Events News November 11, 2026 High Expectations As South South States in Abuja Plan Massive Cultural Festival December 6

Abuja is about to go agog with the Abuja South South Festival 2026, a socio-cultural gathering of the people of the South South geopolitical region of Nigeria residing in the nation’s capital.

The organiser of the fest, which aims to bring together the indigenes and residents of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo and Rivers, has announced plans to host a colourful cultural festival on December 6, 2026, at Old Parade Ground, Garki, by 1:00 pm prompt, as part of activities to celebrate the region’s rich cultural heritage and ursher everyone into the holidays and yuletide with love.

The event, tagged Abuja South South Fest 2026, is an inaugural annual cultural and social festival designed to showcase the diverse traditions, music, dance, fashion, varied cuisines and cultural identity of the six South South states in the Federal Capital Territory.

IYERE, Sylvester Oshogwe popular known as DREAMZ, founder of Dreamsville Entertainment & Events World and the lead organiser, has said the festival is expected to bring together members of the South South community, cultural enthusiasts, business owners, entertainers and other residents of Abuja for a memorable celebration of the region’s heritage.

The programme will also feature keynote addresses on why the South South is pivotal to the growth and economic advancement of the nation at large, alongside a special edition of the Africa Development and Empowerment Merit Awards (ADEMA), with prominent personalities mostly of South South extraction expected to be recognised for their contributions to society.

Notable entertainers are also expected to perform, adding glamour and excitement to the celebration.

Beyond its cultural significance, Abuja South South Fest 2026 is expected to provide an avenue for networking, business promotion and social interaction among participants, while creating opportunities for entrepreneurs and vendors to showcase their products and services to a wider audience.

Organisers have introduced different categories of tickets to accommodate individuals, families, groups and corporate participants. The categories include Regular tickets at ₦5,000, VIP tickets at ₦20,000, Group of Four tickets at ₦100,000, Premium Family Table of 10 at ₦500,000, Sponsorship Tables at ₦1 million and Exclusive Tables for ₦2 Million. Bookings are also open to vendors and exhibitors interested in securing spaces to display and market their products and services during the festival.

With its blend of cultural exhibition, entertainment, awards and business opportunities, Abuja South South Fest 2026 is expected to offer a unique platform for the South South residents in Abuja to celebrate its roots, strengthen bonds and promote the cultural richness of the region, while fostering unity in diversity.

News November 11, 2026 Mele Kyari defends NNPCL books before senate over N210tn audit query

The former Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, has dismissed allegations of ₦210 trillion in unaccounted funds raised by the Senate, insisting that no money was lost under his watch.

Kyari said the allegations relating to the company’s financial records between 2017 and 2023 were based on misconstrued entries and accounting issues.

He spoke on Tuesday when he appeared before the Senate Committee on Public Accounts, which is investigating queries raised by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation over NNPCL’s financial records during the period.

Explaining the issues, Kyari said the company had made efforts to implement decisions of the National Assembly, resulting in sustained investments and the development of the downstream sector for the benefit of the country.

“I am very proud that we have served this company in the best way possible. I remain loyal to this country and have done nothing deliberately wrong,” he said.

On payments made to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Kyari explained that they were for registration purposes, describing the discrepancies as entry issues. He also said the ₦2.9 billion in question represented statutory payments.

Addressing the allegation that ₦5 billion was spent on renaming the NNPCL, the former GMD said the company’s name change was effected by the National Assembly, insisting that no money was paid for the exercise.

Kyari subsequently presented his report to the committee.

In his response, the committee chairman said 23 issues had been raised before the panel, with only one or two relating to the former NNPCL chief.

He said the report would be circulated among committee members for examination, adding that the panel could invite those concerned, as well as the Auditor-General of the Federation, for further clarification if necessary.

“We accept your apologies for not appearing at the previous sittings, and we will look at the figures,” the chairman said.

Kyari was subsequently discharged by the committee pending the conclusion of its investigation.

The Senate Committee on Public Accounts began investigating the disputed figures in June 2025 after discrepancies were identified in NNPCL’s audited financial statements covering 2017 to 2023.

The figures comprise ₦103 trillion recorded as accrued expenses and ₦107 trillion listed as sundry receivables. The committee has repeatedly rejected the explanations provided by the company, insisting that the entries must be properly accounted for.

In March 2026, the panel summoned Kyari and other former officials to explain the figures. It later ordered Kyari’s arrest in June after he failed to appear before it. However, former NNPCL officials have denied that the money went missing, arguing that the ₦210 trillion figure arose from a misinterpretation of the company’s financial records.

