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Nigeria Pushes For ECOWAS Capital Market Merger To Unlock Billions In Investments
Nigeria has renewed its call for the urgent integration of West Africa’s capital markets, stressing that the region cannot achieve sustainable development without pooling financial resources and harmonising regulations.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to Nivo News, the Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama, said West Africa faces critical challenges ranging from infrastructure gaps and climate resilience to digital transformation and job creation. He argued that integrating capital markets across the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is the only viable path to mobilising the scale of investment needed.
Speaking in Abuja at the Experts’ Meeting on the Validation of the WASRA Charter, Agama described the initiative as a “watershed moment” in regional financial history. He warned that each delay in integration meant lost opportunities for funding vital projects that could transform economies across the sub-region.
“To meet these challenges, we require capital at scale, and no single national market can provide it alone. An integrated regional capital market is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity,” Agama said, noting Africa’s annual infrastructure financing shortfall of over $100 billion, with West Africa alone needing tens of billions of dollars for transport, energy, and digital upgrades.
Drawing lessons from the European Union and ASEAN, he explained that harmonised standards and cross-border funding had accelerated growth and resilience in those regions, a model West Africa could replicate with its population of over 400 million and combined GDP of $800 billion.
Agama further highlighted opportunities beyond infrastructure, including agriculture, food security, and the digital economy, stressing that harmonised regulations and pooled liquidity could unlock transformative impact, especially in youth empowerment and job creation.
Presenting the objectives of the West Africa Securities Regulators Association (WASRA), which he also chairs, Agama said the body was created to anchor market integration, boost investor confidence, and foster collaboration among member states. He called on ECOWAS finance ministers and policymakers to provide the political will necessary to move from “aspiration to reality.”
Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, represented by Mr. Hassan Adamu Jibrin, said the validation of the WASRA Charter would lay a strong foundation for harmonised regulations, cross-border investments, and financial stability in the region.
Also speaking, ECOWAS Commission’s Acting Director for the Private Sector, Mr. Peter Oluonye, noted that capital market integration was crucial to reducing reliance on external capital flows. He emphasised the need for harmonised regulations, interlinked trading systems, common market platforms, and internationally accepted governance standards to drive regional growth.
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BREAKING: Oyo Budget Commissioner Resigns From Makinde’s Cabinet.
The Oyo State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Ayobami Ojo, has resigned from his position in Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Ojo announced his decision in a letter dated Monday, November 2, 2026, addressed to the governor through the Secretary to the State Government.
In the letter, the commissioner stated that his resignation would take immediate effect, making reference to his appointment letter dated June 22, 2026.
“With reference to your letter dated 22nd June, 2026 (SP.S.662/2/VOL.IV/192), I respectfully write to formally resign my appointment as Honourable Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, with effect from today, 2nd November, 2026,” the letter read.
Ojo also expressed gratitude to Makinde for giving him the opportunity to serve the state, describing his time in office as a privilege and an honour.
“I want to express my sincere appreciation for the opportunity to serve our dear State under the administration of Your Excellency. Serving the Government and the good people of Oyo State has been a great honour that I do not take lightly,” he wrote.
The former commissioner, however, did not disclose the reason behind his decision to leave the cabinet.
His resignation is the latest in a series of departures from the Makinde administration.
Others who have previously resigned include the governor’s Executive Assistant on Security Coordination, Kabiru Salami; former Chief of Staff, Segun Ogunwuyi; and the Director-General of the Oyo State Due Process Office, Tara Adefope.
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2027: ‘Peter Obi Will Break One-Term Agreement’ – Sambo Raises Alarm.
Arise News Political Editor, Sumner Sambo, has predicted that the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, will seek a second term if he wins the 2027 presidential election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Sambo made the prediction during an appearance on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Monday.
The journalist dismissed claims by some political figures that Obi would serve only one term in office before handing over power to another person.
“Nothing will stop Peter Obi from seeking a second term if he wins. He will betray a one-term pact,” Sambo said.
He argued that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees Obi the right to seek re-election if elected president, adding that no informal agreement could prevent him from exercising that constitutional right.
