

News
ERISCO FOODS: WHY CRUCIFY OUR OWN?
By Dotun Roy
One of the greatest disservices we Nigerians do to ourselves is the constant crucification and victimisation of our home grown companies. We never really value nor celebrate our local brands the way we ought to, as a people. Yet, we are always very quick to find faults with them and ultimately orchestrate their downfall.

An average Nigerian would rather pay through his or her nose to purchase a product shipped into the country from either the US or Japan than to pay a huge amount for similar products that are locally made. Reason? Lack of sincerity of purpose. That is the major bane. And it cuts across all sectors in the country.
To begin with, our current economy is almost in shambles today because our past administrations failed to institutionalise sustainable platforms for our indigenous manufacturing companies to thrive while they render quality services to the people in return. Even though a couple of them tried but still, lack of sincerity of purpose suffocated the agenda.
Yet, in the face of all these challenges few manufacturers such as INNOSSON (IVM) and Erisco Foods have courageously stood their grounds to ensure they add value to their country.
And that reminds me of the travails of the INNOSON (IVM) – which happens to be Nigeria’s First Indigenous Automobile Company. How the founder continually struggled for acceptance despite his tenacity and resilience to put Nigeria on the world Map in the world of automobiles. Today, Nigerians still prefer foreign car brands to IVM.
What am I driving at?? The on-going social media ‘crucification’ that has trailed Erisco Foods Company, the producer of Nagiko Tomato Paste is totally uncalled for. Erisco Foods is a brand all Nigerians should celebrate rather than crucify.
Having followed the incident that led to the arrest of one Chioma Okoli, a self acclaimed Social Media Influencer by Erisco Foods, who had posted a damaging content about this Nagiko Tomato brand on her Facebook page without facts, which later generated a lot of backlash reactions from Nigerians.
Now, this is where Nigerians should have a rethink, the same Nagiko Brand that has served Nigerians for years, without any report of food poisoning and created employment opportunities for the young people, is about to be suffocated due to the same lack of sincerity of purpose.
I keenly followed this story from day one, because I wanted to know the rationale behind the damaging post by the lady. But until now I’m yet to find none. In fact, it seems to me like she never really used the product herself but only being used by some faceless sabotuers – who would rather see the downfall of Nagiko.

And based on several reports out there, the lady in question absconded from the Police custody with her husband and put their ‘Angel’ Guarantor in a state of dilemma. That goes to tell you that, that lady deserves to be arrested in the first place. She is a criminally minded fellow.
Now, the song on the lips of every Nigerian on social media has been why would Erisco Foods call for the arrest of the lady?
The brand has every right to do so! As an Influencer, you can review a product that didn’t serve you well without damaging the product.
However, if you feel short-changed you can later reach out to them through the Consumer Protection Agency such as Federal Competition and the Consumer Protection Council (FCCPC) which in this particular case has said they tested the Nagiko products for quality and it was not found wanting.
Also, there are several TV interviews by other media outlets granted by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) confirming Nagiko Tomato Paste as a duly certified product that meets the standard requirements for the consumption globally.
Being an influencer should never give anyone the license to damage any brand. Especially the ones that had passed through the test of time like Erisco Foods. They have paid their dues as far as I know. By the way, no tested and trusted brand would fold its arms and watch anyone crumble down her many years of hard-work in one day, just because of a disgruntled consumer.
Every business oriented person who understands the far reaching impacts of such damaging content would have fought back the same way Erisco Foods did.
Dotun Roy is a Public Policy Analyst and Social Activist based in Abuja. He can be reached via dotunroy@gmail.com.
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SOCIAL MEDIA BUZZ
Is VeryDarkMan Arrested?
News
Ned Nwoko Gives Reason for Clash with Regina Daniels

