PASSEC Uncovers Forgery, Fraud under ASSBIFI President, Petitions Labour Minister
The Pan-African Society for Social and Economic Change (PASSEC) has formally appealed to the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, urging immediate action concerning serious allegations of forgery, fraud, and financial mismanagement within the Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions (ASSBIFI).
The organisation claimed that the issues stem from the controversial leadership of Mr. Olusoji Oluwole, who was allegedly imposed as the National President following manipulated elections in 2022 that deprived the legitimate President-elect of the Association, Comrade Amina Danesi, who emerged after a free and fair election of her rightful mandate.
In a letter addressed to the Minister, PASSEC alleged that, Mr Oluwole’s appointment was facilitated through fraudulent means.
According to the society, Oluwole’s employment with Sterling Bank was terminated in 2020, rendering him ineligible for leadership under the Trade Union Act.
It was alleged that forged employment records—including falsified payslips, pension documents, and tax information—were produced with the complicity of certain staff members within Sterling Bank’s Human Resources Department.
The letter emphasised that the Managing Director of Sterling Bank may be unaware of these fraudulent activities, which could have significant implications for the bank’s reputation and operational integrity.
PASSEC argues that these developments not only jeopardize the credibility of ASSBIFI but also posed a threat to the principles of trade unionism in Nigeria.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, PASSEC claims that over N300 million has been misappropriated since Mr. Oluwole’s leadership began in November 2022.
The organization further alleged that officials within the Ministry of Labour have ignored formal petitions submitted by aggrieved ASSBIFI members, calling into question the transparency and accountability of the Ministry’s oversight role.
In light of these allegations, PASSEC has called for several urgent actions from the Ministry of Labour and Employment:
The union called for independent investigation into Oluwole’s current employment status, to be conducted jointly by the Ministry and Sterling Bank and a formal request for Sterling Bank to release Oluwole’s original payslip, pension, and tax records from 2020 to present.
Also a directive to the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to suspend recognition of the disputed ASSBIFI leadership pending investigation results and referral of the matter to relevant law enforcement agencies—including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Department of State Services (DSS), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC)—for thorough investigation and potential prosecution.
And the initiation of a process to restore lawful leadership within ASSBIFI based on its constitution and the will of its members, which originally elected, Comrade Amina Danesi in a free and fair election on November 12, 2022.
Comrade Basah Mohammed, Executive Director of PASSEC, stressed the need for prompt intervention by the Minister to uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s trade union system and prevent a precedent of fraudulent leadership.
“We stand ready to cooperate with your Ministry and relevant agencies to ensure that justice is served and the sanctity of public and labour institutions is upheld,” he said.
As this situation unfolds, all eyes will be on the Ministry of Labour and Employment to respond decisively to these serious allegations that threaten not only ASSBIFI but also the broader landscape of labour governance in Nigeria.
AFRIMA 2025: FG, Lagos State Declare Readiness to Host Africa In November at Patron’s Dinner with the Jury
L-R: AFRIMA Jury members, Anthony Joseph, (Eastern Africa), Victoria Nkong, Associate Producer, AFRIMA, Motolani Alake, (Nigeria, West Africa),Messie Mboukoud, (Central Africa), Kobele Keita, (Diaspora, North America), Neza Guy, (Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa), AFRIMA President/Executive Producer, Mike Dada, Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, AFRIMA Chief Experience Officer, CXO, Aderenle Niyi, Lucy Ilado, (Eastern Africa), Delani Khalima , (Zimbabwe, Southern Africa) and Marwane Fachane, (Northern Africa), at the AFRIMA 2025 Patron’s Dinner with the Jury held on Thursday, August 14 at Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria
It was a dazzling evening of elegance, warmth, and celebration as the All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, hosted its 2025 Patron’s Dinner with the International Jury in Lagos, Nigeria.
The gathering brought together policymakers, stakeholders in Africa’s creative economy, music executives, artists, media representatives, and AFRIMA’s international jurors from 14 countries who are responsible for ensuring the credibility of Africa’s global music awards.
The event was hosted by AFRIMA Patron, Dr. Bisi Onasanya, Chairman of The Address Homes.
