Nigeria Times

President of the Bloggers and Vloggers, Content Creators Association in Nigeria (BAVCCA), Ikechukwu Chukwunyere, has charged Nigerians on the need to protect Dangote Refinery, describing it as a “national asset that every citizen must protect, nurture, and defend against any form of sabotage or doubt.”

Chukwunyere made this declaration on Wednesday at BAVCCA’s National Secretariat in Abuja, following a visit by a 15-man delegation of the association to Dangote Industries in Lagos.

Adding that the visit to the Dangote Refinery was more than a familiarization tour but “a pilgrimage to witness firsthand the embodiment of Nigerian ingenuity, resilience, and vision.”

According to him, the team’s interaction with Dangote Industries’ Vice President, Mr. Edwin Devakumar, provided deep insight into the sacrifices and determination behind what he described as one of Nigeria’s greatest industrial achievements.

While recalling Devakumar’s powerful testimony about believing in Alhaji Aliko Dangote’s vision for the refinery, even when many investors doubted its feasibility.

“Despite the doubts from potential backers, Mr. Devakumar provided crucial support, backing Alhaji Dangote’s dream every step of the way,”

Chukwunyere said. “Alhaji Dangote himself made extraordinary sacrifices, selling most of his assets to fund the project amid those investor doubts.”

He said the refinery, valued at over $20 billion, was “a testament to this unyielding faith” and a model of how personal commitment can turn vision into reality.

Quoting Devakumar, he said Aliko Dangote’s motivation was rooted not only in business ambition but in a “deep prioritization of Nigerians’ well-being.”

“This passion fuels his endeavors, placing the welfare of our people at the heart of every decision,” he added.
The BAVCCA President noted that despite setbacks such as the closure of the Arewa Textile Industry in Kaduna, Dangote “persevered, keeping his vision alive against all odds.”

He described the refinery as the largest in the world, with the capacity to refine 650,000 barrels of crude oil per day, set to expand to 1.4 million barrels daily. The project, he said, has created over 65,000 jobs, saved billions in foreign exchange, and generated an estimated $55 billion in annual revenue potential.

Chukwunyere also highlighted the achievements of the Dangote Fertilizer Plant, which he said has “an impressive production capacity of 3 million metric tonnes per annum of urea,” positioning Nigeria as a key player in global agriculture.

During the visit, Chukwunyere said he personally expressed appreciation to the Dangote Group on behalf of BAVCCA and recounted the association’s efforts in defending the refinery against social media misinformation.

“We amplified the truth, countered misinformation, and rallied public support to ensure this vital project was not undermined,” he stated.

In response, he said, the Dangote Vice President “expressed his pleasure with the bloggers’ efforts and commended the good work being done by our community.”

The BAVCCA leader also announced that the association’s forthcoming national conference, scheduled for October 31 in Abuja, would highlight “the achievements of the Dangote Refinery, showcase the visionary behind it—Alhaji Dangote—and celebrate the transformative role of such initiatives in Nigeria’s development.”

He emphasized that content creators have a patriotic role to play in defending national investments.

“Dangote Industries is not just about refining petroleum; it’s about refining our nation’s future—creating jobs, boosting our economy, and reducing dependency on imports,” he said. “Every Nigerian—bloggers, vloggers, content creators, citizens—must rise to protect Dangote Industries.”

Chukwunyere reaffirmed BAVCCA’s commitment to “lead this charge, using our platforms to educate, inspire, and unite,” while calling on Nigerians to honor the sacrifices of Alhaji Dangote and the faith of leaders like Devakumar.

“Join us at our conference on 31st October, and let’s build a Nigeria where national assets like Dangote Industries thrive unhindered,” Chukwunyere concluded.

When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed the bill establishing the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) in February 2025, it was evident that the time for the infrastructural and socio-economic emancipation of the North Central region had finally come.

That singular act rekindled hope across the agriculturally rich, culturally diverse, and politically vibrant region, signalling that its long-awaited moment of renewal had arrived.

For years, the North Central region has remained resilient despite the burden of insecurity, poverty, and infrastructural decay. Yet, it has continued to make immense contributions to Nigeria’s growth and development.

