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ARISE News Channel has announced the tragic passing of Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, fondly known as “Sommie,” a beloved news anchor, reporter, and producer, who died during an armed robbery incident at her Abuja residence on September 29, 2025.

At just 29, Sommie was celebrated not only for her vibrant voice on television but also as a lawyer, colleague, and friend who left a lasting impact on many. ARISE News has extended condolences to her family, friends, and loved ones while calling for a swift investigation and justice for her death.

ARISE News Channel has announced the tragic passing of Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, fondly known as “Sommie,” a beloved news anchor, reporter, and producer, who died during an armed robbery incident at her Abuja residence on September 29, 2025.

At just 29, Sommie was celebrated not only for her vibrant voice on television but also as a lawyer, colleague, and friend who left a lasting impact on many. ARISE News has extended condolences to her family, friends, and loved ones while calling for a swift investigation and justice for her death.

Former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Prof. Kingsley Moghalu, has called for taxation systems in Nigeria and across Africa to be tied to tangible public benefits, warning that economic growth without strong institutions often produces fragile economies plagued by inequality and instability. Speaking at the 2026 International Civil Service Conference in Abuja, he argued that governance reform, institutional strength and state capacity remain essential foundations for sustainable development.

Moghalu stressed that prosperity cannot be achieved through oil wealth, mega projects or foreign aid alone if institutions remain weak. Using Nigeria as an example, he highlighted the contradiction of rising corporate profits amid widespread poverty, linking challenges such as insecurity, weak service delivery and economic exclusion to governance failures. He also urged reforms including merit-based recruitment, stronger accountability systems and a more efficient civil service capable of delivering measurable outcomes.

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The National Boundary Commission has emphasized the need for stronger cross-border collaboration across West Africa to combat terrorism, transboundary crimes and strengthen regional integration. Speaking at the ECOWAS Annual Regional Stakeholders Meeting in Abuja, Director-General of the commission, Surveyor Adamu Adaji, represented by Dr. Farouk Tarfa, highlighted Nigeria’s early adoption of the ECOWAS Cross Border Cooperation Programme as a strategic step toward addressing shared border challenges.

The programme is designed to improve joint security operations, encourage information sharing and strengthen socio-economic ties among border communities. Officials said it also supports joint development of transboundary resources, coordinated responses to health threats and greater regional stability. Participants at the meeting reviewed existing initiatives and explored new approaches aimed at promoting peace, security and stronger integration across ECOWAS member states.

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The United Kingdom’s Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, David Smith, has concluded a three-day visit to Nigeria focused on strengthening dialogue, religious freedom and national cohesion. Nigeria became the first focus country under the UK’s Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) strategy, with the envoy engaging government officials, faith leaders, civil society groups and local communities.

During the visit, Smith met with key figures including National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Information Minister Mohammed Idris, Plateau Governor Caleb Mutfwang and leaders of major Christian and Muslim organisations. He highlighted the importance of community-driven peace efforts, describing religious coexistence as a daily process built on dialogue and shared responsibility. The UK also reaffirmed support for peacebuilding initiatives and resilience programmes aimed at tackling insecurity and strengthening social harmony across Nigeria.

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The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has unveiled a dedicated digital portal aimed at improving transparency, accountability and efficiency in the administration of Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs). The platform will support trust registration, governance documentation, compliance reporting, project monitoring and real-time regulatory oversight as part of the agency’s wider digital transformation drive.

Speaking at a stakeholder workshop in Port Harcourt, NMDPRA said the initiative would help standardise implementation across the country, reduce disputes linked to information gaps and strengthen confidence among operators and host communities. The agency stressed that the Host Community Development Trust framework under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) is designed not only to promote sustainable development and shared prosperity in oil-producing communities but also to improve investment confidence, reduce disruptions and support long-term stability in Nigeria’s petroleum sector.

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The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has warned that Nigeria’s drive for sustainable industrialisation and global competitiveness under the federal government’s “Nigeria First” policy could fall short without strict compliance with international standards and reliable measurement systems. Speaking at the 2026 World Metrology Day celebration in Abuja, SON Director-General Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke described accurate measurement as a critical economic tool capable of supporting innovation, boosting investor confidence, strengthening trade, and improving trust in Nigerian products and services.

