On 28th, January, 2026, The Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) Dr, Adebowale briefed auto assemblers on the Nigeria First Policy, aimed at driving economic growth through preferential procurement practices. This directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu tasks BPP with overseeing the policy’s implementation. The automotive sector is among seven priority sectors selected for the policy’s rollout.
The DG BPP called for strong collaboration between government and private sectors to ensure the policy implementation. He emphasized that adherence to the Nigeria First Policy is expected from industry players, stating, “If any assembler is not ready for the Nigeria First Policy, then it should leave the auto business,” underscoring the government’s commitment to promoting local industry participation.
NADDC Director-General, Otunba Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, expressed gratitude to stakeholders and highlighted discussions with the DG BPP on ensuring the policy’s success. He noted key expectations from the government, including minimum quality standards for vehicles, after-sales support, and local component integration.
Osanipin emphasized the need for assemblers to address dealership structures, local content, and maintaining standards to support the policy’s success, encouraging stakeholders to contribute to its implementation.
The policy aims to boost local manufacturing, create jobs, and stimulate economic development.
The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) on 27th January, 2026 has received accolades from Nigerian youths, led by Hon. Dr.Titilope Gbadamosi, Special Assistant to the President on Youth Initiatives, for its impactful efforts in youth development.
The recognition came during a gathering of young Nigerians who benefited from NADDC’s training programs, including a significant initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) retrofitting systems.
In her remarks, Dr. Gbadamosi praised NADDC’s commitment to equipping young Nigerians with skills that align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reform priorities. She highlighted the Council’s role in training technicians and youths in CNG retrofitting, supporting the President’s target of converting 100,000 vehicles from PMS to CNG. “Your efforts have changed many lives, showing that Nigerian youths are willing and capable,” she said.
Dr. Gbadamosi also announced plans for closer collaboration between NADDC and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), with the NYSC Director-General expressing interest in integrating CNG retrofitting skills into the Corps’ Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) program.
NADDC Director-General, Otunba Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, expressed gratitude for the recognition and reaffirmed the Council’s dedication to empowering Nigerian youths with skills for a sustainable future. “There is much we can do together, and we want to share more about the opportunities available in the ecosystem. We look forward to further collaboration, especially with youths already in the automobile and automotive sector,” he said.
The event underscored NADDC’s pivotal role in driving youth empowerment and sustainable development in Nigeria’s automotive industry.
Amb. (Chief) Hassiat Ozavize, Recipient of Award of Excellence COMIND International Women’s Day Summit
The Special Adviser to the Kogi State Governor on Strategic Investment and Liaison with Federal Agencies, Amb. Chief Hassiat Suleiman has been awarded by Concerned Mothers in the Niger-Delta and Nigeria, COMIND, in recognition of her outstanding achievements and professional distinction.
The event which was held at the Maryam Babangida Centre for Women Development, Abuja is an Annual Summit, traditionally held in commemoration of International Women’s Day to celebrate women who have demonstrated excellence, leadership, and commitment to community service.
According to the organization, Hajia Hassiat’s nomination reflects her dedication to values that align strongly with COMIND’s core principles of servitude and excellence.
In her remarks, the distinguished award recipient commended the organisation for the event and appreciated the honor bestowed on her, hailing it a call to service, one which she promised to heed by extending her efforts beyond her state of Kogi and it’s environs, but to all parts of the country.
Speaking further, she offered motivation to youth and women alike – from married to single. Drawing anecdotes from her personal life experience and journey, she enjoined them to remain contributing members of their respective household and society. Amb. Hassiat urged attendees to be steadfast and hardworking; to remain prayerful and focused in order to achieve greater heights.
In a statement to the press, Amb. Hassiat extolled the organization, especially the Founder and National President, Dr. Veronica Ogosi, for the honor and recognition. She stated that being appreciated for one’s life’s journey, despite the ups and downs, is a reward in itself.
Amb. Hassiat’s contributions continue to inspire women and young professionals all the way from Kogi, across the Niger-Delta, and beyond, as the award highlights her role as a model of professionalism and service.
NDPC Investigates Temu for Alleged Violation of Data Protection Act. The NDPC National Commissioner/CEO, Dr Vincent Olatunji has ordered an immediate investigation of the data processing activities of Temu which may be in violation of the NDP Act.
The investigation of Temu was triggered by concerns around online surveillance through personal data processing, accountability, data minimisation requirement, transparency, duty of care and cross-border data transfer. Preliminary investigations indicate that Temu is an e-commerce platform which processes personal information of approximately 12.7 million data subjects in Nigeria with 70 million daily active users globally.
The National Commissioner warned that processors who engage in processing activities on behalf of data controllers without verifying their compliance with the NDP Act may be liable under the NDP Act.
