Nigeria News (Standard)
Civil Society Group Flags Executive Powers, Transparency Issues in Akwa Ibom Fiscal Bill
CSO warns that proposed law could weaken Assembly oversight, urges Akwa Ibom lawmakers to address accountability gaps
CSO warns that proposed law could weaken Assembly oversight, urges Akwa Ibom lawmakers to address accountability gaps
A civil society organisation has raised alarm over sections of a new fiscal responsibility bill currently before the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, warning that the legislation could grant excessive powers to the executive and create loopholes in transparency. The group made its position known on Wednesday in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.
According to the CSO, certain clauses in the proposed bill would allow the executive arm of government undue discretion over public finance management, limiting effective oversight by lawmakers and reducing opportunities for citizen engagement. The organisation noted that such provisions could undermine efforts to ensure accountability in how public funds are allocated and spent in the state.
The group emphasised that transparent fiscal frameworks are essential for building public trust, particularly as Akwa Ibom grapples with demands for better service delivery and infrastructure. It stated that while fiscal responsibility laws are designed to promote prudent financial management, any gaps or ambiguities can be exploited, potentially leading to mismanagement or abuse of resources.
In its statement, the CSO called on members of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly to thoroughly review the contentious sections before passing the bill into law. The organisation also urged wider consultation with stakeholders, including civil society and community representatives, to strengthen checks and balances. “We expect our elected representatives to ensure this law protects public interest and does not shield government actions from scrutiny,” it said.
The fate of the bill now lies with lawmakers who are expected to debate its final reading in coming weeks. Stakeholders say a robust fiscal responsibility law is critical for good governance in Akwa Ibom, especially as citizens demand greater transparency around state finances.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Neymar Returns as Brazil Face Scotland in World Cup Decider at Miami
Coach Ancelotti confirms star forward’s fitness; Brazil seek knockout qualification as Morocco threaten Group C lead
Coach Ancelotti confirms star forward’s fitness; Brazil seek knockout qualification as Morocco threaten Group C lead
Brazil forward Neymar is set to make his first appearance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Wednesday as the five-time champions take on Scotland in their final Group C match at Miami. The crucial fixture will decide whether Brazil secure a place in the last 32, with both teams eyeing progression to the knockout round.
The Brazilian squad, led by Coach Carlo Ancelotti, will be looking to bounce back after a 1-1 draw against Morocco earlier in the tournament. That result means Brazil must beat Scotland to guarantee top spot in Group C, as Morocco are favoured to win against already-eliminated Haiti. A slip-up could see Morocco overtake Brazil, making the path to the latter stages more difficult for Ancelotti’s side.
Scotland, meanwhile, are hoping to make history by qualifying for the knockout phase of a World Cup for the first time. The encounter is expected to be fiercely contested, especially with the match being played in Miami, United States – a venue that has seen large crowds turn out for World Cup fixtures so far.
Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, Ancelotti confirmed that Neymar had recovered from injury and would be available for selection. “He can play, he’s doing well, he trained very well. I’m very happy with him,” said Ancelotti. The coach added that Neymar’s experience and understanding of the game would be crucial for the younger players in the squad. Neymar’s return comes as winger Raphinha remains sidelined for two weeks due to injury.
With six matches scheduled per day as the tournament enters its next phase, fans and analysts alike are closely watching how group dynamics will affect traditional favourites like Brazil. Should Brazil fail to defeat Scotland and Morocco win their game, Brazil’s route through the competition could become significantly more challenging.
Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/football/brazil-vs-scotland-neymar-set-for-first-world-cup-appearance/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Akida Hills Launches Major Leisure Project at Jabi Lake, Unveils West Africa’s First Dancing Musical Fountain
Phase one to open in December 2026 with new entertainment, dining, and water-based attractions for Abuja residents
Phase one to open in December 2026 with new entertainment, dining, and water-based attractions for Abuja residents
Akida Hills, an Abuja-based real estate and destination development firm, has commenced work on a landmark leisure and tourism hub at Jabi Lake in the Federal Capital Territory. The first phase of the project, slated for completion in December 2026, will feature what is described as West Africa’s first dancing musical fountain alongside an array of waterfront attractions targeting both residents and tourists.
The development forms part of ongoing efforts to transform the Jabi Lake waterfront into a premier destination for recreation and lifestyle experiences. Akida Hills has secured a 3.36-hectare plot within the wider 14-hectare waterfront district, where it plans to deliver the new hub in stages. According to company officials, the first phase will introduce dining options, leisure spaces, water-based activities, regular weekly programming, and a seasonal lights festival anchored by the musical fountain.
Speaking on the significance of the project, Kayode Bamisile, Founder of Akida Hills, said the initiative represents a major opportunity to reposition Abuja’s leisure sector. “Jabi Lake represents one of the most significant opportunities to create a world-class waterfront destination in Africa. Through this development, we aim to deliver experiences that attract residents, visitors, and tourists year-round while contributing to economic growth, job creation, and Nigeria’s tourism appeal,” Bamisile stated in an official release.
The centrepiece of the project—the dancing musical fountain—will combine synchronised water displays with lighting and music to create an evening spectacle designed to draw crowds. Additional amenities are expected to be rolled out in later phases as construction advances. Akida Hills says further announcements on attractions and commercial partnerships will be made ahead of next year’s launch.
Upon completion, stakeholders anticipate that the redeveloped Jabi Lake Waterfront will serve as a major hub for entertainment, community engagement, and tourism in Nigeria’s capital city. Akida Hills describes its broader approach as moving beyond traditional real estate into destination-led developments that blend leisure, culture, and community experience.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos-Based Lafarge Africa Rebrands as HBM Nigeria Plc After Shareholders’ Approval
Name change follows board resolution, signals new strategic direction for cement giant in Nigerian construction sector
Name change follows board resolution, signals new strategic direction for cement giant in Nigerian construction sector
Lafarge Africa Plc, one of Nigeria’s leading cement manufacturers, has officially changed its name to HBM Nigeria Plc following a resolution passed by its board and shareholders in Lagos on Wednesday. The announcement marks a significant step in the company’s ongoing efforts to reposition itself within the nation’s competitive building materials industry.
The decision to adopt the new name, HBM Nigeria Plc, was reached during an extraordinary general meeting held at the company’s headquarters. Company officials stated that the rebranding exercise is part of a broader strategy to reflect evolving business priorities and reinforce the firm’s commitment to innovation and local content in the Nigerian construction sector.
Lafarge Africa, with decades of operations in Nigeria and presence across several states, has played a key role in infrastructure development, supplying cement and related products for major projects nationwide. Industry observers say that the new identity could help HBM Nigeria Plc strengthen its brand recognition as it seeks to expand market share amid rising competition from other domestic producers.
The company’s management said all existing contracts, obligations, and relationships remain unchanged despite the rebranding. “Our commitment to quality service delivery remains unwavering,” a senior executive said after the meeting. The statement assured customers, partners, and stakeholders that product lines and distribution channels will continue uninterrupted under the new corporate name.
With this rebrand now formalised, HBM Nigeria Plc is expected to roll out updated branding materials across its operations in coming weeks. The move is seen as part of wider trends among Nigerian corporates seeking greater agility and relevance as economic conditions evolve.
Neymar Returns as Brazil Face Scotland in World Cup Decider at Miami
Akida Hills Launches Major Leisure Project at Jabi Lake, Unveils West Africa’s First Dancing Musical Fountain
Lagos-Based Lafarge Africa Rebrands as HBM Nigeria Plc After Shareholders’ Approval
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