According to SON, precision and standards are no longer just technical requirements but essential pillars for economic growth, effective policymaking and consumer protection. The agency also urged manufacturers and businesses to invest in quality control systems, calibration and compliance measures, stressing that data-driven policies and industrial transformation can only succeed when built on dependable and verifiable measurements.

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The APC’s nationwide governorship primaries have delivered a mix of consensus victories, affirmations and emerging controversies as the party prepares for the 2027 elections. Candidates including Obafemi Hamzat (Lagos), Solomon Adeola (Ogun), Uba Sani (Kaduna), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Kingsley Chinda (Rivers), and several incumbent governors secured tickets, while many emerged unopposed through consensus arrangements and direct primaries.

Despite the party describing the exercise as peaceful and democratic, cracks have begun to surface. Aggrieved aspirants in Plateau submitted petitions alleging manipulated processes and imposed outcomes, while complaints over irregularities also emerged from Oyo and Delta. The APC also unveiled plans for its presidential primary, where President Bola Tinubu seeks re-election through a direct primary process against challenger Stanley Osifo. With internal disputes, withdrawals and appeals already shaping the race, attention is turning to whether the party can maintain unity ahead of 2027.

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Relief may be on the horizon for many politicians who lost out during recent party primaries after a Federal High Court in Abuja nullified key aspects of INEC’s revised timetable for the 2027 general election. Justice Mohammed Umar ruled that the electoral body exceeded its statutory powers by imposing timelines for party primaries, candidate submissions, withdrawals, replacements, and campaign deadlines that conflict with provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.

The ruling is expected to have far-reaching political implications, potentially reopening opportunities for aggrieved aspirants and allowing greater flexibility for politicians seeking alternative platforms. While INEC is reviewing the judgement and may appeal, opposition parties including ADC and PRP have welcomed the decision, describing it as a victory for democracy, freedom of association, and the rule of law. Analysts say the ruling could trigger major political realignments ahead of 2027.

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Vice President Kashim Shettima says Nigeria is positioning itself as a stronger investment destination, insisting that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has, within just over two years, implemented key reforms aimed at unlocking the country’s economic potential. He highlighted the liberalisation of the foreign exchange market, removal of fuel subsidies, and tax harmonisation measures designed to create a more attractive environment for businesses and investors.

Speaking while receiving Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Affairs, Dr. Krzysztof Gawkowski, at the State House in Abuja, Shettima also emphasized plans to strengthen Nigeria-Poland cooperation in defence, agriculture, the digital economy, ship-building, and maritime development. Poland, on its part, described Nigeria as its most strategic African partner and signaled renewed momentum for long-term economic and technological collaboration.

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Today in Thisday

The Presidency has identified Regulatory Technology (RegTech) as a vital tool for expanding financial inclusion, strengthening trust in digital systems and advancing Nigeria’s economic transformation agenda. Speaking at the 2026 RegTech Africa Conference in Abuja, Technical Adviser to the President on Economic and Financial Inclusion, Dr. Nurudeen Zauro, said technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, digital identity systems and real-time analytics could improve fraud detection, strengthen consumer protection and widen access to financial services.

The administration said trusted digital infrastructure is central to achieving its economic goals, including Nigeria’s ambition of becoming a $1 trillion economy by 2030. The Central Bank of Nigeria also highlighted the need for stronger regulation to support innovation while tackling cyber threats, fraud and data privacy concerns.

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The Presidency has identified Regulatory Technology (RegTech) as a vital tool for expanding financial inclusion, strengthening trust in digital systems and advancing Nigeria’s economic transformation agenda. Speaking at the 2026 RegTech Africa Conference in Abuja, Technical Adviser to the President on Economic and Financial Inclusion, Dr. Nurudeen Zauro, said technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, digital identity systems and real-time analytics could improve fraud detection, strengthen consumer protection and widen access to financial services.

The administration said trusted digital infrastructure is central to achieving its economic goals, including Nigeria’s ambition of becoming a $1 trillion economy by 2030. The Central Bank of Nigeria also highlighted the need for stronger regulation to support innovation while tackling cyber threats, fraud and data privacy concerns.

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