The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, Shehu Mohammed mni has stated that all operational and educational tools have been put in place to ensure safety of road users during the Valentine celebrations, as he warns celebrants and other road users, to desist from indulging in drunk driving, avoid excessive speed, and resist the temptation to drive recklessly so as to mitigate all incidences of road traffic crashes during the celebration.
The Corps Marshal, who ordered the deployment of the operational and educational tools also directed Commanding Officers across board to double their efforts by ensuring massive deployment of Officers and Men for enhanced visibility, adequate traffic control, and maximum enforcement of all traffic regulations.
He also directed that the operatives deployed should go all out with breathalysers, and radar guns to ensure that suspected drunk drivers are tested and stopped from continuing their trips so as to avoid unnecessary deaths, injuries and damage to properties.
Speaking on the relevance of the celebration, the Corps Marshal stated that Valentine celebration is a day set aside all over the world to celebrate love, exchange gifts, and show that we care for one another, in memory of Saint Valentine who exemplified love while he lived. As such, motorists who wish to celebrate must be exemplary by complying with all road traffic regulations, because the Corps will not spare any driver caught violating established laws.
He urged motorists to leverage the 122 toll free line of the FRSC to call for emergency intervention in case of any crash, obstruction or when reckless driving is sighted, for appropriate actions.
While reminding all celebrants to celebrate in strict compliance with all safety guidelines, the Corps Marshal called on all road users to cooperate with FRSC operatives deployed to ensure the safety of lives and properties because their presence on the road is for the good of all.
He further implored Parents and Guardians to admonish their Wards to be of good conduct while celebrating as records show that youths are more vulnerable during this season.
Signed:
Olusegun Ogungbemide, mni, FISPON, anipr Assistant Corps Marshal Corps Public Education Officer FRSC Headquarters, Abuja cpeo@frsc.gov.ng info@frsc.gov.ng
The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Shehu Mohammed mni has formally declared 2026 as a year of renewed commitment, professionalism and improved service delivery, while addressing Officers and Marshals during his first parade of the year.
Speaking at the parade, the Corps Marshal reaffirmed that discipline, unity, professionalism and commitment to service remain the foundation and identity of FRSC. He stressed that every Officer on patrol represents the image of the Corps and remains under constant public scrutiny, warning that any decline in discipline, civility or professionalism will no longer be tolerated.
He described patrol teams as frontline ambassadors of the Corps and charged them to remain courteous, professional and firmly guided by the FRSC core values of transparency, fairness, timeliness and service orientation in the discharge of their duties.
The Corps Marshal further disclosed that the 2026 Corporate Strategic Goals of the Corps have been approved and released, directing all formations nationwide to align their activities with the goals through clear strategic initiatives, actionable plans and performance driven job binders.
Addressing security concerns, he urged all personnel to remain security conscious, vigilant and aware of their environment at all times, both on and off duty, in view of prevailing challenges such as kidnapping, robbery and banditry. He emphasised the importance of prevention over reaction in ensuring personal and collective safety.
On staff welfare and wellbeing, the Corps Marshal encouraged Officers and Marshals to take their health seriously by regularly checking their health status and subscribing to available health plans, noting that good health remains critical to effective service delivery.
Declaring management’s focus areas for 2026, he outlined priorities including smarter operations for better service delivery, faster response to crash scenes and emergencies, improved supervision and public engagement, zero tolerance for corruption and misconduct, welfare support, and assurances of protection for disciplined and committed personnel.
He also announced sustained welfare interventions for the year, including continuous capacity building and training, promotion exercises guided strictly by merit and discipline, increased approval for further studies, timely promotions, renovation of field command accommodations, prompt payment of salaries and allowances, improved deployment practices, enhanced medical care access, strengthened cooperative schemes, and intensified efforts to ensure prompt settlement of insurance claims.
The Corps Marshal issued a strong warning against all forms of misconduct, including extortion, abuse of authority, incivility to the motoring public and other acts capable of tarnishing the image of the Corps. He called on Commanding Officers at all levels to mentor subordinates, supervise effectively and lead by example.
He concluded by encouraging all Officers and Marshals to remain hopeful, focused and innovative, expressing confidence that 2026 would be a landmark year for the Federal Road Safety Corps and its personnel.
Signed:
Olusegun Ogungbemide mni FISPON anipr Assistant Corps Marshal Corps Public Education Officer Federal Road Safety Corps Headquarters, Abuja cpeo@frsc.gov.ng info@frsc.gov.ng
Inner Wheel Club District 910 Nigeria has officially joined the global “Orange the World” campaign a 16-day international movement calling for the elimination of gender-based violence. The campaign kicked off today, November 25th, at Hotel De Horizon, Abuja, with a press conference led by District Chairman, Inner Wheel Member Felicia Agbonhese.
