President Tinubu has approved the constitution and reconstitution of the governing boards of the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), Bank of Agriculture (BOA), and Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).

Below is the full list of appointed chairmen, executive directors, and members:

UNIVERSAL BASIC EDUCATION COMMISSION (UBEC) BOARD
- Chairman: Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura (retained)

- South East Representative: Uchendu Ikechi Mbaegbulem

- South South Representative: Gift Ngo

- South West Representative: Mrs Ibiwunmi Akinnola

- North East Representative: Dr Meiro Mandara

- North West Representative: Dr Abdu Imam Saulawa

- North Central Representative: Professor Paul Ibukun-Olu Bolorunduro

(Term: 4 years in the first instance)

BANK OF AGRICULTURE (BOA)

- Chairman: Muhammad Babangida

- Managing Director/CEO: Ayo Sotinrin

Executive Directors
- Fatima Garba (Sokoto) – Executive Director, Corporate Services

- Ka’amuna Ibrahim Khadi (Borno) – Executive Director, Risk Management & Strategy

- Hakeem Oluwatosin Salami (Kwara) – Executive Director, Operations

Non-Executive Directors
- Aminu Malami Mohammed – North East
- Charles Amuchienwa – South East
- Oladejo Odunuga – South West
- Rabiu Idris Funtua – North West
- Kochi Donald Iorgyer – North Central

NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT FUND (NADF) BOARD
- Executive Secretary/CEO (previously appointed): Muhammad Abu Ibrahim

- Chairman: Mallam Bello Maccido (North West)

Members
- Dr Nelson Henry Essien – South South (Akwa Ibom)
- Amina Ahmed Habib – North West (Jigawa)
- Engr. Akinyinka Olufela Akinnola – South West (Ondo)
- Hassan Tanimu Musa Usman – North East (Borno)
- Lufer Samson Orkar – North Central (Benue)
- Felix Achibiri – South East (Imo)

The appointments take immediate effect.

Mr. Effiong, the Masquerade who was arrested and detained for allegedly disturbing public peace while participating in a masquerade by the Police Command in Uyo,
In a landmark ruling, the court has sided with the Masquerade, affirming the rights of its adherents in Akwa Ibom State.

The court not only ordered the immediate and unconditional release of Mr. Effiong (the masquerade) but also mandated the Akwa Ibom Government to pay damages for infringing upon his fundamental human rights and freedom of worship.

This ruling underscores the legal protection afforded to traditional religious practices in Nigeria, reinforcing the importance of respecting diverse forms of worship.

BREAKING NEWS: Rural communities in Bungudu LGA, Zamfara State, are facing escalating pressure from armed bandit groups. Farmers in Durkai, Honkarhe, Makwa and Kiluta communities say they are being forced to pay steep levies before they can harvest:
Durkai community ₦5m
Honkarhe community ₦5m
Makwa community ₦9m
Kiluta community ₦5m

Residents also report that motorcycle prices are being dictated to them, with Honda bikes pushed to ₦1.7m. They are urgently calling on Defence Minister Christopher Musa to intervened and restore security so people can return to normal life in their communities.

▪︎ How long can these communities survive under such conditions?

▪︎ When will real protection reach Nigeria’s rural farmers?

Top Nigerian Celebrity Weddings of 2025: ChividoMiami, 2Baba–Natasha, Mr Eazi–Temi & More

2025 was a remarkable year for Nigerian celebrity weddings, marked by luxury, culture, and global attention. Leading the year was Davido and Chioma’s lavish ChividoMiami wedding, held in Miami and celebrated worldwide after featuring in Vogue. Billionaire heiress Temi Otedola and singer Mr Eazi held three weddings across Monaco, Dubai, and Iceland in one of the most extravagant multi-continent celebrations ever seen.

Another highlight was JP2025, the Nigerian–Tanzanian union between Priscilla Ojo and Juma Jux, with ceremonies in both countries. Nollywood actor Shawn Faqua and his wife made history with Nigeria’s first-ever train wedding aboard the Lagos–Ibadan railway.

Music icon 2Baba remarried, tying the knot with Edo lawmaker Natasha Osawaru in a private Abuja ceremony that sparked major social media discussions. Actress Eve Esin held a culturally rich #LoveFoundMe25 wedding in Akwa Ibom, while content creator Deacon Famous married his Ghanaian partner in Accra. Nollywood stars Ruby Orjiakor and Moc Madu also celebrated their traditional #ASAONWA2025 wedding in Imo.

These star-studded unions dominated headlines and social conversations, making 2025 a memorable year for celebrity love stories.

