New Post Africa

Category: Cityscope

  • BOI and MTN launch ₦1 billion fund to empower women entrepreneurs

    BOI and MTN launch ₦1 billion fund to empower women entrepreneurs

    BUSINESS (NPA) — March 18, 2026 — Nigeria’s Bank of Industry (BOI) has joined forces with telecom giant MTN to unveil the BOI–MTN Foundation Y’ellopreneur 3.0 Matching Fund, a ₦1 billion initiative aimed at boosting women-led enterprises across the country.

    In a statement released Wednesday, BOI emphasised that the programme is designed not only to provide affordable financing but also to deliver training and advisory support, enabling women entrepreneurs to scale their businesses sustainably. The collaboration underscores a growing recognition of women’s role in driving innovation, job creation, and economic growth in Nigeria.

    The initiative comes on the heels of International Women’s Day celebrations, where global calls for greater investment in women’s participation in business and governance were amplified. By aligning with this momentum, BOI and MTN are positioning the Y’ellopreneur 3.0 Fund as a practical step toward closing gender gaps in access to capital and entrepreneurial opportunities.

    Officials noted that beyond financial support, the programme will foster mentorship networks and capacity-building workshops, ensuring that beneficiaries gain the skills and resilience needed to thrive in competitive markets.

    This latest partnership highlights BOI’s continued commitment to inclusive development and MTN’s dedication to corporate social responsibility, reinforcing the message that empowering women entrepreneurs is essential to Nigeria’s long-term economic transformation.

  • FRSC swift response saves lives in Abuja multi-vehicle crash

    FRSC swift response saves lives in Abuja multi-vehicle crash

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 18, 2026 — Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) swift response saved lives after a multiple-vehicle crash on the Aya–Nyanya Expressway, near Kugbo Furniture Market, Abuja, on March 16. The accident, involving six vehicles—two tippers, a commercial bus, and private cars—occurred at about 16:48 hrs.

    In a March 17 statement, FRSC Public Education Officer Felicia Kalu noted that within four minutes of the distress call, Zebra 12 Unit rescue team arrived and began life-saving operations. Officers extricated a trapped victim from a damaged tipper, administered first aid, and evacuated him to the National Hospital.

    The Corps confirmed 39 persons were involved, with two men sustaining injuries from bruises to fractures. One victim received immediate treatment at the scene as personnel worked to stabilise the situation and protect other road users.

    “The Unit Commander led officers to coordinate rescue and traffic management, while heavy-duty equipment cleared the wreckage,” the statement read. Through coordinated traffic control, gridlock was prevented and normal flow restored. Vehicles were later handed over to the Karu Police Division for investigation.

    Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed reiterated FRSC’s commitment to rapid emergency response and effective traffic management. He urged motorists, especially heavy-duty drivers, to maintain safe speeds, observe lane discipline, and remain vigilant to prevent avoidable crashes.

  • Soludo begins second term with bold mega-city vision, vows faster transformation of Anambra

    Soludo begins second term with bold mega-city vision, vows faster transformation of Anambra

    AWKA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 17, 2026 — Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Soludo, has been inaugurated for a second term, outlining plans to deepen development and accelerate the state’s transformation.

    Speaking at Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka on Tuesday, Soludo recalled that his first term began without fanfare, focusing immediately on security and urgent social needs, starting with interventions in Okpoko. He said his administration has delivered over 90% of its promises, earning widespread public support and a 73% electoral victory, which he described as a strong endorsement of his development agenda.

    He cited major achievements, including dismantling criminal camps and restoring security, extensive road construction and dualization, and urban renewal projects across Awka, Onitsha, Nnewi, and Ekwulobia. Other milestones include revived water schemes, environmental efforts, and digital skills training for more than 300,000 youths. Programs such as 1Youth 2Skills and agricultural initiatives, including the distribution of millions of seedlings, have supported job creation and household incomes.

    In education and healthcare, the government recruited over 8,000 teachers, expanded free education, upgraded public schools, and recorded improved national performance. In healthcare, free antenatal and delivery services have benefited over 200,000 women, while new hospitals and primary care investments have strengthened access. The state has also received recognition for fiscal transparency and sustainable public finance management.

