FRIDAY 11TH SEPTEMBER 2026

Governor Peter Mbah Unveils Over 10,000 Milestone Achievements Says Enugu on course to greatness Records 1,521km of roads, 7,000 classrooms, 260 PHCs, sweeping reforms Governor gets honorary doctorate from UK alma mater for exceptional leadership

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

About eight months to the end of his first tenure of office, Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has

unveiled a compendium of more than 10,000 milestones recorded in his administration across critical

sectors of the Enugu State economy.

This was even as the governor was also yesterday conferred with

a Doctor of Law Degree, honoris causa, by his alma mater, the University of East London (UEL),

in the United Kingdom, citing his Continued on page 8

Friday 11 September, 2026 Vol 31. No 11478. Price: N400

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Sanwo-Olu Lauds Dangote’s Resilience Despite Lagos Refinery Obstacles Aliko: No amount of hurdles will stop us from industrialising Africa Says IPO offering Nigerians stake in continent’s biggest project Rewane: Offer can trigger industrial transformation Facility raises $750m eurobond on Vienna stock exchange Emmanuel Addeh, James Emejo in Abuja and Peter Uzoho, Kayode Tokede in Lagos

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has described the Dangote Refinery as more than merely an industrial project, assert-

ing that its construction showcased Africa’s ability to execute ambitious projects on a market-changing scale.

Sanwo-Olu spoke yesterday at

the official launch of the Africa–Diaspora Leadership Programme 2026 Young Global Leaders Convening, tagged “Building Africa at Scale,”

held at the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Complex in IbejuLekki, Lagos.

The governor disclosed that

the refinery was built on land reclaimed from swamp, lagoon, Continued on page 8

Obi: In 2023 We Took Things for Granted, Believed INEC, But Not Again Says Tinubu not in charge, hasn’t spent 3 nights in any state Faults president for spending holidays abroad Promises decisive action against insecurity Rules out oil subsidy return Vows to set up independent system to monitor 2027 results

Story on page 8

ALIKO DANGOTE FOUNDATION, ADF/YOUNG GLOBAL LEADERS ENGAGEMENT...

L-R: Co-Chair, Board of Trustees, The Africa Center New-York, Jendayi Frazer; representing President of Rwanda and the CEO, Rwanda Development Board, Mr. Jean-Guy Afrika; Vice President, Dangote Oil & Gas and Fertilizer, Mr. Davakumar Edwin; President, Aliko Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Executive Director, Commercial Operations, Dangote Group, Fatima Dangote; and Managing Director/CEO, Dangote Foundation, Zouera Youssoufou, during the Aliko Dangote Foundation, ADF/Young Global Leaders Engagement, at the Dangote Refinery, Lekki Free Trade Zone in Lagos, yesterday

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THISDAY • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2026

Group News Editor: Goddy Egene Email: Goddy.egene@thisdaylive.com, 0803 350 6821, 0807 401 0580

NEWS

AIM CONGRESS 2026 DUBAI...

His Excellency, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence of the United Arab Emirates (left) and His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III CFR, The Olu of Warri Kingdom during the signing of cooperation protocol to deepen global tolerance at AIM Congress 2026 Dubai with the theme: World Governments as incubators for tolerance and shared growth

Telecoms Subscribers Hits 195M as MTN Crosses 100 Million Milestone Emma Okonji

Nigeria’s active mobile subscriptions, across networks, reached 195,108,814 in July 2026, with a teledensity of 90 per cent, according to statistics released yesterday

by Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

The data showed that MTN alone recorded 100,859,587 as at July 2026, making it the first telecoms company to cross the 100 million subscribers milestone since the rollout of GSM services in Nigeria in 2001.

According to the statistics, MTN has a market share of 51.76 per cent.

Next to MTN is Airtel, with 66,760,297 subscribers and a market share of 34.26 per cent.

Globacom recorded 23,628,966 subscribers on its network as at July 2026, with a market share of 12.13 per cent.

T2 recorded 3,613,811 subscribers on its network, with a market share of 1.85 per cent.

The recent statistics from NCC, showed an increase in subscriber

number in one month.

As at June 2026, the total subscriber number across networks was 192,232,120, but the figure increased to 195,108,814 in July 2026, according to NCC’s statistics.

Out of the 192,232,120 subscriptions recorded across all networks in June, MTN alone recorded 98,643,681 subscribers on its network with a market share of 51.38 per cent, followed

by Airtel, which recorded 66,121,645 subscribers on its network, with a market share of 34.44 per cent.

Globacom was next, with 23,682,605 subscribers on its network and a market share of 12.34 per cent,

followed by T2, which recorded 3,538,021 subscribers on its network with a market share of 1.84 per cent.

Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Gbenga Ade-

bayo, who doubles as spokesperson for telecoms operators in Nigeria, attributed the growth in telecoms subscriptions across networks to stable regulatory policies from NCC.

Crude Oil Hits $107 Per Barrel as Fuel Prices Reach Record Highs

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Oil prices surged yesterday with Brent crude hitting over $107 per barrel for the first time since May, as traders braced for a more prolonged supply shock caused by the Iran war.

Oil prices have climbed back above the $100 per barrel mark this week as fighting in the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea has intensified. The US and Iran have traded strikes, while the Iran-backed Houthis have attacked Saudi Arabia and ignited tensions in the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

In Nigeria, fuel prices have continued to rise, with the cost of diesel (Automotive Gas Oil) reaching about N2,000 per litre in some locations, while petrol has climbed beyond N1,400 per litre in parts of the country.

The fresh increases are adding to pressure on businesses and households, particularly manufacturers, transport operators and other users that depend heavily on petroleum products for power and mobility.

The development has also raised concerns over a renewed increase in transportation and production costs,

with businesses likely to pass higher energy expenses on to consumers through increased prices of goods and services.

The latest surge in pump prices comes despite increased domestic refining capacity, underscoring the continued impact of crude supply, distribution costs, market conditions and other factors on the pricing of petroleum products.

Yesterday, Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, rose 6.1 per cent and traded at $107.40 per barrel while US crude rose 6.2 per cent and hit $102 per barrel for the first time since May.

Resurgent conflict has stoked concerns of further disruptions to global oil supplies and the flow of crude through the Strait of Hormuz.

“The step up in attacks in the Strait of Hormuz and by the Houthis against Saudi Arabia suggests that Iran and its proxies are trying to regain the initiative in the war,” Jason Tuvey, deputy chief emerging markets economist at Capital Economics, said in a note.

“This could set back the recovery in oil output in the Gulf and raises the risk that global energy prices rise even further in the coming weeks,” Tuvey said.

For the first time since the war started, S&P Global Energy said Thursday it does not expect Middle East oil production to return to pre-war levels by the end of next year. The firm no longer assumes a definitive end to the war nor a return to normal in the Strait of Hormuz by the end of 2027.

S&P now expects oil prices to stay high in the $80 to $100 a barrel range through next year.

The rise in oil prices has added to nerves about inflation and central bank rate hikes, sending ripples through bonds and stocks, a CNN report stated.

Seaman’s Schnapps Champions Cultural US Announces New Delivery of Renaissance at 2026 Ekimogun Festival in Ondo Defence Equipment to Nigeria Bennett Oghifo

Seaman’s Schnapps, Nigeria’s number one prayer drink, took centre stage at the 2026 Ogun Festival, popularly known as the Ekimogun Festival, in the ancient city of Ondo, reaffirming its commitment to preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage and driving the nation’s growing cultural renaissance.

The annual festival, deeply rooted in the traditions of the Ondo Kingdom and dedicated to Ogun, the Yoruba deity of iron, war, and creativity, attracted dignitaries, tourists, and indigenes from across Ondo State, Nigeria, and the diaspora.

The city came alive with colourful carnivals, traditional drumming, prayers for peace and prosperity,

and cultural displays led by chiefs and traditional rulers.

Widely regarded as one of the most vibrant editions in recent years, the 2026 festival successfully blended age-old traditions with modern experiences, strong tourism appeal, and immersive brand activations, with Seaman’s Schnapps proudly serving as the lead sponsor and official prayer drink.

A significant highlight occurred on the eve of the grand finale when the Seaman’s Schnapps team paid a courtesy visit to the Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, Oba Victor Adesimbo Kiladejo. During the visit, the brand presented an honorarium and a specially commissioned portrait to the monarch as a demonstration of respect for the traditional institution and the rich

cultural heritage of the Ekimogun people.

The visit set the tone for a series of carefully curated activations that positioned Seaman’s Schnapps not merely as a sponsor, but as a genuine partner in cultural preservation and community development.

One of the festival’s standout attractions was the Seaman’s Schnapps Ayo Olopon Competition, held at Odo Ajomu.

The traditional board game competition drew enthusiastic participation from both men and women and attracted large crowds of spectators.

Participants competed for exciting prizes in an atmosphere filled with excitement, nostalgia, and meaningful consumer engagement rooted in cultural relevance.

Linus Aleke in Abuja

The United States has announced the fresh delivery of defence equipment to Nigeria as part of ongoing national and international efforts to counter the activities of terrorists and other violent extremist groups in the country.

The latest consignment, delivered over the weekend, is part of the existing Nigeria–United States defence cooperation aimed at tackling terrorism and insurgency. The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) disclosed that the military equipment was airlifted to Nigeria aboard a U.S. Air Force C-17 aircraft.

In a post on its verified X account, AFRICOM stated: “Partnership In Action: A U.S. Air Force C-17 delivers equipment to the Nigerian Air Force

this weekend.