News November 11, 2026 FG flags off construction of Kogi int’l airport

President Bola Tinubu has flagged off the construction of the Kogi International Cargo Airport in Zariagi, Adavi Local Government Area of the state, describing it as a major step towards attracting global investment and boosting economic growth.

Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, performed the groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday and commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his commitment to infrastructure development.

Keyamo said the project would place Zariagi and Kogi State on the global aviation map, adding that the airport would enhance the state’s economic relevance.

He dismissed criticisms of the project, arguing that infrastructure should be provided to attract businesses rather than waiting for investors to arrive before developing the necessary facilities.

According to him, the airport is expected to generate between 2,000 and 3,000 direct and indirect jobs for residents.

Earlier, Ododo described the project as a milestone in the state’s economic transformation, saying it would strengthen Kogi’s position as a hub for commerce, transportation, logistics and investment.

He said the airport would create opportunities in agriculture, mining, manufacturing, tourism and hospitality, particularly by improving farmers’ access to national and international markets.

The Commissioner for Works, Momoh Salami Ozigi, said the airport was part of efforts to diversify the state’s economy beyond its traditional dependence on the civil service.

He said the first phase would include a 3,600-metre runway, taxiways, aircraft parking apron, drainage systems, perimeter fencing and access roads.

According to him, the runway will meet International Civil Aviation Organisation standards and accommodate wide-body aircraft, including Boeing 747s.

The Managing Director of CCECC, Henry Shuo, whose company is handling the project, pledged to deploy its technical expertise to ensure successful completion.

News Politics November 11, 2026 APC Rally: Tinubu vows to defeat insecurity if re-elected in 2027

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity through sustained reforms, improved salaries and better welfare for security personnel.

Tinubu gave the assurance on Tuesday at Dutse Township Stadium, Jigawa, while addressing party supporters during the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign rally.

This is contained in a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Tuesday.

The President said his administration was strengthening the armed forces and police to protect lives and property across the country.

“I promise you, we are working hard to ensure that Nigeria is safe and our forces are well taken care of, regardless of where they come from.

“We will conquer insecurity. We’ve been through many wars. We will defeat our enemies. Enemies of unity, enemies of stability. Enemies of hope.

“We’re strengthening the police; we’re strengthening the armed forces. We are paying better salaries today,” Tinubu said.

He presented the APC campaign manifesto, ‘From Reforms to Prosperity,’ outlining his administration’s achievements and plans in infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture and security.

He said the manifesto provided a blueprint for consolidating economic reforms, expanding opportunities and delivering shared prosperity.

Tinubu pledged to complete ongoing programmes and projects, saying his administration’s policies were already yielding results across several sectors.

The President defended the removal of the fuel subsidy, describing it as wasteful and accusing political opponents advocating its restoration of misleading Nigerians.

He said subsidy savings had enabled the government to execute development projects across the country’s geopolitical zones.

“You have seen what we are doing. Across the country, no region is left behind. Those who think they should bring the subsidy back are liars.

“How will they pay for those commitments? How will you repair the roads? How will you maintain them? How will you function?” he queried.

Tinubu also pledged further support for small-scale farmers through financing, mechanisation and irrigation.

“We will reward small-scale farmers. Interest-free loans for farmers are coming. Prosperity is coming. Food security will happen,” he said.

Thanking the people of Jigawa for their loyalty and support, the President urged them to participate actively in the forthcoming general elections and vote for APC candidates at all levels.

Before the rally, Tinubu inaugurated the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Multi-Purpose Skills Acquisition Centre and the Renewed Hope Technical Services Centre.

He also virtually inaugurated the three-kilometre dualised Old Police Station–Palace Road in Dutse.

The President further commissioned 400 tractors and other agricultural equipment procured by the state government to promote mechanised farming and strengthen food security.

In his welcome address, Gov. Umar Namadi commended Tinubu’s development initiatives in Jigawa and other parts of Northern Nigeria.

He said the Greater Hadejia Water Project was 60 per cent complete and highlighted the Katsina–Maradi rail line and federal interventions in education, agriculture and social welfare.

Namadi thanked the President for approving the establishment of Federal Colleges of Education in Dutse and Hadejia.

He particularly lauded Tinubu for fulfilling his 2023 campaign promise to the late Emir of Dutse, Dr Nuhu Muhammad Sunusi, to address acute water shortages in Dutse.

The governor also commended the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), saying thousands of Jigawa students had benefited.

He said the Conditional Cash Transfer programme had also brought relief to several indigent families in the state.

Namadi, however, appealed for federal intervention in ecological challenges affecting Dutse and Hadejia, describing them as beyond the state government’s capacity.