    Soludo reiterated his long-term vision to transform Anambra into an “African Dubai–Taiwan–Silicon Valley,” driven by commerce, industrialisation, and technology, under the Anambra Vision 2070 framework.

    Looking ahead, he pledged to prioritise security and electricity while advancing major infrastructure projects, including new cities, an industrial hub, an innovation district, and planned rail and gas systems. He said land banking and structured urban planning are critical to managing future population growth.

    The governor also emphasised social reorientation, warning against criminality and promoting values of hard work and integrity among youths.

    He called for unity among political actors, collaboration with the federal government, neighbouring states, and investors, and greater participation from citizens and the diaspora. Soludo reaffirmed his commitment to governance over politics, promising to dedicate the next four years to building a secure, livable, and prosperous Anambra.

  • Shettima hails Soludo’s nation‑building as Obasanjo, Jonathan attend historic second‑term inauguration in Awka

    Shettima hails Soludo’s nation‑building as Obasanjo, Jonathan attend historic second‑term inauguration in Awka

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 17, 2026 — Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has applauded Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Soludo, for his immense contributions to nation‑building and fostering unity. Shettima made the remarks today during the swearing‑in of Soludo and his deputy, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, for a second term in Awka.

    Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the well‑attended event, Shettima noted that the APC‑led government has benefited greatly from Soludo’s constructive advice. He described the governor as a man of ideas and honour who, despite entering office at a time when many politicians compromised integrity for relevance and sowed discord, remained committed to national growth and development.

    The Vice President hailed Soludo as a specialist of insight, a restless thinker, and a public intellectual of uncommon range. He said, “That is what it means to be in the business of nation‑building. It means placing the welfare of the federation above the vanity of partisan fences. It means understanding that Nigeria is too precious a vessel to be abandoned to the storms simply because the rowers wear different colours.”

    The inauguration was graced by dignitaries, including former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, underscoring the national significance of the occasion.

    Soludo’s first tenure recorded landmark milestones, including Nigeria’s largest state budget, urban renewal in Okpoko, infrastructure expansion, improved security, healthcare and education reforms, economic diversification, and environmental management — achievements the Professor of Economics and former Central Bank of Nigeria governor described as Anambra’s “return to winning ways.”

  • LAMATA begins compensation payments to landlords affected by Blue Line depot project

    LAMATA begins compensation payments to landlords affected by Blue Line depot project

    LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 17, 2026 — The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has begun compensating landlords whose properties were removed for the Blue Line Depot Land project in the Iba axis.

    In a statement Tuesday, LAMATA confirmed that duly enumerated landlords have received formal compensation disclosures, detailing approved sums and terms to ensure transparency and understanding between government and stakeholders.

    The agency added that compensation cheques for tenants were also distributed at the Palace of the Oniba of Iba Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oba (Dr.) Sulaimon Raji Adeshina (Asade I).

    The exercise was coordinated by Dr Babatunde Osho of Global Impact Environmental Consulting, working with LAMATA officials, Mrs Ibironke Omorhirhi and Miss Oluwasemilore Aderele.

    This initiative underscores LAMATA’s commitment to fair compensation and community engagement. As work advances on the Blue Line Rail project, slated for completion in early 2027, the Authority remains focused on ensuring an inclusive process for all affected parties.

  • Oborevwori commissions Ohoro–Bomadi Road, hails Tinubu’s increased state allocation

    Oborevwori commissions Ohoro–Bomadi Road, hails Tinubu’s increased state allocation

    LAGOS, NIGERIA — (NPA) March 17, 2026 — Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, on Tuesday commissioned the rehabilitated 31-kilometre Ohoro–Bomadi Road, in a colourful ceremony attended by community leaders, residents, and party supporters.

    In a statement on March 17, 2026, Oborevwori described the road as “very strategic,” noting that it cuts across Ughelli North, Ughelli South, Patani, Bomadi, and Burutu Local Government Areas. He emphasised that his administration views road infrastructure as a catalyst for development and is committed to delivering key projects that improve the lives of the people.

    “The inauguration of this road will boost socio-economic activities and change the development narrative of our riverine communities,” the governor said.