“The equipment is part of a foreign military sales agreement that furthers the U.S.-Nigerian partnership and will aid in Nigeria’s efforts to counter terrorism in the region.”

AFRICOM, however, did not disclose the nature or quantity of the equipment delivered, nor did it identify the political or military authorities who received the consignment.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) and the three Services of the Nigerian Armed Forces are yet to confirm receipt of the undisclosed military equipment from AFRICOM. When contacted, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, declined to comment on the development.

Meanwhile, Major General Uba had earlier described the relationship between Nigeria and the United States as strong, enduring and mutually beneficial.

Responding to questions about the reported withdrawal of about 200 U.S. personnel from Nigeria, particularly at a time when the country continues to confront terrorism and other security challenges, he clarified that the reported withdrawal should not be interpreted as a breakdown or termination of the Nigeria–United States security partnership.

“Our cooperation with the United States is designed to strengthen our capabilities through intelligence sharing, training, technical assistance and other forms of professional military cooperation.

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2026 • THISDAY

NEWS

BRITAIN VISITS NIGERIA...

The British Permanent Representative and Ambassador to the United Nations Ambassador Dame Sarah Macintosh (right) and her Nigerian counterpart, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, during her visit where they held discussions on security, economy, broader stability and mutual cooperation between the two countries at the Nigeria Mission House in New York on Wednesday

NNPC Launches First Self-service, Smart Filling Station in Abuja Targets 70 more nationwide in six months Assures there will be no job losses

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) yesterday launched a technology-powered smart fuelling station at the headquarters of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in Abuja, with plans to roll out between 50 and 70 similar facilities across the country within the next six months.

Executive Vice President, Down-

stream, NNPC, Mumuni Dagazau, who disclosed the expansion plan while speaking with journalists shortly after commissioning the facility, described the Abuja station as the first of several smart stations the company plans to establish.

This, he said, is part of the moves to transform its traditional filling stations into integrated energy and mobility hubs.

“This is the first of many smart

stations that we are going to have around the country. What the whole concept is, we are trying to turn from a filling station to an energy hub,” he said.

He said NNPC has about four or five similar stations planned for Abuja, while two others were being launched in Kano, adding that the company intended to significantly expand the model across the country.

“We’re hoping to roll out a

significant number, probably about 50 to 70 of these types of stations within the next six months. So this is what you’ll be seeing going forward from NNPC,” Dagazau said.

The newly commissioned facility has a 180,000-litre capacity for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and 45,000-litre capacity for Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), with 16 pumps for petrol and two for diesel.

It also has six electric vehicle charg-

NFIU Partners Private Sector on New National Financial Intelligence Framework Alex Enumah in Abuja

Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) has engaged leading stakeholders in the private and public sectors of the economy towards the design of a new framework for financial intelligence sharing.

The move is considered as a significant step towards enhancing the integrity and resilience of the country’s financial system.

According to a statement, the highlevel engagement, which was organised with the support of the British High Commission in Nigeria, and Convention for Business Integrity (CBi), brought together regulators, banks, insurance companies, fintechs, Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs), technology firms and other stakeholders to co-design the proposed Joint Financial Intelligence Collaboration (JFIC).

“The initiative seeks to create a trusted platform through which public and private-sector institutions can work together more effectively to identify emerging threats, disrupt illicit financial networks and strengthen the integrity of Nigeria’s financial system,” the statement read.

Speaking at the occasion, Chief Executive Officer of NFIU, Hajia Hafsat Abubakar Bakari, who was represented

by the unit’s General Counsel, Mr. Felix Obiamalu, said the engagement marked a decisive shift in the development of the initiative.

He added, “We have moved from dialogue to design, to commitment and implementation.”

Obiamalu also stated, “The objective is no longer simply to discuss the concept. It is to jointly determine what this partnership should look like, how it should operate, what value it should create and how it can be sustained over time.”

Speaking on behalf of the British High Commission, Mr. Jehanzeb Khan, Illicit Financial Flows Officer at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), reaffirmed the importance of stronger public-private collaboration in tackling illicit financial flows.

In his remarks, Managing Director of the Convention for Business Integrity, Mr. Olusoji Apampa, said the process was deliberately designed to place the private sector at the centre of decision-making, ensuring that the emerging framework reflects operational realities and enjoys broad stakeholder ownership.

Delivering the keynote presentation, former Chair of Egmont Group and former Director of South Africa’s Financial Intelligence Centre, Ms Xolisile Khanyile, described private-sector participation as

a national responsibility.

Khanyile urged Nigeria to adopt a practical, phased approach to implementation.

“Trust, shared ownership and collaboration are the foundations of every successful public-private partnership,” she said. Khanyile added, “Given Nigeria’s importance within the global AML/ CFT framework, this initiative is both timely and necessary.”

The engagement concluded with strong stakeholder support for the proposed framework and a shared

commitment to advancing a partnership capable of strengthening financial intelligence, improving threat detection and enhancing Nigeria’s response to increasingly sophisticated forms of financial activity.

For many participants, the message was clear: no single institution can combat today’s financial crimes alone.

Effective action requires government and industry working together, sharing insights, identifying risks early, and building collective resilience against illicit financial activity.

ing points, an automated car wash, lubricant service bay and facilities for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), while plans are underway to introduce compressed natural gas (CNG) services and a CNG vehicle conversion centre.

The station is powered by a solar system with more than 200 kilowatthours capacity and is designed to operate 24 hours daily.

The NNPC EVP said the smart station was designed to give customers greater convenience by allowing them to dispense fuel themselves after making payment through an NNPC mobile application.

According to him, customers would be able to load funds into a digital wallet, generate a code and dispense the exact quantity of fuel purchased.

He, however, said attendants would remain available to assist customers who were unable to operate the self-service system.

The NNPC executive also dismissed concerns that self-service fuelling could lead to job losses, arguing that the wider range of services offered by the smart stations would create additional employment opportunities.

“What NNPC does is create jobs.

What this does is create jobs. You have an energy hub today. If you look at the average filling station and you look

at the energy hub, you’ll find more people in the energy hub than you’ll find in the filling stations,” he said.

He explained that personnel would be required to support the automation, electric vehicle charging facilities and other services provided at the energy hubs.

On the cost and charging time for electric vehicles, Dagazau said the facility uses fast chargers that could charge a vehicle from about 20 per cent to full capacity in approximately 30 to 40 minutes, depending on the vehicle.

He said the company’s modernisation programme would involve both upgrading existing stations and developing new facilities, stressing that the initiative was driven by changing customer expectations.

“We’re going to modernise our stations. Our modernisation is a demand from what the customer wants. The customer deserves a better quality of service and we are delivering that quality of service,” he said.

Earlier, Managing Director of NNPC Retail Limited, Huub Stockman, said the downstream petroleum industry was changing rapidly following full deregulation and the commencement of operations at the Dangote refinery.

MTN-SAIL Teachers’ Fellowship Trains 5,000 Public School Teachers, Introduces AI-Assisted Teaching

Sunday Ehigiator

SAIL Empowerment Foundation and MTN Foundation have trained 5,000 Nigerian public school teachers in Inquiry-Based Learning and artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted teaching under the second cohort of the MTN-SAIL Teachers’ Fellowship.

Of the 5,000 teachers trained, 500 selected participants graduated at a ceremony held on Thursday at the MTN Roof-Top Event Hall,

Falomo, Ikoyi, Lagos.

The latest cohort is the first to include a formal artificial intelligence component, with Microsoft contributing the curriculum through the MTN Foundation, making the graduating teachers among the first public school educators in Nigeria to receive formal training in responsible AI-assisted teaching.

Valedictorians attended the ceremony physically from states across the federation, while other

members of the graduating class participated online from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Delivering the keynote address, Co-Founder of SAIL Empowerment Foundation, Mrs Feyisola Abiru, said the initiative was founded on the conviction that teachers remained central to the success of Nigeria’s education system.

“The teacher remains the most critical link between education policy and the Nigerian child,”

Abiru said.

She disclosed that the Teachers’ Fellowship, which began in 2022, had now trained more than 10,000 Nigerian public school teachers across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Abiru said the current cohort was made up entirely of public school teachers, reflecting SAIL’s deliberate focus on the education system serving the majority of Nigerian children.

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THISDAY • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2026

NEWS

ENGAGEMENT OF THE SSDC WITH SOUTH SOUTH TRADITIONAL RULERS AND STAKEHOLDERS...

L-R: Secretary South South Traditional Council FCT, Chief Efosa Imasuen; FCT Council representative of South South Development Commission (SSDC), Ozo Joe, who represented the MD/CEO, Ms Usoro Akpabio; Paramount Chief of all South South Traditional Council in FCT, His Royal Majesty, Barced Lucky Omofuakpo; Leader, South South Elders Council, FCT, Chief Harvest Ighewo and Prime Minister of the Traditional Council FCT, Obong John Itoro, during an engagement of the SSDC with South South Traditional Rulers and Stakeholders in Abuja, yesterday PHOTO: SSDC

Atiku Faults FG’s Plan to Obtain Vienna-listed Bond Amid Rising Debt Demands transparency in government spending, borrowing

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has described the proposed Viennalisted bond arrangement as another disturbing sign of a government that keeps expanding its appetite for borrowing.

Atiku alleged that the government has refused to give Nigerians a clear account of what has happened to record revenues, subsidy savings and the windfall from higher crude oil prices.

Atiku said it is indefensible that at a time when Nigerian factories are spending as much as half of their operating costs simply to keep the lights on, the government is again looking overseas for more financing without first explaining why vastly improved revenues have failed to reduce its dependence on debt.

