APC National Solidarity Vanguard Lauds Matawalle Over Mass Exodus Of PDP Members To APC In Zamfara

The APC National Solidarity Vanguard has showered encomiums on the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, for his outstanding leadership and political sagacity that have engineered a massive defection of key Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Moses Aruwa, the Vanguard described Matawalle as an exemplary leader whose good governance credentials and commitment to inclusive democracy continue to attract political heavyweights to the ruling party.

“Matawalle has proven beyond doubt that leadership is about service, vision and the ability to unite people for a common purpose,” Aruwa stated.

“His selfless drive to reposition Zamfara State and align it fully with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda has made him a magnet for progressive-minded politicians across party lines.”

The latest defection that has sent ripples across the state’s political landscape involved Hon. Sadiq Abubakar Ciroma, the PDP Chairman in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, who was formally received into the APC by Minister Matawalle on Friday.

Aruwa praised Matawalle’s warm reception of the decampees, noting that it reflected his large-heartedness and belief in inclusive politics.

“When Dr. Matawalle said the APC needs people like Hon. Ciroma who play politics with vision and sound judgement, he was speaking from a place of deep conviction,” Aruwa remarked.

“Matawalle himself embodies that vision – he assesses leadership accurately and takes bold decisions that benefit the masses, and that is why thousands are trooping to join him.”

The Vanguard leader further highlighted the growing dominance of the APC in Zamfara as a direct result of Matawalle’s sterling performance as leader of the Renewed Hope Agenda in the state.

“What we are witnessing is not ordinary defection; it is a mass exodus driven by the irresistible appeal of good governance under Matawalle’s guidance,” Aruwa declared.

“From lawmakers to local government chairmen, PDP stalwarts are daily joining forces with him because they have seen that the future of Zamfara and Nigeria lies with the progressive vision he champions.”

Aruwa also commended Matawalle’s loyalty to President Tinubu, saying it has inspired confidence among party members and new entrants alike.

“Matawalle is not only delivering dividends of democracy in Zamfara; he is building a solid platform to deliver Mr. President convincingly in 2027,” he asserted.

“His inclusive approach ensures that every new member feels valued and empowered to contribute to this noble cause.”

The statement emphasised that the continuous influx of PDP members into the APC attestation to Matawalle’s ability to foster unity and peace in a once-restive state

. “Dr. Bello Matawalle has transformed Zamfara into a bastion of peace, progress and political harmony,” Aruwa enthused.

“Politicians of goodwill are aligning with him because they know that under his leadership, Zamfara will continue to enjoy unprecedented development and remain a stronghold for the APC.”

Aruwa called on other opposition members still contemplating their political future to follow the example of Hon. Ciroma and join the moving train.

“The APC under Matawalle’s stewardship offers equal opportunities, respect and genuine commitment to the welfare of the people,” he concluded.

“We are proud to identify with this exceptional leader who is writing a new chapter of prosperity for Zamfara State.”

NCDMB hails Marconi’s Acqusition of Saipem’s Yard

Marconi.NG EPC Limited has strengthened its status as a major player in Nigeria’s oil and gas services sector following its acquisition of Saipem Contracting Nigeria’s Rumuolumeni Yard.

During a facility tour by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and select journalists in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, the company said it is now better positioned to support Nigeria’s oil and gas industry with world-class engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) capabilities.

Chief Executive Officer of Marconi, Mr. Gian Fabio Del Cioppo, said the yard spans over 1,000,000 square meters and includes a 330-meter jetty, enabling the fabrication of more than 25,000 tons of heavy structures annually.

He described the facility as one of Nigeria’s most advanced fabrication yards, equipped to handle complex capital projects onshore and offshore.
Marconi acquired the assets of Saipem in May 2025, marking a strategic expansion that aligns with Federal Government efforts to attract investment, lower production costs and speed up field development.

He emphasised that Marconi’s equipment, technical capacity and skilled workforce place it in a strong position to deliver high-quality projects at competitive costs and timelines—consistent with Presidential directives on local content and the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act of 2010.

He urged government and industry players to sustain momentum on local content implementation, warning against any rollback of the progress achieved over the last 15 years.

Nigerian Content Manager of Marconi, Dr. David Editang, highlighted that the company retained local experts who had operated the facility for decades, ensuring continuity and deep expertise.

General Manager of NCDMB’s Corporate Communications Division, Dr. Obinna Ezeobi, who led the tour, said Marconi is now capable of operating across the full oil and gas value chain—from land and swamp operations to deep offshore fields.