Addressing members of the press, partners, and civil society, IWM Agbonhese reaffirmed Inner Wheel’s commitment to ending all forms of gender-based violence including physical, emotional, digital, sexual, and economic abuse.
She reminded the audience that Inner Wheel, one of the largest women-led service organisations in the world with over 120,000 members, has remained a strong voice in advocacy, empowerment, and community action for over 100 years.
This year, District 910 joins the global campaign coordinated by UN Women, observed annually from November 25th to December 10th. The district’s nine clubs will carry out various outreach programmes over the 16 days, focusing on awareness, prevention, and support for survivors.
During the briefing, the chairman highlighted key statistics underscoring the urgency of the campaign:
About 30% of Nigerian women aged 15–49 have experienced physical or sexual violence.
8% have experienced sexual violence by someone other than a partner.
Gender-based violence is estimated to cost nations up to 3.7% of GDP due to its economic and social impact.
She emphasized that many cases still go unreported due to stigma, fear, and lack of awareness a silence Inner Wheel aims to break.
COLLABORATION: Inner Wheel District 910 also announced ongoing collaborations with UN Women, the National Human Rights Commission, FIDA, schools, community groups, and the media. The organisation says partnership is critical for strengthening support systems, educating communities, and challenging harmful norms.
According to IWM Agbonhese: “Ending gender-based violence is a shared responsibility. No society can progress while its people live in fear or silence. Today, as we Orange the World, we reaffirm our dedication to service, friendship, and international understanding.”
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS: The 16-day activities across the district include:
Press briefing and media sensitisation
Community outreach in Garki Village and empowerment for 100 women
Awareness programs in secondary schools across Abuja
Market and motor park sensitisation in Bida
A solidarity walk with the National Human Rights Commission
Anti-cyberbullying sessions for students
Inner Wheel District 910 calls on government, institutions, men, women, and young people to speak up, support survivors, and create safer homes and communities.
The House of Representatives member for Ajaokuta Local Government, Barr. Abdulraheem Sani Egidi, was today named Patron of the Ododo Vanguard for Tinubu 2027. The appointment was formalised in a ceremony held in Abuja, where Hon. Taiye Abanika, Kogi State Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development and National Coordinator, Ododo Vanguard for Tinubu 2027, presented Egidi with his certificate as Patron.
In his acceptance remarks, Egidi expressed gratitude to the Vanguard’s leadership and members, stating that he was “honoured to be associated with a group that is committed to the democratic aspirations of our nation.” He pledged to collaborate closely with both the national and state committees of the Vanguard to advance the re‑election bids of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and APC Governor’s in the 2027 polls.
The Ododo Vanguard for Tinubu 2027 is a political support group initiated by Hayishat Abanika Care Foundation that campaigns for the incumbent president’s second term and the governor’s re‑election. Egidi’s appointment is seen as a boost to the group’s efforts to mobilise support across Kogi State and the wider Nigerian political landscape.
In a bid to rewrite the narrative of golf reporting in Nigeria and spotlight a sport that has long remained under-reported, the Lady Professional Golfers Association of Nigeria (LPGAN) hosted the 1st Annual Golf Reporting Skills Training, the first of its kind in the country.
The two-day programme brought together a unique blend of stakeholders: professional golfers, amateur and hobby players, young aspiring golfers, and journalists from broadcast, print, and radio platforms. With a goal to equip sports reporters with the knowledge, vocabulary, and confidence to accurately and compellingly report golf, the association aims to raise awareness of golf in the Nigerian sports ecosystem.
Despite the sport’s rapid growth, success stories, and a rising number of Nigerian golf professionals making waves across the world, golf coverage in Nigeria remains sparse. Football, athletics, and basketball dominate the headlines, leaving golf – particularly women’s golf – on the fringes of media reportage. LPGAN believes this training could be the game-changer.
Dr. Elijah Ogbuokiri
“A Forward-Thinking Initiative”
Declaring the programme open, Dr. Elijah Ogbuokiri, President of the Chartered Institute of Development Studies and Administration of Nigeria, commended LPGAN for its vision and proactive drive. He described the training as an initiative that will set a new benchmark for sports journalism in Nigeria.
Dr. Ogbuokiri reiterated the importance of the programme’s objectives and expressed optimism that LPGAN would continue to grow in leaps and bounds.
Bridging the Visibility Gap in Golf
Delivering her remarks, Lady Pro Uloma Mbuko, CEO of LPGAN, spoke passionately about the association’s mission, not only to advance women’s golf but to empower women and girls through the sport, promote golfing careers among children, and project Nigeria as a contender in the global golf space.