In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said the contrast could hardly be more striking as manufacturers are battling diesel prices above N2,000 per litre, crippling power cost.

“This is the central contradiction Nigerians are entitled to question.

The government says revenues are up. It says subsidy removal has saved enormous sums. Oil prices are substantially above the benchmark

used for the 2026 budget. Yet borrowing is accelerating, factories are suffocating under energy costs and ordinary Nigerians are still struggling to afford the basics.

“Before the Tinubu administration goes to Vienna in search of more money, it must first tell Nigerians what has happened to the money already coming in,” he stated.

The former vice president said that the crisis confronting Nigerian manufacturers provides perhaps the clearest picture of what is wrong with the economy.

He said: “Diesel has risen to about N2,000 per litre and above in some industrial locations, while the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) says energy-related expenses now consume more than half of manufacturers’ operating costs. Manufacturers spent about N1.34 trillion on alternative energy in 2025, yet expenditure in the first half of 2026 alone had already approached the same level.

“Consider what that means for a factory in Lagos, Kano, Aba or Nnewi.

Before the manufacturer pays workers, buys raw materials, transports finished products, services bank loans or makes a profit, a huge part of the operating budget has already disappeared into simply keeping the machines running.

“No economy can industrialise un-

der those conditions. A manufacturer spending half of his operating costs on energy will eventually have to raise prices, cut production, lay off workers or close the factory. Whichever option he takes, ordinary Nigerians pay through higher prices, fewer jobs and reduced household income.

“Yet, at precisely this moment, the federal government is looking towards Vienna for another financing arrangement,” he stated.

He recalled that ESME Limited, a special-purpose vehicle involving

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, has held a bilateral meeting with his Egyptian counterpart, Dr. Sameh El-Hefny, Minister of Civil Aviation of the Arab Republic of Egypt, on the side-lines of the ongoing El-Alamein International Airshow (EIAS 2026) in Egypt.

Discussions at the meeting, Keyamo said, were centred on enhancing air connectivity between Nigeria and Egypt to deepen cooperation between the two countries’ civil aviation authorities, strengthening technical and professional capacity

development.

He added that the meeting will also create greater opportunities for collaboration among airlines, airports, regulators and other aviation stakeholders.

Keyamo, in a statement on Thursday by his SA Media, Tunde Moshood, stressed the strategic importance of Nigeria-Egypt aviation relations, noting that both countries occupy important positions within the African aviation ecosystem.

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to expanding strategic international partnerships that would improve connectivity, stimulate tourism and trade,

told that revenues have increased, FAAC allocations have risen, enormous savings have been made from subsidy removal and oil earnings have improved. At the same time, government borrowing continues to grow at an extraordinary rate.

“In the first eight months of 2026 alone, federal government borrowing from the domestic market reportedly reached N24.7 trillion, compared with N12.98 trillion during the corresponding period of 2025. That is an enormous increase in government

Oando, NCDMB Begin 12-month Drilling Training for Young Nigerians Initiative targets technical skills, host community development Participants to undergo classroom, on-the-job training

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Oando Energy Resources Nigeria Limited (OERNL), a subsidiary of Oando Plc, in partnership with Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and Hilong Oil Service & Engineering

Nigeria, Egypt Deepen Aviation Cooperation as Keyamo Meets Egyptian Counterpart at EIAS 2026 Kasim Sumaina in Abuja

Nigerian public institutions and Austrian interests, is preparing to issue bonds on the Vienna market to finance investments in Nigeria.

“But Nigerians have not been given a sufficiently clear picture of the financial structure, the size of the proposed transaction, the cost of borrowing, the repayment terms or the extent of the Nigerian government’s exposure.

“That is where the problem of transparency becomes impossible to ignore. Nigerians are constantly

demand for capital at a time when Nigerian businesses are themselves desperately searching for affordable credit,” he stressed.

According to him, the contradiction becomes even more difficult to explain when crude oil prices are considered, as the 2026 budget was prepared on an oil benchmark of $64.85 per barrel, yet crude prices have moved substantially above that level.

“If oil earnings are exceeding projections, revenues are rising and the government has indeed saved the huge sums it claims from subsidy removal, why is the appetite for borrowing increasing rather than falling?

support airline growth and deliver greater value to passengers and the wider aviation industry.

He also used the engagement to emphasise the need for a stronger and more modern fleet deployment by EgyptAir on its Nigerian routes even as he urged the management of EgyptAir to move away from the continued deployment of ageing aircraft and prioritise the introduction of newer-generation aircraft into the Nigerian market.

The minister stated that fleet modernisation is essential to improving passenger experience, operational efficiency and the competitiveness of the airline.

Nigeria Limited, has commenced a 12-month human capacity development programme aimed at equipping young Nigerians with specialised drilling engineering skills.

The programme, which commenced on September 4, 2026 in Port Harcourt, is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s technical workforce as indigenous companies assume greater ownership and operational responsibility for oil and gas assets previously operated by international oil companies.

The initiative will combine intensive classroom instruction with structured on-the-job training, providing participants with practical exposure to drilling operations and other technical aspects of the petroleum industry.

According to Oando, the programme is intended to develop a sustainable pipeline of Nigerian technical professionals capable of supporting the safe, efficient and sustainable operation of the country’s oil and gas assets.

The company participants will receive training in Basic Drilling Engineering Operations, Well Planning and Design, Measurement While Drilling (MWD), Logging While Drilling (LWD), drilling rig operations and well-log data analytics.

The programme will also cover entrepreneurship, business management and digital skills, with the aim of broadening the participants’ capacity to create and participate in opportunities across the energy value chain.

A statement by the company said, “Their training will cover Basic Drilling Engineering Operations, Well Planning and Design, Measurement While Drilling (MWD), Logging While Drilling (LWD), drilling rig operations and well-log data analytics.

“Beyond technical competence, participants will also receive training in entrepreneurship, business management, and digital skills, broadening their ability to create and participate in opportunities across the energy value chain.”

The training is linked to the Provision of Turnkey Joint Venture (JV) Services for Workover and Recompletion of the Obiafu 44 Well, thereby giving participants an opportunity to connect classroom knowledge with actual industry operations.

Speaking to the participants, Manager, Nigerian Content Division, Oando Energy Resources Nigeria Limited, Deji Agboola, described the programme as a major opportunity for the beneficiaries to contribute

to the development of the country.

Agboola said, “Oando, NCDMB, and Hilong have given you an opportunity of a lifetime to play a role in the development of Nigeria. Being here equips you with the capacity to contribute meaningfully to the future of the oil and gas industry, as well as the country.”

The programme comes against the backdrop of increasing indigenous participation in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, with local companies taking on larger operational roles and acquiring assets from international oil companies.

Oando stated that ownership of oil and gas assets must be accompanied by deliberate investment in the technical workforce required to operate them.

It stressed that as experienced professionals leave the industry, knowledge transfer and succession planning would become increasingly important to preserving and expanding Nigeria’s technical capabilities.

The company also said the programme reflected its commitment to developing Nigerian technical talent and creating pathways for young Nigerians, particularly those from host communities, to acquire industry-relevant knowledge and practical experience.

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2026 • THISDAY

EIGHT

Ooni of Ife Emerges Chairman of Amaranta Oil & Gas Board

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, the 51st Ooni of Ife, has been appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors of Amaranta Oil & Gas Development Company Limited.

The appointment, according to the company, forms part of a strategic leadership move as Oil Mining Lease 42 (OML 42) enters a new phase of development and

assumes greater importance within Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

Oba Ogunwusi is expected to provide strategic leadership to the company’s board as Amaranta advances its plans around the development of the oil asset, with the appointment coming at a time when the federal government is seeking to increase crude oil production, attract investment and deepen indigenous participation in the petroleum sector.

The development also highlights

the growing role of indigenous companies in the ownership and management of Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas assets, following the restructuring of the sector in recent years.

“Amaranta Oil & Gas Development Company Limited has appointed His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, the 51st Ooni of Ife, as Chairman of its Board of Directors, in a strategic leadership move coming as Oil Mining Lease 42

(OML 42) enters a new phase of development and emerges as an increasingly important asset in Nigeria’s energy landscape,” a note from the firm said.

OML 42 oil and gas assets located in the Niger Delta, was previously operated by the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC), alongside its joint venture partners.

Following the transfer of interests in the asset to indigenous players, its development

has increasingly formed part of Nigeria’s broader drive to expand local participation in the upstream petroleum industry.

The appointment of the Ooni comes against this backdrop, as Amaranta moves to strengthen its governance structure and position OML 42 for its next stage of development.

Oba Ogunwusi, who ascended the throne of Ile-Ife in 2015, is widely recognised for his involvement in development initiatives.

Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi

OBI: IN 2023 WE TOOK THINGS FOR GRANTED, BELIEVED INEC, BUT NOT AGAIN DECLARES ELECTORAL BODY WORKED FOR APC IN LAST ELECTION

Chuks Okocha, Sunday Aborisade in Abuja and Sunday Ehigiator in Lagos

modern technology should enable the government to locate people and respond effectively to criminal activities.

He said this while responding to questions on how his administration would handle kidnappings and ransom demands and other issues.

According to Obi, Yakubu had convinced Nigerians and the international community that INEC would conduct the election fairly, but he alleged that the commission chairman was, in reality, working for the opposition.