This year’s jury session has brought together jurors from across the five regions of Africa and the diaspora in Lagos, Nigeria. For over a week, they worked tirelessly to select nominees from a total of 10,717 entries received for AFRIMA 2025. The AFRIMA 2025 Nominees List will be announced to the public on August 24, following the conclusion of the adjudication process.
Barrister Hannatu Musawa, Nigeria’s Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, who led a strong cast of dignitaries to the event, praised AFRIMA’s global impact.
“AFRIMA is a testimony of how the creative sector in Nigeria has developed to a global standard, even without strong government backup. We are proud of what AFRIMA stands for and the impact it has made in Africa and on a global scale, projecting our identity, culture, language, and music. As a government, we will continue to support initiatives like this not just because it celebrates art but because it strengthens the economy and unites us,” she said.
Representing the Lagos State Government, Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, assured stakeholders, artistes, and fans across Africa that the State is fully prepared to welcome the continent and the rest of the world.
Benson-Awoyinka, who was joined at the event by the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotosho, said, “I think we are in the right place at the right time. For us in Lagos, hosting AFRIMA 2025 is not just another event; it is a big honour. People say we are the culture and entertainment capital of Africa, and we are ready to welcome the whole continent and the world to our city for this great event. We thank the Federal Government, our partners, and all those supporting AFRIMA for trusting Lagos to host again.”
In collaboration with the African Union Commission, AFRIMA 2025 is being organised alongside the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Official Host City, Lagos State.
For the Patron, Dr. Onasanya, who was acxompanied to the event by his wife, Mrs Olufunke Onasanya, families and friends and business mogul,Chief Musa Danjuma and Dayo Adeola, the focus is on creating a sustainable legacy and delivering the best AFRIMA yet.
“Tonight, we proudly recognise the incredible work of our jury members and say a big thank you to them. This year, we are excited to welcome Africa to AFRIMA. Africa and the rest of the world will see an amazing show in Lagos because we are confident of organising a successful event. I sincerely thank the Federal Government of Nigeria and our Official Host City, Lagos State, for their tremendous support, as well as our sponsors and every stakeholder who believes in AFRIMA. The last edition was fantastic, but I assure you that AFRIMA 2025 will be the best”
One of the jury members, Guy Neza, an Ivorian who is representing West Africa on the panel, said, “It has been an amazing journey for me to be part of this journey. Africa is full of amazing talent, and it makes me happy to see our music and creativity receiving the recognition they deserve, as AFRIMA is the continent’s biggest music entity. Every artist who sends in their work is helping our creative industry grow stronger. With the quality of music we have screened, I can confidently say that the future of the industry is promising.”
AFRIMA President and Founder, Mike Dada, thanked the jury, patrons, and creative stakeholders for their role in sustaining AFRIMA’s growth and success.
“I am truly grateful for the support from every corner of our creative industry; from the Federal Government of Nigeria, our Official Host City, Lagos State Government and Governor Babajide Sanwoolu, our Patron, to the media, to the artists, producers, and record executives. It is inspiring to see us working hand in hand with one shared goal to elevate Africa’s global music. We said at the beginning of this journey that we would not joke with the credibility of this awards; we insisted that any artist who will be nominated or win award must submit their work to qualify and this patron’s dinner is our way of honouring the AFRIMA jury, who dedicate their time to carefully select the finest talents from thousands of entries for nomination in their rightful categories,” he said.]
L-R: Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, founder, Africa International Film Festival, AFRIFF, Chioma Ude, Minister of Arts, Culture & Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, President/Executive Producer, All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, Mike Dada, Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, AFRIMA’s Patron, Dr. Bisi Onasanya and former minister of Information and Culture, during the AFRIMA 2025 Patron’s Dinner with the Jury held on Thursday, August 14 at Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria
Guests were also treated to a soulful performance by fast-rising star Qing Madi. Adding to the sparkle of the night were appearances from music stars Ice Prince Zamani, Orezi, Praiz, and DJ Nana, among others.
