Abuja, Nigeria – Senator Sadiq Suleiman Umar, representing Kwara North Senatorial District and Chairman of the Senate Committees on Trade & Investment and Rules & Business, has urged young Africans to take the lead in driving the continent’s trade and investment future under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

Delivering the keynote address at the 2025 Africa and Middle East Senate Association (AMESA) Summit hosted by Junior Chamber International (JCI) in Abuja, Senator Umar commended JCI’s global role in raising leaders and promoting active citizenship.

He emphasized Africa’s demographic advantage, stating:

“With 1.4 billion people and 60% under the age of 25, Africa holds the key to the future of global trade and innovation.”

Referencing World Bank statistics, Umar highlighted that AfCFTA could lift 30 million Africans out of poverty and increase incomes by $450 billion by 2035, provided countries commit to cross-border collaboration, trade missions, and youth-driven entrepreneurship.

On Nigeria’s role, he described the nation as a “gateway for investment and innovation”, citing its 220 million population, dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem, and recent policy reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

He further noted that Nigeria’s fintech sector has attracted over $2 billion in foreign investment within the last five years.

The Senator urged African governments and businesses to prioritize agriculture, renewable energy, digital trade, and infrastructure, stressing that trade must be viewed beyond goods and services.

“Trade is not just about goods and services; it is about the movement of ideas, opportunities, and hope,” he declared.

Senator Umar closed by reaffirming the Nigerian Legislature’s commitment to policies that unlock Africa’s untapped potential, challenging young Africans to lead with integrity, innovation, and service.

THE JCI AMESA SUMMIT – WAZOBIA 2025

The Junior Chamber International (JCI) Africa and Middle East Senate Association (AMESA) Summit 2025 officially opened in Abuja, bringing together leaders and changemakers from across the continent and beyond.

The four-day summit, themed “Rediscovering Africa’s Untapped Potential Through Regional Collaboration & Partnerships,” runs from September 18 to 21, 2025.

Organizers say AMESA 2025 promises to be a transformative event, serving as a platform for influential figures to drive progress, explore opportunities, and shape the future of Africa and the Middle East through united efforts and strategic cooperation.

Throughout the summit, participants will engage in dynamic discussions, exchange best practices, and build actionable frameworks aimed at fostering sustainable development, regional integration, and stronger partnerships.

PHOTOS FROM THR OPENING CEREMONY

The U.S. Department of Justice has charged two Nigerians, Christopher Falade, 62, and his son, Emmanuel Falade, 32, alongside six others, for their alleged roles in a $2.2 million housing stabilization fraud scheme in Minnesota.

The indictment, announced Thursday, according to PEOPLES GAZETTE accuses the defendants of defrauding the Housing Stabilization Services (HSS) Programme by inflating reimbursement claims and diverting funds meant to support vulnerable residents.

According to prosecutors, the Falades operated Faladcare Inc., a registered HSS provider tasked with offering housing consulting, transition, and support services. Instead, they allegedly created fraudulent claims for about 100 beneficiaries, siphoning program payments far above the value of services delivered.

“Over the course of years, the Falades and their conspirators created and submitted Program reimbursement claims that were inflated and fraudulent,” the DoJ stated. “By doing so, Faladcare received Program payments far exceeding the HSS services they had actually provided.”

Investigators allege that much of the fraud proceeds were distributed among their co-conspirators and Faladcare employees.

Others charged in the case include Moktar Hassan Aden (30), Mustafa Dayib Ali (29), Khalid Ahmed Dayib (26), Abdifitah Mohamud Mohamed (27), Asad Ahmed Adow (26), and Anwar Ahmed Adow (25).

Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson described the charges as “the first wave” in an ongoing probe into widespread fraud draining Minnesota’s social programs.

“It feels never ending,” Mr Thompson said. “I have spent my career as a fraud prosecutor, and the depth of the fraud in Minnesota takes my breath away. The fraud must be stopped.”

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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has strongly criticized activist and politician Omoyele Sowore for labeling President Bola Tinubu a “criminal.”

Speaking on Thursday during the flag-off of the construction of Arterial Road N1 from Wuye District to Ring Road II, Abuja, Wike said Sowore was “lucky” that Tinubu respects the rule of law, warning that not all leaders would tolerate such remarks.

