News
Peter Obi disowns merger talks with PDP, Kwankwaso
Four days after New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) leader Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso repudiated the proposed opposition alliance talks, his Labour Party (LP) counterpart, Peter Obi, has disowned the plan.
Obi, former Anambra State governor, said there is no merger deal yet with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the NNPP or any other party.
He told reporters in Abuja that no agreement had been established with other parties on collaboration ahead of 2027.
However, Obi urged Nigerians to come together in 2027 and defeat the All Progressives Congress (APC), which he accused of mismanaging the country’s resources.
Obi described the security situation as unfortunate, saying that many Nigerians are losing their lives to banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping-for-ransom.
He said corruption and the cost of governance are high, leading to an astronomical increase in public debt under the Tinubu Administration.
Obi alleged that government officials mismanaged public funds in 2024 through incessant foreign travels.
However, the APC rejected the allegations, saying that they were unfounded.
The ruling party said the former LP presidential candidate is still nursing bitterness over his defeat in the 2023 poll.
Obi also said the country’s electoral processes are visibly flawed, lacking transparency and credibility.
He said the electoral processes fell below acceptable standards, adding that people’s votes no longer count.
Obi said the single most challenging test for the President is ensuring that future elections are credible and truly reflect the will of the people.
Obi said: “We hold periodic elections that are no longer genuine. Our electoral processes are visibly flawed, lacking transparency and credibility.
“Although Nigeria is a democratic country, the electoral processes fall far below acceptable standards, with the people’s votes often not counting.”
“All future borrowing must be tied to regenerative investments and visible, productive assets that benefit the nation.
“This will ensure both productivity and the ability to service and amortise such loans, rather than continuing the current practice of accumulating massive debt with no tangible returns, which places undue strain on future development revenue.
“Furthermore, it is time for you to visit our national hospitals. Consider, for example, that your next medical examination be conducted at one of our national hospitals or regional federal medical centres, such as the FMC in Sokoto or Birnin Kebbi or Calabar or Umuahia or Akure, among others.
“This will allow you to assess the state of healthcare facilities available to Nigerians. It will also help you understand the condition of our hospitals and clinics, enabling you to make informed decisions on how to upgrade and make them efficient.
Endeavour to travel by road to observe the condition of most highways.
“You can take short trips, for example, from Calabar in Cross River State to Uyo in Akwa Ibom State – a distance of less than 100 km, or from Benin in Edo State to Warri in Delta State.
“I recall taking President Olusegun Obasanjo on a trip from Awka to Onitsha on a federal highway when I was the governor of Anambra State.
“That journey prompted him to immediately approve the reconstruction of parts of the road by the Anambra State government, with subsequent reimbursement by the Federal Government. Such actions are immensely valuable.
“Make both impromptu and planned visits to our tertiary institutions, where our children and future leaders are being trained. It is essential to familiarise yourself with the available infrastructure, facilities, and amenities.
“These visits will provide valuable insight into whether the resources of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) are being utilised optimally and what is needed to sustain the education system.
“Mr. President, many Nigerians are ‘refugees’ and ‘exiles’ in their own country.
“Visit various IDP camps and assure these Nigerians that they will soon return to their communities and that you are working hard to restore peace and normalcy to the country. Nigeria is not a war-torn nation.
”To motivate the soldiers fighting terror, Obi said: “As Commander-in-Chief, visit our military formations and security agencies, especially during their field operations, and provide them with morale-boosting assurances and support for operational efficiency.
News
NAFDAC : Fake Cowbell Milk in circulation
Risks include foodborne illnesses, allergic reactions, and organ damage, and in severe cases, death.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) advises Nigerians to be vigilant and avoid purchasing counterfeit 12g Cowbell “Our Milk” sachets circulating across the country.
In a statement issued on Friday, the agency explained that the counterfeit product imitates the discontinued Cowbell “Our Milk” packaging, which Promasidor Nigeria Ltd stopped producing in September 2023.
The legitimate product was replaced with Cowbell “Our Creamy Goodness.”
The fake sachets unlawfully bear the Cowbell brand name, NAFDAC registration number and packaging design, despite not being manufactured or distributed by Promasidor.
