September 1 and October 7, 2025, through the issuance of demand notices related to under-declared goods and revenue shortfalls.

Demonstrating inter-agency collaboration, the Comptroller confirmed that all illicit drugs and narcotics would be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for further action.

He issued a stern reminder that the Federal Government’s 2016 ban on the importation of foreign parboiled rice through land borders remains in full effect, warning that “unpatriotic individuals who defy this restriction will continue to suffer heavy losses.”

“These seizures underscore our resolve to confront economic saboteurs who threaten national security and undermine government policies,” he said. “Our efforts are aimed not only at enforcement but also at facilitating legitimate trade and enabling honest businesses to thrive.”

Shuaibu concluded by assuring the public that the FOU Zone A will continue to deploy advanced surveillance and intelligence strategies to secure Nigeria’s borders and protect its economic interests.

In recognition of his unwavering commitment to Africa’s development, Fidelity Bank Plc recently hosted a grand black-tie dinner to celebrate the retirement of Professor Benedict Okechukwu Oramah, outgoing President and Chairman of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), after ten years of transformative leadership.

Held at the Lagos Continental Hotel on Thursday, 2 October 2025, the event was themed “Celebrating a Titan” and drew a distinguished gathering of dignitaries, captains of industry and international guests. They came together to honour a man widely regarded as one of Africa’s most influential financial leaders.

Welcoming guests to the event, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, described Prof. Oramah as “a towering figure in Africa’s economic renaissance.” She noted that his tenure at Afreximbank was defined by bold ideas, strategic foresight and a relentless pursuit of inclusive growth. “From Cairo to Kigali, Lagos to Lusaka, his influence has touched lives, empowered businesses and strengthened the very fabric of African integration,” she said. She also highlighted his role in pioneering initiatives such as the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System and his advocacy for intra-African trade and creative industries.

Among the guests in attendance were the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Ms. Hannatu Musawa; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; and Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite.

Special recognition was given to Mrs. Chinelo Oramah, whose steadfast support was acknowledged as instrumental to her husband’s success. “Her dedication to maintaining the home front has been pivotal,” said Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe, “as Prof. Oramah pursued the transformational initiatives that have distinguished his tenure.”

The evening featured tributes from several guests including Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Chairman of Vista Group Holding, Mr. Simon Tiemtore; and Chairman of Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Mustafa Chike-Obi, who described Prof. Oramah as “the most consequential African person in the last 10 years.”

In his remarks, Prof. Oramah expressed deep appreciation for the honour. “I want to thank the board and management of Fidelity Bank for this honour. It is not always that when a leader of an institution gets to the twilight of his tenure that those he works with deem it important to say we appreciate you. I really cherish this event. On behalf of my family and wife as well as the Afreximbank family, I say thank you.”

He also reflected on the longstanding relationship between Afreximbank and Fidelity Bank. “Our relationship with Fidelity Bank dates back to the 1990s and it has grown from year to year. Fidelity Bank is one of the trusted partners that we have. Fidelity Bank has helped us to achieve some of the things we have achieved here in Nigeria. When my dear sister, Nneka, took over, she did more than everyone expected. The transformation that we continue to see in Fidelity Bank is something that makes all of us proud. With all of the activities that you do that complement what we do at Afreximbank and the type of financing that supports what we do at Afreximbank, I believe that the partnership in the years ahead will grow even stronger.”

The evening was anchored by broadcast journalist Ojinika ‘Ojy’ Okpe and comedian and actor Okechukwu Anthony Onyegbule, popularly known as Okey Bakassi. The celebration reached its climax with a musical performance by Nigerian highlife singer Chinedu Okoli, professionally known as Flavour N’abania.

The Nigerian Army has recorded a major operational breakthrough, neutralizing a notorious terrorist kingpin, Kachalla Maidawa, alongside 35 other insurgents in a series of coordinated nationwide operations conducted between 29 September and 4 October 2025. The operations also led to the arrest of 32 criminal suspects, the rescue of 22 kidnapped victims, and the recovery of a substantial cache of arms, ammunition and logistics supplies.