Beyond producing some of the nation’s finest political and military leaders, as well as key figures in the private sector and entertainment industry, the region still grapples with underdevelopment and neglect.

The creation of the NCDC therefore represents more than just a glimmer of hope; it is a clear demonstration of President Tinubu’s commitment to ensuring equitable development and opportunities across all regions under his Renewed Hope Agenda.

One major proof of this commitment is the appointment of highly qualified technocrats and seasoned administrators to steer the affairs of the Commission.

For instance, the President appointed Barr. Cosmas Ternenge Akighir, a distinguished legal practitioner, risk manager, agribusiness expert, and chartered forensic professional, as Chairman of the Board of the NCDC.

Barr. Akighir brings to the role over two decades of experience spanning legal practice, credit risk management, forensic investigation, agribusiness consultancy, and arbitration.

The accomplished lawyer, who holds multiple Master’s degrees earned both in Nigeria and abroad, is well prepared to lead the transformation of the North Central region in collaboration with his fellow board members and the Commission’s management team.

Another inspired appointment is that of Dr. Cyril Tsenyil, a seasoned technocrat and former Accountant-General of Plateau State, who now serves as the Managing Director of the Commission.

Dr. Tsenyil’s vast experience in policy formulation and implementation, fund and project management, and regulatory compliance positions him to promote transparency, accountability, and prudent resource utilization for the benefit of the region.

His expertise in financial analysis, reporting, and data-driven planning will no doubt be instrumental in identifying the region’s core needs and designing effective interventions with lasting impact.

The Board, under the leadership of Barr. Akighir, and the Management, headed by Dr. Tsenyil, are already working in synergy to ensure the successful execution of the Commission’s mandate.

Given the calibre of professionals appointed and their proven track records of excellence, there is every reason to believe that the NCDC will significantly alter the fortunes of the North Central states.

The region now stands on the threshold of transformation – from a zone characterized by poverty, hunger, and infrastructural deficits to one destined for abundance, rapid development, agricultural revolution, urban renewal, and prosperity.

Encouragingly, the Federal Government is making concerted efforts to release funds to enable the Commission to take off effectively.

The Nasarawa State Government has also provided a temporary office in Lafia, from where the NCDC will begin operations pending the construction of its permanent headquarters.

With these developments, the interventionist agency is firmly on course, and the people of the North Central region will soon begin to feel the positive impact of its establishment.

Written by Linus Tor-Hagher, a Journalist/Public Affairs Analyst.

A former Minister for Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Mike Kaase Aondoakaaa, SAN said that the escalating conflicts between farmers and herders over land and water resources have disrupted food production in Nigeria.

Chief Kaase Aondoakaaa, a Fellow of the International Dispute Resolution Institute in the United Kingdom said this today, Sunday October 19, 2025 at the ongoing Plant Science And Molecular Biology World Conference and Agriculture, Forestry and Horticulture, 2025 with its Theme: Mitigating Food Insecurity in Central Nigeria: Gender-Inclusive Agri-Innovative Solutions.

In his 40 minutes Keynote address at the International Conference which was held at Millennium Hotel, Paris, France, Aondoakaaa, a 2027 Frontline governorship aspirant in Benue state added that the clashes have also displaced millions of Nigerians and have as well exacerbated food insecurity, according to a 2024 report of the UNDP.

According to him, women and youth who play crucial but often overlooked roles in agriculture have been at the receiving ends of the attacks.

Speaking further, Chief Kaase Aondoakaaa, SAN expressed that traditional humanitarian responses have proven insufficient, necessitating innovative, gender-inclusive agro-solutions that addresses both food security and conflict resolution.

According to him, thirty three states out of the thirty six states of Nigeria have been affected with the farmer/herders clashes.

Aondoakaaa’s presentation also showed the devastation at a farm settlement in Guma local government area of Benue State where he highlighted the massacre of farmers at Yelewata and the responses from the government.

He said: “On Friday 13th June, 2025, there was a massacre at Yelewata community of Benue State in North Central Region Nigeria where over 200 people were killed. Majority of the victims (60%) were women and youth.

