By Adedapo Adesanya

The federal government has gotten a September 2025 deadline to close the prosecution of former National Security Adviser (NSA), Mr Sambo Dasuki, over alleged money laundering, a case which has been in court for over 10 years.

The Federal High Court through Justice Peter Lifu fixed September 24, 25, and 26 for the government to call any remaining witnesses and tender all exhibits in support of the charges.

Mr Dasuki, who was first arraigned in 2015 was facing a seven-count amended charge and was expected to open his defence once the prosecution closed its case.

At the last hearing, a prosecution witness, Mr Monsur Mohammed, told the court that following Mr Dasuki’s arrest, his residences in Abuja, Kaduna, and Sokoto were searched for arms and cash.

Led in evidence by prosecution counsel, Mr Oladipupo Okpeseyi (SAN), the witness, an exhibits keeper with the Department of State Services (DSS), listed items recovered from Dasuki’s Abuja residence at 46, Nelson Mandela Street, Asokoro.

He claimed that at Mr Dasuki’s House at 46, Nelson Mandela Street, Asokoro, found items include two Compact Disc of Freedom Radio on Jokolo, two GT Bank Cheque books, two blackberries phones, Nokia phone, flash drive, Apple Laptop and statement of account as part of items found in the house.

Others were a Visa card, approval letter of a radio station granted to Afri-Media Integrated Ltd, one CD on arrest and execution of Mohammed Yusuf, $500 and 533 Saudi Riyadh.

Also recovered were an HSBC account book and a Cheque book of Habibson Ltd of a Mr Abubakar Ibrahim.

The court admitted the items as Exhibits MSD 015 to 034 following no objection from Dasuki’s lawyer, Mr Ahmed Usman.

It was also revealed that at Mr Dasuki’s residence in Sabo Birni, Sokoto State, the exhibits keeper claimed that $150,000 were recovered in the house and subsequently deposited with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The prosecutor said he would ask the DSS to bring the cash to court to be tendered as exhibits.

At the Sultan Abubakar Road, Sokoto house, the witness told the court that no items were found.

At this stage, the federal government counsel applied for an adjournment to enable him bring before the court other items found in Mr Dasuki’s house during the four search warrants executed in the houses.

Justice Lifu while granting the adjournment request directed the federal government to be ready to close its case against the defendant and for Dasuki to open his defence.

The judge subsequently adjourned the case until September 24, 25 and 26.

Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC), the official bottling partner of The Coca-Cola Company in Nigeria, is marking World Youth Day 2025 by celebrating the resilience, innovation, and impact of young Nigerians who are transforming their communities and driving inclusive growth.

At the core of this celebration is NBC’s flagship #YouthEmpowered initiative—designed to equip young people with essential life and business skills for the future of work. Since its launch in Nigeria in 2017, the program has empowered over 60,000 youth through hands-on training, digital upskilling, mentorship, and entrepreneurial coaching.

As part of this year’s activities, NBC will premiere a documentary that spotlights inspiring YouthEmpowered alumni who are building businesses, leading change, and shaping brighter futures for themselves and their communities. The documentary will be available to the public on NBC’s official website, YouTube channel, and social media platforms.

Featured in the film is Esohe Ekunwe, who now leads Alpha Connect, a community initiative focused on financial literacy, wellness, and civic engagement. She credits the YouthEmpowered program with not only influencing her business journey but also transforming her mindset.

The documentary also highlights other changemakers such as Doyin Ogunye, founder of Women and Youth Empowerment, whose environmental work in Lagos is tackling waste and creating jobs; and Kingsley Oguchechukwu, founder of Kingsman Luxury in Enugu, who turned a major business setback into a thriving fashion brand.

By shining a light on these stories, NBC reaffirms its commitment to empowering young Nigerians and supporting their vital role in national development.

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

It was a glorious moment for Ms Bunmi Esther Olalude and Ms Christianah Madu, the two Nigerian innovators honoured at the prestigious Anzisha Prize Awards Gala held on August 6, 2025.

They were among the four prize winners who received a $10,000 prize each to further the impactful work they are already delivering in their communities.

Ms Olalude was honoured with the Job Creation Award for creating the most jobs, particularly for women and youth, and she informed the audience, “If I keep on doing what I am doing, I know I can go anywhere and reach my biggest dreams.”

On her part, Ms Madu was awarded the Storytelling Award for her powerful communication and ability to increase visibility for her venture.

Another winner was Ms Cebolenkosi Gcabashe from South Africa, who earned the Revenue Growth Award for his business which showed the greatest increase in profitability.

“As a person from a rural area, this award means the world to me and the community I come from,” he said, urging young business leaders to “start where you are with what you have and the rest will come along with your journey.”

The fourth winner, Mr Tafadzwa Manyanye, received the Systems of Delivery Award for building strong operational systems to scale efficiently, and he advised other aspiring entrepreneurs to “just start,” noting, “whatever you are doing, starting today means you are gearing up for a successful tomorrow.”

The ceremony was part of the Anzisha Entrepreneurship Education in Africa (EEA) Summit, held at the African Leadership Academy campus.

The event concluded with a powerful call to action for business and community leaders to support the continent’s very young entrepreneurs.

The summit brought together policy architects, educators, investors, and business leaders to explore best practices in entrepreneurship education and celebrate the innovative strategies driving youth-led growth.

“Youth entrepreneurship isn’t the backup plan, it’s the blueprint. For too long we have treated entrepreneurship as plan B, the path we take when the real systems fail you. But today has reminded us that youth-led enterprise isn’t what happens when things go wrong, it’s what happens when young people take control of their futures,” Anzisha Prize Managing Editor, Didi Onwu, said.

“We’ve heard from our entrepreneurs who are running digital schools, inventing organic farming alternatives, designing global fashion brands, solving health challenges and more – all before the age of 25. They’re not asking if they’re too young. They’re building anyway,” Onwu added.