Tinubu Constitutes Boards of NADF, Bank of Agriculture, UBEC

…Appoints Chairmen, Executive Directors, Zonal Representatives

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the constitution of the governing boards of the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), with appointments reflecting federal character and professional expertise.

Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC)
Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, earlier appointed in July, retains his position as Chairman of the UBEC Board.

New zonal representatives appointed to the board are:

South East: Uchendu Ikechi

Mbaegbulem
South South:

Gift Ngo
South West:

Mrs Ibiwunmi Akinnola
North East:

Dr Meiro Mandara
North West:

Dr Abdu Imam Saulawa
North Central:

Professor Paul Ibukun-Olu Bolorunduro

The Chairman and members shall serve an initial four-year term.

Bank of Agriculture (BOA)
President Tinubu confirmed the earlier appointments of Muhammad Babangida as Chairman and Ayo Sotinrin as Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer.

Three Executive Directors and five Non-Executive Directors were also named:

Executive Directors
Fatima Garba (Sokoto) – Corporate Services

Ka’amuna Ibrahim Khadi (Borno) – Risk Management and Strategy
Hakeem

Oluwatosin Salami (Kwara) – Operations

Non-Executive Directors

Aminu Malami Mohammed – North East

Charles Amuchienwa – South East

Oladejo Odunuga – South West

Rabiu Idris Funtua – North West

Kochi Donald Iorgyer – North Central

National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF)
Mallam Bello Maccido, pioneer Chairman of FBNQuest Merchant Bank Limited with over 30 years’ experience in financial services, was appointed Chairman of the NADF Board (representing North West).

Other board members include:

Dr Nelson Henry Essien (Akwa Ibom/South South) – Financial Consultant and Seasoned Banker

Amina Ahmed Habib (Jigawa/North West) – Fellow, Institute of Chartered Accountants

Engr. Akinyinka Olufela Akinnola (Ondo/South West) – Engineer and Businessman

Hassan Tanimu Musa Usman (Borno/North East) – Founder, New Frontier Developments Ltd; former Non-Executive Director, Access Bank

Lufer Samson Orkar (Benue/North Central)

Felix Achibiri (Imo/South East) – Group Director, Genesis Energy Holdings; Chairman/CEO, DFC Holdings Limited

The appointments follow the October 2023 naming of Muhammad Abu Ibrahim as Executive Secretary/CEO of NADF.

The new boards are expected to drive agricultural financing, rural development, and universal basic education delivery across the country.

IPI Blames Repeated Press Freedom Violations for Blacklisting Governors Bago, Eno, IGP Egbetokun

The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria has blacklisted Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago, Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno, and Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun over repeated attacks on press freedom and harassment of journalists. The decision, announced at the IPI Annual Conference in Abuja, cited multiple incidents including the shutdown of an independent radio station, arrests and assault of journalists, and the expulsion of reporters. IPI said the officials’ actions undermine democratic norms and warranted their inclusion in its “Book of Infamy.”

Masquerade David Effiong Appears in Court for Public Disorder Charges

He was arrested by the Akwa Ibom State Police Command on Tuesday, 2 December 2025.

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has signed an Executive Order banning masquerade displays on streets and major highways across the state.

IPI Blacklists Niger, Akwa Ibom Governors and IGP Egbetokun for Media Repression in Nigeria



The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria has blacklisted Niger State Governor Umar Bago, Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno, and Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun as top offenders of media repression. Announced during the IPI Annual Conference in Abuja, the blacklist cites persistent harassment of journalists, unlawful shutdowns of media houses, and breach of press freedom across both states. Rights groups have repeatedly condemned the governors and police chief for actions seen as attacks on independent journalism.



#PressFreedom

#MediaRepression

#IPINigeria

Akwa Ibom Police Arrest Masquerader for Public Disturbance Amid Statewide Ban on Masquerade Displays


The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a man identified as David Effiong for allegedly causing a public disturbance while dressed in full masquerade attire, despite a government ban on masquerade activities across the state. Residents reported that Effiong was constituting a nuisance and destroying property in the community on Tuesday, prompting his arrest.

Commissioner of Police Baba Azare confirmed the incident, stating that Effiong will be charged in court after investigations. The crackdown follows Governor Umo Eno’s statewide ban on masquerade displays due to escalating cases of intimidation, violence, and property destruction linked to masqueraders. Authorities say many masqueraders have continued to pose a threat despite repeated warnings.

#Akwa Ibom masquerade ban
#Masquerader arrested Akwa Ibom

Akwa Ibom Gov. flags off 32-day Christmas fiesta to boost tourism.