    Oborevwori also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for reforms that have enhanced allocations to sub-national governments, enabling states to execute capital projects more effectively.

    “At the event, I acknowledged the invaluable contributions of our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to the success of my administration through the various reforms that have enhanced allocations to sub-national governments,” he added.

    Other landmark road projects currently being executed by the Delta State Government include the massive ₦78 billion Warri/Effurun Flyovers and Road Expansion Project, by Julius Berger, which features three iconic flyovers at PTI Junction, DSC Roundabout, and Enerhen Junction, alongside cloverleaf interchanges and sweeping road upgrades. In addition, the government has rolled out ₦80 billion coastal communities road projects, designed to open up riverine areas and transform access to long‑neglected communities.

  • “Tinubu sent ‘marching orders,’ terrorists sent suicide bombers,” Atiku slams Tinubu over Maiduguri killings

    “Tinubu sent ‘marching orders,’ terrorists sent suicide bombers,” Atiku slams Tinubu over Maiduguri killings

    ABUJA, NIGERIA — (NPA) March 17, 2026 —Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Atiku Abubakar, has sharply criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for jetting off to England on a state visit in the wake of the deadly terrorist attacks in Maiduguri, Borno State, where suicide bombers killed at least 23 people on Monday.

    In a statement issued Tuesday, Atiku expressed deep sorrow over what he described as “the resurfacing of suicide bombing that were hitherto defeated,” warning that the resurgence of terrorism risks eroding public confidence in the government’s ability to protect its citizens.

    Acknowledging the sacrifices of Nigeria’s security forces, Atiku urged the Tinubu-led administration to urgently review its counterterrorism strategies. He noted that Nigerians are weary of repeated condemnations without tangible results.

    “The Tinubu government appears to be more obsessed with crushing opposition politicians than it is with fixing the worsening security challenges. And it is obvious that despite the marching orders, the terrorists are still on the offensive.”

    Atiku further stressed that terrorism affects all Nigerians regardless of political affiliation: “Terrorists don’t know the difference between APC supporters and opposition sympathisers… A mother in Maiduguri is not asking for press releases. She is asking why her child was blown apart in a place the government claimed was ‘liberated.’”

    He criticised the government’s priorities, pointing to the President’s state visit abroad while soldiers face the use of alleged outdated equipment at home to confront terrorists: “Our soldiers are dying with outdated equipment while the President is on a state visit to Britain, while body parts are being gathered in Borno. We urge His Majesty the King to know that his guest left behind fresh graves and weeping widows to come and smile for the cameras.”

    Atiku’s statement concluded with a scathing remark: “Bola Tinubu claims he sent ‘marching orders.’ The terrorists sent suicide bombers. Nigerians can see who is winning. You cannot campaign for 2027 on the graves of the people you failed to protect in 2026.”

  • Arewa community seeks Tinubu’s intervention over alleged marginalisation in Lagos APC

    Arewa community seeks Tinubu’s intervention over alleged marginalisation in Lagos APC

    LAGOS, NIGERIA — (Agency Report) March 17, 2026 — The Arewa community in Lagos State has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene in an alleged attempt to undermine its structure within the APC ahead of 2027 elections.

    Community leaders, alongside over 200 members, on Monday stormed the Lagos APC secretariat in Ikeja, submitting a petition detailing grievances against the party’s state leadership.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the petition titled: ‘S.O.S to Our Grand Patron, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Against Attempts to Undermine the Arewa Community Structure.’

    The letter was signed by the community secretary, Alhaji Musa Saleh, and addressed to Tinubu through Lagos APC Chairman, Mr Cornelius Ojelabi.

    It was received by the party’s secretary, Dr Adeola Jokomba, on behalf of Ojelabi, alongside other state executives including Deputy Chairman, Chief Moshood Mayegun.

    The petition stated: “The Arewa Community in Lagos was formally inaugurated in 2021 at Alausa Secretariat by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    “It has remained a critical stakeholder in the evolution of our party from AD to AC, ACN and eventually the APC.”

    The community said it had consistently worked for the party’s success under the leadership of its apex leader, Mr Ahmed Kabir Abdullahi.