According to her, while golf is a multi-billion-dollar industry worldwide with opportunities in branding, merchandising, tourism, investment, and professional sports, Nigerian golfers rarely enjoy visibility or recognition.
>“We realised the missing link was media representation,” she noted. “Golf lacks adequate reportage in Nigeria. Many Nigerians play professionally internationally, yet little is heard about them back home. We want to change that.”
Lady Pro Mbuko explained that the first step toward this change is capacity-building for sports journalists, ensuring they understand the game, use proper golf terminology, analyse gameplay correctly, and tell compelling golf stories that capture public interest.
Lady Pro Uloma Mbuko
Lady Pro Uloma Mbuko’s journey in golf is as inspiring as it is unconventional. Having taken up the sport at the age of 30, she has since become one of Nigeria’s most accomplished female golfers. A certified Golf Professional with the PGA of South Africa and an A-Class Golf Teaching Professional, she has represented Nigeria on the national team in 2004 and 2009. Widely regarded as Nigeria’s Best Female Player since 2004 and the Best West African Female Player since 2009, Mbuko is also the pioneer behind the establishment of the Lady Professional Golfers Association of Nigeria (LPGAN).
Goodwill Messages: Commendations and Hope
Delivering goodwill messages, top women golfers and respected administrators applauded LPGAN’s foresight.
Dame Julie Donli, representing the LPGAN Board of Trustees, lauded the CEO for what she described as an “impactful, necessary and long-overdue intervention.” As a golfer and Lady Captain at IBB Golf Club, she emphasised the importance of accurate media reporting in shaping perceptions and urged that the initiative become an annual tradition.
Similarly, Dr. Lami Ahmed, a past Lady Captain and incoming President of IBB Golf Club, praised LPGAN for pioneering the training. She expressed particular joy at the presence of young aspiring golfers, noting the importance of catching talents early and encouraging youth participation in a sport that builds discipline, confidence, and global exposure.
Training Highlights: From Classroom to the Course
The training featured seasoned facilitators, including pro golfers, sports journalists, etiquette instructors, and communication experts who took participants through; The basics and terminologies of golf; Golf rules and regulations; Storytelling in sports journalism; Understanding golf etiquette and dress code. Professional communication and reporting techniques.
The second day moved from theory to practice as participants hit a mini-course for hands-on experience. Journalists were paired with golfers to play, observe, and report on the game, culminating in a friendly competition. The winning team went home with awards, while all participants received certificates, marking the start of a new wave of skillful golf reporting in Nigeria.
A New Dawn for Golf Journalism
The LPGAN’s groundbreaking initiative could signal a paradigm shift in how golf – especially women’s golf, is perceived and reported in Nigeria. If sustained, experts believe it will improve public engagement, attract sponsorships, give women golfers long-overdue visibility, and inspire more children to take interest in the sport. With this maiden edition successfully concluded, hopes are high that the annual training will become a stable feature in Nigeria’s sports calendar, ushering in a new generation of informed golf storytellers and elevating golf to its rightful place in national sports discourse.
In a strategic move to strengthen Nigeria’s automotive ecosystem and create a more enabling environment for local assemblers, the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) led the House Committee on Industry on an oversight visit to key automotive assembly plants in Lagos State on October 14, 2025.
The visit underscores ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to support industrial growth through improved policy frameworks, infrastructure development and stronger partnerships with private sector players in the automotive value chain.
The Director-General of NADDC, Chief (Otunba) Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, accompanied by the Chairman of the House Committee on Industry, Hon. (Dr.) Enitan Dolapo Badru and other distinguished committee members, visited CIG Motors, DAG Bajaj, and Simba Group (TVS) on day one of their visit. These three leading automotive assemblers contributing significantly to local vehicle production and mobility development in Nigeria.
During the tour, the delegation inspected assembly lines for motorcycles, tricycles and modern vehicles, gaining firsthand insights into local production processes and the challenges faced by assemblers. Key discussions centered on job creation, local component manufacturing, skills development and the role of natural resources in deepening Nigeria’s automotive production capacity.
Speaking during the visit, the NADDC Director-General emphasized the Council’s commitment to bridging gaps within the sector by fostering policies that promote technology transfer, local innovation and sustainable manufacturing practices. He also reiterated the Council’s ongoing collaborations with investors to enhance local content development and ensure the sector aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Hon. (Dr.) Enitan Dolapo Badru commended the progress made by NADDC and expressed the Committee’s resolve to provide the necessary legislative support to ensure that local assemblers thrive in a competitive and globally evolving industry.
The Lagos oversight visit marks Day One of the Committee’s engagement with industry stakeholders, aimed at strengthening accountability, identifying growth bottlenecks and accelerating the realization of Nigeria’s automotive industrialization goals.
