馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Delta State Governor calls for collective action against crime at security summit
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, emphasized the need for collective action against terrorism, kidnapping, and other criminal activities, stating that security is a shared responsibility beyond just the government and security agencies. Speaking at the Delta State Security Summit 2026 in Asaba, themed "Security: A Collective Responsibility," Governor Oborevwori highlighted that the protection of lives and property is crucial for development, as prosperity cannot be achieved amidst fear and instability. He stressed that lasting peace requires collaboration among various stakeholders, including government, security agencies, traditional institutions, religious bodies, businesses, and residents. The governor noted his administration's efforts to strengthen the state's security through partnerships, investments in logistics, and operations, including the recent restructuring of Operation Delta Sweep. He also mentioned the State Executive Council's approval for constructing divisional police headquarters in all 25 local government areas, anticipating the future establishment of state police.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadThe United Arab Emirates has announced a social media ban for children under 15, effective Thursday, joining countries like Australia, Britain, and Canada in adopting similar measures. Social media platforms must monitor and disable accounts created by individuals under 15 within a 12-month transition period, or risk being blocked. The official WAM news agency stated that children below this age are prohibited from creating, using, or operating personal social media accounts. The resolution also bars children from accessing full platform features like social interaction, publishing, commenting, and joining public groups. Children aged 15-16 are permitted to use social media with enhanced protective measures, including content restrictions and time limits. Parents and caregivers are responsible for preventing children from circumventing age checks, and parental consent does not provide an exemption. The ban is driven by concerns over mental health, cyber-bullying, lack of physical activity, online predators, and addictive behavior. The UAE's media and telecommunications bodies have the authority to take necessary measures against non-compliant platforms, including warnings, partial or full blocking, or administrative penalties.
Must ReadReal Madrid announced the signing of defender Ibrahima Konate from Liverpool on Thursday, with the player agreeing to a four-year contract that will keep him at the club until June 30, 2030. The 27-year-old center-back, who joined Liverpool in 2021 from RB Leipzig, made 183 appearances for the English club, winning the Premier League in 2025 and the FA Cup in 2022. Konate, currently with the French national team at the World Cup, joins a Real Madrid squad that has also seen the arrival of coach Jose Mourinho and the signings of Spain left-back Marc Cucurella and Portugal midfielder Bernardo Silva this summer. The Spanish giants are reportedly looking to further strengthen their team, having been linked with Inter Milan wing-back Denzel Dumfries, as they aim to rebuild after two seasons without a major trophy. Real Madrid has also renewed the contract of center-back Antonio Rudiger until 2027, following the departures of Dani Carvajal and David Alaba.
A Mastercard study reveals that 81% of Nigerian small and medium enterprises SMEs are confident about the next 12 months, with 68% expecting revenue growth. All surveyed SMEs agree that digital and online payments are vital for business expansion. Their top growth priorities include training and upskilling staff 79% and digitizing their businesses 78%. Mobile payment adoption among SMEs is at 67%, with card payments at 45% and online payments at 42%. Many businesses 57% now operate through both physical and online channels. More than two-thirds of SMEs 69% are seeking credit for growth, and 34% sought external funding in the past year. Gabriel Swanepoel, division president, Africa, Mastercard, highlighted the opportunity to accelerate SME development through digital innovation. Folasade Femi-Lawal, country manager, West Africa, Mastercard, noted that Nigerian businesses are investing in their people, embracing digital payments, and seeking capital. Despite financial concerns 62%, access to credit, and inflation, optimism remains high. SMEs also identify stronger physical and digital security 60% and access to mentorship 52% as critical enablers. Mastercard supports Nigerian SMEs with tools, financial solutions, and security capabilities, including low-cost acceptance innovations like Tap on Phone and QR Pay-by-Link, and programs like Start Path and Product Express for fintechs.