“The President, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Dr. George Akume CON visit to the Yelewata community is of recent memory”

Proffering solutions, the Chairman of Mikap Nigeria Limited which the producers of MIVA Rice stated that Nigeria can truly transform if it can intentionally dismantle systemic barriers that exclude women and youth groups that form the backbone of food production but still made to face disproportionate challenges.

“The culture excluded women and youth from farmland ownership. This needs specific intervention from government. This pillar demands targeted interventions like flexible training schedules for women balancing farm and family duties and youth-focused agripreneurship programs with startup grants” he noted.

Meanwhile, Chief Kaase Aondoakaaa hinted that Mikap Nigeria Limited, processor of MIVA Rice is collaborating with GIZ/MOVE program in capacity building for women, youth and people with disabilities.

He pressed further that the company is encouraging the formation of agricultural cooperatives for women and youth.

According to him, it goes beyond token inclusion to address structural inequalities in land ownership (where women control less that 10% of agricultural land despite providing 70% of farm labor) and financial access (where young agripreneurs face rejection rates of over 50% for formal loans).

In his conclusion, Chief Kaase Aondoakaaa SAN stated that a transformed agricultural system stands as one of Nigeria’s most powerful levers to unlock door security, ignite sustainable economic growth, and harness the untapped potential of the country’s youth and fertile lands.

He however acknowledged efforts of the Federal Government of Nigeria under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope but stated that more still needs to be done. He equally called on stakeholders in the sector to contribute to complement the efforts of the government.

In his recommendation, he said that the country must first create visible success stories by elevating women and youth time models through media campaigns and innovation awards.

Secondly, he said the government should establish gender-sensitive extension services and mobile learning platforms that account for literacy gaps.

He also urged the government to institutionize affirmative policies like quotas for women in agricultural leadership programs and youth-focused land leading schemes.

“He said: When implemented holistically, this pillar won’t just promote inclusion. It will unlock Nigeria’s most underutilized resource: the creativity and energy of its women and young farmers, potentially increasing agricultural output by 20-30% according to FAO estimates.

“Increase capital access and international support for agric value added companies like Mikap Nigeria Limited”

In his closing gratitude, Chief Aondoakaaa extended his deepest appreciation to the organizers and participants for their engaged participation and shared commitment for transforming Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.

“Your presence here today reflects the collective will needed to drive meaningful change. I eagerly anticipate the actionable insights and partnerships that will emerge from this conference, knowing that together, we hold the power to turn dialogue into tangible progress. Let’s carry this momentum forward, ensuring the seeds of collaboration we have planted today yield a harvest of innovation and prosperity for generations to come”

The Arewa Voters Assembly (AVA) has warned activist Omoyele Sowore to desist from his planned protest scheduled for October 20, 2025, in Abuja, describing it as a dangerous plot to destabilize Nigeria’s peace, unity, and democracy.

In a statement released today in Abuja and signed by its Convener, Comrade Ismail Ibrahim Bakori, the Assembly said it was “pertinently and vehemently speaking in unequivocal language to all enemies of the country who have overtly and surreptitiously been working to reverse the appreciable mileage that Nigerians have strenuously struggled to cover in entrenching democracy and representative governance in the country, especially the gains so far achieved by the Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration.”

“In tune with the mood of most rational and patriotic Nigerians, we are hereby warning Sowore that we can no longer put up with his serial acts of rascality that threaten the very foundation of the corporate existence of the country and his unguarded utterances and statements against state institutions and statesmen, very unbecoming of a child brought up from a good home with parents,” Bakori said. “Enough is enough.”

According to the Assembly, “Omoyele Sowore is an unpatriotic quisling who has been masquerading in the guise of a ‘human rights and democracy activist.’ This posturing is a facade behind which he has been carrying out his treacherous and treasonable offences and actions against the Nigerian state and institutions for a few years now, masquerading under the so-called garb to blackmail and commit atrocious activities that are very inhuman.”

The statement further alleged that, “Sowore is a hired destabilization agent in the service of foreign forces and interests that have been scheming over the years to disintegrate Nigeria by igniting the fire of ethnic, regional and religious conflagration and inclinations. They have found an ally in Sowore, who does not have the fear of God in him and is never patriotic to the cause and aspirations of the Nigerian state, and who will do anything to bring the country to its knees in order to satisfy his selfish, delusional behavior and character traits of a failed childhood not brought up from a good parentage and family life.”