“You Are Lucky,” Wike Tells Sowore

According to Wike:

“This is a country where somebody will go on social media and say Mr. President is a criminal and nothing will happen.

No matter how you see people criticize Trump, have you ever seen any Nigerian citizen on social media or in public say our president is a criminal? Have you ever heard that?

You are lucky you have a president that believes in the rule of law.

You are lucky, continue to be lucky because there are those you will meet and you won’t be lucky again.”

Wike Cites Nigeria’s Freedom of Speech

The minister argued that the ability of citizens to openly criticize Tinubu demonstrates the level of freedom in Nigeria compared to other countries, including the United States.

His comments come amid growing political tensions, with Sowore and other critics frequently attacking the administration over governance, economy, and democracy.

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Shoprite’s Struggles in Nigeria Deepen

Shoprite’s operations in Nigeria appear to be in crisis, four years after the South African retail giant exited the supermarket business.

Reports by Daily Trust confirm that outlets in Ibadan and Ilorin have closed, while stores still operating in Lagos, Abuja, and other major cities now have largely empty shelves.

From Expansion to Decline

Since opening its first Nigerian outlet in Lagos in 2005, Shoprite became a household name, growing into more than 25 stores across eight states and the Federal Capital Territory. At its peak, the chain directly employed over 2,000 workers and supported hundreds of local suppliers, particularly farmers.

But rising inflation, supply chain disruptions, and growing competition from local supermarkets have steadily weakened its dominance, pushing the brand into financial distress.

In 2021, Shoprite Holdings Limited sold its Nigerian business to local investors after retreating from several African markets including Ghana, Kenya, and Uganda—citing harsh operating conditions.

Nigerians React on Social Media

The closures have sparked a wave of reactions across social media, where Nigerians expressed a mix of nostalgia, disappointment, and calls for stronger homegrown supermarket chains.

On X (formerly Twitter), hashtags such as #ShopriteNigeria, #ShopriteClosure, and #NigerianRetail began trending:

“Shoprite shutting down is an end of an era. That place was our mini mall culture in the 2000s.” – @lagos_girl

“This should be a wake-up call. We need to support Nigerian-owned supermarkets like Justrite, Hubmart, and Ebeano.” – @naija_economist

“No more weekend hangouts at Shoprite. Sad, but not surprising with the way inflation is going.” – @femiwrites

“Shoprite was not just a supermarket, it was a social spot. I met my wife there in 2012. This hits different.” – @deji_lagos

“If Shoprite can’t survive here, it tells you everything about Nigeria’s business environment.” – @uchechukwu_onyi

What’s Next for Retail in Nigeria?

While many lament the decline of Shoprite, others see opportunity for local supermarkets to step into the gap. Brands like Justrite, Hubmart, Ebeano, and Spar could potentially take advantage of the vacuum.

With Shoprite’s uncertain future, the question remains: will Nigeria’s supermarket culture fade with its departure—or will indigenous brands reinvent it?

The Rivers State House of Assembly on Thursday reconvened for plenary, marking its first session since the expiration of the six-month state of emergency imposed by President Bola Tinubu.

The sitting, presided over by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, held at the legislative quarters in Port Harcourt, comes just a day after Tinubu lifted emergency rule at midnight on September 17.

The emergency had been declared on March 18, 2025, following a constitutional impasse between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Assembly that crippled governance.

Before resumption, the outgone state administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas, officially handed over to Governor Fubara and, in his farewell address, urged Rivers people to support the reinstated governor.

At Thursday’s plenary, the House passed two key resolutions: calling on Governor Fubara to immediately forward a list of Commissioner-nominees for screening and confirmation, and urging him to initiate the process of drafting an Appropriation Law for the remainder of the year.

Speaker Amaewhule stressed that these steps are vital for stabilising governance and ensuring effective service delivery. Lawmakers say the resolutions are aimed at normalising the state’s administration and addressing urgent citizen needs after months of political turbulence.

Meanwhile, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar criticised the suspension and reinstatement of Governor Fubara and the Assembly, describing Tinubu’s actions as “unconstitutional, illegal, and a clear sign of dictatorship.”

Governor Fubara is yet to respond publicly to the House’s resolutions.

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