He added that the visit aligns with Sections 67 and 70(n) of the NOGICD Act, which mandate the Board to promote Nigerian Content through communication, stakeholder engagement and capacity building.

Dr. Ezeobi noted the importance of media practitioners in accurately reporting industry developments and stressed the Board’s commitment to sustained engagement with journalists in Port Harcourt, Lagos, Abuja and other regions.

Indigenous Oil Companies Get Boost as NCDMB Deepens Nigerian Capacity

Nigeria’s push for greater indigenous participation in the oil and gas industry received a significant boost this week as the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) showcased a series of milestones, including the takeover of major industrial assets and the expansion of local capacity across key energy hubs.

A major highlight was the acquisition of Saipem’s Nigerian operations by Marconi NG EPC — a development the NCDMB described as a landmark in the country’s local content journey.

According to the board, the transition of the world-class Port Harcourt fabrication yard into Nigerian ownership demonstrates that local firms now possess both the technical expertise and financial capacity to manage complex engineering and construction projects.

During a media tour of the facility, NCDMB officials spotlighted the one-million-square-metre yard, which features fabrication units, jetties and a helipad. They said the acquisition signals that Nigerian companies can now compete at global scale and marks an important step in reducing decades of foreign dominance in major oil and gas infrastructure.

The tour also highlighted growing indigenous capacity across the South-South region. Journalists visited PE Energy Limited, a Nigerian energy solutions provider serving the oil and gas, power and process industries, as well as Bunorr Integrated Energy Limited, a local firm converting used engine oil into base oil and other eco-friendly by-products.

Bunorr’s management credited NCDMB’s equity investment with helping the company attract partners, strengthen credibility and upgrade its operations.

While commending the board’s hands-on engagement and financing support, the companies urged the government to address persistent power challenges that raise production costs for local manufacturers.

NCDMB said the tour was part of its broader effort to showcase real-time progress in industrial development and deepen public understanding of local content achievements.

The General Manager, Corporate Communications at NCDMB, Dr. Obinna Ezeobi, described the media tour as a maiden initiative designed to help journalists better understand industry operations and enhance stakeholder engagement.

Chief Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN to Receive Ivaaniyange Chieftaincy Title

The Tiv Supreme Council has announced that former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Kaase Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, will be conferred with the Ivaaniyange chieftaincy title.

The title, according to the Council, recognizes individuals considered to have made notable contributions to the advancement and welfare of the Tiv people.

Chief Aondoakaa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, currently serves in various public and private sector roles, including Chairman, Endowment Fund Raising Committee at Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi. He also provides advisory support on foreign investment, entrepreneurship, and agricultural development. He is associated with the West African Rice Processors Association (WARIA) and the Rice Processors Association of Nigeria (RIPAN).

He is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association and the International Bar Association.

Associates describe him as a supporter of youth development and educational advancement. According to persons familiar with his philanthropic activities, he has supported scholarship initiatives and facilitated opportunities for several indigent beneficiaries over the years.

The Tiv Supreme Council stated that the new honour acknowledges what it views as his years of service in legal, governance, and agricultural sectors. The Council expressed confidence that he will continue to contribute to community development following the conferment.

Chief Aondoakaa previously received a traditional chieftaincy title, Tsar-U-Tiv Mba Sha Nasarawa, from the Mutual Union of Tiv People in Nasarawa State in 2008.

He has participated in various international engagements across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, the Americas, and Africa, representing Nigeria in official and professional capacities. He has also been recognised with awards by different organisations for what they described as service and excellence.

Chief Aondoakaa is a practicing Catholic and is married with children.

The formal conferment of the Ivaaniyange title is expected to hold in Makurdi on a date to be officially issued by the Council.

CSOs Celebrate Akpabio with 5th Annual Lecture, Hail NASS–Executive Synergy

…..Pledges expanded civic actions and pro-development campaigns in 2026

Rising-Up for a United Nigeria (RUN), a leading civil society organization committed to governance reforms and national development, has hosted the 5th Annual Godswill Akpabio Leadership and Youth Mentorship Lecture. The yearly event, held in honour of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, is designed to celebrate his leadership contributions while empowering youths and strengthening civic engagement across Nigeria.

