Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State has sympathized with his Akwa Ibom State counterpart, Pastor Umo Eno over the death of his wife, Patience.

Fintiri on Friday morning took to his official X account to pay tribute to the late First Lady of Akwa Ibom State.

“On behalf of the government and people of Adamawa State, I extend my heartfelt condolences to my brother, His Excellency Governor Pastor Umo Eno, the entire family and the great people of Akwa Ibom State on the passing of Her Excellency, Pastor Mrs Patience Umo Eno,” Fintiri wrote.

“In this moment of profound loss, we stand with you in prayers and solidarity. May the Almighty grant you the strength and grace to bear this painful loss and may her soul find eternal rest. Be assured, my brother of our unwavering support as always.”

The Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) also extended their condolences to Governor Eno in a post shared on their official X account.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of the Wife of the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Her Excellency, Pastor Mrs. Patience Umo Eno, a woman of grace and service,” NGF wrote.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Governor Bassey Umo Eno, his family and the people of Akwa Ibom during this difficult time. May her soul rest in peace.”

Politician, Ada Anambra wrote: “Our prayers and heartfelt condolences are with Akwa Ibom State and His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno over the loss of Her Excellency, Pastor Mrs. Patience Umo Eno.

“May her soul rest in eternal peace, and may the Lord provide comfort to the entire family during this difficult time. It is well.”

Ibom Weddings posted on X: “Our heartfelt condolences go out to His Excellency, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, on the passing of his dear wife.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

“May her soul rest in perfect peace, and may you find strength in the cherished memories you shared together. RIP, Her Excellency, Pastor Mrs. Patience Umo Eno.”

Her death was announced in a statement released by the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information, Comrade Ini Ememobong,

According to Ememobong, she died peacefully at the hospital on Thursday, September 26, 2024, in the presence of her family.

“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of the Wife of the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Her Excellency, Pastor Mrs. Patience Umo Eno, following an illness,” he said.

“The family submits to the will of the Almighty and asks for the prayers and support of kind-hearted individuals during this difficult time.

“Further details will be provided by the family as necessary. In the meantime, the family kindly requests privacy as they mourn their beloved wife, mother and grandmother.”

The commissioner said the governor appreciates all who have stood by the first family in this trying period.

Eno has also assured all Akwa Ibomites that despite this huge personal loss, his commitment to the service of the state is unwavering.

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar has said that Nigeria is committed to the disarmament of nuclear weapons.

Abubakar said this on Thursday while addressing the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 79) at the UN Conference Rooms, New York, United States (US).

He spoke on the topic: Nuclear Disarmament and Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

“I, hereby, emphasize Nigeria’s dedication to nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. We all know that nuclear weapons represent a significant threat that cannot be justified,” he said.

“Since its first engagement in Congo in 1960, Nigeria has contributed to International Peace and Security in terms of troops, finance, logistics, and civilian experts to various African countries, including Guinea Bissau, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Mali, and Côte d’Ivoire.

“Nigeria has played a key role in regional security in West Africa and the Sahel. I, therefore, urge the United Nations Security Council to give just representation to Africa on a permanent basis.

“We cannot downplay it’s importance in deepening peace and building trust. There is also the need for comprehensive strategies to prevent and address emerging security threats.

“That is by curbing illegal financial flows which will help in preventing kidnapping, banditry and stemming illicit arms and light weapons flow to Africa.”

The minister also attended a high-level meeting of launch the friends of Fissile Materials Cut-off Treaty (FMCT).

The meeting was hosted by Japan’s Prime Minister, Kishida on Mondday, September 23, 2024 during the UNGA 79.

Abubakar along with DG NIA and other top Nigerian dignitaries also attended the Summit of the Future in New York, USA on Sunday, September 22.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday said contrary to claims made by the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, Nigeria did not lose $49.8 billion during his administration.

The ex-President stated this in Abuja at the launch of a book titled “Public Policy and Agent Interests: Perspectives from The Emerging World”, which was edited by former Minister of Finance, Shamsuddeen Usman.

“The Financial Reporting Council queries the expenditure of CBN because it is the Financial Reporting Council that has the powers to audit the CBN, it is not the Auditor General of the Federation.

“There were serious infractions that need to be looked at, that was the reason. Somehow, the time was short. So before we finished, his tenure elapsed, probably he would have been called back,” Jonathan said.

Sanusi served as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor between 2009 and 2014, a period that coincided with Jonathan’s time as the President.

In 2014, the then-CBN governor alleged that Nigeria had lost $49.8bn under Jonathan’s administration.

The claim attracted wide criticism and the government later set up a committee to probe the allegation.