The roll call of high-profile dignitaries included Lai Mohammed, former Minister of Information and Culture; media moguls Kenny Ogungbe, Dayo Adeneye and Id Ogungbe; respected journalists Mayor Akinpelu, Ayo Aminu, Mojeed Jamiu, Azu Arinze; Founder of AFFRIF, Chioma Ude, media and Entertainment personalities Olisa Adibua, Ali Baba, Sunday Are, Ehiz and Uti Nwachukwu, among others; alongside other notable figures from the arts, culture, and media space.
The AFRIMA 2025 celebration is set to take place from November 25 to 30 in Lagos. The week-long show will include a variety of events, such as the Welcome Soiree, the AFRIMA Music Village, the African Music Business Summit, a Host City Tour, the Nominees Party, and the main awards ceremony. This ceremony will be broadcast live to over 84 countries.
Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, former minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, Minister of Arts, Culture & Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, and President/Executive Producer, All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, Mike Dada during the AFRIMA 2025 Patron’s Dinner with the Jury held on Thursday, August 14 at Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria
Seyi Tinubu: Building Success Beyond the Family Name
General Colin Powell once said, “Success is the result of perfection, hard work, learning from failure, loyalty, and persistence.” Few modern Nigerian entrepreneurs embody this more than Oluseyi Afolabi Tinubu popularly known as Seyi Tinubu. While the son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu enjoys the encouragement of his parents, his career path proves that his achievements are built on personal ambition, resilience, and strategic innovation — not inheritance.
Contrary to popular belief, Seyi’s rise is not simply a product of political influence. Driven by a desire to earn his father’s respect, he charted his own course early, venturing into industries far from his father’s political sphere — especially marketing communication and digital enterprise.
After graduating from the Nigerian Law School and being called to the Bar, Seyi faced a choice: pursue law or carve a path in business. Choosing the boardroom, he partnered with his childhood friend Adenrele Olusoga to explore entrepreneurial opportunities. Their early venture — an online movie streaming platform — failed, but it sparked Seyi’s interest in the digital space.
That interest gave birth to Loatsad Promomedia, a leading Nigerian digital and out-of-home advertising company, co-founded with Olusoga and supported by his then-fiancée (now wife), Layal. Without financial backing from his father, they pooled resources from previous ventures, secured licensing, and quickly positioned Loatsad as a formidable player in the advertising industry.
Over the years, Seyi expanded operations with SDM Communications, pioneering several firsts in Nigeria’s digital advertising sector:
Exclusive partner for Truecaller after-call and in-app ads (2016–2018), selling over 85% of national ad inventory to top banks, FMCG brands, and real estate firms.
Among the first agencies to run Snapchat ad campaigns in Nigeria from 2015.
Exclusive reseller for Shazam Ads in Nigeria (2014–2018), facilitating high-impact campaigns for musicians and consumer brands until Apple’s acquisition ended the deal.
Strategic collaborations with WeTransfer, Admaxim, Rocketfuel, and Airpush to deliver innovative ad solutions nationwide.
Through calculated risk-taking, a willingness to learn from failure, and an unshakable determination to excel, Seyi has grown Loatsad/SDM into an industry leader with ambitions to dominate African advertising and compete globally.
His story underscores a universal business truth: success comes from vision, courage, disciplined financial planning, and a touch of divine favour — not merely from a famous name.
Nigeria’s Local Content Successes Shine at Namibian Conference
Nigeria’s local content successes in the oil and gas industry was a constant reference point in discussions at the opening day of the 2025 Namibia Oil and Gas Conference, which began on Tuesday at Windhoek, Namibia.
The event is being attended by policymakers, international oil and gas operating and service companies, Namibian indigenous players and other stakeholders. The goal is to enhance the local content ecosystem in the Southern African country’s evolving oil and gas industry.
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) are participating at the Namibian event in furtherance of their collaboration in the promotion of African local content, creation of opportunities and new markets for Nigerian oil and gas companies.
The Board’s delegation is led by the Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by the Director, Corporate Services, Dr. Abdulmalik Halilu, while the PETAN team is led by its Chairman and member of NCDMB Governing Council, Mr. Wole Ogunsanya.
Dr. Halilu delivered a presentation at the Local Content Masterclass at the opening, and outlined a number of strategies that African oil producing countries can adopt to grow their local content capabilities.