In Kogi State, troops under Operation EGWU EKE ATITE III, in joint collaboration with personnel of the Nigerian Navy, DSS, Police and Hybrid Forces, thwarted terrorist planned attack at Isanlu, Yagba West LGA. During the fierce firefight, troops overpowered the extremists, neutralizing over twelve terrorists, including the dreaded Kachalla Maidawa, who had long terrorized communities across Kogi East and Kwara State.

Recovered items include one AK-47 rifle, 400 rounds of mixed ammunition, four motorcycles, three Dane guns, a fragmentation jacket, mobile phones and other sundry items.

In Kebbi State, troops of 1 Brigade ambushed terrorists along the Salka–Kinke–Makurdi road in Ngaski LGA, killing two terrorists and rescuing eight kidnapped victims. The troops also recovered seven AK-47 magazines, 180 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and two motorcycles.

Similarly, in Kaduna State, troops of 11 Field Engineer Regiment and CSI Battalion intercepted several criminal activities, including a ₦3 million ransom delivery attempt involving brand-new motorcycles meant for terrorists. Troops rescued the five kidnapped victims and neutralized several fleeing bandits during the operations in Giwa and Birnin Gwari LGAs.
In a related development, two suspected kidnappers were intercepted at Damakasuwa checkpoint in Zangon Kataf LGA with ₦1.3 million, while follow-up operations led to the neutralization of two other members of the syndicate who tried to escape during arrest.

In the North East, troops of 151 Task Force Battalion laid ambush at Dipchari in Bama LGA of Borno State, neutralizing five ISWAP/JAS terrorists. Similarly, troops of 3 Battalion and 24 Task Force Brigade arrested suspected ISWAP logistics and drug suppliers along the Gamboru–Wulgo road, recovering illicit items.

Another operation in Monguno led to the arrest of 12 suspects, including a terrorist tax collector, effectively crippling elements of the terrorist intelligence network in the region.

In the South East, troops of 34 Artillery Brigade and Operation UDO KA raided IPOB/ESN hideouts in Abia and Imo States, arresting several suspects, including one involved in the abduction and murder of the Vice Chancellor of the Federal Polytechnic, Afikpo. Troops also neutralized a notorious foot soldier of an IPOB/ESN commander and recovered one AK-47 rifle, two magazines and 14 rounds of ammunition.

Operations in the South South under Operation DELTA SAFE uncovered and destroyed multiple illegal oil refining sites in Rivers and Bayelsa States, recovering over 2,000 litres of stolen crude oil. Additionally, 14 drug peddlers were arrested by troops in conjunction with the NDLEA.

Elsewhere, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE neutralized an armed suspect in Benue State and rescued six kidnapped victims in Taraba State. Further arrests of arms suppliers and suspected collaborators were made in Sokoto and Kano States, reinforcing the Army’s proactive stance against insecurity.

Overall, the Nigerian Army dealt a decisive blow to terrorists and criminal elements across multiple theatres, neutralizing over 35 terrorists (including the notorious Kachalla Maidawa), arresting 32 suspects and rescuing 22 kidnapped victims. Troops also recovered three AK-47 rifles, seven magazines, 780 rounds of assorted ammunition, four motorcycles, three Dane guns, a fragmentation jacket, mobile phones and other logistics materials.

These sweeping operational successes underscore the Nigerian Army’s superiority in combat operations, intelligence-led precision and unyielding commitment to restoring peace and stability across the nation.

The Nigerian Army remains resolute in its determination to create a secure environment that enhances agricultural and economic activities, in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to national food security and sustainable development.

The Nigerian Army has dismissed as false and misleading a recent online publication alleging that bandits overran troops and carted away six General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs) and over 30,000 rounds of ammunition in Obanla, Kwara State.

Lt. Col. Polycarp Okoye, Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 2 Division stated in a press statement that contrary to the sensational claims, troops of 148 Battalion (Rear) conducting ongoing clearance operations across Kogi and Kwara States have continued to record significant operational successes. In a recent engagement, the troops mounted a strong blocking position along the Kwara–Ekiti border axis, where they neutralized two armed bandits and recovered two brand new AK-47 rifles.

At no time were Army positions overrun, nor was any cache of weapons or ammunition lost to criminal elements, as mischievously reported by the online platform. The publication is a fabrication designed to mislead the public and undermine the morale of gallant troops diligently working to restore peace and stability in the region.