“Since the inception of the Fourth Republic in 1999, it has long become obvious to us in the Arewa Voters Assembly, and to discerning Nigerians and certainly to every patriotic observer, that several shadowy forces have been at work in efforts to scuttle the trajectory of our hard-won democracy, to which Sowore has lent his life and service as a traitor and fifth columnist of the first order and an enemy of the state,” Bakori added.

The AVA further accused Sowore of being “provocative, vulgar, uncouth and lawless,” with “a habit of instigating violence, chaos, anarchy and conflicts between communities, parties, individuals and regions by always whipping up divisive sentiments along the nation’s fault lines.”

“His latest antics, woven around the trial and detention of Nnamdi Kanu, vividly illustrate the character of Sowore as an opportunistic interloper and renegade spent force who goes on scavenging expeditions for the slightest chance and opportunity, however senseless, of plying his vocation of a rabble-rouser and an enemy of the Nigerian nationhood,” the statement continued.

“It is obvious to us in the Arewa Voters Assembly (AVA) that Sowore’s recent penchant for hauling disparaging verbal attacks, dissolute, crude and odious invectives at the administration and person of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is a deliberate strategy aimed at arousing the disaffection of the citizens towards their democratically elected political leadership and to cast aspersions on our hard-fought democracy that is thriving in leaps and bounds to the detriment of the undertaker’s principals and sponsors, who are daily licking their wounds because Nigeria is indeed moving towards the right direction under the present dispensation.”

The Assembly made several demands, including an end to what it described as Sowore’s “narcissistic and egocentric vituperations,” and called on the nation’s security agencies “to, as a matter of urgent national security exigency, go for the scum and threat to the nation in the person of Omoyele Sowore.”

On the planned protest, Bakori declared:

“The Arewa Voters Assembly is, for emphasis, vehemently and unequivocally reiterating its position that the Sowore’s planned so-called ‘Free Nnamdi Kanu’ protest slated for the 20th of October, 2025, in Abuja, WILL NOT HOLD! We are very emphatic because that will be his last!”

He revealed that the Assembly has mobilized 60,000 of its members from across the country to converge on the Federal Capital Territory as a counterforce.

“We will chase and hunt for any miscreants seen on that day on the streets of Abuja in the name of protest. It is our fervent prayer that Sowore will not test our resolve,” Bakori warned.

The statement also addressed reports that protesters planned to disrupt business at Wuse Market, saying:

“On the intelligence we got that architects of the so-called peaceful protest plan to disrupt business activities at the Wuse market, we have promptly called on our members at the market to link up with other traders to jointly come out to resist the anarchists.”

Clarifying its position, the Assembly said it was not against Nnamdi Kanu’s person but insisted that his case must follow the rule of law.

“The Arewa Voters Assembly (AVA) wishes to make it very clear that its position on Sowore’s planned protest should not be misconstrued to mean that we are against the person of Nnamdi Kanu. As democrats, our position is based on our ardent belief in the principles of the rule of law. Neither VIOLENCE, BLACKMAIL NOR GRANDSTANDING should prevail in the resolution of conflicts and dialogue.”

Bakori continued:

“While we are also not averse to the suggestion from certain quarters for ‘a political solution’ to the situation, we insist however that justice, due process, equity and fair play should take precedence over sentiments.”

“We insist that the freedom or otherwise of Nnamdi Kanu should follow due judicial process. Let him go through his trial that is now ongoing in the court of law and face the outcome at the end of the day.”

“As much as we are not against justice for Kanu, we are also not unmindful of his violent activities, those of his lieutenants and foot soldiers that resulted in multitudes of deaths, various forms of physical disabilities and massive economic ruination in the Southeast. We believe that the victims of these wanton atrocities also deserve retribution and justice.”

Bakori concluded with a reaffirmation of the Assembly’s loyalty to the unity and peace of Nigeria:

“Long live one united, peaceful Nigeria. Long live democracy.”

The Network of Peace & Security, a coalition of concerned citizens committed to promoting national unity and progress, has strongly condemned what it described as the “atrocious and unpatriotic activities” of activist Omoyele Sowore, accusing him of attempting to destabilize Nigeria and undermine government efforts to deliver on its mandate to the people.

