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The Nigerian Senate has confirmed Muttaqha Rabe Darma as a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The confirmation followed the ministerial nominee’s screening on Thursday.

Darma was on Wednesday nominated by President Bola Tinubu as a minister in his cabinet. He is to replace the former Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who read the communication from the President at plenary, had referred Darma’s nomination to the Committee of the Whole for further legislative action, with a directive to report back as soon as practicable.

Darma was a former Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund, PTDF.

Senate confirms Muttaqha Darma as Minister

The Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh, has commended the Executive Secretary of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), Mr Kamar Bakrin, and his team for the painstaking reforms they have carried out in the Nigeria Sugar Institute (NSI) in Ilorin, Kwara state.

Senator Enoh gave the commendation during an official visit to the NSI where he emphasised the need for the Institute to become fully functional and become the driver of capacity development, technical expertise, and innovation within the sugar sector in line with its mandate.

According to him, as Nigeria continues to pursue industrialisation and self-sufficiency in sugar production, the Institute has a strategic responsibility to provide the required skilled manpower, research support, and agricultural inputs necessary for sustainable growth across the value chain.

“I have found the NSDC Executive Secretary to be passionate, focused, and committed to achieving the set objectives of the NSI. The policy reforms, capacity building and infrastructural upgrade that have taken place in the Institute within a very short time are quite commendable.

“I must however urge the Executive Secretary not to rest until this place becomes fully operational. This is because the role the Institute has to play in our drive for increased local production and industrialisation of the sugar sector is so critical,” the Minister said.

Enoh reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting the NSDC and the NSI in achieving their mandates, while calling for sustained collaboration and dedication from all members of staff and stakeholders to drive the transformation of the industry.

NSI is a purpose-built national institution established to serve as the research, training, and technical backbone of Nigeria’s sugar industry. It was incorporated in June 2019 and formally commissioned in January 2021, and it operates under the strategic oversight of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC).

NSI is headquartered in Ilorin, with specialised bio-factory and tissue culture facilities. These laboratories play a critical role in varietal development, seedcane multiplication, and applied research, supporting both the sugar and ethanol value chains. In practical terms, the Institute exists to ensure that the industry has consistent access to quality planting materials, skilled manpower, and credible technical expertise.

The Institute was deliberately structured as a shared, industry-wide platform developed by NSDC in collaboration with key stakeholders. Its purpose is to consolidate research and development in a single national centre of excellence and to ensure that critical outputs—such as improved seedcane, training programmes, and technical services—are accessible to all industry operators, not just a select few.

Today, industry players are actively utilising NSI’s services for seedcane supply, capacity building, and technical support. The Institute is functioning as a national centre of excellence strengthening the growth, resilience, and competitiveness of Nigeria’s sugar industry.

Since coming on board in October 2023, Bakrin has transformed NSI from a largely dormant facility into a fully functional, industry-facing centre for research, training, and technical support.

Over the last two years, more than 60 NSI staff have undergone targeted capacity-building programmes spanning both managerial and technical competencies. On the managerial side, staff were trained in project management, stakeholder engagement, negotiation, conflict resolution, strategic communication, and professional reporting—skills that are essential for coordinating complex, multi-stakeholder industry programmes.

On the technical front, staff received advanced, hands-on training in laboratory instrumentation, solution preparation, soil analysis, and equipment maintenance. These are highly practical skills that directly enhance NSI’s ability to run its biofactory operations, support sugar estates, and deliver credible research, diagnostics, and advisory services to industry operators.

Bakrin and his team deliberately repositioned NSI as a national hub for training and knowledge transfer. Through the NSDC/NSI Boot Camp initiative, the Institute began delivering structured, hands-on training programmes covering sugar processing, refining, quality control, industrial safety, and environmental compliance. These programmes are intentionally practical, blending classroom instruction with real-world demonstrations so participants leave with skills they can immediately apply in their operations.