In his opening remarks, Amb. Solomon Adodo, Convener of RUN, commended the productive relationship between the National Assembly and the Executive. He described the synergy as a major driver of grassroots development and national stability, noting that the collaboration has translated into reforms and people-focused initiatives that positively impact ordinary Nigerians. According to him, the APC-led administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, working closely with the National Assembly under Senator Akpabio, has continued to demonstrate a clear commitment to improving the welfare of citizens. He said the creation and swift passage of legislation establishing regional development commissions highlight the shared resolve to bring governance closer to the people and address pressing socio-economic challenges. Adodo added that Senator Akpabio’s leadership, defined by courage, accessibility and impactful legacy projects, continues to inspire youths and governance advocates nationwide.

Delivering the keynote address, Barr. Cosmas Akighir, Chairman of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC), described Senator Akpabio as a nationalist whose contributions to national unity and development remain commendable. He noted that the establishment of the NCDC received accelerated legislative support because of Akpabio’s genuine commitment to national growth and his alignment with President Tinubu’s vision for a more secure and prosperous Nigeria. Akighir urged Nigerians to focus on supporting the Federal Government and the National Assembly, stressing that divisive rhetoric and unnecessary distractions undermine the gains of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

A striking feature of this year’s lecture was the massive turnout of civil society organisations, youth groups and community-based associations from across the country. Many attendees expressed strong support for RUN, the Federal Government and the leadership of the National Assembly, reaffirming their confidence in ongoing reforms. They pledged to intensify nationwide civic engagement, sensitisation and pro-development advocacy in 2026, with commitments to expand their programmes, strengthen partnerships and mobilise citizens for national progress.

As part of the annual tradition, the event also featured the empowerment of youths and unemployed Nigerians with vocational tools, equipment and machines worth millions of naira. This empowerment component, conducted each year during the celebration of Senator Akpabio’s birthday, aims to promote self-reliance and uplift vulnerable groups through practical support and skill-building opportunities.

The lecture attracted participants from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, including government officials, traditional and religious leaders, captains of industry, community influencers and development advocates. The 5th edition of the lecture further solidified RUN’s commitment to fostering unity, legislative-executive cooperation and broad-based national development, while reaffirming the growing recognition of Senator Akpabio’s leadership impact across Nigeria.

NUPRC’s Digital Compliance Systems, Licensing Reforms Positioning Nigeria for Stronger Energy Investment, says BusinessMetrics

BusinessMetrics, an independent industry performance evaluator, says the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) is delivering sustained progress in the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), with reforms that are strengthening investor confidence, deepening transparency and repositioning the upstream industry for long-term growth.

In a statement released on Monday, BusinessMetrics said its latest sector review shows that NUPRC’s regulatory measures over the last year “reflect a deliberate shift toward predictable, technology-driven and investment-friendly governance,” noting that these improvements are already reshaping Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global energy market.

According to the statement, one of the Commission’s most significant achievements is the rapid digitisation of oversight systems that monitor production, metering accuracy, fiscal obligations and environmental performance.

BusinessMetrics said these digital tools have “reduced reporting delays, improved data integrity and enhanced the global credibility of Nigeria’s upstream statistics”.

“The availability of reliable, real-time data is one of the strongest indicators of a trustworthy investment climate,” the organisation said.

“NUPRC’s digital reforms are raising confidence among operators and international financiers who rely on transparent information before committing capital to new field developments.”

The evaluator also noted improvements in licensing and regulatory approval processes, describing the Commission’s approach as more structured, rules-based and commercially coherent compared to previous years.

“Clearer timelines for approvals, structured consultations with operators and the alignment of regulatory decisions with PIA provisions have created a more efficient operating environment,” the firm said.

“This is enabling quicker movement on projects, reducing administrative bottlenecks and giving investors greater clarity on regulatory expectations.”

The organisation said fiscal clarity under the PIA, implemented through NUPRC, has equally enhanced the attractiveness of Nigeria’s upstream assets, leading to renewed activity around marginal fields, reactivation of dormant licences and fresh commitments from both indigenous and international operators.

“The fiscal certainty introduced by the PIA continues to incentivise capital deployment. We are seeing a gradual resurgence in upstream investment appetite, driven by the clarity and predictability that investors have long demanded,” the statement added.

On gas development and decarbonisation, BusinessMetrics commended NUPRC’s enforcement of domestic gas delivery obligations and its frameworks for flare-gas commercialisation, saying these efforts are opening new growth corridors for Nigeria’s energy transition.

“The Commission’s work in gas monetisation is particularly impactful. It supports industrial expansion, contributes to power stability and positions gas as a central pillar of Nigeria’s economic transformation,” the statement added.