In a statement issued in Abuja, Comrade Maduka Ogbonna, the National Convener of the Network of Peace & Security, described Sowore’s actions as “reckless, irresponsible, and a threat to national security.”

“Sowore’s calls for violence and unrest are a clear attempt to disrupt the peace and stability of our nation, and we condemn them in the strongest terms possible,” Ogbonna said.

The Network commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for what it termed a strong commitment to upholding human rights and promoting the rule of law. According to Ogbonna, “The government has shown respect for human rights, and it is unfortunate that self-proclaimed human rights crusaders like Sowore are abusing this right to pursue their selfish interests.”

He urged Nigerians to be wary of Sowore’s tactics and instead support the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to entrench peace, security, and development across the country.

“The President Bola Tinubu Administration is focused on delivering dividends of democracy to the people, and we should support these efforts,” he added.

The statement further called on security agencies to “immediately arrest” Sowore and ensure that anyone seeking to incite chaos or destabilize the country is brought to justice. The Network also alleged that Sowore is being sponsored by opposition political parties and accused him of being an “undertaker and serial blackmailer,” noting that his family resides abroad.

The Network of Peace & Security reaffirmed its commitment to defending Nigeria’s stability and unity, warning against any attempts to exploit freedom of speech for destructive purposes.

The Amalgamated Civil Society Organizations of Nigeria (ACN) has raised alarm over what it described as a dangerous campaign of division, blackmail, and anarchy being spearheaded by Omoyele Sowore and other paid agents of destabilization plotting to cause a breakdown of law and order in Nigeria.

In a strongly worded statement jointly signed by Comrade Gbenga Ashiru Abiodun, National Coordinator of the Amalgamated Civil Society Organizations of Nigeria (ACN), and Comrade Yakubu Abdullahi, General Secretary of the group, the organization condemned in totality the ongoing attempts to incite crisis under the guise of protest and advocacy.

The statement reads:

“The ongoing campaign of division, blackmail, distraction, disharmony, and anarchy against the Nigerian government, especially the one being spearheaded by the so-called Omoleye Sowore, as well as by some paid characters and agents of destabilization trying to cause a breakdown of law and order in our country, is a cause for concern in our nascent democracy.

This campaign of calumny, distraction, politics of hate, bitterness, and outrageous intent to precipitate crisis in our dear country must be resisted by democracy-loving Nigerians and forces.

In memory of the late Comrade Abiodun Aremu of blessed memory, we have resolved not to participate in the planned protest being organized by a known blackmailer and insurrectionist, Sowore, using the name of Nnamdi Kanu as a cheap political cover to unleash mayhem and anarchist tendencies against state institutions, including the National Assembly, National Ecumenical Centre, National Mosque, security formations like Kuje prison, and the courts of the land.”

The group further alleged that available intelligence revealed plots by Sowore and his associates to burn down major markets, train stations, airports, and other critical infrastructure in Abuja in a bid to precipitate violence and an ethno-religious crisis.

“We have resolved to urgently alert relevant security and intelligence agencies to nip Sowore’s plot in the bud to curtail the planned insurrection and mayhem that may result from it. Enough is enough of this blackmailer’s shenanigans!” the statement continued.

The group accused Sowore of lacking moral justification to lead any protest while facing prosecution, adding that his activities pose a serious threat to national peace and democratic stability.

“In any civilized world, Sowore would have lost all moral justification to stage a violent protest while undergoing prosecution before relevant courts of competent jurisdiction for a series of incitement and questionable cybercrime-related cases in Nigeria.

How can someone who is a known blackmailer in the country with no character or moral rectitude be threatening government institutions, state apparatus, and other law-abiding citizens going about their lawful businesses in a country guided by the rule of law?”

They described him as “a serial rapist, a blackmailer, and a rogue politician” who, despite his rejection at the polls in 2023, continues to sponsor mischief and recklessness.

“Sowore is also part of the system that has brought Nigeria to its knees, as he was instrumental in fighting on the side of politicians against the hardworking people all these years,” the statement added.

