Economy
Shettima Lauds Makinde, Says “SAPZ Will drive Nigeria’s Agricultural Industrial Revolution”
Shettima Lauds Makinde, Says “SAPZ Will drive Nigeria’s Agricultural Industrial Revolution”
Shettima lauds Makinde, says “SAPZ will drive Nigeria’s agricultural industrial revolution”. Mr Shettima lauded the visionary leadership of Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo.
Vice President, Kashim Shettima, says the timely implementation of the Special Agro–Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme will drive industrial revolution in the agriculture sector, innovation and inclusive prosperity.
This is contained in a statement by Ezeaja Ikemefuna, assistant director of information, ministry of agriculture and food security on Monday in Abuja.
Mr Ikemefuna said Mr Shettima stated this at the groundbreaking ceremony of the SAPZ Programme in Ijaiye, Ibadan, Oyo State.
Mr Shettima, who was represented by the minister of agriculture and food security, Abubakar Kyari, said the programme marked a decisive stride in the collective quest to build a resilient, self-sufficient, and prosperous Nigeria.
He said that the initiative was not just an infrastructural project, but a bold declaration that Nigeria’s future lies in transforming its abundant agricultural resources into value-added products that fuel industries, generate employment, and uplift farmers.
“The SAPZ initiative is one of the cornerstones of the Renewed Hope Agenda championed by President Bola Tinubu, A vision rooted in restoring Nigeria’s dignity, unlocking vast potentials, and creating opportunities for every citizen.
“It is a testament to unwavering commitment to a future where hope is renewed through concrete action, strategic partnerships, and inclusive growth.
“It is a product of strategic partnership between the federal government of Nigeria, state governments, and esteemed international development partners, especially the African Development Bank (AfDB), among others.”
He lauded the visionary leadership of Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo.
Mr Shettima said his unwavering commitment and dedication to the development of Oyo had set the stage for the historic occasion.
”The event exemplifies the spirit of partnership and shared vision that is vital to our nation’s progress.
”This collaborative effort underscores the shared belief that sustainable development in agriculture is achievable only through unity, innovation, and shared responsibility.

Shettima
”It is a clear indication that Nigeria is committed to leveraging global expertise, capital, and best practices to achieve sustainable growth and social inclusion.
”We are expanding the development benefits of the SAPZ across the 36 states, in collaboration with the African Development Bank, to onboard 27 more states in tranches.”
He stated that the initiative would commence with 10 states by the first quarter of 2026, following the completion of financing procedures between the federal government and its financing partners.
Economy
Lagos Assembly Strongly Seeks Suspension Of Makoko Demolition
Lagos Assembly Strongly Seeks Suspension Of Makoko Demolition
Lagos assembly strongly seeks suspension of Makoko demolition. The Lagos state house of assembly has called for the suspension of demolition activities in Makoko, Oko-Agbon and Shogunro waterfront communities following protests by displaced residents and growing public concern over the exercise.
The call was announced on Tuesday by Noheem Adams, chairman of an ad hoc committee set up by Mudashiru Obasa, speaker of the house, during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Lateef Jakande auditorium.
Adams called on all state ministries to cease demolition work and promised compensation to the affected residents.
“On behalf of the speaker and all 40 members of the house, we are directing that all demolitions in Makoko, Oko-Agbon, and Shogunro communities should stop from today until further notice,” New Telegraph quoted Adams as saying.
He called for transparency by demanding the full list of taskforce members and the criteria used for engagement, insisting that residents must be actively involved in the process.
“That the taskforce that was constituted, we want to see the list of the taskforce because we want the residents to be duly involved and to be carried along. So we want to have the schedule of those task forces and the criteria for those that we are inviting,” Adams added.

Lagos Assembly
“To the residents of Makoko, Oko-Agbon and Shogunro communities, as your representatives, we are giving you all assurances that they will stop demolitions henceforth and there will be compensations for all those whose properties have been demolished.”
Stephen Ogundipe, member of the ad-hoc, said there is need for clear communication, adding that residents targeted for relocation or redevelopment must be informed of the government’s plans in advance.
Babatunde Olajide, special adviser to governor of Lagos on E-GIS and urban renewal, confirmed that $2 million had been earmarked since 2021 to transform Makoko into a modern, internationally compliant water city.
He said enumeration of affected properties is underway and reiterated the administration’s commitment to handling the situation with a human face, prioritizing resident safety and fair compensation.
Yusuf Sagra, baale of Makoko, described the assembly’s decision as a “word of peace,” while Orioye Ogungbure, another leader of the community, praised the “democratic responsiveness” of the government.
Crime
EFCC Arrests Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa for Alleged Naira Mutilation In Viral Video
EFCC Arrests Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa for Alleged Naira Mutilation In Viral Video
EFCC arrests Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa for alleged naira mutilation in viral video. The Kano Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 arrested a Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa over alleged Naira mutilation.
Inuwa was arrested following a viral video circulated on social media platforms where she was seen conspicuously cleaning mucus from her nose using Naira notes.

EFCC
Following the release of the viral video, the Commission swung into action by tracing and subsequently arrested her to answer questions.
She is currently being held at the Commission’s detention facility while investigation is ongoing.
The suspect will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
Dele Oyewale
Head, Media & Publicity
February 3, 2026
Economy
Access Bank Gets New Board Chair Ifeyinwa Osime
Access Bank Gets New Board Chair Ifeyinwa Osime
Access Bank gets new board chair Ifeyinwa Osime. Access Bank Plc has appointed Ifeyinwa Osime as chair of the board of directors, following the retirement of Paul Usoro, on January 29.
Access Bank Plc has appointed Ifeyinwa Osime as chair of the board of directors, following the retirement of Paul Usoro, on January 29, according to a statement to the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. on Monday.
Ms Osime, a legal practitioner, joined Access Bank’s board in November 2019 as an independent non-executive director and had chaired its Human Resources and Sustainability Committee and the Governance, Nomination, and Remuneration Committee. This role made her contribute significantly to the bank’s corporate governance, leadership development, and sustainability initiatives.
Additionally, Ms Osime is a director at Ebudo Trust Ltd. and a partner at McPherson Legal Practitioners, where she advises on corporate and commercial matters and contributes to strategic leadership.
She is also a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, the Women Corporate Directors, Nigeria Chapter, and the Chartered Institute of Directors, Nigeria, where she serves on the Executive Committee of the Women Sectoral Group.

Access Bank Gets New Board Chair Ifeyinwa Osime
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Ms Osime is committed to mentoring youths and is actively involved in the Autism and Developmental Delays Support Community, reflecting her dedication to inclusion and social impact.
Speaking on her appointment, the group chairman, Aigboje Aig-lmoukhuede, said, “Mrs Osime is a principled and experienced leader with a deep understanding of the Bank’s strategy and values.
“She has demonstrated strong commitment to the bank’s vision and mission, and I am confident that, under her leadership, the bank will continue to advance its strategic objectives of delivering sustainable value to shareholders and other stakeholders in the pursuit of its vision to become the world’s most respected African bank.”
Mr Aig-lmoukhuede also congratulated Mr Usoro on the completion of his tenure and on his exemplary leadership, dedication, and significant contributions to the group, saying he remains a valued member of the Access family.
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