The Nigerian Army remains committed to ensuring that all forms of criminality are decisively dealt with across the country. Members of the public are therefore urged to disregard the false report and continue to support the military with timely and credible information that would aid ongoing operations.

The Nigerian Army also reiterates its readiness to sustain the tempo of operations until all criminal networks in Kogi, Kwara, and adjoining states are dismantled.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has once again earned global recognition for excellence in communication as it received the Golden World Award (GWA) for Impactful PR in Customs Management at the 2025 International Public Relations Association (IPRA) Gala held on Friday, 3 October 2025, at the Mövenpick Hotel in Accra, Ghana.

Presented by IPRA President Nataša Pavlović Bujas during the Golden World Awards Gala Night, the international PR body recognised the Nigeria Customs Service for its Impactful Public Relations in Customs Management.

The winning entry, a publication authored by Image Merchants Promotion Limited, documents the Comptroller-General of Customs’ progressive communication strategies and has since evolved into a strategic framework for public relations scholarship in Nigeria.

According to Philip Sheppard, Secretary-General of IPRA, the publication provides practical strategies for organisations. It showcases real-life applications of PR leadership drawn from the reforms of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR.

Receiving the award on behalf of the Service, the National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller of Customs (AC) Abdullahi Maiwada, expressed profound appreciation to IPRA for the recognition, stating that it reinforces the Service’s vision for institutional credibility and proactive communication.

“This award is a validation of the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to professionalism, transparency, and stakeholder engagement,” Maiwada said. “Under the leadership of the Comptroller-General, we have repositioned communication as a strategic tool for reform and trust-building.”

It will be recalled that the Service was earlier honoured in 2024 with the prestigious GWA for Crisis Communication at the IPRA Gala in Belgrade, Serbia. This year’s award builds on that feat, highlighting NCS’s consistent innovation in communication and reputation management.

The award ceremony formed part of the Public Relations Knowledge Sharing Conference held from Wednesday, 1st to Friday, 3rd October 2025, at the Accra International Conference Centre. The conference, themed “Global Realities and Innovative Communication,” was attended by leading communication experts, including Dr Ike Neliaku, President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR); Nataša Pavlović Bujas, President of IPRA; Arik Karani, President of the African Public Relations Association (APRA); and Esther Amba Numaba Cobbah, President of the Institute of Public Relations (IPR), Ghana, among other PR professionals across Africa.

At the closing session of the conference earlier on Friday, the President of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, urged public relations professionals to uphold the highest standards of ethics and competence in their practice.

“As communicators, you hold the power to shape narratives and influence public trust,” President Mahama said. “Our continent needs professionals who communicate with integrity, clarity, and purpose to support national development.”

Also speaking at the Gala night, Ghana’s Vice President, H.E. Jane Nana, congratulated all the awardees, commending their contributions to advancing strategic communication globally.

To crown the night, Esther Amba Numaba Cobbah, President of the Institute of Public Relations (IPR), Ghana, assumed the mantle as the new President of the International Public Relations Association (IPRA), succeeding Nataša Pavlović Bujas. Her emergence as the first African to lead the 70-year-old global body marks a historic milestone and a moment of pride for the continent’s communication professionals.

In a significant stride against smuggling activities along Nigeria’s coastal and border regions, the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) Badagry has handed over 419 bags of smuggled foreign parboiled rice to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command.

The seizure was the result of intensified patrols and surveillance operations carried out by the Navy’s Quick Response Teams along the Badagry Porto Novo Creek and surrounding backwaters. The operation targeted suspected smuggling routes used by economic saboteurs attempting to bypass regulatory controls.

Speaking during the official handover ceremony, the Commanding Officer of FOB Badagry, Navy Captain BO Omotayo, represented by the Base Admin Officer, Lieutenant Commander SO Talabi, reiterated the Navy’s unwavering commitment to maritime security and the enforcement of federal trade and economic protection policies.

“Our actions are in strict alignment with the Chief of the Naval Staff’s Strategic Directive 06–2023, which emphasizes the need for a secured maritime environment as a foundation for national development,” Captain Omotayo stated.

He also praised the dedication and resilience of his personnel, noting that their professional conduct continues to ensure that smugglers and other cross-border criminal elements are effectively denied operational space.