Significant investments were also made in curriculum development and standard operating procedures. The Factory Operations Department developed a comprehensive, end-to-end curriculum covering the full sugar production cycle—from cane preparation and juice extraction to crystallisation, refining, and by-product utilisation—with a strong emphasis on safety and sustainability.

At the same time, the Biofactory upgraded its SOPs for sugarcane and other crops, introducing detailed protocols for explant sterilisation, culture media formulation, and acclimatisation technologies.

The Institute jointly facilitated technical training for staff of Sunti Golden Sugar Estate, focusing on soil science, laboratory safety, sampling techniques, and equipment use. It also designed and delivered a comprehensive field-to-factory training programme for 20 new hires at BUA Foods’ LASUCO operations, ensuring they understood sugar production as a fully integrated system rather than a set of isolated activities.

Minister Commends NSDC Boss, Seeks Full Operations Of Sugar Institute is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has expressed confidence in Nigeria’s leadership under President Bola Tinubu, urging support for his re-election to sustain ongoing reforms and development strides.

Fubara made this appeal on Thursday at the meeting of the Southern Traditional Rulers Council in Port Harcourt, where monarchs from the 17 southern states gathered to discuss unity, security and economic growth.

The governor noted that despite prevailing challenges, the current administration has recorded meaningful progress in economic recovery and infrastructure delivery, citing projects such as the coastal road construction.

He emphasised the importance of leadership continuity, stating that “it is not ideal to change the goalposts in the middle of the game”.

Fubara called on stakeholders across the southern region to collaborate in pursuit of common goals, stressing that unity remains essential for achieving lasting development.

He also remarked that the presence of traditional rulers at the event highlights Rivers State’s peaceful environment and its capacity to host major national engagements.

Earlier, the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, who chairs the Southern Traditional Rulers Council, said the gathering was aimed at promoting peace and reinforcing unity across the region.

He pointed out that the council reflects Nigeria’s rich diversity, with more than 400 dialects spoken across the southern states, describing the meeting as a clear example of unity in diversity.

Ogunwusi added that the Port Harcourt session marked the fourth in the series, following previous meetings held in Imo, Ogun, and Lagos states.

According to him, the forum allows traditional rulers to engage on shared values and collective interests that unite their people.

He further stated that the council would explore ways to support the current administration in tackling security and economic issues, noting that although participation is voluntary, it is vital for repositioning both the region and the nation.

The meeting drew prominent traditional rulers from the South-South, South-East, and South-West, including the council’s co-chairman, the Obi of Obinugwu, Eze Cletus Illomuanya, and the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.

Nigeria in capable hands – Fubara backs Tinubu’s reelection

The Cross River Government has dismissed reports alleging 10 new COVID-19 symptomatic cases, describing the claim as misleading and inaccurate, while reaffirming that only one confirmed case exists in the state.

The rebuttal followed a publication by a national daily claiming the state had identified additional persons showing COVID-19 symptoms, raising concerns among residents about a possible resurgence of infections across communities.

It would be recalled that Dr Henry Ayuk, the Commissioner for Health, earlier confirmed a COVID-19 case involving a Chinese national working in the state, who was currently receiving treatment and responding well.

In a statement issued on Thursday in Calabar, Ayuk clarified that as of April 23, 2026, Cross River had only one confirmed COVID-19 case and no new confirmed or suspected cases recorded. He explained that the 10 individuals referenced in the report were contacts traced from the single confirmed case, noting that contact tracing remained a standard public health response to contain potential spread.

According to him, the individuals are not symptomatic and do not meet the criteria for suspected cases, adding that they are currently under home isolation and monitored daily by health officials.

Ayuk emphasised that the isolation measure was purely precautionary and should not be interpreted as evidence of new infections, reiterating that the state had not recorded any additional COVID-19 cases.

He urged the public to disregard misinformation and rely on official updates from the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, while reaffirming the government’s commitment to transparency and timely dissemination of accurate information.