The evaluator further highlighted progress in customer-facing reforms, including the strengthening of the One-Stop Regulatory Centre, which it described as a crucial tool for reducing red tape and improving the ease of doing business in the upstream sector.

“This approach aligns with global best practices and signals institutional willingness to reduce friction for investors,” BusinessMetrics noted.

While acknowledging the complexity of Nigeria’s upstream environment, the organisation said the Commission’s consistent delivery on its mandate is helping restore confidence in the sector.

“With sustained implementation of the PIA, Nigeria is better positioned to compete for global capital, increase production capacity and advance long-term energy security,” the organisation said.

BusinessMetrics concluded that NUPRC’s progress “sets a solid foundation for deeper reforms” and urged continued institutional discipline, innovation and investor-focused regulation to fully unlock Nigeria’s upstream potential.

Forgive your blackmailers and focus on helping Mr. President deliver on his security agenda, group tells Minister Matawalle

The Ambassadors for Peace and Progress (APP) has appealed to the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, to forgive the five individuals who publicly confessed to running a N500 million smear campaign against him while he was governor of Zamfara State.

Addressing journalists at a press conference in Abuja on Sunday, the National Coordinator of the group, Rev. Matthew Adejoh, urged the minister not to allow the painful betrayal to distract him from the critical national assignment entrusted to him by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“We followed with deep emotion the courageous confession made by Comrade Aryan Abdul Kareem and his colleagues. Their admission has exposed the depth of political desperation in Zamfara State, but it has also opened a rare door for healing and reconciliation,” Rev. Adejoh said.

Describing Dr. Matawalle as “a peaceful, kind and large-hearted leader who is a friend to everyone,” the cleric appealed to him to extend the same hand of fellowship he has always shown to people of all faiths.

“Dr. Bello Matawalle is known across the North as a man who builds bridges, not walls,” he said. Quoting Colossians 3:13, he added: “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

“These young men have fallen on their knees in public and begged for mercy. As believers and as patriots, we plead with His Excellency to forgive them and everyone who was paid to destroy his name.

The bandits ravaging our region do not read sponsored articles — they only respect superior resolve and unity of purpose.”

The Ambassadors praised President Tinubu for appointing Matawalle, saying the elevation was divine recompense for years of wicked blackmail.

“Your enemies spent over half a billion naira to pull you down, yet Allah raised you to the very centre of Nigeria’s war against terror. Let this confession be the final burial of that evil plot,” Rev. Adejoh declared.

While calling on the EFCC, ICPC and security agencies to immediately investigate the allegation that Zamfara State funds were used to sponsor media attacks, the group insisted that Dr. Matawalle himself should choose the path of forgiveness.

“Let justice run its full course, but let our dear Minister show the maturity, kindness and large-heartedness that made President Tinubu bring him to Abuja. Forgive them, Your Excellency. Focus all your energy on helping Mr. President end insecurity forever. That is the greatest victory.”

China’s robot industry doubles revenue in five years

By Wang Zheng, Li Xinping, People’s Daily

At the 2025 China Robot Industry Development Conference, the China Machinery Industry Federation (CMIF) briefed on the performance of China’s robotics industry during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025).

Industry revenue doubled from 106.1 billion yuan ($15 billion) in 2020 to 237.89 billion yuan in 2024. In the first three quarters of this year, revenue increased by 29.5 percent year on year.

Exports also expanded rapidly, growing from $390 million in 2020 to $1.15 billion in 2024. In the first three quarters of this year, exports reached $1.24 billion, surpassing last year’s total and marking a 56 percent year-on-year increase.

Domestic industrial robot brands gained significant market share, rising from 31.4 percent in 2020 to 58.5 percent in 2024. 

“The robotics industry in China has grown rapidly during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, with a relatively complete industrial chain now in place,” said Xu Niansha, president of the CMIF.

Stronger Capabilities

At the 25th China International Industry Fair, Chinese industrial robot company Estun Automation showcased a heavy-duty robot capable of stably lifting and transporting 1,200 kilograms.

“Payload capacity is a key performance indicator. As industrial robots become increasingly integrated into manufacturing, demand is rising for high-rigidity, high-precision, and highly reliable heavy-duty models,” said a representative of Estun Automation.

Historically, China depended heavily on imported heavy-duty industrial robots, with domestic products accounting for less than 3 percent of the market. However, significant progress was achieved during the 14th Five-Year Plan period. For instance, Estun Automation’s 700-kilogram-capacity model, launched in 2024, received more than 100 orders, and in 2025, the company introduced a 1,000-kilogram-level robot.