“The Nigerian Navy, particularly FOB Badagry, will continue to conduct intelligence-led operations and strengthen collaboration with sister agencies and local communities to ensure sustained pressure on those who seek to undermine Nigeria’s economic stability,” he added.

Captain Omotayo warned individuals engaged in smuggling and other illegal maritime activities to desist immediately, affirming that the Navy remains resolute in protecting the nation’s territorial waters and economic lifelines.

The handover was conducted in accordance with the Harmonized Standard Operating Procedure (HSOP) for inter-agency cooperation, reinforcing ongoing efforts to combat smuggling through shared intelligence and coordinated enforcement strategies.

A network of Nigerian civil society organizations working on anti-corruption, transparency, and accountability has called for an immediate and impartial investigation into the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over serious allegations of asset concealment, illicit enrichment, and potential violations of Nigeria’s asset declaration laws.

In a joint statement, the network urged key anti-corruption bodies, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), the National Judicial Council (NJC), and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), to act swiftly, without regard to political status or affiliations.

The statement strongly noted that no public official, regardless of rank or influence, should be considered above the law. “Selective enforcement corrodes public trust and undermines the legitimacy of Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework,” the coalition said.

The groups emphasized the critical role of the Code of Conduct Bureau in upholding integrity in public service, calling on the CCB to ensure that its processes are shielded from political interference, particularly from politically exposed persons whose asset declarations must be verified and monitored during their tenure, not only at entry or exit.

According to the statement, there are credible reports linking the minister and his spouse, Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike of the Court of Appeal, to substantial undeclared assets. These include three high-value lakeside properties in Winter Springs, Seminole County, Florida, acquired between 2021 and 2023, and allegedly transferred to their children. Further concerns include the use of shell structures, luxury vehicles, and property acquisitions in Abuja allegedly allocated to close family members.

The network also referenced long-standing allegations involving the diversion of $300 million earmarked for environmental remediation in Ogoniland, purportedly redirected into private ventures, including a retail chain in Port Harcourt. Additionally, Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the FCT, has accused the minister of unlawful land allocations within Abuja, with investigative reports suggesting that several premium plots were allocated to relatives of the minister.

“These allegations, if substantiated, represent not only violations of Nigeria’s anti-corruption statutes but a profound betrayal of public trust,” the coalition stated.

The network is calling for:
A full audit of Mr. Wike’s asset declarations as governor and minister;
A forensic investigation of financial transactions linked to him and his immediate family;
Transparent publication of investigative findings, followed by legal action where violations are confirmed.

The handling of this case will serve as a litmus test for Nigeria’s anti-corruption institutions and their independence. The network therefore strongly calls on the EFCC, ICPC, CCB, NJC, and FIRS to immediately open coordinated inquiries, publish clear timelines, and communicate investigative procedures transparently to the public. A failure to act decisively will embolden corrupt practices, while a transparent investigation will restore legitimacy to Nigeria’s anti-corruption institutions.

The network further urges international watchdogs, development partners, and the global transparency community to closely monitor the process. Demonstrating credible accountability in this case will not only reinforce Nigeria’s anti-corruption commitments but also send a strong signal globally that public service in Nigeria is anchored on integrity and equity before the law.

Beyond the legal dimensions, this case reflects the behavioural consequences of impunity in governance. When public officials perceive that accountability institutions are hesitant or selective in enforcement, it makes corruption a rational choice. Conversely, consistent and impartial enforcement creates a deterrent effect, shifting norms toward compliance. Anti-corruption is therefore not only a legal obligation but also a behavioural signal: it defines expectations about what is tolerated and what is sanctioned. Nigeria cannot afford a governance environment where political stature shields misconduct.

In light of the call for a thorough investigation into allegations against Minister Nyesom Wike and his family, this moment must also be leveraged to build a broad national consensus on tackling corruption among politically exposed persons (PEPs). We therefore recommend:
Unified Dialogue: Convening a multi-stakeholder forum, including CSOs, media, political parties, and international partners, to address the implications of these allegations and the broader challenge of corruption among PEPs, while promoting transparency and mutual accountability;
Public Awareness: Launching nationwide campaigns to highlight the dangers of corruption, emphasize the importance of truthful asset declarations, and equip citizens with knowledge of their right to demand accountability.