According to him, local content value proposition for Africa include research and technology development, local employment, strategic partnerships, ownership and control of assets, value chain optimisation, sustainable operations, increase production and utilization of locally made goods and contribution to gross domestic product (GDP).
He identified government’s role in supplier development as regulatory, developmental and promotional.
Using Nigeria as a case study, Halilu listed key achievements of NCDMB to include the establishment of world class fabrication and construction yards, human capital development, manufacturing initiative, service sector growth, financial support and establishment of integration capability for floating production and storage and offloading facility (FPSO).
On the new wave of local content development in Nigeria, the Director pointed to the promotion of equipment assembly and components manufacturing, development of small and medium enterprises, enforcement of research and development and technology transfer as well as prioritization of gas based industrialisation.
Dwelling on strategies that would support the growth of African local content, he urged oil-producing countries to specialise in different manufacturing and service areas of the oil and gas industry and develop their competencies to the right specifications. This will enable the countries to trade among themselves and contribute towards the manufacturing of complex oil and gas equipment.
He cited an example with the Boeing aircraft, which has critical components produced by different original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and assembled at a designated factory. Such a model, he noted, will ensure that each African country develops a competitive advantage and can contribute effectively to the African oil and gas industry.
The representative of the Executive Secretary concluded by offering local content nuggets, which include that local content implementation is not a sprint but a marathon and must be executed as a business and not as corporate social responsibility. Local content must also be cost effective and local peculiarities must be given key considerations, he noted.
Other recommendations include that local content regulations must apply to all players in the industry and not only foreign companies or expatriates and the implementation takes time, consistency, and coordination. He equally suggested that capacity building initiatives should include grassroots and underserved communities, adding that local content practice would not grow if new projects are not developed.
He ended by assuring the audience that Nigeria is ready to partner with Namibia and other African nations to build an energy sector that empower the African people and drive shared prosperity.
The opening day also featured a presentation by NCDMB’s General Manager Human Capacity Development, Esueme Dan Kikile, Esq. He further shared the Board’s success stories in human capital development.
The conference continues till Friday and is expected to feature another presentation by the NCDMB boss on Wednesday, while one of the panel discussions would feature the Chairman of PETAN Mr. Wole Ogunsanya.
The Alternative Bank Targets Women, Men, and Farmers with National Financial Inclusion, Entrepreneurship Drive
The Alternative Bank, one of Nigeria’s leading non-interest banks, has ramped up its efforts to promote economic empowerment and financial inclusion for market traders and smallholder farmers across the country. With a focus on improving access to banking services, the Bank is providing critical financial support to some of Nigeria’s most underserved communities.
The initiative, undertaken through an agreement between Sterling Financial Holdings Company and the Association of Market Women/Men and Farmers of Nigeria (AMWMF), aims to address the challenges faced by millions of market women, men, and farmers who have long been excluded from formal banking systems. According to the Central Bank of Nigeria, approximately 26% of Nigerian adults, or about 28.8 million people, remain financially excluded, with rural communities and informal sector workers being particularly affected. is working to change this by making essential financial services accessible to these groups, particularly women.
Through this new initiative, The Alternative Bank is opening access to formal financial services for over 16 million members of the AMWMF. The collaboration is designed to provide members with access to a range of banking services, including zero-fee accounts, microloans, and SME funding, aimed at fostering business growth and financial independence.
Korede Demola-Adeniyi, Executive Director at The Alternative Bank, shared her thoughts on the role of banks in supporting grassroots financial inclusion, saying, “To adequately bridge the financial inclusion gap, financial institutions must continue to devote resources towards removing the barriers that have historically hindered large segments of our population. For the unbanked and underbanked, the challenges go beyond the lack of physical infrastructure and extend to deeper issues of trust, financial illiteracy, and systemic exclusion from mainstream financial services.
“At The Alternative Bank, we are committed to breaking these barriers by offering tailored solutions and championing programs that empower people to take control of their financial futures. We believe that by simplifying access to financial services and addressing these long-standing obstacles, we can unlock the potential of millions of grassroots entrepreneurs and contribute to broader economic growth.”