Technological advances have also transformed welding, often referred to as the “sewing line” of modern industry. “Our welding robots deliver high-speed, heavy-load, highly stable spot welding. The fastest cycle for a single weld point is just 2.2 seconds,” said a representative of SIASUN Robot & Automation Co., Ltd., one of the largest robotics manufacturers in China.

Painting processes have similarly evolved. Traditional assembly lines typically require three to five days to paint a vehicle, whereas the automated production line using robots manufactured by Efort Intelligent Robot Co., Ltd. can complete the task in just over 80 seconds. 

“This year’s new technologies allow robots to integrate intelligent process systems directly into the equipment, enabling automated color mixing, switching, spraying, and cleaning,” said engineer Wang Jinsong from Efort.

Stronger Industrial Support

In the first three quarters of this year, China’s industrial robot output reached 595,000 units, exceeding the total production of the previous year. This rapid growth reflects the continued development and strengthening of the country’s robotics industrial chain.

China has made significant advances in the production of core components, including high-precision reducers, high-performance servo systems, and intelligent controllers.

Harmonic reducers, often described as the “joints” of a robot, comprise a flexspline, wave generator, and circular spline. The flexspline, with a wall thickness of just 0.2 millimeters, requires micron-level machining precision. Chinese-made harmonic reducers now account for more than 40 percent of the domestic market.

Servo motors, the “muscles” of a robot, are essential for precise joint movement. Inovance Technology Co., Ltd., a leading global provider of industrial automation solutions based in Shenzhen, south China’s Guangdong province, holds the largest market share in China’s servo system sector.

At Inovance’s production base in Yueyang, central China’s Hunan province, the rotor production line has achieved full automation, while the stator line is 70 percent automated. “Our intelligent production lines deliver high precision and reliability, while also enabling customized services,” an Inovance representative said.

According to Song Xiaogang, executive vice chairman of the robotics branch of the CMIF, China’s robotics support system is becoming increasingly mature. Technological and industrial capacity has improved markedly, with leading robotics firms now producing over 80 percent of their components in-house.

Broader Applications

By the end of 2024, China was home to over 2 million industrial robots, ranking first globally.

In 2024, 302,000 industrial robots were sold in the Chinese market, marking an increase of 68.7 percent over 2020 and accounting for 54 percent of global sales.

The application of industrial robots has expanded significantly. By 2024, Chinese industrial robots had been deployed across 71 major categories and 241 sub-categories of the national economy, covering 51 percent of all sub-categories. This represents an increase of 19 major categories and 98 sub-categories compared with 2020.

Robot density in China’s manufacturing sector rose from eighth globally in 2020 to third in 2024.

The widespread integration of robotics has accelerated the development of intelligent manufacturing. China has established more than 35,000 basic-level intelligent factories, over 230 model factories, and 1,260 5G-enabled factories.

Looking ahead, intelligence and specialization are expected to drive future growth.

“As artificial intelligence becomes more deeply embedded in vertical industries, its integration with robotics is accelerating,” Song said, adding that robots are rapidly evolving from functional equipment performing repetitive, programmed tasks to intelligent partners capable of perception, decision-making, and autonomous action.

Commercial spaceflight fuels China’s space exploration efforts

By Li Rui, People’s Daily

Recently, China sent a Gravity-1 carrier rocket into space from waters off the coast of Haiyang, east China’s Shandong province, placing three satellites into their designated orbits. This launch exemplifies the growing momentum of China’s emerging commercial space sector, which is contributing significantly to the country’s space exploration capabilities.

The global competition in commercial spaceflight is intensifying. According to projections, the scale of China’s commercial space market is expected to exceed 2.5 trillion yuan ($351.76 billion) this year. Through a strategic collaboration between the government and private enterprises, China is achieving a dynamic synergy that is accelerating technological advancements, reducing costs, and expanding the range of applications within its space industry. As a result, China’s space industry is gaining more visibility and vibrancy on the global stage.

China’s development of “space infrastructure” is advancing steadily, especially as the deployment of low-orbit satellite internet networks enters a phase of large-scale constellation expansion. However, the country faces a prominent challenge: the demand for satellite launches now exceeds the available capacity of traditional rockets. Relying solely on traditional rockets is far from sufficient to meet these growing needs.