“In 2023, we took things for granted. We believed INEC. We believed what they said they would do. The INEC Chairman convinced the world that he would do the right thing, when in fact he was working for the opposition. This time, we will only trust them by doing the right thing ourselves,” Obi said.

Obi also promised to establish an independent system for monitoring election results from polling units in 2027, saying the arrangement would enable his political organisation to receive results directly from polling units and compare them with figures

eventually collated and announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

He stressed that the proposed arrangement would not constitute a parallel electoral commission.

“We must make sure that every polling unit, the votes are counted, the votes are recorded properly, the votes are transmitted properly. And we will even have a dual transmission so that as it’s going to the proper, designated INEC portal, it’s also being transmitted where the people can see it,” he said.

Asked whether the arrangement amounted to establishing a parallel INEC, Obi said: “Not at all. All we are saying is that this time around, we will make sure that in every polling unit, we must have a system that transmits to our own situation room the correct results.

“And I’m sure there’s so many other agencies that intend to do the same thing. So we are not going to have a situation where somebody just pronounces something that didn’t emanate from the polling unit. Our task is to make sure that the right things are done.”

The former Anambra State governor said the 2023 presidential election had demonstrated the need for political parties and candidates to independently monitor the electoral process.

He maintained that he won the 2023 election despite INEC’s declaration of Tinubu as the winner, but said he had decided to focus on the 2027 contest.

“As long as I live, I will maintain that I won the 2023 presidential election. Because they know, those who conducted it, know the records.

They know why there was a glitch.

They know what happened and everything. But I said, ‘I leave it to the past,’” Obi said.

On his statement in Port Harcourt that he was prepared to “die” for his votes, Obi said the comment was symbolic and was made in response to supporters who had pledged to defend their votes.

“What I did in Port Harcourt is more of listening to the people. It wasn’t me talking. They were asking questions. And one of them said, we are prepared to die this time to defend our votes.

And I said to encourage them that I’m prepared to die with them.

It’s symbolic. What we are saying is that we are prepared to ensure that The presidential candidate of the our vote counts and it must count.”

Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Besides, Obi questioned President Mr. Peter Obi, yesterday said the 2027 Bola Tinubu’s leadership of the elections would be very different country, alleging that the president from the 2023 experience, because had not spent three consecutive nights he and his team took things for in any state outside Lagos and Abuja granted in the last election, believing since assuming office. the Independent National Electoral The politician cum businessman Commission (INEC) would walk faulted Tinubu for spending holidays its talk. abroad, saying a Nigerian president Obi, who spoke during an exclushould use such periods to visit and sive interview on Arise Television, engage communities within the said confidently that he had proof country, particularly areas affected that the Mahmood Yakubu-led INEC by insecurity. worked for the ruling All Progressives He stated if elected president in Congress (APC) in 2023 and was not 2027, he would personally take charge going to sit back and take things of the fight against insecurity, visit for granted again in 2027. affected areas and appoint competent Speaking on the proposed opheads of security agencies with clear position coalition and the allegation instructions to end the menace. that he would never take the viceOn the Tinubu administration, presidential slot in the new alliance Obi said the government had not talks, Obi said he had never told performed well and had been “a anyone such and that the offer had bit reckless” in its management of not even been made in the first place. public resources. Asked whether he Obi also questioned the continued believed Tinubu was in charge of the insecurity in Nigeria, arguing that government, Obi said: “At times, I believe he’s not in charge.”

He explained that the president GOVERNOR PETER MBAH UNVEILS OVER 10,000 MILESTONE ACHIEVEMENTS must be directly accountable to exceptional leadership and track “It is, however, important to note affected in any way by the tough unimaginable circumstances to Nigerians for decisions taken by records as a former student, that the document we are about decisions his administration had to ensure that Enugu moves to the his administration. entrepreneur, and now governor. to unveil does not entirely capture make to bear with him, assuring next level.

“Because if he’s in charge, he will The compendium was head- everything this government has them that what mattered was that “But what you must take home even be explaining to the people. lined by over 1,521 kilometres done because, given the time it Enugu State was on its way to with you is that our intentions are That’s what I’m talking about, of constructed and reconstructed took to prepare this document, greatness as a $30 billion economy noble. What we try to do is to put which is capacity. I will be in charge. roads, over 7,000 classrooms, 260 there was a cut-off point running and the preferred destination for Enugu State on an irreversible path Nobody, all decisions you see, the Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centres, months behind. It does not in any investment, business, tourism, of greatness. What we try to do President is talking. Nobody will is to ensure that Enugu will not talk for Peter. Because I’m the one Enugu Air and the New Enugu particular material represent the and living. actual successful modest achieve“I also want to thank all those compete with Nigeria or within that’s elected. I’ll be answerable to Smart City.

Also included are the ultramod- ments of this government as at 9th who made sacrifices, who lost their Nigeria,” he added. the people. And for every penny, In his welcome address, the I’ll be answerable to the people,” ern Enugu Command and Control of September 2026,” he clarified. friends because they felt supporting Mbah, while thanking millions us was the right thing to do. I want Secretary to Enugu State Govern- he assured.

Centre and other modern security He added: “President Tinubu has infrastructure, massive investment in of Enugu people, who believed to thank all those who invested ment, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, said not slept three nights anywhere in water infrastructure, and the revamp in his vision and worked for his their resources. I want to thank Continued on page 35 Nigeria. He went to Jos. Stayed at of moribund assets, among a host election in 2023 and urged those all those who took pains in very of others.

The compendium, entitled: “A LAUDS DANGOTE’S RESILIENCE DESPITE LAGOS REFINERY OBSTACLES Thousand and One Reasons Why SANWO-OLU build a refinery. He built a country If Africa must wait for a builder city can be made from the sheer and open water, while Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah Should infrastructure, including additional a jetty and around a refinery, and then he built of Aliko Dangote’s stubbornness determination of people who be Re-elected as Governor of Enugu power plant, had to be developed the refinery. There was no port every time it needs a refinery or refused to wait for conditions to State,” was presented to the public to support the project. capable of receiving the equipment, a railway, then we will build one be perfect. Carry that with you. at the International Conference of everything, and we will build “Carry the numbers, yes, but He cautioned, however, that so he built a jetty.

Centre, Enugu, and recorded Africa’s development should “There was not enough power, it once.” carry the harder lesson too: that major achievements that cut across not rely on individual “heroism,” so he built a power plant. The plant Sanwo-Olu urged the Young Africa does not need the world’s Represented by the Deputy emphasising that the true measure was late; it cost far more than Global Leaders to move beyond permission to build, and that the Governor, Ifeanyi Ossai, Mbah of the refinery’s success is whether anyone had planned. It endured discussions and turn connections world, if it comes as a partner and said the compendium aligns with the next major industrial project a pandemic, a currency that lost made during the gathering into not a prospector, will find that Africa the Citizens Charter, also known becomes easier to build. much of its value, and more practical projects that address real has already started.” as Executive Order 001, which At the event, Dangote said the Sanwo-Olu highlighted the Lekki than one season in which serious problems, insisting that Africa does he executed immediately he was Deep Sea Port, Lekki Free Zone, people whispered — quietly, and not need the world’s permission philosophy behind the IPO was to sworn into office on May 29, 2023 and Lagos Blue Line rail as part of sometimes not so quietly — that to build. extend the prosperity created by to emphasise his administration’s his administration’s efforts to create it would never run.

He said: “In eleven days, you the refinery beyond its promoters commitment to accountability, infrastructure that would lessen “It runs. That is the first thing will gather at 1280 Fifth Avenue, and give ordinary Africans an traceability and transparency. the barriers for future investors to note: Africa can build on a on the edge of Harlem, overlook- opportunity to become owners, According to the governor, and developers. market-changing scale. Not in ing Central Park. When you get a statement by Dangote Group the compendium highlights the The governor also called for theory. The thing dismissed as there, notice something. You will quoted him as saying. administration’s philosophy of increased participation of African unrealistic is the very thing you be standing in an island city built “I want drivers, cooks, the disruptive innovation and its focus pension funds, sovereign wealth are standing inside. on water by people who arrived women selling food on the streets of on large-scale infrastructure, thus funds, and the diaspora in owning “Scale that depends on one from somewhere else with nothing Ghana, Rwanda and South Africa opening up rural communities, strategic assets across the continent. man building his own port and but ambition — and you will have to invest so they can share in this improving connectivity and creating He stated that Africa’s next growth his own power plant is not real just left another one. prosperity,” Dangote said during a new corridors for commerce, agri- phase requires collective ownership scale. It is heroism. And heroism “Lagos and New York are fireside chat. “We are doing the IPO does not repeat. You cannot ask not strangers. They are the same to pass this prosperity to Africans,” culture, investment and economic and collaboration.

He said: “Mr. Dangote did not a pension fund to underwrite it. argument in two accents: that a he explained. activity across Enugu State.

the airport to see people who’ve lost their loved ones. He went to Benue. Did the same thing. He said there was no road. The road they are supposed to build to go to see people who have lost their loved ones,” he said.

Obi argued that the president should spend longer periods in states affected by insecurity and engage directly with stakeholders.

“When he should go to Benue and say I’m here. For the next 30 days, I want to see the stakeholders in the state. Let’s discuss these killings,” he added.

Obi also addressed the possibility of an opposition alliance ahead of the 2027 election, refusing to say whether he would step down for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar or accept the position of running mate.

He said any such decision would have to be taken through consultations within the political parties involved, rather than by individual politicians.

“It’s no longer me as Peter talking.