Recognising education as a key factor in the country’s financial literacy gap, The Alternative Bank is offering the Association’s members access to financial literacy training and personalised business support, aimed at empowering them with the knowledge and skills to manage and grow their finances effectively. In addition, the Bank is also supporting business growth by offering no initial fees for point-of-sale (POS) terminals to vendors, making it easier for them to accept electronic payments.
The drive, which began in Oyo State, will extend to 15 other states across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones throughout the course of the year and has since received strong support from AMWMF’s leadership. Erelu Dr. Becky Olubukola, the National President of the Association, praised the collaboration as a crucial step towards realising the association’s vision of creating an environment where every member has the opportunity to thrive. She emphasised that, by working with financial institutions like The Alternative Bank, the association could vastly expand opportunities for its members and help drive local economic development.
In addition to banking services, The Alternative Bank is also exploring innovative solutions to meet the diverse and evolving needs of grassroots entrepreneurs. This includes the deployment of electric-powered tricycles for market vendors to help with the transportation of goods and the introduction of health and medical kiosks in underserved areas to improve access to basic healthcare. Furthermore, the Bank is committed to creating wealth for the Association’s members through initiatives like its waste-to-wealth program, which enables participants to convert waste materials into viable income-generating ventures.
In a legal victory for Adron Homes, the Federal High Court sitting in Abeokuta, Ogun State, has dismissed the suit brought by the Registered Trustees of the City of David Residents Association (CODRA) and five others, Elder Gbadebo Aromolaran, Mr. Adetokunbo Adeshile, Mr. Olaolu Ayinde, Olusegun Aba Yomi Esq, Oluwadamilare Awokoya Esq, against Adron Homes and Properties Limited.
The case, Suit No. FHC/AB/FHR/58/2023, was presided over by Hon. Justice Abiodun J. Adeyemi, who, after an exhaustive review of the claims and evidence presented, found the Applicants’ allegations to be unsubstantiated, speculative, and without merit.
The Applicants had alleged that Adron Homes infringed on their right to personal liberty. However, the court held that they failed to present any credible evidence showing that Adron Homes posed any threat or committed any act constituting a breach of their fundamental human rights.
Hon. Justice Adeyemi noted that there was no record or proof of any invitation, arrest, or action traceable to Adron Homes that could justify such a claim. He concluded that the allegations were merely speculative and unsupported by evidence.
On the claim of proscription and infringement of the Applicants’ right to freedom of association, the court ruled emphatically that Adron Homes has no power to proscribe CODRA or prevent residents from associating. However, in a critical clarification, the court affirmed that while residents are free to associate among themselves, the legal right to own, manage, and make administrative decisions concerning the estate remains vested in Adron Homes, as the rightful developer and manager.
Justice Adeyemi stressed that the court’s decision was guided strictly by evidence and the law, not by conjecture or subjective interpretation. Consequently, the Applicants’ case was dismissed in its entirety.
Despite Adron Homes’ victory in the lawsuit, the organisation’s true victory is in ensuring the well-being and satisfaction of all its subscribers and residents, and they will not relent in guaranteeing this.
This landmark judgement not only vindicates Adron Homes but also reaffirms its position as a law-abiding, customer-focused developer dedicated to delivering value and protecting the interests of its clients.
Left to Right- Managing Director, Adron Group, Adenike Ajobo, NIESV Honorary Secretary, Lagos Branch, ESV Olaseni Lojede, Chairman, Adron Group, Sir Aare Adetola Emmanuelking KOF, NIESV Chairman, Lagos Branch, ESV Tosin Kadiri, Honorary Treasurer, NIESV Lagos State Branch, ESV Talat Yusuf-Abdulkadri
In a significant move toward fostering synergy between key players in the real estate sector, the Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), Lagos State Branch, ESV Tosin Kadiri, led a high-powered delegation on a courtesy visit to the Chairman of Adron Group, Sir Aare Adetola Emmanuelking KOF. The visit, which took place at the Adron Homes Head Office, demonstrated the growing need for strategic partnerships to accelerate housing delivery and professional integration within Nigeria’s real estate ecosystem.