In this context, the development of commercial space initiatives is essential to providing the necessary launch capacity for widespread space-based network deployment. This year, a new generation of commercial rockets, including the Zhuque-3, Tianlong-3, and Gravity-2, are advancing according to schedule with design, testing, and launch activities. These new launch vehicles will effectively alleviate the strain on satellite launch resources and bolster the development of China’s national satellite internet infrastructure.

Commercial spaceflight not only increases the frequency of launch opportunities but also opens up a broader range of technological possibilities. Unlike state-run space enterprises, private commercial companies are more agile and adaptable. 

For example, the methalox engine independently developed by Chinese commercial rocket firm LandSpace has drawn global attention for its cost-effectiveness, clean propulsion, and reusability. Similarly, Chinese aerospace company Galactic Energy has significantly reduced rocket engine manufacturing costs through 3D printing. 

Fueled by market-driven mechanisms and following a model of “small steps, rapid iterations,” commercial space enterprises have gained the favor of numerous research institutions. These companies serve as a strong complement to state-run space organizations, further advancing China’s space exploration capabilities.

As a dynamic sector driving the future of technological innovation, commercial spaceflight holds vast market potential. More than 10 provinces across China have introduced specific policies to support the development of the commercial space sector, fostering a wave of specialized and innovative companies focused on rocket development and satellite manufacturing. These initiatives have led to the creation of industrial clusters and a rapidly expanding “space economy” ecosystem. 

For instance, Beijing is developing a regional industrial layout with rocket production in the south and satellite manufacturing in the north, while Shanghai aims to scale its space industry to hundreds of billions of yuan. Additionally, the aerospace industrial park Wuxi, east China’s Jiangsu province, has brought together more than 120 enterprises above the designated size, fueling growth and innovation.

As the commercial space sector shifts from isolated efforts to more integrated, clustered development, an autonomous, resilient, and competitive industrial ecosystem is taking shape, becoming a significant driver of economic growth and technological advancement in space.

Today, commercial spaceflight not only serves national missions but is also expanding its innovation to meet everyday needs. Applications such as satellite remote sensing allow farmers to manage irrigation systems via a mobile phone, while satellite internet provides broadband access to remote areas, including mountains and oceans. Moreover, satellite-enabled intelligent transportation systems are optimizing traffic signal timing to reduce congestion. 

These innovations highlight how space technology, once perceived as distant and exclusive, is now becoming an integral part of everyday life, enhancing communications, supporting agriculture, improving mobility, and providing tangible benefits to the public.

Commercial spaceflight represents a vast frontier of opportunity. It is not only a scientific domain for exploring the unknown but also a burgeoning economic sector with boundless potential for the future.

Activists confess receiving N500m Naira to blackmail Tinubu’s Minister Matawalle, beg for forgiveness

Five civil society activists and media operatives on have openly confessed to being part of a N500 million coordinated blackmail campaign against the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, and tendered an unreserved public apology to him.

The activists, led by Comrade Aryan Abdul Kareem, made the shocking revelation at a press conference in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital.

Speaking on behalf of Comrade Olumu Lucky, Comrade Olukayode Williams, Comrade John Osumbor Mark, and Engineer Bashir Muhammad, Kareem disclosed that the entire operation was sponsored and supervised by the administration of Governor Dauda Lawal Dare through his Spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris.

According to the group, Sulaiman Bala Idris personally convened several secret meetings where they were briefed, handed instructions, and provided with funds.

The campaign, they said, cost “above five hundred million naira” and involved recruiting social media influencers, bloggers, political commentators, conventional media houses, and prominent Zamfara politicians including Senator Kabiru Marafa and Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi.

“We were part of that machinery. We accepted money and roles to circulate damaging and false narratives against Dr. Bello Matawalle even though we knew they were lies. We chose financial inducement over conscience,” Kareem admitted.

The activists said their actions caused “serious emotional pain, reputational damage and distress” to the Minister, his family, and supporters, adding that after deep reflection, they decided to come clean.

“Today, we tender our unreserved apology to His Excellency, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, and to every Nigerian who was misled by the falsehood we helped spread. We beg for his forgiveness and the forgiveness of the public. This apology is born out of genuine remorse,” the statement read.

The group further declared readiness to face any legal or moral consequences, stating that they possess “documentary evidence” of every transaction and meeting, including with Governor Lawal’s Spokesperson.

“We are ready to submit all the evidence and cooperate fully with the EFCC, DSS, police or any competent authority that wishes to investigate this matter,” they affirmed.

While urging other participants in the alleged plot to also confess, the activists said their decision was aimed at cleansing their conscience and helping to enthrone truth and accountability in Nigerian politics.