It’s like a situation where you have two corporations trying to come together. It’s no longer something the two CEOs go to a drink and say, we’re going to work together. They need to look at how we bring these two corporations together,” he said.

Obi said the NDC had candidates contesting various elective positions and that he could not unilaterally commit the party to an alliance. “For me, it would be irresponsible for anybody to stand before the viewers on television and say, yes, I know.

No, because you’re dealing with an institution,” he said.

Obi also criticised Tinubu’s foreign holidays, insisting that the Nigerian president should spend his vacations in the country.

Continued on page 35

Dangote said his ambition had always gone beyond accumulating wealth to building enterprises capable of creating jobs, opportunities and prosperity across the continent.

“I am wealthy, not rich. A wealthy man creates wealth, while a rich man makes money and keeps it for himself,” he said.

“What keeps me going is that we must industrialise Africa. There is no amount of hurdles that will stop us. If you put a brick wall in front of me, I will make a hole and pass through.”

He expressed confidence that the refinery could eventually become Africa’s largest company by size and profitability, drawing parallels with global corporations such as Amazon, Microsoft, Tesla and Alibaba, which grew substantially after entering the public markets.

“By the grace of God, this refinery will be the largest company Continued on page 33

9

THISDAY • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2026

NEWS

ACCESS BANK MEDIA ROUNDTABLE SESSION TO UNVEIL THE WOMENPRENEUR PITCH-A-TON SEASON 8...

L-R: Program Manager, Womenpreneur Pitch-A-Ton, Access Bank Plc, Ifeoluwa Oluwatosin Oyeyipo; Head, Women Banking, Access Bank Plc, Nene-Kunle Ogunlusi; Group Head, Consumer Banking, Access Bank Plc, Chizoba Iheme; and Acting Head, Group Marketing and Retail Analytics, Access Bank Plc, Oge Kasie-Nwanchukwu, during the media roundtable session to unveil the Womenpreneur Pitch-A-Ton Season 8, held at the Access Bank Head Office in Lagos, yesterday

Trump Under Fire Over Proposed $5,000 Election ‘Dividend’ for US Citizens Plan tied to Republican control sparks accusations of vote-buying Economists warn payment could cost over $1tn amid US deficit Lawmakers question funding plan

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja US President Donald Trump has come under criticism over his proposal to pay a $5,000 “Trump dividend” to American citizens if Republicans retain control of Congress in the November midterm elections, with critics questioning both the legality and affordability of the plan.

Trump announced the proposal during a Republican midterm convention in Dallas, linking the

proposed payment directly to the party’s performance in the elections.

“If the Republicans win, you win with us and you get $5,000,” Trump said. “It will be called the Trump dividend,” he maintained.

The proposal has drawn scepticism from economists and some Republicans, particularly over how the federal government would finance a payment that could cost more than $1 trillion, the Guardian UK reported.

The criticism comes as the

United States faces mounting fiscal pressures, with the country’s national debt exceeding $40 trillion for the first time in August.

Republican US Representative from Texas, Chip Roy, questioned the financial implications of the proposal. “Well – I would like to know how they would plan to pay for … back of envelope … well over $1 trillion,” he said.

Marc Goldwein of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget estimated that paying

$5,000 to roughly 240 million adult US citizens would cost about $1.2 trillion in a single year.

Writing on X shortly after Trump’s announcement, Goldwein said the proposal would cost more than all three rounds of COVID-19 relief payments combined, despite the absence of a recession.

He warned that financing the payment through additional borrowing could significantly increase the federal deficit and fuel inflation. “The result would

Otti: We’ve Rebuilt Abia into Regional Magnet for Inflow of Investment Capital Dike Onwuamaeze

The governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, has invited businesses to invest in the state, assuring them that his administration has rebuilt Abia into a regional magnet for inflow of investment capital.

Otti made the call yesterday in Lagos during the Nigeria-British Chamber of Commerce’s “Meet the Governor Series” with the theme “Repositioning Abia for Enterprise, Industrialisation and Sustainable Economic Growth.”

President/Council Chairman of NBCC, Mr. Abimbola Olashore, in his welcome address explained that the “Meet the Governor Series” was a platform for direct and meaningful

engagement between government and the business community that “enables investors, entrepreneurs and corporate leaders to better understand government priorities, development plans and emerging opportunities, while creating space for government to hear directly from the private sector”.

Otti, while commenting on his administration’s commitment to open up the state for investment, said, “Development in our view is what happens when the private sector is sufficiently motivated to take advantage of public sector investment to pursue their corporate goals.

“Development is essentially creating a network of advantages for hardworking men and women,

cutting out the barriers to productivity and incentivising value creation.

“Much of what we have done in Abia State in the past three years is to rebuild our state into a regional magnet for the inflow of investment capital.”

The governor stated that investors, whether local or foreign, did not need not to be cajoled with expensive razzmatazz to see opportunities when they were real.

“They have their independent tracking system and need not to be told when to pay attention,” the governor said.

Otti added that investors will come to wherever there were quality infrastructure, security of lives, electricity and responsive institutions

Stakeholders Canvass Sustainable YouthFocused HIV Financing Mechanism Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

Stakeholders in the health sector have advocated improved budgetary provisions and greater youth participation to sustain the country’s HIV/AIDS response beyond 2030.

They made the call at a multistakeholder dialogue convened by Technology for Inspiration Initiative (Inspire IT) in Abuja, in partnership with Africa REACH, to promote youth participation in health policy, budgeting, and sustainable HIV financing.

In a communique released at the end of the meeting, the conference called for the establishment of a unified, transparent and sustainable financing mechanism for youths and young people living with HIV They suggested the exploration of a Youth Trust Fund and innovative Public–Private Partnerships (PPP) to mobilise domestic resources, strengthen community-led responses, and ensure continuity of youth-focused interventions.

Among other recommendations

made by the stakeholders are the strengthening Community-Led HIV Awareness, Service Uptake and Accountability Strengthen communitylevel HIV demand generation, health literacy and service accountability, particularly in underserved and rural communities, through meaningful youth participation in monitoring health facilities, promoting HIV prevention and treatment literacy, supporting linkage and retention in care, and maximizing locally available community resources and structures.

and will take a flight when they see that these conditions did not exist any longer or had deteriorated.

He stated, “At any rate it will be false to claim that we have built a modern state in 39 months. What we have simply done is to set a strong foundation to carry the weight of public expectations.”

Otti said that the disposition of his administration to lay a strong foundation for sustained economic development had seen the administration committing 80 per cent of its annual budgets to capital expenditure.

be a huge spike in the deficit, and almost certainly in the inflation rate,” Goldwein said.

He said the proposal was particularly concerning given the existing cost of servicing US government debt and other fiscal pressures.

“The 10-year (Treasury bond is) approaching 5 per cent. Inflation is not under control. We spend more on interest than we spend on defence or on Medicare at this point. Social Security is six years from insolvency,” he said.

“Just about the last thing we need is to borrow another trillion dollars to send checks to everybody,” he explained.

Goldwein further warned that if the proposal proved politically effective, it could encourage future candidates to make increasingly expensive financial promises during elections.

“If this works, the lesson for every future politician is going to be: if you want to win an election, promise a trillion dollars,” he said.

Democratic leaders have meanwhile accused Trump of attempting to use public funds to influence voters.

California Governor Gavin Newsom criticised the proposal, saying Trump was seeking to “buy your vote” with taxpayer money.

The Democratic National Com-

mittee also attacked the proposal, arguing that it was similar to previous Trump promises of direct payments to Americans.

DNC Rapid Response Director Kendall Witmer said Trump and Republicans were making promises that would not necessarily translate into benefits for ordinary Americans.

“Donald Trump and Republicans are once again offering empty promises to Americans,” she said, arguing that working families were still dealing with high food and fuel prices, healthcare costs and wages that had failed to keep pace with inflation.

The proposed payment has also been questioned in relation to revenue from Trump’s tariff policies.

The Bipartisan Policy Center, which has been tracking tariff revenue since Trump began increasing tariffs in 2025, estimated that the United States had collected about $210 billion in tariff and excise tax revenue in 2026 as of September 8.

At an average rate of about $21 billion a month, it calculated that the government would need to collect tariff revenue for almost five years to finance a $5,000 payment to every adult citizen, assuming all the revenue was dedicated to the scheme.

UN Investment Forum Shifts Abuja Leadership Summit to November

Cites need to secure participation of key experts, partners

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja The organisers of the 2026 INT International STEP Delegate Leadership Summit have shifted the five-day event from October 26–30 to November 2–6, citing a clash with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) World Investment Forum.

The summit, scheduled to hold at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, was moved by one week after the organisers discovered that several speakers, facilitators, resource persons and institutional partners expected at the event would also be participating

in the UN investment forum.

The organisers said retaining the original dates could have significantly affected the participation of key contributors whose expertise and institutional support were considered central to the outcome of the summit.

In a statement signed by Director-General and Convener of INT International, Professor Vincent C. Anigbogu, and Director of Sponsorship and Marketing, Mr. Anthony Bugembe, the organisers said the decision followed a review of the competing international engagements.

They described the STEP Delegate Summit as a working session rather

than a ceremonial gathering, stressing the quality of its outcomes would depend largely on the calibre of experts, mentors and institutions participating in the programme.

“The STEP Delegate Summit is a working summit, not a ceremonial gathering. Its outcomes depend directly on the quality of the experts, mentors and institutions in the room,” the organisers said.

The change, according to them, became necessary after it emerged that the overlapping schedules would make it difficult for some of the expected participants to attend the Abuja meeting.