Welcoming the NIESV delegation, the Group Chairman, Sir Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, a proud member of the Institute, shared an inspiring insight into the journey that birthed Adron Homes. He recalled his early professional experiences in estate management, which shaped his vision to transition into property development, not merely to build houses, but to create cities, communities, and homes that endure.
“Adron Homes was not born out of convenience, but of a calling,” he stated. “The industry is rife with challenges, but if you are truly called and driven by vision, you will stand out. We’ve seen many fall by the wayside, but with determination, resilience, and strategic thinking, we have continued to build and grow.”
He highlighted Adron’s innovative application of the labelling theory in estate development, thematically branding each estate to reflect cultural or geographic inspiration. This, he noted, along with Adron’s heavy investment in infrastructure, has set the company apart as a responsible, visionary, and futuristic developer.
Speaking on behalf of the visiting team, the Chairman of NIESV Lagos Branch, ESV Kadiri Tosin, lauded Adron Homes as a formidable pillar in the Nigerian real estate landscape. He admired the scale and consistency of Adron’s developments and emphasized the need for a more structured relationship between the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), and Adron Homes.
“We are here to seek collaboration. We believe that our members can tap into the vast structures and opportunities that Adron Homes has already created,” he stated. Adding to the discourse, the Chairman of the NIESV Cooperative Society echoed the call for a deeper partnership. He proposed a collaborative housing scheme wherein Adron Homes could allocate a zone within its existing estates for NIESV members to create bespoke properties, aligned with their professional dreams and financial capabilities. According to him, “This collaboration could bring our collective dream into the larger Adron vision.”
In addition, the NIESV Lagos Chairman proposed a strategic partnership where experienced members of the institute, particularly those with expertise in estate and facility management, can be integrated into Adron Homes’ operations to create added value across its estates.
In his response, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking welcomed the proposals with open arms, expressing optimism about the future of a deepened collaboration between both parties.
“We’ve enjoyed a cordial and mutually beneficial relationship with NIESV Lagos Branch in the past,” he said. “This administration brings renewed energy, and we are eager to deepen that relationship in meaningful and strategic ways. We are always open to working with professionals whose values align with our mission and vision.”
Members of the NIESV Lagos Branch delegation took turns to commend the impressive footprint of Adron Homes across the nation. One of the executives remarked, “This visit has been an eye-opener. As practitioners in the industry, we often underestimate the breadth and depth of being a real estate developer. Today, we’ve gained a new perspective, and more importantly, renewed inspiration.”
In attendance at the high-level meeting were several NIESV executives; the Vice-Chairman, ESV Ayodeji Odeleye, the Honorary Secretary, ESV Olaseni Lojede, among others, as well as Adron Group’s management team, including the Managing Director, Adenike Ajobo; the Group Company Secretary, Shola Orunmuyiwa; the Deputy Managing Director, Business Investment, Chitola Roberts; the Chief Press Secretary, Maureen Echefu; and the Personal Assistant to the Chairman, Faruq Salisu, among other company executives.
The meeting ended on a promising note, with both institutions expressing strong commitment to building a collaborative future. The engagement marks a pivotal step toward the professionalization of housing development and delivery, opening doors to mutually rewarding collaborations between developers and estate professionals.
With visionaries like Aare Adetola Emmanuelking at the helm, championing sustainable development and collaboration, the future of Nigeria’s real estate industry continues to look exceptionally bright.
Flood has submerged several farmlands in some communities in Niger State.
This followed an early morning rainfall on Sunday which ripped through farmĺands in Kafin Koro, Paikoro local government areas of the state.
The flood also affected 18 communities in Lapai Local Government Area of the state where some farmlands were also affected, and many others at risk of being swept away.
Some of the affected communities include Dere, Eshi, Apataku, Tsakanabi, Kuchi Kakanda, Arah, Achiba, Rebba, Ebwa, Pele, Edda, Rigido, Gbami, Yawa, Baka, and Muye.
The state government on Sunday re-echoed its earlier warning to riverine communities in the state to immediately relocate to higher grounds, saying the rains have intensified across the state.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Communication, Media and Strategy, Jonathan Vatsa, in a statement, appealed to communities in the affected areas to immediately relocate to a safer place to avoid further disaster in the state.