Nigerian lawmaker and businessman, Senator Ned Nwoko, has addressed reports of a marital dispute involving him and his wife, Nollywood actress Regina Daniels, which have dominated social media in recent days.
In a viral video, Regina Daniels accused her husband of domestic violence, claiming she had fled their home due to repeated abuse. The clip has since sparked widespread reactions online.
However, Senator Nwoko has now denied the allegations, alleging that Regina has been battling substance abuse, which he claims is the root cause of their problems.
In a lengthy statement posted on Sunday, titled “Regina’s Unprovoked Carnage and Rampage in My House and in My Absence,” the senator accused the actress of violent behavior, including damaging property and assaulting domestic staff.
“Regina was not always like this. Her current battle with drugs and alcohol abuse is the root of our problem. She must continue her rehabilitation program, or I fear for her life and safety,” he stated.
Nwoko further alleged that Regina had attacked three members of staff and destroyed cars and windows in the house, insisting that none of his other wives had ever accused him of violence.
“Regina is the violent one here,” he said. “I have set a clear condition for her to accept rehab in Asokoro or outside Nigeria, especially Jordan, where she will not have access to drugs.”
He also claimed that while he took their son, Moon, to the hospital, chaos erupted at home, allegedly involving two of Regina’s “drug suppliers,” whom he identified as “Sammy” and “Ann.”
As of press time, Regina Daniels has not publicly responded to Nwoko’s statement.
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News
Defence HQ Denies Coup Attempt, Says Independence Anniversary Cancellation Not Linked to Any Plot

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed as false and misleading reports suggesting that the cancellation of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary was connected to an alleged attempted military coup.
In a statement on Sunday, the DHQ clarified that there was no coup attempt or any plan to destabilize the country, describing the report as a fabrication aimed at causing unnecessary panic among citizens.
“The Defence Headquarters wishes to state categorically that the report linking the cancellation of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary to an alleged attempted military coup is false and misleading,” the statement read in part.
The military urged members of the public to disregard the rumor and cautioned media organizations and social media users against spreading unverified information capable of undermining national security.


The statement reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ unwavering loyalty to the Constitution and commitment to democratic governance under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
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Business
Unity Bank Corpreneurship Challenge Empowers 578 Young Entrepreneurs, Awards ₦16 Million to 30 New Winners

No fewer than 578 young entrepreneurs across Nigeria have benefitted from Unity Bank’s Corpreneurship Challenge the Bank’s flagship entrepreneurial development initiative launched a few years ago.
Over this period, the Bank has invested in supporting budding entrepreneurs across multiple sectors to start businesses, create jobs, and contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.
The ongoing initiative recently produced 30 new winners, who received a total grant of ₦16 million during the Batch B, Stream II edition of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation course, held across 10 states of the federation.
The winners, innovative young entrepreneurs developing solutions across various value chains such as fashion design, bag making, pastry and beverage production, event management, and vegetable farming, emerged after pitching their business ideas during the challenge at NYSC Orientation Camps in Lagos, Delta, Kaduna, Jigawa, Kwara, Benue, Abia, Kogi, Rivers, and Plateau States.
At the NYSC Orientation Camp in Ipaja, Lagos State, Fiyinfoluwa Titilayo Ojo, who pitched a soap-making enterprise, emerged the overall winner to clinch the ₦800,000 grand prize. Ndukwe Chiamaka Joan, with her innovative Small Chops business proposal, claimed ₦500,000 as first runner-up, while Barakat Modinat Olamide secured ₦300,000 to support her beverage-making venture.

