The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a strong warning to the public regarding a fraudulent Facebook account impersonating Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, one of its Permanent Secretaries. The fake account has been falsely awarding contracts, requesting assistance, and offering rewards to unsuspecting Nigerians online. In an official statement released on Friday, the Ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, clarified that the Ministry has no connection with the account and urged Nigerians to disregard any communications from it. “This fraudulent account is being used to disseminate false information and malicious schemes,” the statement said. The Ministry emphasized that Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed does not operate any social media accounts. It also reminded the public that recruitment into the Nigerian Foreign Service is exclusively handled by the Federal Civil Service Commission and that the Ministry does not request payments for job applications or appointments. Authorities are currently collaborating with security agencies and Meta, Facebook’s parent company, to investigate and shut down the fake account. The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and protecting citizens from online fraud. This warning follows a recent disclaimer about fake recruitment exercises circulating online, highlighting ongoing efforts to safeguard Nigerians from scams exploiting official identities. The Ministry advises everyone to stay vigilant, verify official announcements through proper channels, and report suspicious activities to relevant authorities.
NITDA launches nationwide startup hunt ahead of GITEX Nigeria 2025
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has officially kicked off a nationwide search for Nigeria’s most promising tech startups in preparation for GITEX Nigeria 2025. This exciting initiative will take place across all six geopolitical zones of the country, with roadshow events scheduled in Lagos, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, Abuja, Gombe, and Kano between June and August. NITDA’s Director-General and CEO, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, emphasized the agency’s commitment to discovering and supporting bold, local innovators who are developing scalable technology solutions to real-world problems. “From June to August, we will travel across Nigeria to uncover and spotlight startups that are shaping the future of technology in our country,” he said The program is open to early-stage and growth-stage startups that are either registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) or in the process of registration. Eligible sectors include HealthTech, AgriTech, FinTech, Artificial Intelligence (AI), EdTech, ClimateTech, and CreativeTech. Selected startups from each geopolitical zone will receive sponsorship to exhibit at the GITEX Nigeria 2025 Startup Festival, set to take place in Abuja from September 1 to 4. This platform offers an unparalleled opportunity to pitch ideas before a panel of ecosystem leaders, investors, and policymakers, gain national visibility, and connect with key players in the tech ecosystem. Participants will also benefit from networking opportunities with hubs, media, investors, and policymakers, and prepare for potential participation in GITEX Global in Dubai, one of the world’s largest and most influential technology trade shows. Interested startups can apply through a fully digital self-nomination form available on NITDA’s portal. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to pitch live during the zonal roadshows. GITEX Nigeria is modeled after the renowned Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (GITEX) held annually in Dubai. The event has grown into a global platform where governments, multinational companies, investors, and startups converge to showcase innovations and explore emerging technologies. Recognizing the value of this global exposure, NITDA established GITEX Nigeria to promote indigenous startups, facilitate investment, and connect Nigerian innovators to global markets.
UNICEF urges health screening at Owerri Airport amid diphtheria outbreak in Imo State
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called for regular health screenings of passengers arriving at Sam Mbakwe Airport to help curb the spread of a diphtheria outbreak in Imo State. Diphtheria, a contagious bacterial infection affecting the nose, throat, and sometimes the skin, has recently caused concern in the region. The first case was reported in Mbutu, Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area. The disease spreads through respiratory droplets or direct contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces, with an incubation period ranging from two to ten days. According to UNICEF, the outbreak has already resulted in 10 fatalities, with 79 suspected and 7 confirmed cases recorded. Without prompt treatment, diphtheria can lead to severe complications and death in about one in ten cases. UNICEF is working closely with the Nigerian government to manage the outbreak through case management, infection control, reactive vaccination, risk communication, and community engagement. “The situation is urgent. We must act swiftly to prevent this from becoming a national disaster,” said Akinleye, a UNICEF representative. Vaccination efforts have been ramped up, with over 4,000 people vaccinated in the affected council areas, including Aboh Mbaise, Ahiazu Mbaise, Owerri North, and Owerri Municipal. Treatment centers have been established at Primary Health Centres in Mbutu and Aboh General Hospital, with additional vaccine doses supplied to maintain the response. UNICEF’s Communications Officer, Dr. Ijeoma Onuoha-Ogwe, praised the Imo Ministry of Health for their efforts and urged the media to increase public awareness on preventive measures. Meanwhile, UNICEF’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Specialist, Mrs. Rebekah Gabriel, emphasized the importance of regular handwashing with soap and water and called for collaboration with traditional leaders to enhance grassroots sensitization. Travelers through Owerri airport should expect health screenings and cooperate with health officials. The public is encouraged to practice good hygiene and support vaccination campaigns to help contain the outbreak.