Ayuk added that residents should remain calm, adhere to recommended preventive measures, and continue supporting efforts aimed at safeguarding public health and preventing the spread of infectious diseases statewide.

C/River Dismisses Report Of 10 New Covid-19 Cases is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The U.S. Embassy Abuja has signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ilorin Innovation Hub, marking its first public-private partnership outside the American Spaces Network.

The agreement, announced in Abuja, is aimed at deepening U.S. engagement in Kwara State’s rapidly expanding technology ecosystem. It will drive initiatives in artificial intelligence (AI), STEM education, and professional development.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Public Diplomacy Counselor Lee McManis described the partnership as a significant step toward strengthening innovation-led trade and investment ties between Nigeria and the United States.

He noted that “Kwara State is emerging as a tech innovation hub, attracting interest from American companies seeking collaboration and market opportunities.”

Under the agreement, both parties will roll out programmes showcasing U.S. leadership in technology and innovation. The initiative will also provide business English and STEM training, equipping Nigerian professionals with skills aligned with U.S. industry standards.

The partnership underscores a shared commitment to advancing innovation, education, and economic growth, with officials expressing optimism that it will contribute to a more secure and prosperous future for both countries.

U.S., Ilorin Hub Strike Deal To Power Nigeria’s Tech Future is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Coventry chairman Doug King says Sky Blues fans should not worry about “what may or may not happen” after head coach Frank Lampard was linked with a return to his former club, Chelsea.

Lampard steered the Sky Blues to a top-flight return in August for the first time in more than 25 years after sealing the Championship title with a 5-1 win over Portsmouth on Tuesday night, having earned the point which guaranteed promotion at Blackburn four days earlier.

However, the former Blues midfielder has been linked with a third stint in charge at Stamford Bridge following the sacking of Liam Rosenior on Wednesday evening.

Lampard’s stock has risen after guiding Coventry to the title in his first full season in charge, and King admitted it was inevitable he would be linked in the “merry-go-round” of football.

King said, “He’s done a fantastic job, it’s been an incredible 18 months for us and for him. I am sure he’s in reflective mode. I said to him ‘do not underestimate how difficult what you’ve just achieved is to do’.

“He’s done huge things in his playing career but to get out of this league as champions without a parachute payment, from where we’ve come from, is a huge achievement nobody can take away from him.

“Everybody is going to get linked with everything, it’s a merry-go-round. It’s a bit disappointing clubs are appointing three or four managers a season.

“We don’t want to be in those positions, that means something has gone a little bit astray.”
King claimed Lampard was in “a happy place” at Coventry and added, “You can see how emotionally connected [Lampard] is with the city, you can see what it meant to him to get promotion and then the title and I think he’s found a happy place at the moment.

“It doesn’t mean there’s not going to be some staggering bid for him in the summer and he’ll have to make his choices, because he’s shown his credentials as a high-quality head coach, but I’m not going to comment on that, I can’t control it.

“I just think he’s happy, I’m happy, everybody’s happy, we’ve just got smiles on our faces and we don’t worry about what may or may not happen for the head coach.”

King also revealed Coventry have been planning for the Premier League for a while but says simply throwing money at the challenge “would be a mistake”.

He said, “We’ve been top of the league since October and were quite a way ahead. We’ve been having due analysis of what we’d like to do for quite a period of time.

“Everybody wants to know everything immediately – I’ve been clear – let it sink in.
“We’re trying to work out a philosophy.

Ultimately we will decide on what our strategy is going to be and then we will tell no one and will try and quietly, stealthily get on with it to try and give us any and every advantage to be successful in the top league.”

Asked about the prospects of avoiding relegation in their first top-flight season since 2000-01, King said: “It’s taken a long time to get there. Obviously we have beaten two teams who will join us so we have only got to beat one more, if we can beat them again next year, right? If you put it like that.