NEWS FLASH

SENATE RECONSTITUTES SOME STANDING COMMITTEES

The senate selection committee chaired by the president of the senate, Godswill Akpabio has reconstituted some standing committees of the senate.

The committees affected are senate committee on National security and intelligence, now chaired by senator Yahaya Abdullahi, from Kebbi state.
Senator Yahaya was before now heading the committee on national planning.

Also reconstituted is the senate committee on livestock and animal husbandry, with senator Shehu Buba, from Bauchi, as chairman, after being removed last week, from the position of chairman senate committee on national security and intelligence.

Senator Mustafa Musa, from Yobe state is appointed chairman committee on national planning.

Senate committee on airforce, has as acting chairman, the senate minority whip, Osita Ngwu, from Enugu state.
Before this appointment, senator Ngwu was the deputy chairman of the senate committee on airforce, previously chaired by senator Akwashiki, who has been indisposed.

JUST IN: After Akwa Ibom State Governor ordered the arrest of masquerades found on the streets, the Akwa Ibom State Police had arrested David Effiong, who was spotted in full masquerade regalia disrupting public peace as he set to be charged to court

BREAKING NEWS: The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Umo Eno, approved the payment of the 13th-month salary for state workers

"Over 200k people are living with HIV in Rivers state"— Nedu’s podcast guest says, as they raise awareness about the high HIV rate in Lagos.

A recent episode of The Clarity Zone Podcast hosted by media personality Nedu Wazobia sparked conversations online after a guest opened up about the growing concern of HIV/AIDS in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria.

Speaking on the show, the guest highlighted the alarming statistics of HIV prevalence across several states, naming Rivers, Benue, Akwa Ibom, and Anambra as some of the states with the highest number of people living with the virus.

“Rivers State has over 200k. The next is Akwa Ibom with over 100k, and funny enough, Anambra State also has about 100k,” the guest said.

The speaker, also discussed efforts being made to promote awareness and connection among people living with the virus, citing the idea of ‘positive bondship’ a space where HIV-positive individuals can meet and build relationships safely.

“We’re trying so hard to curb it, that’s why we have positive bondship that’s why if you’re HIV positive, you can meet your fellow HIV positive. But on this part of the Island, people just believe because I’m positive doesn’t mean I cannot be with who’s negative,” the guest added.

They went on to address the widespread stigma and denial surrounding HIV, noting that many Nigerians, including influential figures, live with the virus in silence.

“A lot of people are in denial. Some of them are like, ‘Anything can kill a man, no be to die?’ Even our politicians, some of them are like that they are HIV positive. Most times people don’t know,” the guest said.

The emotional confession has stirred discussions on social media, with many praising the speaker’s courage to break the silence on a topic often treated as taboo in Nigeria.

BUA Refinery: Nigeria’s Next Big Move to End Fuel Import Dependence

Nigeria is set for another major breakthrough in its energy sector as BUA Group pushes forward with the construction of its new 200,000 barrels-per-day refinery in Akwa Ibom State. Led by billionaire industrialist Abdul Samad Rabiu, the project aims to strengthen Nigeria’s ability to refine its own crude oil locally — a crucial step toward ending decades of fuel import dependence.

A Game Changer for Nigeria’s Economy

For years, Nigeria has exported crude oil only to import refined fuels at high costs. With the new BUA refinery coming onstream, this cycle is expected to change dramatically. The refinery will produce:
• Petrol (PMS)
• Diesel (AGO)
• Aviation fuel (Jet A1)
• LPG (cooking gas)
• Petrochemicals

This means more jobs, cheaper domestic fuel, and extra revenue for the nation through exports.

Why This Refinery Matters

✔ Supports fuel supply stability
✔ Reduces foreign exchange pressure
✔ Expands Nigeria’s refining capacity
✔ Encourages competition with other refineries — especially Dangote Refinery
✔ Boosts development in the Niger Delta region

The refinery is already attracting international partners in engineering, technology, and infrastructure.

Driving Local Content & Industrial Growth

BUA Group is one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing conglomerates — with investments in:
• Cement
• Foods & sugar
• Port operations
• Real estate
• Energy & power

The refinery project expands BUA’s footprint into the petroleum value chain, helping to keep more wealth within Nigeria.

Looking Ahead

Once completed, the BUA refinery will become one of West Africa’s largest privately-owned refineries, adding healthy competition to the market and supporting Nigeria’s long-awaited shift toward full downstream independence.

“Nigeria should not be importing fuel when we have crude oil.”
— Abdul Samad Rabiu

The journey continues — and the results could reshape the nation’s economic future.