The counterfeit products currently in circulation are imitations of the discontinued ‘Our Milk’ packaging and are not manufactured or distributed by Promasidor,” the agency stated.
“They bear unauthorised use of the brand name, NAFDAC Registration Number, and packaging design.”
The regulator raised concerns over the health risks posed by the counterfeit product.
“Risk Statement: Consumption of counterfeit milk poses serious health hazards, including exposure to toxic chemicals, unapproved additives, or diluted ingredients.
Risks include foodborne illnesses, allergic reactions, and organ damage, and in severe cases, death.
Infants, children, pregnant women, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable,” NAFDAC warned.
News
Japan designates the city of Kisarazu for Nigerians to live and work
Through this arrangement, we aim to strengthen exchanges and create a foundation for manpower development that will contribute to economic growth in both Japan and Nigeria,” said Mrs. Florence Akinyemi Adeseke, Nigeria’s Charge d’Affaires and Acting Ambassador to Japan.
The Japanese government has designated the city of Kisarazu as the official “hometown” for Nigerians seeking to live and work in Japan
Japan also unveiled similar hometown designations for Tanzania, Ghana, and Mozambique in Nagai, Sanjo, and Imabari, respectively.
The announcement was made on the sidelines of the 9th Tokyo International Conference for African Development (TICAD9), a move aimed at deepening cultural diplomacy, promoting economic growth, and enhancing workforce productivity.
Under the new arrangement, the Japanese government will introduce a special visa category for highly skilled, innovative, and talented Nigerian youth. Artisans and other blue-collar workers willing to upskill will also be eligible to live and work in Kisarazu under the special visa dispensation.
“Through this arrangement, we aim to strengthen exchanges and create a foundation for manpower development that will contribute to economic growth in both Japan and Nigeria,” said Mrs. Florence Akinyemi Adeseke, Nigeria’s Charge d’Affaires and Acting Ambassador to Japan.
The designation of Kisarazu builds on historical ties between Nigeria and the city.
The Nigerian Olympic contingent trained in Kisarazu during preparations for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where athletes acclimatised before moving to the Olympic Village.
Mayor Yoshikuni Watanabe of Kisarazu, who received the certificate from the Japanese government alongside Mrs. Adeseke, expressed optimism that the initiative would boost the city’s population and contribute to regional revitalisation efforts.
The three tiers of government—federal, state, and local—shared a total of N2.001 trillion from the Federation Account as revenue for the month of July 2025, according to the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).
The allocation was made during the FAAC meeting held in August 2025 in Abuja, with details released in an official communiqué.
The distributable revenue included:
- N1.282 trillion in statutory revenue
- N640.610 billion from Value Added Tax (VAT)
- N37.601 billion from Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL)
- N39.745 billion from exchange rate difference
Out of the total distributed funds:
- The Federal Government received N735.081 billion
- State Governments received N660.349 billion
- Local Government Councils received N485.039 billion
- N120.359 billion was shared to oil-producing states as 13% derivation revenue
Revenue Breakdown:
Statutory Revenue (N1.282 trillion):
- FG: N613.805 billion
- States: N311.330 billion
- LGs: N240.023 billion
- 13% Derivation: N117.714 billion
VAT (N640.610 billion):
- FG: N96.092 billion
- States: N320.305 billion
- LGs: N224.214 billion
EMTL (N37.601 billion):
- FG: N5.640 billion
- States: N18.801 billion
- LGs: N13.160 billion
Exchange Gains (N39.745 billion):
- FG: N19.544 billion
- States: N9.913 billion
- LGs: N7.643 billion
- 13% Derivation: N2.643 billion
The total gross revenue for July was N3.836 trillion, down from N3.485 trillion in June. Cost of collection deductions amounted to N152.681 billion, while N1.683 trillion was allocated for transfers, refunds, savings, and interventions.
FAAC noted improved collections from Petroleum Profit Tax, Oil and Gas Royalties, EMTL, and Excise Duties, while Companies Income Tax and CET Levies declined slightly. VAT and Import Duties saw marginal growth.
The committee reiterated its commitment to ensuring transparency in the allocation of national revenues across all levels of government.
NAFDAC : Fake Cowbell Milk in circulation
Japan designates the city of Kisarazu for Nigerians to live and work
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