By adopting these steps, Nigeria can transform this high-profile case into a strong opportunity for systemic reform, reinforcing the principle of equal application of the law.

Anti-corruption must be understood as both a legal and behavioural commitment. Institutions must rise above politics and enforce the law consistently. Nigeria must demonstrate that its laws apply equally to all, regardless of office or influence.

Signed:
21st Century Community Empowerment for Youth Initiative
Accountability Lab, Nigeria
Abuja School of Social and Political Thought
Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ)
African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD)
African Centre for Media & Information Literacy (AFRICMIL)
Alliance on Surviving COVID 19 and Beyond (AACAB)
Amnesty International Nigeria
Borno Coalition for Democracy and Progress (BOCODEP)
BudgIT Foundation
Center for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity
Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD)
Centre for Democratic Research and Training (CRDDERT)
Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD)
Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID)
Centre LSD
Centre for Social Justice
Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC)
Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR)
Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA)
Emma Ezeazu Centre for Good Governance and Accountability
Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth, Nigeria (ERA)
#FixPolitics
Global Rights
Good Governance Team
Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF)
Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre)
Kebetkache Women Development & Resource Centre
Lawyers Alert
Media Rights Agenda
Mothers and Marginalized Advocacy Centre (MAMA Centre)
Organization for Community Civic Engagement (OCCEN)
Partners West Africa Nigeria
Peering Advocacy and Advancement Center in Africa (PAACA)
PRAWA International
Procurement Observation and Advocacy Initiative
Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED)
RULAAC – Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre
Say NO Campaign – Nigeria
Social Action
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP)
Socio-Economic Research and Development Centre (SERDEC)
SPACES FOR CHANGE
State of the Union (SOTU)
Tax Justice and Governance Platform
Transition Monitoring Group (TMG)
West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI)
Women Advocate Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC)
Women in Media Communication Initiative (WIM)
Yiaga Africa
Zero Corruption Coalition (ZCC)
Girl Child Concern (GCC)

Dr Chris Okafor, founder and senior pastor of the Grace Nation Church International, Lagos says he is set to give away food items to at least 5,000 Nigerians when the church holds it’s thanksgiving service this Sunday — October, 5, 2025.

Dr. Okafor made the announcement during the grand finale of the church’s yearly flagship programme, “Not My Head, Not My Blood,” held last Sunday.

He stated that the gesture aims to ease the hardship caused by the removal of fuel subsidy by the Nigerian government since 2023. According to him, the donation is also a fulfillment of Jesus’ charge to Christians to be their brothers’ keepers.

“At least 5,000 Nigerians will get bags of rice, and other kinds of support next Sunday when Grace Nation will be holding it’s thanksgiving service,” Dr Okafor told his congregation last Sunday.

“The gesture which is now a regular practise here not only aims to ease the hardship our people are facing in the present time, it is also to fulfill Jesus’ charge to us as christians to be our brothers’ keepers,” he said.

This initiative is the third of its kind since the beginning of the year, courtesy of the Chris Okafor Humanity Foundation (COHF) in collaboration with the Grace Nation Church International.

The foundation has been instrumental in providing assistance to the poor, orphans, widows, and the underprivileged, including scholarships, skill acquisition programmes, water provision, and road rehabilitation projects around the church’s immediate environment.

Dr. Okafor has encouraged church members to participate in the exercise, highlighting the spiritual rewards of such acts of kindness.

“Jesus taught us the importance of giving, and loving our neighbours as ourselves. In the scriptures in Luke 6:38, Mark 12:31 and Matthew 25: 35-45, Jesus showed us, His followers the way to go.

“So, by also joining me in offering this support to the needy in our midst, we will not only be fulfilling this commandment, but drawing from the blessings attached,” he added.

With this initiative, Dr. Okafor continues to make a positive impact on the lives of Nigerians.

Wazobia FM has marked this year’s World Heart Day with a special Heart Walk in Ajegunle, Lagos.

The event, tagged Heart Waka for Life, took place on Saturday, September 27, 2025, drawing a massive crowd of fans, celebrities, and well-wishers.

The walk kicked off at the Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government Area headquarters as early as 7 a.m.

Participants marched through the community to Maracana Stadium, where fitness activities were held to promote healthier living.

Executive Chairman of Ajeromi Ifelodun, Hon. Olalekan Olu Akindipe, popularly known as LampHolder, joined the walk side by side with residents.