Sanusi was asked to proceed on an indefinite leave of absence, with Godwin Emefiele appointed in his place. He went on to become the Emir of Kano, dethroned in 2020 and was reinstated a few months ago.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced the sale of $20,000 to each of the eligible Bureau De Change (BDC) operators in the country at the rate of N1,590/$.

In a circular to all Bureau De Change operators dated September 25, 2024, the apex bank said the forex would provide “additional liquidity to this segment of the foreign exchange market”.

The circular was signed by CBN’s Acting Director of Trade and Exchange Department, W.J. Kanya.

Kanya said, “To this end, the CBN has approved the sale of $20,000 to each eligible BDC at the rate of N1,590/$. This is to meet the demand for invisible transactions.

“All BDCs are allowed to sell to eligible end-users at a margin of not more than one percent above the purchase rate from CBN.

“Eligible BDCs interested in this transaction are directed to make the naira payment to the CBN deposit account numbers with them.

“Also, payment confirmation and all necessary documentation for disbursement are to be submitted at the appropriate CBN branches in Abuja, Akwa, Kano and Lagos for collection of the $20,000.”

The Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, the Chairperson of the Nigerian National Advisory Board for Impact Investing, Ibukun Awosika and some other stakeholders want obstacles removed in women’s financing.

Kennedy-Ohanenye, Awosika and other stakeholders to this end have all issued a rallying call, asking for the dismantling of the barriers that stop women-led businesses from accessing the much-needed capital.

They made this call on Wednesday at the second Gender Impact Investment Summit, an event that was organised by the Impact Investors Foundation in Lagos State.

“Improving access to capital and finance for women-led businesses has been made a high-impact deliverable for our ministry,” Special Adviser, Fatima Abdullah said on behalf of Minister, Kennedy-Ohanenye.

“This is not just another directive, it is a transformative step that underscores this administration’s commitment to level the playing field for women entrepreneurs.

“We are working hard for women to access capital, which will in turn drive economic growth. I urge all of you to seize this moment to work together to dismantle barriers that limit women’s access to finance and investment.”

Awosika who is the Vice Chair of Global Starting Group for Impact Investment said in her address that women’s ability to contribute to the nation’s economic development on a sustainable basis had witnessed vast improvement through impact investing.

The Chairman of Impact Investors Foundation, Engr. Afolabi Oladele also spoke, urging investors to bridge the financing gap.

Oladele further called on investors to help in the area of fuel inclusive enterprises and support entrepreneurs to create thriving businesses that could contribute to economic development in Nigeria.

“Let us transform our promise into progress, and our aspirations into tangible outcomes. Together, let us bridge the financing gap, fuel inclusive enterprises, and create a Nigeria where entrepreneurs can flourish and contribute meaningfully to our nation’s economic development,” he said.

Team Lagos shone brightly at the recently concluded National Youth Games, tagged Asaba 2024, finishing with an impressive haul of 26 gold, 20 silver, and 19 bronze medals.

This outstanding performance highlights the state’s dedication to identifying and nurturing young talent, showcasing their potential to excel on both national and international stages.

The success of Team Lagos reflects the ongoing commitment of Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, whose administration has prioritized sports development.

Under his leadership, substantial investments in sporting infrastructure and grassroots initiatives have not only fostered talent identification and development but also ushered in a new era of sporting excellence.

Governor Sanwo-Olu’s vision of transforming Lagos into Africa’s sports hub is evident through the numerous opportunities being created for athletes and sports administrators to achieve recognition at all levels.

Team Lagos’ second-place finish overall, just behind host state Delta, underscores the state’s remarkable progress.

At the closing ceremony, the Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), Lekan Fatodu, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to sports and talent development.

He praised Team Lagos for surpassing their previous record at the National Youth Games, improving from their 21 gold, 19 silver, and 21 bronze medal tally from the last edition.

Fatodu emphasized that Lagos State, with its stellar performance at this year’s event, especially in grassroots and talent development, is one to watch in future championships.

He expressed pride in Lagos’ dominance in the U-15 category, which the NYG focuses on, particularly highlighting the state’s future prospects in sports.

Team Lagos delivered several standout performances during the Games, including a hard-fought 10-8 victory over hosts Delta in the basketball final, demonstrating the dominance of Lagos’ female basketball team.

In boxing, Lagos swept all four available gold medals, further cementing their prowess.

In hockey, a crucial goal from Olaitan Muinat secured a gold medal for Lagos against Kaduna in the final, capping off an undefeated run.

Lagos also triumphed in the traditional sport of Abula, defeating Oyo 2-1 (16-13, 8-16, 16-14) to win gold in the female category.

Fatodu reiterated that these young talents represent the future of Lagos sports, emphasizing the state’s holistic approach to sports development, integrating both education and athletic excellence.

He added that under Governor Sanwo-Olu’s leadership, athletes are receiving top-notch support and incentives, ensuring continued success in sports talent development.