Expressing her excitement after emerging as the overall winner in Lagos, Fiyinfoluwa Titilayo Ojo described the experience as life-changing, stating, “I’m truly grateful to Unity Bank for this opportunity. Winning the Corpreneurship Challenge has given me the push and confidence I needed to scale my soap-making business. Beyond the grant, the experience taught me how to structure my business better and believe in its potential. It’s amazing to see a bank that genuinely invests in young people’s dreams.”
Across the remaining nine states, 27 other winners also emerged after pitching diverse business ideas ranging from fish and poultry farming to printing, piggery, and cake production.
Over the past six years, the Unity Bank Corpreneurship Challenge has become an integral part of the NYSC programme, aligning with the Federal Government’s drive to upskill young graduates and promote entrepreneurship amid the scarcity of white-collar jobs. Each edition attracts thousands of entries from corps members whose business plans are evaluated for originality, marketability, job creation potential, and overall business acumen.
Speaking during the grand finale in Lagos, Unity Bank’s Divisional Head, Retail & SME, Mrs. Adenike Abimbola, reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to empowering Nigerian youth through enterprise. She said:
“At Unity Bank, we believe that the energy and creativity of young Nigerians are vital to the nation’s economic transformation. The Corpreneurship Challenge is our way of nurturing this potential — by giving corps members the financial boost, mentorship, and confidence to turn their ideas into thriving businesses. Seeing over 578 young entrepreneurs already impacted motivates us to keep expanding the initiative and deepening our support for the SME ecosystem.”
The Corpreneurship Challenge has earned Unity Bank national recognition for its role in youth empowerment and job creation, attracting over 2,000 applicants per edition.
In partnership with the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, the initiative continues to serve as a launchpad for youth-owned enterprises, offering grants of up to ₦800,000 to help corps members turn their business dreams into reality.
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News
16 Nigerian Military Officers Arrested Over Alleged Coup Plot to Oust President Tinubu

At least sixteen senior military officers have been arrested by the Nigerian Armed Forces over an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration, according to top security sources.
According to Sahara Reporters Although the military publicly described the arrests as disciplinary actions linked to “failure in promotion examinations” and “career stagnation,” insiders told reporters the detained officers were accused of planning a coup d’état.
The Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, confirmed the arrests but said they followed a “routine military exercise,” citing “indiscipline and breach of service regulations.”
However, intelligence gathered by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) allegedly uncovered a plot led by a Brigadier General to “seize power from selfish politicians.” The officers, ranging from Captains to senior commanders, were reportedly picked up at various military formations across the country.
Sources added that the October 1 Independence Day parade was abruptly cancelled after authorities discovered the conspirators planned to strike during the ceremony, allegedly targeting the President and other top officials.
The detained officers are currently being held at the DIA facility in Abuja pending further investigation.
Nigeria has witnessed five successful coups since gaining independence in 1960. Analysts warn that rising reports of corruption, low morale, and political interference within the armed forces have continued to fuel discontent among some military personnel.
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News
I will be receiving some notable figures from the ADC. – APC National Chair, Yilwatda.

Next week, I will be receiving some notable figures from the ADC. – APC National Chairman, Yilwatda.
Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, the National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), has announced that several politicians from opposing parties are planning to join the ruling APC soon.
During a meeting with Plateau APC stakeholders held at Crest Hotel in Jos yesterday, Yilwatda shared this.
He said, “Next week, I will be receiving some notable figures from the ADC.
“Some of those who had defected from PDP have reached out to ADC and are now returning to APC. Many of them have completed their ‘medicals’ and will be officially unveiled next week.
“In another two weeks, we will unveil yet another big figure who just finished his own ‘medicals.’
“He tried to unveil himself the day before yesterday, you probably saw it in the news. But officially, we’ll be receiving him soon. More people are coming. More senators are joining; more governors, more members of the National Assembly. The APC is the bride of the moment.
“Thank you so much for all you did—from the very beginning of my loss, through the burial, and even after.May God bless and reward you richly. I must also extend my deepest gratitude for how you stood your ground when we faced the setback at the Supreme Court.
“Many people thought that was the end of APC on the Plateau; that we had been buried politically. But what they didn’t see was the seed that had already been sown.
That seed germinated, and today, APC is stronger, more vibrant and growing bigger by the day.
“I’d also like to take this opportunity to warmly welcome our new members.”
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