“I’m embracing it, the team’s embracing it, it’s exciting, it’s a challenge. We had a challenge to get out of the Championship and we’ve achieved that in a spectacular way and now the next one is to challenge ourselves to see what we can do in the top league.”

King said simply throwing “zillions” at signing new players was not the way to approach the Premier League, adding: “People spend money very badly at times, I would say what we do is we look for value.

“A very expensive footballer might still be value, there are lot of footballers who are very expensive but who are not value.

“We will do what we’ve got to do, but don’t associate staying in the league and being very successful just with how much money you throw out of the door, I think that would be a mistake.”

King said his current role was more a “party planner” than chairman and hopes Sunday’s home game against Wrexham would be a “massive celebration” with the fans.

Plans are in full swing for the We Are Back: Live event with a bus parade through the city on 4 May.

Despite the celebrations he said Coventry would not make it easy for play-off chasing Wrexham on Sunday, adding, “It would be disrespectful to the rest of the league if we took our foot off the gas against Wrexham.

“They are right in the mix and they have to earn it against us. I know the guys will be set up for that game and the game against Watford the following Saturday.”

Coventry secured promotion with a third straight draw at Blackburn, a night King said was “hugely special” after Bobby Thomas’ late header ensured the point which sent City up, on a night with no other fixtures.

He added, “To crown it off in that style [against Portsmouth] was great. We really wanted to win the league and to do it like that was really special.

“We put on a show in that second half – it was great to remind everyone we were battering teams for a while until we ground out a little bit and got over the line.”

King referred to the club’s relationship with Sky Blues fans as “a partnership” and in a message to supporters added, “We couldn’t have done it without you. This is your success as it is mine, the head coach’s and players’ success.”

Coventry Owner Dismisses Fears Of Lampard Departure To Chelsea is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Bose Ogulu has defended her son, Burna Boy, amid social media backlash following a recent altercation at a Lagos club involving DJ Tunez.

The incident, which reportedly involved Burna Boy and DJ Tunez, the disc jockey to Wizkid sparked an online clash between the two music stars and drew criticism from many Nigerians, who accused Burna Boy of being frequently confrontational and arrogant.

Reacting to the controversy during an interview with Ebuka Obi-Uchendu on Channels Television, Bose Ogulu said she does not mind being perceived as arrogant, while defending her son’s personality and self-assurance.

When asked about Burna Boy, she said If knowing his worth and carrying himself as such is arrogant, then it is a good thing. “And I can’t apologize for that.”

Ebuka asked: “Do you mind that Burna Boy is seen as arrogant? Do you mind being seen as arrogant in how you run the Burna brand?

She responded: “I don’t mind honestly, I don’t mind at all. I mean any adjective they want to attach to you is ok. The thing is who are you? If knowing your worth and carrying yourself as such is arrogant, then it is a good thing. And I can’t apologize for that. Because I think we were born into a world where we were expected to put our heads down.

First is the color of your skin, the color of your passport, and for me, my gender. So, I don’t understand the concept of that life. I understand that if I know something, I know it and I expect you to realise that I know it. And if you don’t realize that I know it, then, put me to the test”, she said.

‘It’s Confidence, Not Arrogance’ – Burna Boy’s Mum Defends Son is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, has approved the appointment of retired Air Marshal Mohammed Dikko Umar as the Sarkin Fulanin Ja’idanawa.

The appointment, which takes effect from April 22, 2026, was conveyed in an official letter signed by Aliyu Ibrahim Ahmed, the Matawallen Kano and Senior Councillor of the Kano Emirate Council.

According to the letter issued from the council’s secretariat in Kano, the appointment followed the death of the former titleholder, who passed away on April 14, 2026.

The council stated that the Emir expressed confidence in the ability of the new appointee to contribute to the growth and development of the emirate.