Lagos Government boosts Blue Line Rail with new train sets, eyes extension to Okokomaiko by 2026
The Lagos State Government has taken a significant step to enhance urban mobility by receiving three new train sets, each with four coaches, for the electric-powered Blue Line Rail project. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced the arrival of the 12 new coaches on Thursday via his official X account, highlighting that the additional trains will reduce wait times and improve comfort for commuters. The new train sets, shipped from China, are part of a broader plan by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) to expand and optimize the rail service. Earlier in January 2025, six train sets intended for both the Blue and Red Lines passed factory acceptance tests and were scheduled for shipment to Lagos. Governor Sanwo-Olu also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to completing the Blue Line extension from Mile 2 to Okokomaiko by 2026. This extension is expected to significantly improve daily commutes for Lagosians, with six new stations planned along the route, including Festac, Alakija, and LASU. Since its launch in September 2023, the Blue Line has transported over two million passengers, demonstrating its growing role in easing Lagos traffic congestion. The rail line currently runs a 13-kilometre stretch from Marina to Mile 2, featuring five stations. Daily trips have increased from 54 to 72, with plans to further reduce train intervals to as little as five minutes as new coaches arrive. Commuters have praised the Blue Line for its comfort, speed, and reliability despite higher fares compared to buses. However, rush-hour crowding remains a challenge, prompting LAMATA to enhance service frequency and station facilities. The rail system also features clean carriages, security patrols, and accessibility measures for people with disabilities. The Lagos Blue Line Rail project, constructed and operated by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), represents a milestone in Lagos’s efforts to modernize public transport through integrated, sustainable infrastructure funded from the state’s internally generated revenue.
NIMC refutes claims of blocking Police access to NIN database
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has dismissed recent reports suggesting that the Police Service Commission (PSC) is unable to access the National Identification Number (NIN) database. In a clear statement released on Thursday, NIMC described the claims as “misleading and inaccurate,” assuring the public that all verification platforms remain fully operational and accessible to authorized security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and PSC. Dr. Kayode Adegoke, Head of NIMC’s Corporate Communications Unit, emphasized that the Commission has granted unrestricted verification access to all Nigerian Police formations for several years. “The NPF, PSC, and other security agencies have been enjoying uninterrupted verification services for over five years,” he said. The statement comes in response to concerns raised by the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, retired Deputy Inspector General of Police Hashimu Argungu. During a recent visit to the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Argungu expressed frustration over the PSC’s purported inability to access the NIMC database, which he claimed was hindering the verification of police recruitment applicants. NIMC clarified that no complaints have been received from either the NPF or PSC regarding access issues. The Commission also highlighted that the Nigeria Police ICT department actively manages the technical integration that enables seamless NIN verification across police units nationwide. In addition, NIMC noted that recent structural changes to the verification framework, made in consultation with the Office of the National Security Adviser, were implemented to enhance standardization and improve service delivery. The Nigeria Police Force has reportedly confirmed that their access to verification services remains uninterrupted. “Any service interruption experienced by the PSC may be due to internal matters,” the statement added. Reaffirming its commitment to national security, NIMC pledged to continue providing reliable verification services to support police recruitment, cybercrime control, security mapping, and other official functions. The Commission urged all partner agencies to adhere to agreed terms and conditions to ensure smooth and secure access to the NIN database.
NCAA certifies Arco Aviation Academy as Nigeria’s first approved drone pilot training school
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has officially certified Arco Aviation Academy as an Approved Training Organization (ATO) for Remote Pilot Aircraft Systems (RPAS), marking a significant step forward in Nigeria’s drone industry development. The certification, announced on June 5, follows a rigorous five-phase approval process ensuring the academy complies fully with Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations. It authorizes Arco Aviation Academy to offer specialized drone pilot courses, including Basic Remote Pilot, Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS), and Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) training. At the presentation held at NCAA headquarters in Abuja, Director General Capt. Chris Najomo praised the academy’s adherence to all regulatory standards and emphasized the Authority’s commitment to ongoing oversight and guidance as the academy begins operations. Capt. Maikano T.W., leader of the NCAA certification team, highlighted the academy’s readiness and strong administrative structure, while Engr. Godwin Balang, Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards, described the certification as a milestone for technical capacity building in Nigeria’s aviation sector. Managing Director Okosubide Mozimo expressed gratitude to the NCAA and reaffirmed the academy’s dedication to safety and quality training standards. This certification positions Arco Aviation Academy among the few institutions licensed to train drone pilots in Nigeria, supporting the country’s goal to safely integrate unmanned aircraft systems into national airspace and advance its growing drone sector. The NCAA’s move aligns with broader efforts to enhance local expertise and human capacity in drone technology, a key area of innovation and economic opportunity for Nigeria.