Vatsa said that though the government understood the people’s attachment to their ancestral homes, there is the need for them to adhere to the government warning and relocate pending when the rains woulď be over.
“We as a government will continue to be proactive by appealing to the people, especially those in the flood-prone areas, to immediately move upland to avoid the experience of the Mokwa disaster.
“The government is aware of their attachments to their ancestral homes and lands, but with the various flood alerts, and what we are already experiencing, there is an urgent need for them to heed to the government’s warning.
“The Mokwa experience is still very much with us, and we can not afford a repeat of such an experience.
“That is why the government is urging the people to move to a higher ground,” Vatsa said.
The special adviser disclosed that the Nigerian Meteorological Agency had previously identified 15 out of the 25 local government areas in the state as very vulnerable to flooding every rainy season.
The Federal Government had instructed residents of four local government areas of the state to move to safer locations as heavy rainfall was expected to trigger flooding between July 31 and August 5, 2025.
This latest directive by the Federal Government follows a flood alert issued by the National Flood Early Warning Centre under the Federal Ministry of Environment, which revealed that communities in Rijau, Sarkin Pawa, Suleja, and Mashegu are at high risk of flooding during the forecast period.
The Federal Government’s warning was contained in a statement titled “Flood Prediction”, signed by the Director of Erosion, Flood, and Coastal Zone Management Department, Usman Bokani, where he urged relevant authorities to take proactive measures to mitigate any disaster.
While disclosing that the state government would soon embark on an enlightenment campaign to all the flood-prone communities, Vatsa called on traditional rulers, community and religious leaders to join the government in sensitising the people.
A severe rainstorm swept through the Shimankar District in Shendam Local Government Area of Plateau State on Sunday, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
According to eyewitnesses, at least 50 houses, including schools and worship centres were destroyed in the Menkaat community.
A resident of Menkaat community, Lawrence Longwwlk, confirmed the incident to PUNCH Online in Jos on Sunday.
He said the devastating storm, which occurred early Sunday morning, blew off roofs and caused several buildings to collapse.
He added that residents of the affected area are in dire need of assistance, with two primary schools and a worship centre completely destroyed.
“We’ve been hit seriously by this rainstorm. At least 50 houses have been affected.
“Two primary schools and a worship centre in Shimankar was completely blown down by rainstorm.
” From the level of damage, the people need urgent help.” Longwalk said, echoing the sentiments of the community, who are calling for intervention from relevant authorities.
The incident highlights the vulnerability of communities in Plateau State to natural disasters, particularly during the rainy season.
With the state’s geography characterised by rocky formations and high altitudes, residents are often exposed to harsh weather conditions.
The Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency, Sunday Abdu, was not immediately available for comment when contacted by our correspondent.
However, a staff member of the agency, who preferred to remain anonymous, confirmed that the agency was aware of the havoc caused by the rainstorm in Shendam and was making plans to visit the affected community to assess the situation and provide possible assistance.
The Super Eagles have thrown their weight behind Ademola Lookman’s request to leave Atalanta at the end of the season, after submitting a formal transfer request.
PUNCH Online reports that the Super Eagles’ forward, in a statement released on his Instagram and X account on Sunday, revealed that he had submitted a transfer request following “many months of broken promises and what I feel has been poor treatment towards me as both a human being and as a professional footballer.”
According to the Nigerian international, his decision to speak publicly came after exhausting other avenues behind the scenes.
“Sadly, I feel I have no choice but to speak out for what I believe is right, and I feel that enough is enough.
“It had already been decided that it was the right time for me to move on and experience a new adventure. Myself and the club ownership were in agreement that this summer was the right time for a new chapter.
“Despite now receiving an offer in alignment with what I believe had been discussed, sadly, the club are blocking the opportunity for reasons I do not understand”, he said.
Throwing its weight behind the obviously frustrated forward, the Super Eagles, in a post on its official X handle on Sunday, wrote, “We stand with Ademola Lookman @Alookman.”
PUNH Online reports that Lookman is seeking a transfer to Inter Milan, but the Serie A football club has frustrated his ambition.