Also speaking, Vice-President Kashim Shettima reminded the people of Jigawa of Tinubu’s commitment to Northern Nigeria’s welfare and development.

He urged them to sustain their support for the administration ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Shettima recalled Tinubu’s political support for the late President Muhammadu Buhari, which he said contributed to Buhari’s victories in the 2015 and 2019 presidential elections.

He also recalled Tinubu’s support for former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and Nuhu Ribadu during their respective presidential quests.

The vice-president urged the people to reciprocate the support by voting for the APC in 2027.

The Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Sen. Abdulaziz Yari, reiterated Tinubu’s commitment to quality leadership, economic consolidation and national prosperity.

Yari challenged opposition parties to present better socio-economic policies rather than resort to divisive politics.

Speaking on behalf of the Progressive Governors Forum, Gov. Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State urged Nigerians to support Tinubu, describing him as a focused leader whose policies had helped steer the country away from the precipice.

The Deputy Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council and Gov. Mai Mala Buni of Yobe, alongside the Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs, Ibrahim Masari, also commended Tinubu’s leadership.

They urged party supporters to vote for the President and other APC candidates to enable the party to implement its manifesto.

Dignitaries at the rally included Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, APC governors, ministers and other political leaders. (NAN)

News Sports November 11, 2026 Senate donates N100m to Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team, Flamingos

The Senate has announced a donation of N100 million to Nigeria’s Under-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, following their historic victory at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Rabat, Morocco.

The Senate President announced the donation during plenary on Tuesday while presiding over a motion moved by Sen. Abdul Ningi ( ADC- Bauchi Central) on the need to congratulate the victorious girls on their achievement.

Ningi described the victory as historic, noting that the young players had achieved what several other Nigerian national teams had struggled to accomplish.

He said the team’s triumph was particularly remarkable, given the limited expectations that surrounded the players before the competition.

The senator expressed concern that the achievement had not received adequate publicity and national recognition, adding that the players deserved to be celebrated for bringing honour to Nigeria and Africa.

He also expressed concern that the team did not receive sufficient official recognition upon its arrival in the country.

Seconding the motion, Sen. Adams Oshiomhole (APC-Edo North) commended the team for defeating Japan in the final, describing the victory as evidence of the potential and determination of Nigerian youths.

Oshiomhole urged Nigerians to appreciate the country’s achievements rather than constantly focusing on its challenges.

He also appealed to the Senate leadership to make a donation to the team to support the players’ educational needs alongside their sporting careers.

The Senate thereafter adopted Ningi’s prayers congratulating President Bola Tinubu for his support for sports development, Nigerians on the historic victory, and the leadership of the National Sports Commission, particularly its Chairman, Shehu Dikko.

It also urged the federal government to provide adequate compensation and rewards for the players in recognition of their achievement.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in his remarks, said the victory was a significant achievement for Nigeria and Africa, particularly as the Flamingos defeated football nations, including Brazil and Japan.

Akpabio urged the federal government to adequately reward the players and called on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to sustain the team and continue developing the players for future competitions.

The Senate President also appealed to wealthy and sports-loving Nigerians to support the players and encourage other young people to participate in sports.

He noted that the N100 million donation by the National Assembly was intended to recognise the players’ achievement and encourage them to continue bringing honour to the country.

“I want to commend the Flamingos, the Under-17 youth team of Nigeria, for defeating major countries such as Brazil and Japan to win the Under-17 World Cup for Africa for the first time for Nigeria.

“We also urged, and we pray that the federal government will recognise these children accordingly and give them adequate rewards.

“The Nigerian Football Federation, under its leadership, should see the need to keep these children together and develop them further,” Akpabio said.

He congratulated the players, the Senate Committee on Sports and all Nigerians on the historic victory. (NAN)

News November 11, 2026 Tinubu unveils N52,500 minimum pension guarantee for retirees

President Bola Tinubu has unveiled a ₦52,500 monthly minimum pension guarantee for 173,209 eligible retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), ending a 22-year delay in implementing the provision of the Pension Reform Act.

The President also inaugurated the Pension Industry Healthcare Plan for Retirees, known as PenCare, designed to provide free essential healthcare services to low-income pensioners.

Tinubu, who was represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, announced the initiatives on Tuesday at the Presidential Pension Security Initiatives ceremony held at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja.

Declaring the Minimum Pension Guarantee operational, the President said, “By the authority vested in me as President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I hereby declare the Minimum Pension Guarantee Scheme commenced.”

He explained that the guarantee, first provided for under the Pension Reform Act of 2004 and retained in the 2014 legislation, had remained unimplemented under successive administrations.