    “Our members remain dedicated and loyal, ensuring electoral victories for the APC at all levels,” the letter read.

    It noted that the community had produced commissioners, special advisers and councillors across several Lagos councils with significant Arewa populations.

    Such councils include Agege, Mushin, Ikosi-Isheri, Agboyi-Ketu, Ajeromi, Yaba, Ifako-Ijaiye, Mainland and Epe, among others.

    Other areas listed include Surulere, Apapa, Amuwo-Odofin, Shomolu, Ikoyi-Obalende, Ikeja, Ojo, Ikorodu, Badagry and Seme Border.

    The community stated: “Mr President, you sponsored the election of many of our candidates in the past.

    “Today, we fear losing everything despite our commitment and sacrifices for the party.”

    The group alleged that the current party leadership under Ojelabi had failed to uphold the structure built by the community.

    “Rather, what we built together is being sabotaged,” the petition claimed.

    It further alleged that some individuals linked to former President Muhammadu Buhari’s political circle were behind attempts to weaken the community’s influence.

    The group said it had built a formidable structure that made APC electoral victories in Lagos easier.

    It recalled that ahead of the 2023 governorship election, Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu intervened after noticing attempts to undermine the Arewa structure.

     According to the letter, the governor invited community leaders to the State House, Marina, where the matter was discussed.

    “That engagement improved our performance and strengthened our contributions in subsequent elections,” the petition stated.

    The group urged Tinubu to address the issues ahead of preparations for the 2027 elections.

    It demanded supervisory or special adviser positions in local governments and LCDAs in line with established party arrangements.

    The community also said its members played key roles in securing APC victories during the July 12, 2025 local government elections.

    “In some councils, it is difficult for our party to win without the Arewa Community. 

    “We will not allow anyone to jeopardise the party’s electoral chances through acts of sabotage,” it stated.

    The community reaffirmed loyalty to Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu and the APC.

    “We appreciate your consistent support and seek your intervention to resolve the issues affecting the Arewa Community in Lagos,” it added.

    Speaking after receiving the petition, Abdullahi said Arewa elders had been urged to intervene in resolving the grievances.

    He said stakeholders acknowledged that the structure established by Tinubu was being undermined.

    “Some individuals have been compromised to scatter this winning structure.

    “So, we have listened to them and assured them that their concerns will be addressed,” Abdullahi told journalists.

    He said consultations with party elders and leaders had already begun to resolve the matter.

    “We will also reach out to the President and deliver the letter to him. The grievances will certainly be examined and addressed,” he said.

    He described the Arewa Community as vital to Lagos politics and electoral success.

    According to him, the community also serves as a bridge between Lagos and northern Nigeria.

    “A group as important as the Arewa Community must be carried along in appointments and distribution of relief materials.

    “We stand with them and believe these issues should be properly addressed,” he said. (NAN).

  • FRSC urges responsible driving during Sallah festivities

    FRSC urges responsible driving during Sallah festivities

    ABUJA, NIGERIA — (Agency Report) March 17, 2026 — Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has urged motorists and other road users to drive responsibly and obey traffic rules to reduce road crashes during the Sallah festive period.

    FRSC Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, gave the advice at a Sallah Mega Rally held at the Sani Abacha Park, Mararaba, Nasarawa State.

    Mohammed, represented by Felicia Kalu, Acting Corps Public Education Officer (ACPEO), noted that road crashes usually increase during festive periods because many drivers fail to adhere to basic road safety regulations.

    According to him, crashes recorded during festive periods are not caused by mysterious factors, but by the behaviour of road users.

    “It is not about magic or anything; it is about how we use the road. When drivers obey simple traffic rules and maintain their vehicles properly, there will be fewer road traffic crashes.”

    He, therefore, advised drivers embarking on long-distance journeys to ensure they were well rested and that their vehicles were in good condition before traveling.

    He also warned against driving vehicles that had been parked for long periods without proper servicing.

    “Some people park their vehicles for a long time without servicing them and then suddenly decide to travel with them. While we pray to God for safety, we must also do our part by ensuring our vehicles are roadworthy.

    “Drivers should check their tyres, ensure vehicle components are functioning properly and avoid distractions while driving,” he advised.

