
Taraba Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas reaffirmed his administration's commitment to tourism development and cultural revival at the 2026 Nwonyo International Fishing Festival. The event, held at Nwonyo lake in Ibi Local Government Area, was attended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy Hannatu Musawa, the Prime Minister of Grenada Dickon Mitchell, and the Governor of Plateau State Caleb Mutfwang, among other dignitaries. Governor Kefas described the festival as a strategic platform for promoting cultural heritage, strengthening unity, and driving economic growth, aiming to reposition Taraba State as a prime destination for tourism and investment. The festival featured a boat regatta and a fishing competition, with the top catch weighing 55.6 kilograms. Cash prizes of N10m, N3m, and N2m were awarded to the top three winners. Kefas disclosed ongoing efforts to secure UNESCO recognition for the festival to enhance its global visibility and attract more visitors, emphasizing that Taraba remains safe and open to investors. He stated that his administration would continue to prioritize infrastructure, security, and cultural promotion to boost the state’s profile, assuring that Taraba is safe and ready for tourism and investment.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadThe Africa Finance Corporation AFC has obtained a five-year $100 million loan facility from the Export-Import Bank of India India Exim Bank. This agreement, signed during AFC’s Investor Day in London, aims to strengthen AFC's funding base for investments in critical infrastructure and industrial projects across Africa. The facility will support high-impact projects in transport, energy, and industrial assets. According to AFC, this deal extends its funding tenor and reinforces access to cost-efficient capital from export credit institutions. Banji Fehintola, AFC’s Executive Board Member and Head of Financial Services, stated that this facility is an important milestone in their long-standing partnership with India Exim Bank. This agreement follows a previous $100 million financing secured in 2021 between the two institutions, indicating a growing financial relationship between Africa and India. Analysts suggest this transaction demonstrates AFC’s ability to diversify its funding, reducing reliance on more expensive conventional sources like Eurobond markets. The deal also reflects a broader trend among African development finance institutions to engage non-Western lenders, particularly in Asia, to address the continent’s infrastructure financing gap. AFC plans to continue pursuing strategic partnerships to unlock new funding pools, playing a catalytic role in mobilizing capital for infrastructure projects that boost regional integration, support industrialization, and drive s

Concerned stakeholders in Nigeria’s freight forwarding and clearing sector are advocating for an urgent review of the current tariff structure and stricter enforcement of local content laws. During a media engagement in Lagos, they warned that persistent tariff hikes are stifling trade, discouraging indigenous participation, and worsening economic hardship. Kenneth Ofurum, a private practitioner, stated that the current tariff regime makes it difficult for freight forwarders and importers to operate, leading to business closures. He also noted a surge in unclaimed cargo due to importers' inability to meet financial demands. Ofurum raised concerns about the systematic sidelining of indigenous operators, alleging that foreign interests are increasingly taking over roles traditionally held by Nigerians. The stakeholders urged the government to enforce existing local content laws and develop new policies to protect local operators from unfair competition. They also called for inclusive policy formulation, ensuring critical stakeholders are involved in major reforms. Haruna Omolajumo, Managing Director of Harsecom Logistics Limited, highlighted the need for government policies guaranteeing local participation in maritime business, citing Ghana as an example where foreign companies partner with local operators. Omolajumo lamented the absence of such policies in Nigeria, which allows foreign firms to dominate the sector, and pointed out a sharp increase in port-related charges, maki

Philip Shaibu, the Director-General of the National Institute for Sports, has announced a two-year strategy to tackle the estimated two-million coaching shortfall in Nigerian sports. During a visit to the Nigeria Football Federation office in Abuja, Shaibu sought collaboration with the NFF to implement this plan, which he believes will significantly transform the coaching sector. He noted that recent admissions at the institute showed 117 out of 232 students were football coaches, highlighting football's prominence. Ibrahim Gusau, President of the NFF, expressed the federation's readiness to support the institute's objectives, citing their own initiatives in coach development, including CAF C Licence programs for women coaches and plans for a CAF A Licence course. Gusau also suggested engaging Ministers and State Commissioners for Education for broader support. Mohammed Sanusi, NFF General Secretary, recommended incorporating a diploma program in sports administration into the institute's curriculum.

The Lagos Waste Management Authority LAWMA is collaborating with the youth-based organization EKO 57 Support Group to mobilize young people across Lagos State for environmental cleanliness and responsible waste management. Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, stated that the agency is a significant employer, engaging over 100,000 youths directly and indirectly in its operations. This partnership aims to expand LAWMA's advocacy and sensitization efforts across all 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development areas of Lagos State. Gbadegesin emphasized the crucial role of young people in enhancing environmental awareness and promoting positive behavioral changes within communities. He noted LAWMA's ongoing efforts to work with community leaders and associations to strengthen grassroots engagement and ensure compliance with waste management guidelines. Leaders of EKO 57 Support Group, Adams Kehinde and Mrs. Remilekun Oshodi, praised LAWMA's initiative, highlighting the importance of collective responsibility and active youth participation for a cleaner, more sustainable Lagos.