10

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2026 • THISDAY

NEWS

THE FOURSQUARE GOSPEL CHURCH 13TH ANNUAL PUBLIC LECTURE...

L-R: Guest Speaker and former Chairman, Odua Investment Company, Dr. Segun Aina; Chairman of the Occasion and former Minister of state for Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Agba; General Overseer, The Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria (FGCN), Rev. Dr. Sam Aboyeji; Wife of the General Overseer, FGCN, Rev. Dr. Bisi Aboyeji; and National Secretary, FGCN, Rev. Samson Alawode, at the church’s 13th annual public lecture with theme: Building to Last: Faith, Infrastructure and the Future of a Nation held in Lagos, yesterday

Nigeria Records Reverse Medical Tourism as Foreigners Seek IVF, Experts Say IVF cheaper in Nigeria despite high treatment costs Experts seek regulation, insurance coverage, local production of fertility drugs

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja Nigeria is increasingly attracting fertility patients from other parts of Africa and the global diaspora for in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) and other assisted reproductive treatments because of the comparatively lower cost of treatment in the country, fertility experts have disclosed.

The experts, who described the development as a form of “reverse medical tourism,” said Nigeria had developed sufficient capacity to provide advanced fertility treatment, despite the high cost of IVF and the country’s dependence on imported drugs and other materials required for the procedures.

They also called for stronger regulation of assisted reproductive technology, increased investment in research and local production of fertility drugs, as well as greater health insurance coverage to enable more Nigerians suffering from infertility to access treatment.

The experts spoke yesterday in Abuja at a joint conference of the Association for Fertility and Reproductive Health (AFRH) and the African Federation of Fertility Societies (AFFS), ahead of the continental fertility

conference scheduled to take place in Abuja from September 24 to 26.

President of AFRH, Prof. Preye Fiebai, said Nigeria’s fertility sector had made considerable progress but remained under-recognised, particularly because of inadequate reporting of the number of fertility treatment cycles being carried out in the country.

Fiebai said the country’s large population and growing fertility treatment capacity should make Nigeria a major destination for reproductive health services on the continent.

According to him, “Despite the fact that we have very high fertility rates, we also have extremely high infertility rates.”

He said infertility had been recognised by the World Health Organisation as an ailment requiring appropriate medical attention, but that fertility challenges had not received the same level of attention as communicable diseases and other major health conditions.

Fiebai stated, “Unfortunately, the attention given is not as much as other conditions. And the World Health Organisation recognises infertility as an ailment just like any other disease.

“Every person who is so afflicted is entitled to receive the kind of care that you will receive even if you had cancer. But we pay more attention to communicable diseases amongst others.”

Fiebai said Nigeria had developed from providing basic fertility treatment to offering some of the most advanced reproductive technologies available

The people of Ilaje in Ondo State have warned the federal government against the proposed diversion and excision of their communities from the coastal road construction will not tolerated, saying that such moved would not be taken lightly by them.

They lamented the diversion is not only criminal but out rightly an insult against a people and state which is the fifth largest oil producing in the country.

Speaking at a press conference on behalf of the Committee of Lawyers and Stakeholders in Ondo State held in Lagos yesterday,

Dr. Benson Enikuomehin, alleged that the injustice being done to coastal areas in Ondo State by the exclusion from the road is criminal and wrong.

He insisted the coastal road would ordinarily have been a life-saver for his people who have had no access to clean water, no roads and no electricity since oil was discovered on their land in 1968.

He specifically accused the Minister of Works, Prof. David Umahi of wickedness for unjustly removing Ilaje Communities along the cost from the road by diverting the construction of the road to Edo State which has no community along the coast line.

major barrier to access, attributing it largely to the country’s dependence on imported drugs and other materials.

He said, “The cost of IVF treatment is still high, because of the cost of providing what you require. The majority of what is utilised is imported.

The drugs are imported. We don’t really produce much in Nigeria.”

Fiebai said the country needed

increased investment and collaboration to develop local alternatives and reduce dependence on imports.

He disclosed that some institutions were already working towards developing local capacity, citing the Institute for Medical Science in Africa in Abuja as one of the facilities seeking innovative solutions in reproductive health research.

Daily Times Unveils Century 2.0 Plan, Targets Global Perception Shift for Nigeria Sunday Ehigiator

Chairman and Publisher of Daily Times Nigeria, Fidelis Anosike, has said the newspaper’s transition into its second century will focus on using the media as a catalyst to reshape Nigeria’s global perception and project the achievements of Nigerians across various sectors.

Anosike disclosed this during a media update on activities marking the centenary of Daily Times.

He explained that the anniversary was designed not only to celebrate

Coastal Road: Bypass Our Communities, Incur Our Wrath, Ilaje People Warn Federal Govt Segun James

globally.

He added, “So, we have gone far in the world and Nigeria is not lagging behind. From the most rudimentary forms of treatment, we are also able to provide the most advanced forms of treatment. And this obtains across the whole of Africa.”

The AFRH president, however, identified the high cost of IVF as a

Enikuomehin alleged that what the minister of works has done to the coastal communities is injustice, which violates provision of Section 42 of the 1999 constitution (as amended) which forbids the discrimination of a People in respect of their ethnic group, and it should be addressed immediately.

He wondered what offence has the Ilaje communities which falls under the coastal communities committed to warrant the bypass of their area.

According to him, it is a known fact that of all the coastal states in Nigeria, Ondo State unarguably has the longest coastline of about 80 – 100km.

the newspaper’s past but also to launch a new phase tagged “Daily Times 2.0.”

According to him, Folio Communications acquired Daily Times 22 years ago and had since been repositioning the organisation while reconnecting it with the wider media ecosystem.

Anosike said, “We started this journey a year ago because it was important to us to be able to give account to the media community what we’ve been doing since we acquired Daily Times, and then relink the Daily Times to the media, the greater media ecosystem.”

He explained that the centenary programme was designed to mark the end of the newspaper’s first

century and prepare it for the next. he stated, “Over the past 22 years that we acquired Daily Times, it was important for us to have an event or series of events that will culminate into Daily Times 2.0. Daily Times 2.0 is in the next century of Daily Times because what we are closing is closing Century One.” Anosike said the newspaper, founded in 1926, had evolved from a traditional newspaper company into an organisation with interests spanning the capital market, media and nation-building, having operated more than 30 titles covering areas including education and health.

He said the company had chosen to leverage its archives and historical relevance to help address what he

described as Nigeria’s poor global perception.

He said, “Nigeria is struggling with perception, and it’s the same thing or the same scenario when Daily Times was founded. So we felt that the first thing we need to do is to be able to figure out how we can become a catalyst to change the global perception of Nigeria.”

Anosike said the organisation’s flagship publication, “Nigeria,” was intended to document the country’s changemakers and enable Nigerians to tell their own story.

“What the book is meant to do is to be able to consolidate our story by ourselves and then use it as a tool or a catalyst to change the global perception,” he said.

Sharafadeen Alli Appoints Media, Communication, Public Affairs Directors

The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Oyo State, Senator (Dr.) Sharafadeen Alli, has appointed seasoned journalists and communication professionals to key positions in his campaign media and publicity team.

This was contained in a statement issued by Dare Adekanmbi, Media Consultant to Senator Sharafadeen Alli and made available to newsmen on Thursday in Ibadan.

The appointments include

former South-West Bureau Chief of The Nation newspaper, Mr. Bisi Oladele, as Director of Media and Publicity; Mr. Kehinde Olaosebikan as Director of Strategic Communication and Mr. Bolaji Tunji as Director of Public Affairs.

The immediate past Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, Chief Ademola Babalola and Oyo State APC Publicity Secretary, Mr. Olawale Sadare, would serve as Deputy Director and Secretary

respectively on the Media and publicity team.

Oladele, a seasoned multimedia journalist and communication strategist, brings more than 25 years of experience in journalism and public relations to the assignment.

He will work with other talented and experienced professionals across various communication genres, including Mr Ayotunde Olude, to strengthen the campaign’s media, publicity and strategic communication efforts.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2026 • T H I S D AY

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12

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2026 • THISDAY

NEWS

KATSINA APPROVES N500M TO TACKLE ACUTE MALNUTRITION...

Katsina State Commissioner for Health, Musa Adamu (left), and Commissioner for Information and Culture, Dr. Salisu Bala Zango, briefing journalists after the State Executive Council meeting held at the Government House, yesterday

PHED Gives Free Meters to Rivers Schools, Writes Off Power Debt Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED) has distributed free electricity meters to selected government schools in Rivers State and sensitised students on electrical safety as part of its 2026 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme.

The initiative, which was carried out at Government Model

Secondary School, GRA, Port Harcourt, is aimed at improving the learning environment while reducing incidents of electric shock and other hazards associated with unsafe electricity use.

Speaking with journalists after the exercise yesterday, PHED Head of Communications, Mrs Olubukola Olawale, said the programme demonstrated the company’s commitment to giving back to the communities

it serves.

“Being a socially responsible organisation, one of the things we do at PHED is to ensure that we touch the lives of our customers.

It is not only about collecting bills; we also think about what we can do to impact society,” she said.

Olawale explained that the beneficiary schools were carefully selected based on identified needs and their demonstrated

commitment to protecting the facilities provided.

“We didn’t just select schools randomly. We carried out sensitisation and developed indices to identify schools that we considered responsible enough to take care of the meters,” she said.