    The FRSC boss also urged drivers to remain focused while driving and avoid activities that could divert their attention from the road.

    He cautioned against accepting packages to be delivered along travel routes, noting that such activities could distract drivers and increase the risk of crashes.

    Mohammed further appealed to passengers to play active roles in ensuring safety by cautioning drivers against reckless behaviour.

    “If your driver is over-speeding, driving dangerously or overtaking recklessly, question him. If he refuses to listen, calmly wait until you see the next traffic stop and report the driver to any road safety official on duty,” he said.

    The corps marshal explained that the choice of Sani Abacha Park, Mararaba, for the rally was strategic because the park serves as a major transit point for travellers heading to the northern part of the country.

    “We know this park is always busy during festive periods with many motorists traveling to the northern parts of the country; so it provides an opportunity to reach a large number of road users with safety messages,” he said.

    The FRSC boss reiterated that road safety was the responsibility of all road users and emphasised the need for strict compliance with traffic regulations during the festive season.

    “Our message today is safe driving. Road safety is everybody’s business, and during this Sallah celebration, we want motorists to avoid dangerous driving, speeding and other traffic infractions that can lead to road traffic crashes,” he said.

    Mohammed also warned motorists against traffic violations such as speeding and overloading, noting that such offences were common during festive periods when travelers were often in a hurry.

    He said FRSC personnel had been deployed across major highways to monitor compliance with traffic regulations.

    “This period, our men are all over the roads. Anyone who commits traffic infractions will be arrested and made to pay the prescribed fines.

    “Mobile courts have also been introduced during the period to ensure speedy trial of offenders,” he added.

    The FRSC Chief noted that the corps was also paying attention to specific offences, including the use of vehicles with fake or unauthorised number plates.

    “Our operatives are watching out for such vehicles and they will be arrested once caught.”

    Mohammed appealed to motorists and passengers to cooperate with road safety officials to ensure a crash-free Sallah celebration.

    Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman, Sani Abacha Motor Park, Mr Muhammad Sani, urged drivers to prioritise safety and comply with transport regulations during the Sallah festive travels.

    Sani revealed that the park executives regularly held meetings with drivers and vehicle owners to ensure strict compliance with safety guidelines, particularly regarding the number of passengers carried per trip.

    According to him, drivers have been instructed not to exceed the approved passenger capacity of their vehicles.

    “We always meet with our drivers and vehicle owners to remind them of the rules. A vehicle that is meant to carry 14 or 15 passengers must not exceed that number.”

    The chairman of the park advised drivers to exercise patience and caution on the highways, stressing that safety should not be compromised because of the rush associated with festive travel.

    He also appealed to drivers and passengers to cooperate with authorities to ensure safe journeys during the Sallah celebrations.

    “The message to our drivers is that they should drive carefully and be patient on the road. Safety must come first,” he emphasised. (NAN).

  • Twin bomb blasts shatter Maiduguri, renewing fears of insurgent resurgence

    Twin bomb blasts shatter Maiduguri, renewing fears of insurgent resurgence

    MAIDUGURI, NIGERIA — (NPA) March 16, 2026 — Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, was struck by a double bomb attack at about 7:20 PM, hitting the Monday Market and the gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH). The incident came just hours after security forces repelled an attempted infiltration by Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters. 

    According to the Borno State Police Command, the groups had tried to enter the city to carry out an attack but were thwarted. Emergency responders and security personnel were swiftly deployed, and residents have been urged to remain calm and avoid the affected areas. 

    As of the time of filing this report, the number of casualties is not yet known.

    The blasts followed a series of clashes on the city’s outskirts, with heavy gunfire reported near Ajilari Cross and along the Damboa-Maiduguri Road. While those attacks were contained, tonight’s bombing directly targeted civilian and public spaces, raising fears of renewed insurgent activity after years of relative calm. Authorities are still assessing casualties and damage. 

    Last week, officials urged citizens to heighten vigilance as Ramadan approaches its climax. 

    Nigeria’s Minister of Defence also warned in a video message after meeting President Tinubu—following attacks on military formations in the state—that terrorist groups often intensify operations during this period, believing that dying now guarantees them paradise.