“From this day, there is a floor beneath the Nigerian retiree. No one who contributed under the Contributory Pension Scheme will ever be allowed to fall below,” he said.

Tinubu urged future administrations to sustain the initiative, declaring: “Raise it. But never remove the floor.”

On healthcare, he said PenCare would protect vulnerable retirees from medical expenses capable of depleting their pension savings.

“PenCare gives our low-income retirees access to essential healthcare without charge,” he said, adding that beneficiaries would begin receiving healthcare access cards in the coming months.

The President also disclosed that his administration had issued a ₦758bn bond to address longstanding pension arrears and approved a ₦32,000 monthly consequential adjustment for affected federal pensioners.

He said state governments had spent more than ₦1tn settling pension obligations, attributing their improved financial capacity partly to the removal of fuel subsidy.

Citing a World Bank report, Tinubu said state revenues increased by about 93 per cent in real terms between 2023 and 2025, while the proportion of their budgets allocated to capital projects rose from 46 to 61 per cent.

He further disclosed that government-backed credit initiatives had unlocked more than ₦64bn for 174,000 borrowers, while over 350,000 Nigerians had accessed approximately ₦53bn in consumer credit.

In her opening remarks, the Director-General of the National Pension Commission (PenCom), Omolola Oloworaran, announced that the guaranteed minimum pension had been fixed at ₦52,500 monthly.

“The minimum pension in the Federal Republic of Nigeria is ₦52,500 every month,” she said.

According to her, 173,209 retirees qualify for the guarantee, comprising 34 per cent from federal service, 12 per cent from state employment and 54 per cent from the private sector.

She explained that the amount had undergone actuarial validation and would be subject to periodic review.

“The figure was not plucked from the air. It has been validated by an actuary, and it is subject to review,” Oloworaran said.

She disclosed that more than ₦400bn was available in the Pension Protection Fund to finance the guarantee, while over 65 per cent of private-sector retirees currently earned below the new minimum threshold.

The PenCom boss also revealed that state governments inherited more than ₦2tn in pension liabilities, of which ₦1.07tn had been settled.

On healthcare, she said the pension industry had committed more than ₦7bn to PenCare after paying premiums covering nearly 30,000 retirees.

Oloworaran further announced plans to expand pension coverage to informal-sector workers, including traders, artisans and farmers.

She also disclosed that the pension industry had committed 750m to an infrastructure investment platform, with another $50m expected from development partners and initial deployment targeted for the first half of 2027.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Pensions, Hussaini Jallo, described the initiatives as significant steps towards addressing retirees’ healthcare needs and income insecurity.

He pledged the National Assembly’s support for stronger pension governance, improved compliance and expanded pension coverage, particularly for workers in the informal sector.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Tony Elumelu, commended the initiatives, describing them as investments in the welfare of Nigerians who had completed their working lives.

“These are not simply pension reforms. They are investments in human dignity,” he said.

Elumelu pledged private-sector support for partnerships aimed at strengthening retirement security and financial inclusion.

 

News Sports November 11, 2026 CAF postpones 2026 Awards in Lagos

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has rescheduled the 2026 CAF Awards to Dec. 2 in Lagos.

CAF announced the new date in a statement on Tuesday, which brings the ceremony forward by five days.

The football governing body, however, did not disclose the reason for the adjustment, while retaining Lagos as the host city.

“The ceremony will hold at the iconic Professor Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, formerly the National Theatre, Lagos.

“It will begin at 7 p.m. local time (8 p.m. Cairo time and 6 p.m. GMT).

“The event marks the return of the prestigious awards to Lagos for the first time since the 2014 edition.

“It is expected to attract leading players, coaches, football administrators, clubs and other personalities from across the continent.

“The 2026 edition will recognise outstanding achievements across 18 categories, including the prestigious CAF Men’s Player of the Year and CAF Women’s Player of the Year awards.

“Other categories will celebrate exceptional performances by coaches, goalkeepers, emerging talents, clubs and national teams during the year,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, voting for the 2026 awards is ongoing and will close on Nov. 20 across the men’s and women’s categories.

CAF said the voting process involves its Member Associations and clubs, with eligible coaches and team captains encouraged to participate.

The process is designed to ensure broad representation, fairness and transparency in selecting the winners.

Independent monitoring will also be employed to safeguard the integrity of the voting process and the final results.

The return of the awards to Lagos is expected to combine football excellence with Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, music and entertainment.

The ceremony will bring together Africa’s finest football talents and administrators to celebrate achievements that have inspired supporters across the continent and beyond. (NAN)