The organization accused him of receiving funding from foreign powers and opposition elements, describing him as a “non-state actor used by anti-democratic forces to destabilize the country.”

“We hereby wish to make it abundantly clear to the relevant security agencies and intelligence, especially the NSA, DSS, Nigeria Police, and DIA, to quickly intervene in this matter to prevent the breakdown of law and order,” it stated.

The group vowed to institute a legal framework to restrain Sowore and his allies from further lawless behavior, while also mobilizing “thousands of democracy-loving Nigerians to confront him anywhere he is seen in Abuja.”

“We hereby declare Sowore a persona non grata anywhere he is sighted in Abuja. We have assembled a team of citizen volunteers across ethnic and religious divides to enforce this resolution… Nigeria’s unity and peace are more important than the aspiration of one individual! ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!”

..Two-day side event in Johannesburg seeks to mobilize global capital and deepen intra-African investment.

Africa’s infrastructure challenges and investment opportunities will take center stage when global leaders, financiers and development experts gather in Johannesburg for a high-level side event ahead of the G20 Summit in November.

In a press release signed by its president/CEO, Dr. Alfred Chiakor, and made available to journalists in Abuja, the Africa Think Tank for Infrastructure Development (ATTID) announced that it will host the Infrastructure and Sustainable Development Side Event on Nov. 20–21 at the Capital Empire Hotel in Sandton.
The meeting, themed “Enhancing Africa’s Infrastructure Transformation Agenda through Investments and Partnership,” will proceed the Nov. 22–23 G20 Summit of industrialized natio South Africa under the chairmanship of former President of the United Republic of Tanzania, His Excellency, Dr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, with Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Special Guest of Honour and Irina Unkovski , international PPP and infrastructure specialist, as the Keynote speaker.

Organizers say the forum will bring together world leaders, executives of international development agencies, global banks, private investors, and regional economic commissions to chart a roadmap for transforming Africa’s infrastructure backbone. The gathering is expected to set the tone for deeper global partnerships at the G20 and beyond.

Africa’s infrastructure deficit remains one of the continent’s biggest barriers to growth, according to ATTID. The African Development Bank estimates that the region needs between $130 billion and $170 billion annually to meet its development goals in energy, transportation, water, sanitation, and urban systems. Poor infrastructure, officials note, has already cost African economies up to 40% in productivity losses and sliced two percentage points off annual growth.

Despite these gaps, the investment picture is shifting. Foreign direct investment (FDI) flows to Africa climbed from $53 billion in 2023 to $97 billion in 2024, or about 6% of global FDI, UN Trade and Development data show. North Africa led the inflows, buoyed by energy and transport projects, while sub-Saharan Africa saw rising intra-regional investment from players such as Dangote Group, MTN, and leading Nigerian banks.

Still, the continent faces steep hurdles. The World Bank reports that 22 African countries are at high risk of debt distress, and sub-Saharan Africa’s median debt-to-GDP ratio has nearly doubled since 2010. Weak road networks, underperforming railways, and costly transport logistics continue to stifle regional trade, which accounts for just 31% of commerce compared with 53% in emerging Asia.

ATTID leaders argue that innovative financing and partnerships are crucial. The side event will highlight successful models such as Egypt’s $10 billion Ras El Hekma megaproject with the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia’s light rail system, and the AfDB-backed Enugu-Bamenda Highway linking Nigeria and Cameroon. Such initiatives, they say, prove Africa can deliver high returns for investors while addressing pressing development needs.

The forum’s agenda includes business sessions on financing models, regional linkages, and public-private partnerships. Organizers expect the meeting to generate new investment pipelines, strengthen advocacy for infrastructure funding, and foster collaboration between governments, international lenders, and private sector stakeholders.

“The side event provides an auspicious window to deepen intra-African and global investment,” said Dr. Chiakor. “It is a clarion call to investors to tap into Africa’s infrastructure transformation that promises enduring returns.”

By the close of the two-day summit, ATTID hopes to secure commitments that will accelerate Africa’s integration into global value chains and position infrastructure development as a pillar of sustainable growth. Observers say the discussions in Johannesburg could shape Africa’s economic trajectory for decades, and help ensure the continent’s fast-growing population of 1.5 billion people benefits from inclusive development. He maintained.