He described the event as an important step toward building stronger, healthier lifestyles in the community.

The energy of the walk was further boosted by Wazobia FM presenters, who brought their on-air charisma to the streets.

They were joined by top celebrities including Korexx, Cute Abiola, Aproko Doctor, Kemen, Kaffy, Kenny Blaq, and Broda Shaggi, while Mr Macaroni and Gossip Loaded offered their support online.

At a press briefing ahead of the event, the General Manager for Wazobia FM, Cool FM, Nigeria Info FM, and Kids FM, Femi Obong-Daniels, explained that the Heart Walk was designed to get everyone in the Local Government involved in fitness and health awareness.

Program Managers of the stations and some On-Air Personalities also stressed the benefits of regular walking, highlighting its role in preventing heart disease, improving cardiovascular fitness, and boosting energy levels.

Sponsors, including Wazobia Beauty and Cosmetics, applauded the initiative as a notable contribution to public health.

World Heart Day is observed globally to raise awareness about cardiovascular diseases, which remain the leading cause of death worldwide.

By taking the campaign to Ajegunle, Wazobia FM says it hopes to inspire more Nigerians to take charge of their heart health through simple lifestyle choices like walking and exercise.

For many residents and fans who joined the Heart Waka, it was more than a walk, it was a movement, blending fun, fitness, and community spirit in the heart of Ajegunle.

The 2025 African International Conference on Islamic Finance (AICIF) Pitch Competition has highlighted 20 promising startups competing for ₦5 million in grant funding, as Africa seeks to foster a new generation of ethical, impact-driven enterprises.

The competition, held in Abuja on Saturday as a precursor to the 7th AICIF in November, attracted over 200 applicants from across Africa before narrowing down to 20 finalists — 10 focused on tech innovations and 10 on social impact.

According to Hajia Ummahani Ahmad Amin, the Convener of AICIF in Nigeria and Managing Partner of Metropolitan Law Firm, the event is more than just a contest.

“Today, we celebrate creativity, resilience, and the power of ideas. These young entrepreneurs are not just pitching businesses; they are presenting the future of Africa. The solutions here have the potential to create jobs, reshape industries, and drive social impact,” she told participants.

The startups, ranging from halal-tech solutions to ethical investment platforms, were assessed by a panel of judges on innovation, scalability, and alignment with Islamic finance principles.

Mr Abdulkadir Abbas, Director at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), who attended the event, described the quality of pitches as impressive.

“The passion, commitment, and innovation displayed are remarkable. It will be a tough task for the judges to choose winners. What we are witnessing here is the very essence of ethical entrepreneurship,” Abbas said.

The SEC’s involvement in the competition reflects its growing support for the non-interest finance sector. Abbas explained that the regulator has frameworks in place that enable small businesses to access funds through crowdfunding and other Sharia-compliant investment products.

Managing Director of Metropolitan Skills Ltd, Ms Yinlaifa Edolo, stressed that the competition aims to empower young entrepreneurs with ethical tools for building sustainable enterprises.
“This grant is not about loans or debts. It is about giving startups breathing space to innovate, scale, and build businesses aligned with fairness and social responsibility,” she said.

For Mr Abimbola Ajinibi, Associate Director at the First Trustees, the focus on SMEs is critical.
“Small businesses are the backbone of Africa’s economy. But they often lack access to affordable capital. By using halal finance instruments like Waqf, Sukuk, and ethical crowdfunding, we can help them grow without the burden of exploitative interest rates,” he said.

One of the finalists, speaking after his pitch, described the opportunity as “life-changing.”
“Access to funding is the biggest barrier for startups like ours. This competition doesn’t just give us money; it gives us visibility, mentorship, and credibility,” he said.

Since its inception in 2018, AICIF has evolved into Africa’s premier platform for Islamic finance, bringing together government officials, regulators, academics, and entrepreneurs. The pitch competition, now in its 7th edition, underscores the conference’s mission to mainstream halal and ethical finance while inspiring innovation that serves communities.

The judges deliberate, and the finalists await the announcement of winners. The atmosphere is charged with hope that some of Africa’s boldest innovators will soon scale their ideas into enterprises capable of transforming the continent’s financial and social landscape.