Sambo further maintained that politicians who secure the presidency generally seek a second term, insisting that Obi would be no exception.
In a related development, former Labour Party (LP) vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has expressed doubts about the willingness of voters in Northern Nigeria to support a presidential ticket featuring Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso.
Baba-Ahmed also cautioned Obi’s supporters, popularly known as Obidients, against attacking him over his position.
The economist made the remarks during an interview with Symfoni TV, explaining that his assessment was informed by his personal experience as Obi’s running mate in the 2023 presidential election.
“First, these people (Obidients) are always eager to attack. I said it is very unlikely that the North will support Peter Obi, very unlikely because I know what I have faced,” he said.
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Finidi Blasts Rangers Over Alleged Time-Wasting Tactics After NPFL Draw.
Chijioke Mbaoma gave Rivers United the lead in the 17th minute at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium after taking advantage of a defensive mistake. However, Rangers drew level eight minutes into the second half through Godwin Obaje.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Both sides pressed for a decisive goal but were unable to find the breakthrough, settling for a share of the points.
Speaking after the encounter, Rivers United head coach Finidi George accused Rangers players of deliberately disrupting the flow of the game, particularly towards the closing stages.
“They got a draw, and they should not complain,” Finidi said.
“You saw the way the players were falling as if they were not fit, but I wasn’t pleased with their time-wasting tactics.”
The draw left Rivers United and Enugu Rangers level on points at the top of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) standings, with the Port Harcourt-based side maintaining first place on goal difference.
Meanwhile, Kano Pillars head coach Daniel Ogunmodede praised his players after they secured a 2-0 victory over Nasarawa United at the Sani Abacha Stadium.
Ibrahim Yahaya opened the scoring in the 15th minute before Fabian Nworie added a second in the 65th minute to seal maximum points for the hosts.
The victory extended Kano Pillars’ unbeaten run to three matches and moved them to fourth position with 18 points.
Ogunmodede acknowledged the pressure that comes with playing before the club’s demanding supporters but said their high expectations could serve as motivation for the team.
“Most of the time we play with so much pressure here. Obviously we want to win; our fans want us to win every game. We know what it means when we are leading 2-0, and they still want more. But for me that is the kind of hunger I want from the spectators, from the players. The good thing is that we are adapting gradually to it,” he said.
The coach also attributed the victory to his tactical adjustments, explaining that his decision to use inverted wing-backs during the opening 20 minutes unsettled Nasarawa United’s full-backs and opened up spaces in central areas.
After the break, Pillars altered their approach and focused on exploiting the wide areas. The adjustment created several scoring opportunities, although they failed to increase their advantage.
Ogunmodede described the win as significant for the club’s position on the league table, the players’ confidence and the satisfaction of supporters. He also expressed satisfaction with the team’s clean sheet.
In another Matchday 11 encounter, Katsina United technical adviser Azeez Audu Mohammed praised his players following their 2-1 victory over Sporting Lagos at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium.
Luis Dadong scored twice in the 10th and 28th minutes to put the Chanji Boys 2-0 ahead before Aliyu Baba pulled one back for Sporting Lagos in the 65th minute.
Katsina United, however, held on to secure all three points.
Mohammed said defeating a strong opponent was more important than keeping a clean sheet, highlighting Sporting Lagos’ impressive away record.
“It’s not about a clean sheet. The important thing is that we won against a quality side. In 11 matches, they picked up 10 points away from home, so it’s not a small feat for us to beat them,” he told the NPFL media.
The coach also praised his players for executing their instructions but admitted that the team’s defensive organisation declined in the second half.
“I think my boys did well, aside from conceding. We will continue working hard until we get it right,” he said.
“I think we didn’t defend well in the second half. We are going to talk to the defenders on how to do things right. Overall, they did well and played according to instructions because we faced a very good team. The plan was to stop them from playing, which we did.”
Katsina United will next travel to Ozoro to take on Warri Wolves as they seek to build on their Matchday 11 victory.
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