Peter Obi’s Claims On Neglect Of Ports Outside Lagos Is Incorrect’ – Ministry Of Marine

The Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has described the claims of the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, that the federal government is neglecting ports outside Lagos as incorrect and misleading.

Peter Obi recently criticised the Federal Government’s approval of US$1 billion for the modernisation of the Apapa and TinCan Island seaports in Lagos.

The former Governor of Anambra State urged the Federal Government to extend port development to other parts of the country.

In a post on his 𝕏 handle, Peter Obi condemned the excessive investment in Lagos’s infrastructure.

He lamented that such actions are carried out at the expense of other strategic ports such as Warri, Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Onne.

In response, the spokesperson to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, Bolaji Akinola, in a statement on Wednesday, said the ministry welcomes constructive criticisms but argued that Peter Obi’s comments were misleading.

Akinola stated that the government is committed to modernising ports nationwide, stressing that the ministry has begun procurement for the upgrade of ports in Warri, Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Onne, alongside the ongoing modernisation of Apapa and TinCan Island ports.

The statement read, “The Federal Government is collaborating with state governments and private investors on new deep seaports in Bayelsa (Agge), Akwa Ibom (Ibom), Rivers (Bonny), and Cross River states.

EFCC Arrests Akwa Ibom School Owner over ₦3 million Alleged Visa and Scholarship Scam.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Uyo Zonal Directorate, has arrested Mrs. Imaobong Cyril Okpong, owner of Michael Udonquak Schools, Mbierebe, Akwa Ibom State, for allegedly running multiple visa and foreign scholarship scams.

According to the EFCC, Okpong’s arrest followed a petition by Dr. (Mrs.) Blessing Nse Bassey, who accused her of defrauded her of ₦3 million under the pretext of securing university admission and processing Canadian visas for her and her husband.

Bassey said the suspect approached her in February 2024 with an offer to help secure a foreign scholarship. She stated that she only made payment after Okpong signed a notarized indemnity agreement, after which she transferred ₦3 million to the suspect’s First Bank account.

However, after receiving the money, Okpong allegedly became unreachable and began rejecting calls, failing to fulfill her promises despite the signed agreement.

Bassey further alleged that Okpong had defrauded several other victims. “I met one of her victims in China who got stranded when she discovered there was no scholarship. Some of her victims travelled abroad with fake documents and were either stranded or deported, losing huge sums of money,” she said.

The EFCC confirmed that the suspect would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.

Nollywood Star Eve Esin Set to Marry Ghanaian Heartthrob in Uyo — Bridal Shower Lights Up Akwa Ibom!

Love is in the air for Nollywood actress Eve Esin, who is tying the knot with her Ghanaian fiancé today, October 18, in a colorful traditional wedding ceremony taking place in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Ahead of her big day, the beautiful actress was surprised with a glamorous bridal shower organized by her close friends and colleagues in the entertainment industry.

The star-studded event was attended by Nollywood favorites including Nuella Njubigbo, Empress Njamah, and Anita Joseph, who all traveled to Uyo to celebrate their dear friend as she begins her new chapter in love.

Videos from the event, shared on Linda Ikeji’s Blog, captured heartwarming moments filled with laughter, music, and joy as the bride-to-be radiated pure happiness surrounded by her loved ones.

Fans have since flooded social media with congratulatory messages, celebrating Eve Esin’s union and wishing her a blissful marriage.

Police, NBA to review Tinted permit policy.

The Nigerian Bar Association’s Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL) and the Nigeria Police Force have reached an agreement to review the policy on tinted permits.

Prof. Paul Ananaba, Chairman of the NBA-SPIDEL, made this known in Ikeja on Thursday during an interactive session organized as part of the build-up to the NBA-SPIDEL Annual Conference in Akwa Ibom.

Ananaba, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, stated that the review aims to ensure the policy aligns with public interest and national security goals.

The senior lawyer explained that the decision came after several weeks of discussions between both parties, following public complaints about the harassment of motorists with partially tinted vehicle windows.

He noted that the association stepped in following numerous reports of arbitrary arrests and vehicle impoundments by police officers enforcing the tinted permit policy.

“Following our discussions with senior police officers, we agreed that enforcement of the tinted permit should be suspended, while a joint review committee is constituted.

“SPIDEL’s engagement with the police is not confrontational but aimed at promoting accountability and justice in public administration.

“The committee, comprising representatives of NBA-SPIDEL and the Nigeria Police, will examine the legal and security implications of the policy and recommend new modalities for its regulation,” Ananaba said.