She added that school authorities were educated on meter preservation and warned against tampering with the equipment or

FG to Give Students 100MB Data Daily from October 1 NCC’s initiative to cost N180bn annually

Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole in Abuja

Nigerian students are to start receiving 100 megabytes (MB) of free daily data from October 1, 2026, to access approved educational websites and digital learning platforms, the federal government disclosed yesterday.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is behind the initiative which will initially cover learners in public senior secondary schools and tertiary institutions in partnership with telecommunications operators under the auspices of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ALTON), and the Federal Ministry of Education.

Education Minister, Dr. Maruf Alausa, who disclosed this during the launch of the Initiative for Zero-Rated Access to Educational Platforms and Content in Nigeria in Abuja, said, “Let me let out the secret. This will be made available to Nigerian students from October 1st, 2026.”

Alausa said that ALTON will provide 100MB (N100) daily and N3,000 monthly for about five million students which will amount to N15 billion monthly and N180 billion annually.

“Let me make it clear that ALTON will provide every student with 100mb of data daily which will amount to N3,000 monthly. If you multiply this by the 5,000,000 students, it will give you N15 billion monthly. And when you multiply N15 billion with 13 months,

it will give you N180 billion. UNICEF should take note of this addition to our education budget,” the minister said.

Although the initiative has been officially launched, Alausa noted that it will become accessible by October 1, this year.

“I’ll give them the privilege of announcing the go live. But let me let out the secret. This will be made available to Nigerian students from October 1, 2026.

Today’s launch represents much more than a telecommunications initiative.

It is an education intervention. It is an inclusion intervention, and most importantly, it is an investment in the future of millions of young Nigerians “We recognise that we cannot build a 21st century education system using 20th century tools. We cannot effectively manage an education system as large and complex as Nigeria without relying with data, and we cannot prepare our children for an increasing digital economy if millions of them remain excluded from digital learning opportunities,” he added.

He said the Federal Ministry of Education has embarked upon one of the most ambitious and expansive education data and digitalisation in the nation’s history through the Nigeria Education Data Initiative.

“We’re building a unified national education data architecture that connects local government areas, states, and federal institutions, and provides reliable information for planning policies formulation, and decision making, for

the first time in the history of our nation,” he said.

While acknowledging the contribution of ALTON to the programme, he stated that under the framework, participating mobile network operators will provide a daily zero-rated data allowance of 100MB, which beneficiaries can use on approved educational websites and platforms.

According to him, the initiative would begin with senior secondary school and tertiary institution students before being extended to other categories of learners.

“Our ambition must be that, ultimately, no Nigerian learner should be denied access to quality educational content simply because he or she cannot afford data,” he said.

The cost of internet data had become a major barrier to digital education, particularly for children from low-income households, he noted, adding that providing access to educational platforms without data charges could transform mobile phones, tablets and computers into classrooms and libraries for students who might otherwise struggle to access digital resources.

Alausa also revealed that the government was working on measures to regulate internet access for children below the age of 16, with further details expected to be announced.

He said educational content made available to children must be “appropriate, credible, safe and aligned with

our educational objectives and our curriculum.”

The NCC Director of Policy, Competitions and Economic Analysis, Ayuba Shuaibu, said the Federal Ministry of Education and the commission would jointly approve the educational platforms to be whitelisted under the initiative.

According to him, eligible platforms would include learning management systems, digital libraries, educational repositories, teacher development platforms, as well as technical and vocational training platforms.

engaging unqualified personnel.

“If there are issues, we have educated them that they should reach out to qualified personnel from PHED to ensure that they don’t tamper with the meter. We also have a monitoring team to checkmate any such incidents,” Olawale stated.

According to her, PHED, which operates across Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, would extend similar interventions to schools in the other states.

She disclosed that the company had also written off long-standing electricity debts owed by some beneficiary schools.

“For this particular school, the Model Secondary School, GRA, it was a long-standing debt, bills that had accumulated for years.

You cannot say you are giving free meters and then put the old debt on that meter. That is why management decided to write off the debt as part of the CSR,” she said.

Responding, the Principal of Model Senior Secondary School, GRA, Mrs Tamunoinaba Phillips, commended PHED for the intervention, saying the lack of electricity had created an uncomfortable learning environment.

“We know how much it costs

to buy fuel for generators. When the weather is hot, it is difficult to sit in the classrooms. Now you have given us a meter free of charge and also cancelled the debt that accrued from previous bills.

We are grateful,” Phillips said.

She urged the students to protect the meter and report any attempt to vandalise or tamper with it.

Similarly, the Principal of Government Secondary School, Borokiri, Nwala Uzoma, expressed appreciation for the debt relief, noting that he inherited a debt of about N500,000 when he assumed office in 2024.

“I was highly overwhelmed with joy and happiness over the bill of N500,000 that had been on our neck. I inherited that debt, but today they have come to write it off for us,” he said.

The beneficiary schools include Model Secondary School, GRA; Pabod Model Secondary School, Bernard Carr; Community Comprehensive Secondary School, Rumuokrushi; Community Comprehensive Secondary School, Rukpokwu; Township Model Primary School 2, Moscow Road; Government Secondary School, Borokiri; and Government Secondary School, Umusoya.

HYPREP Council Moves to Fast-Track Ogoni Clean-up, Tackles Funding, Flooding Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt The Governing Council of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has pledged to tackle challenges slowing the implementation of the Ogoni oil spill clean-up, remediation and restoration exercise.

The council gave the assurance on Wednesday following an inspection tour of remediation and water projects in affected Ogoni communities in Rivers State.

Leading the inspection team, Prof.

Nwibere Barinedum Michael, said the council had identified funding, flooding and accessibility as some of the major challenges affecting the

timely execution of projects across the area.

Speaking with journalists after inspecting the Centre of Excellence at Gokana, Nwibere said the funding challenge was being resolved following the approval and release of funds by the federal government.

He explained that delays experienced by some contractors were not deliberate but resulted from the procedures guiding access to funds for the project.

“Most of the projects you see now slowed down a bit. It’s not because it was any deliberate fault of anybody. Remember, this is not an agency of government; this is a project that has timelines and we

have procedures, rules and regulations that guide the way funds are being accessed,” he said.

According to him, the Governing Council had acted promptly by approving the funding request submitted by the Project Coordination Office (PCO), after which the request went through the required government procedures.

“As we speak now, to the glory of God and service to humanity, I think the funds are in now,” he said.

Nwibere added that the council would consider increasing funding for some projects where necessary, while also facilitating approval processes and seeking clarifications on requests submitted by the Project Coordinator.

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2026 • T H I S D AY

• Community leader and former senior police officer, ASP Augustine Ejiokwu Okobi (rtd), and his wife, Mrs. Alice Eziokwu Okobi (centre), surrounded by their children and daughtersin-law during their 95th and 72nd birthday ceremony held in Owa Oyibu, Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State…recently.

• L-R: Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke; his wife, Chief Ngozi Adeleke; and Osun State Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi, at the 53rd birthday of Her Excellency, held at the Government House, Osogbo, Osun State...recently L-R: Publisher, Maddtimes power list Coffee table book, Joseph Edgar, presenting the compendium, which curates 100 of Nigeria's most powerful and influential people, to the former Group Chairman of Odua Investment Company Limited (OICL), Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, when Edgar paid a courtesy visit to Ashiru in Lagos...recently

• L-R; Director for West Africa, Tenda, Mr. Coy Yao; Managing Director, Tenda, Mr. Will Chen; Digital Marketer, Casper Tech, Francisca Igbokwu; Marketing Manager, Casper Tech, Cyril Leramah and Smsll and Medium Business Manager, Tenda, Mr. Alexis Yang during the 2026 Tenda Partner Connect in Lagos...recently Photo; Abiodun Ajala

•Representative of President Bola Tinubu and Hon. Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN(left) and the Director General, National Space Research and Development Agency, Prof. Matthew Adepoju, (right) at the lnternational Space Summit, which was hosted by President Emmanuel Macron of France in Paris...

• L-R: Head, Customer Care and Corporate Engagement, Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Salami Mojisola Titlayo; Head Marketing and Corporate Communications, Quest Merchant Bank, Adefisayo Akinsanya; Supervisor, Tailoring Unit, Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Oyebanjo Olaoluwa at the presentation of Industrial Waste Bins to LAWMA in support of a cleaner and more sustainable community held at the bank's Head Office, Broad Street, Lagos ...recently

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THISDAY • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2026

PERSPECTIVE Experiencing MTN at 25: A Walk Through a Lifetime of Connections

Raheem Akingbolu reviews the 25 years of MTN operation in Nigeria, pointing out how the brand has maintained the market leadership and the opportunities it offers subscribers

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here is something unusual about seeing a part of your own lifetime displayed in a museum. An old mobile phone suddenly looks ancient. An advertising line you once heard almost every day returns from memory. A familiar image takes you back to a Nigeria where owning a mobile phone was still something of a status symbol, and receiving a call could attract the attention of everyone around you.

That was the feeling walking into MTN Nigeria’s Y’ello Street Museum, created as part of the company’s 25th anniversary celebrations.

It was less like entering a conventional corporate exhibition and more like stepping into a carefully assembled memory of Nigeria’s telecommunications journey.

The atmosphere itself seemed to bring one of MTN’s most memorable payoff lines, “Everywhere You Go”, back to life. Everywhere you turned, there was something familiar, something that connected you to a moment, an experience or a memory from the past 25 years. There were phones and devices from another era, old campaigns, recharge-card memories, and representations of the different stages through which mobile communication has travelled.

There was music, food, and drink, alongside cultural references and familiar expressions from advertising. Together, they made the story of MTN feel less like a corporate chronology and more like something Nigerians had actually lived through.