“His Highness congratulates you and hopes that you will use your wealth of experience to contribute to the development of Kano Emirate and Kano State,” the letter read.

The Emirate Council also offered prayers for the new titleholder, asking for divine guidance as he takes on his new responsibilities.

Emir Sanusi approves Dikko Umar as Sarkin Fulanin Ja’idanawa

The Jigawa State House of Assembly has adopted the report of its Public Accounts Committee (PAC), which uncovered gaps in the management of state and local government expenditures between 2019 and 2024.

The report was adopted during plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Haruna Aliyu Dangyatin.

Chairman of PAC and Deputy Speaker, Hon. Sani Isyaku Abubakar, presented the findings in line with Sections 125 and 128 of the 1999 Constitution.

He said the committee’s review of reports submitted by the State Auditor-General and the Auditor-General for Local Governments revealed several irregularities in public spending over the five-year period.

According to him, the committee identified alleged overpayments, unaccounted expenditures, non-compliance with procurement laws, poor record keeping, as well as fictitious and unauthorised payments.

The report also highlighted inadequate storage facilities for official records and lack of training for some public finance officers, particularly at the local government level.

To address the lapses, the committee recommended the recovery of diverted and unaccounted funds through due process, with such monies returned to the public treasury. It also called for sanctions and disciplinary measures against anyone found culpable.

The PAC further advised regular capacity-building and retraining for accounting personnel, especially in local councils, alongside the provision of fireproof storage facilities for proper record management.

It also recommended incentives for staff who demonstrate professionalism and sound accounting practices to promote transparency and accountability in public finance management.

After extensive deliberations, lawmakers unanimously adopted the report.

Jigawa Assembly uncovers gaps in state, LG spending

Ginger is teaming up with FCMB SheVentures to launch Built to Last, a year-long programme to help women-led beauty businesses across Nigeria grow stronger, learn new skills, and prepare to advance to the next stage, such as scaling, formalising operations, or accessing funding opportunities.

If you run a beauty or personal care business, this programme is for you.

We’ll help you build a business that lasts, with practical training, support to formalise your business, financial know-how, and better access to digital tools.

Ginger connects beauty businesses with trusted suppliers and provides access to tools such as financing, logistics, and inventory management.

Thousands of beauty entrepreneurs already use Ginger to find the right products and keep their businesses running smoothly.

By working together, Ginger and SheVentures are making it easier for women-led beauty businesses to get the support, funding, and guidance they need to grow.

Speaking on the collaboration, Founder & CEO of Ginger, Ejiro Enaohwo, said, “The women powering the beauty economy already have the demand, the discipline, and the customer trust.

What they have not always had are the systems that recognise their businesses as investable and scalable.

This partnership is about building those systems.”

This partnership is part of our ongoing commitment to help women entrepreneurs succeed and drive inclusive growth.

“At SheVentures, we believe empowering women entrepreneurs is one of the fastest ways to drive sustainable economic development.

Through our initiatives, we have provided funding, training and mentorship to thousands of women-owned businesses across Nigeria.

Built to Last represents another step forward in equipping female entrepreneurs—particularly in the beauty sector—with the knowledge, capital readiness and networks they need to scale their businesses successfully.”

Women are at the heart of Africa’s beauty industry, but many still lack access to the training, support, and funding they need. Built to Last is here to help change that.

By bringing together Ginger’s experience in the beauty trade and our financial know-how, we’re building real support for beauty entrepreneurs to grow their businesses for the long term.

Applications now open

If you run a beauty business in Nigeria – whether you own a retail store, run a salon, work as an aesthetician, or are just getting started – you can now apply to join Built to Last.

Participants will receive hands-on training, practical support, and the opportunity to prepare their businesses for future funding opportunities.

To apply, visit: http://www.gingerme.io/builttolast

Applications close: 10th May,2026

Ginger, FCMB SheVentures Unveil “Built to Last” Programme for Women Beauty Entrepreneurs