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All Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) House of Representatives members from Delta State have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Speaker Tajudeen Abbas announced Tuesday.
This follows the recent defection of former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and incumbent Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to the APC.
Ahead of Wednesday’s papal conclave to elect a successor to Pope Francis, social media has erupted with over 1.3 million posts under the hashtag #WhiteSmoke and hundreds of millions of views across platforms.
From AI-generated memes to fantasy pope prediction games, the centuries-old ritual has become a viral sensation. Experts say the blend of secrecy, tradition, and global stakes has made this the most digitally engaging conclave in history.
The Federal Government has approved a new digital service, NIN Authentication, launched by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to enhance secure identity verification using the National Identification Number.
The platform—accessible via web, mobile, or API—aims to improve data protection, support service access, and comply with the Renewed Hope Agenda. All MDAs are now mandated to adopt the system for official identity checks.
In a bold push for continental energy leadership, Nigeria has pledged to help provide electricity to 300 million Africans by the year 2030. This announcement was made by the Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, during the opening ceremony of the First Legislative Conference and Expo on Renewable Energy in Lagos on Monday.
Delivering the keynote address, Speaker Abbas said the country is playing a lead role in the Mission 300 Initiative, a partnership with the World Bank and the African Development Bank to accelerate clean energy access across Africa. “On the continental stage, Nigeria has assumed a leadership role,” Abbas declared. “We are working to provide electricity to 300 million Africans by 2030.” Abbas also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving $1 billion in financing for Nigeria’s Rural Electrification Agency in December 2024 a move he described as a game-changer. According to him, $750 million of that fund will go toward solar power access, including the deployment of 124 mini-grids and over 25,000 home solar systems.
The conference, organized by the House Committee on Renewable Energy in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), spotlighted legislative efforts to drive Nigeria’s clean energy transition. Abbas highlighted reforms by the 10th National Assembly, such as:
Establishing a Standing Committee on Renewable Energy
Eliminating VAT on renewable energy components and CNG technologies
Supporting Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan toward net-zero emissions by 2060
Backing the Nigeria Carbon Market Activation Policy, launched in March 2025
Speaker Abbas stressed the urgency of transitioning to renewable energy, citing global data that showed over 92% of new power capacity in 2024 came from renewables.
“This is a structural reorientation of the global energy economy,” he said. “Nigeria must align to remain competitive.”
He also called for pan-African cooperation, applauding the presence of fellow lawmakers from across the continent and urging the creation of model legislation and cross-border partnerships.
Chairman of the House Committee on Renewable Energy, Hon. Afam Ogene echoed this sentiment. He warned that Nigeria’s reliance on fossil fuels continues to limit economic growth and emphasized the need to diversify the energy mix.
“The persistent power supply challenges we face are not just technical—they are a barrier to development,” Ogene said.
He added that legislative efforts are underway to transition government agencies to renewable energy and to ensure accountability for past investments in the sector.
Ghana’s First Deputy Speaker, Hon. Bernard Ahiafor, speaking on behalf of Ghana’s Parliament Speaker, praised Nigeria’s leadership and called on African lawmakers to accelerate their countries’ energy transitions.
Quoting figures from IRENA, Ahiafor noted that while 80% of new global power capacity in 2023 came from renewables, over 600 million Africans still lack electricity.
He cited Ghana’s progress in utility-scale solar and favorable policies like net metering and green financing as examples of what’s possible with legislative support.
UNDP Resident Representative, Ms. Elsie Atafuah, delivered a powerful reminder of the stakes.
“The next global powers will be those who master the green value chain,” she said. “Nigeria has what it takes—but it must act with courage, vision, and urgency.”
She reiterated the UN’s support for Nigeria’s energy ambitions through financing models, policy design, and strategic partnerships.
In closing, Speaker Abbas urged participants not to let the momentum fade.
“Let this conference be remembered not just for the conversations it sparked but for the change it inspired,” he said.
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has showered praise on Team Nigeria following their remarkable performance at the 2025 Senior African Wrestling Championships held in Morocco. Nigeria emerged overall champions at the tournament, topping the medal table with an impressive haul of 10 gold, 1 silver, and 1 bronze medal from a 15-athlete contingent. The women’s team stood out, clinching nine of the ten gold medals and securing their 14th overall title.
The victory also marked a significant milestone for the men’s team, with Nigeria reclaiming the continental title in men’s wrestling for the first time in four years. Former junior international Steve Simon Izolo led the charge with a gold-medal win, signaling a strong resurgence for Nigeria in the male category. NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, commended the wrestlers for their outstanding showing and reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to supporting Nigerian athletes.
“This is another demonstration of the resilient spirit of our great country,” Dikko said. “On behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, I congratulate the athletes and officials. We remain focused on building a sustainable sports ecosystem that rewards excellence and ensures long-term success.”
Also speaking, NSC Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade lauded the leadership of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF) under Olympic champion Daniel Igali, attributing the consistent success to Igali’s visionary leadership and global network.
“Wrestling’s rise in Nigeria is no coincidence,” Olopade noted. “It’s the result of strategic planning, passion, and dedication. We are also grateful for the unwavering support of Mr. President, who continues to prioritize athlete welfare.”
Olopade extended appreciation to Alhaji Bashir Adewale Adeniyi (MFR), Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, for his moral and financial backing of the wrestling team. “His commitment has gone beyond wrestling and touched various aspects of Nigerian sports development,” Olopade added.
As Team Nigeria returns home in triumph, the spotlight now shifts to preparations for global competitions, with the NSC vowing to maintain the momentum and invest in future champions.
House Speaker Abbas Tajudeen has condemned renewed violence in Borno, Plateau, Benue, and Kwara states, urging swift security action. He also warned of expected flooding in over 30 states and called for improved disaster preparedness.
Abbas highlighted IMF praise for Nigeria’s fiscal reforms, pledged legislative support for economic stability, and announced plans for constitutional and electoral reforms. He affirmed the House’s support for the state of emergency in Rivers and unveiled public engagement activities to mark the 10th Assembly’s second anniversary.