And indeed, we have. MTN began commercial operations in Nigeria in 2001 following the historic GSM licensing process under President Olusegun Obasanjo. Back then, mobile communication remained beyond the reach of many Nigerians.

Phones were expensive, calls were costly, and the idea that one small device would eventually become a bank, office, television, marketplace, classroom, and entertainment centre would probably have sounded ambitious. Twenty-five years later, much of that transformation was sitting right before us.

From that beginning, MTN’s story unfolded alongside Nigeria’s own political and economic chapters. President Olusegun Obasanjo represented the defining opening, the administration under which the telecommunications sector was liberalised and GSM licences issued, clearing the way for MTN’s entry in 2001. From there, the journey moved through the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua years, when the young GSM revolution became more firmly established in everyday Nigerian life, and into the Goodluck Jonathan era, when growing internet and data usage began changing what Nigerians could do with the mobile phone.

The Muhammadu Buhari years coincided with a further push into broadband and digital services, culminating in another technological milestone with MTN Nigeria’s commercial launch of 5G in 2022. Now, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the story has entered another phase, with 5G, fintech, fibre, cloud services and digital infrastructure increasingly shaping what connectivity means. Walking past these different chapters at the museum, the presidents appeared less as a roll call of administrations and more as signposts along Nigeria’s journey from the dawn of GSM to today’s digital economy.

The people who managed the business were part of the journey too. From MTN Nigeria’s

MTN Nigeria CEO, Karl Toriola

earlier leadership, including Adrian Wood, Ahmed Farroukh and Brett Goschen, through Michael Ikpoki, its first Nigerian CEO, to Ferdi Moolman and the current CEO, Karl Toriola, each represented a distinct period in the evolution of a brand growing alongside Nigeria.

Perhaps some of the most fascinating exhibits were also the simplest: the devices. Seeing the progression of mobile phones across the years was almost a history lesson without words. What began largely as voice calls and text messages gradually became mobile internet, smartphones, social media, streaming, banking, e-commerce and countless digital services.

From 2G through 3G and 4G to 5G, every technological leap changed not only the network but something about how Nigerians lived. The

mobile phone moved from being principally a communication device to becoming a companion woven into everyday life.

Yet the museum was not only about technology.

It was equally alive with the lifestyle that had grown around those 25 years. Music, football, television, advertising, food and entertainment sat comfortably beside the technology. In that sense, the exhibition was also an album of Nigerian popular culture.

There were memories of the recharge-card era and the once-familiar umbrella lady. There were reminders of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?”, football sponsorships and campaigns that travelled beyond advertising into everyday conversation.

Saka’s memorable “I Don Port O” belonged to one period. “Everywhere You Go” belonged to

another. Each brought back something about the Nigeria in which it first appeared.

Amid those memories, Dr Omobola Johnson, Non-Executive Director of MTN Nigeria, offered a useful perspective on what all that connectivity had ultimately produced. “We have connected millions of Nigerians. That’s the thing, and the connectivity has led to many other things, new businesses, new innovations, new entrepreneurs,” she said.

Standing among the exhibits, the point was easy to appreciate. The real story was never simply the handset, SIM card, mast or network generation. It was what Nigerians began to do once they became connected. A trader could reach a supplier without leaving her shop. An entrepreneur could find customers beyond his immediate neighbourhood. Families separated by distance could remain part of one another’s lives. Today, money moves through the same device, businesses are marketed from it, meetings are held on it, news arrives through it and an increasing number of young people earn livelihoods through opportunities created by connectivity.

That is where MTN’s 25 years begin to feel less like the anniversary of a telecommunications company and more like part of a lifetime experience. Someone who was a child when GSM arrived in 2001 may today be running a business largely from a smartphone. Someone who once searched for a recharge-card seller can now transfer money, pay bills, stream entertainment and conduct business from the device in his pocket.

The Y’ello Street Museum brought those changes together without turning them into a technology lecture. One object triggered a memory. One advertisement recalled another period. An old handset reminded you how desirable it once was until you looked at the smartphone in your hand and realised just how far things had travelled.

Even the music, food, drinks and conversations around the exhibition added something important.

They made the experience social and familiar rather than ceremonial. It was possible to come for MTN’s anniversary and leave remembering something about yourself.

Twenty-five years is long enough for a brand to become woven into people’s routines almost without being noticed. Calls to parents, first business contacts, relationships maintained across distances, celebrations, transactions, music, football, work and countless ordinary moments have travelled through mobile networks.

Perhaps that is why walking through the museum communicated something that a chronology from 2001 to 2026 could not quite capture. Dates tell us when things happened.

Objects and memories remind us what those things meant.

The phones will continue to change and networks will become faster. Artificial intelligence, cloud computing, fintech and technologies still emerging will create another generation of possibilities. Today’s smartphones may themselves look like museum pieces someday.

But somewhere between the old phones, presidents and CEOs, recharge cards, advertising, music, food, football and familiar memories at Y’ello Street Museum, one thing became particularly clear. Twenty-five years of MTN Nigeria is also, in many ways, 25 years of how our own lives have changed.

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T H I S D AY • FRIday SEPTEMBER 11, 2026

Politics

Acting Group Politics Editor DEJI ELUMOYE Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com 08033025611 sms only

Nigerian Voters and Informed Choice During 2027 Polls As Nigeria moves towards the 2027 general elections, the political conversation will inevitably be dominated by candidates, parties, alliances, zoning, ethnicity, religion and the familiar calculations of electoral politics. But Daniel Kamanga asks Nigerians to step back from the noise and consider a more fundamental question: What, exactly, should we be looking for when we choose those who will govern us?

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espite their huge hydrocarbon deposits and massive contributions to Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings, the six states of the SouthSouth geopolitical zone have the worst network of federal roads in the country.

Nothing has been done to fix the situation in the last 10 years or more.

In this thought-provoking piece, Daniel Kamanga makes the case for a more conscious approach to politics—one that moves beyond party loyalty, ethnic sentiment, religious affiliation and personality cults to focus on the character, competence, vision, integrity and capacity of those seeking public office.

His central argument is simple but profound: the quality of a democracy cannot be separated from the quality of the choices voters make at the ballot box.

If citizens continue to vet politicians primarily through the lenses of identity, patronage and political convenience, they risk reproducing the very failures they complain about. Kamanga therefore challenges Nigerians, and Africans more broadly, to develop a more discerning political culture in which voters consciously interrogate the people, ideas and values behind the promises made during election season.

With Nigeria’s 2027 elections already beginning to shape political calculations, Kamanga’s intervention is ultimately a call for conscious citizenship—learning to vet candidates not merely by who they are or what political platform they belong to, but by what they have demonstrated they can do for society.

Elections across Africa are often treated as contests of ideas, personalities, political alliances and promises. Voters are encouraged to scrutinise manifestos, assess candidates’ experience and calculate which party or coalition is most likely to deliver.

But what if we are vetting for the wrong things?

What if, beneath the questions of competence, ideology and policy, there is a more fundamental question that African electorates rarely ask: Who is this person on the inside?

That question matters because political power does not transform character; it often amplifies it. Fear, insecurity, ego, the need for control and the hunger for recognition do not disappear when someone enters office. If anything, power gives them greater room to express themselves.

This is why the question of conscious leadership deserves a much more prominent place in Africa’s political conversation.

On January 16, 2027, Nigerians will go to the polls to elect a president and vice president, as well as members of the Senate and House of Representatives. There will be manifestos, alliances, zoning calculations and no shortage of promises.

Nigeria’s election date has been on my mind because it sits within a broader continental pattern.

In August 2026, Zambians voted, re-electing President Hakainde Hichilema for a second term amid opposition claims of intimidation and a chaotic vote count.

In October 2026, South Africans will go to the polls for local government elections at a time when many of the country’s municipalities are, in the words of their own political class, in crisis.

In 2027, Kenyans will face their own general election. More than a year away, the political contest already looms large, with much of the country’s attention increasingly drawn towards it.

These are merely snapshots of a continent of 54 countries. They have different electoral systems, economies, histories and political traditions.

Yet there is something that unites them.

There is something missing in African politics that no manifesto addresses.

In fact, it may be the one thing that determines whether any of the promises our politicians make will ever be honoured — and, ultimately, whether a country succeeds or fails.

This is someone who has done the work of examining their own ego, wounds and motives closely enough that they no longer need power, applause or control to feel whole.

Across the continent, this is precisely the work our political class has largely failed to do. Our politicians are skilled at rhetoric and coalition arithmetic. They make promises on the campaign trail and then govern as if those promises belonged to someone else — rarely having the humility to admit when they have failed or the discipline to clean up the resulting mess.

The problem is not a shortage of intelligence or ambition. It is that what comes out of their mouths is rarely examined from within.

It does not matter how sophisticated a party’s manifesto is, or how impressive the candidate’s CV may be. If the person has not done the work of confronting their own fear, ego and wounds, they will eventually govern from those unexamined places.

This is why, from Lusaka to Nairobi, Pretoria to Abuja, we repeatedly produce leaders who campaign as servants and govern as landlords.

It is a failure of interior formation. And it repeats itself across borders because the training pipeline that produces much of our political class is similar everywhere: it builds competence, but not consciousness.

-Kamanga writes from Johannesburg, South Africa That missing element is interiority.

The absence of interiority in African political leadership is at the root of much of our conti-

nent’s recurring disappointment.

A conscious leader, simply put, is someone who leads from self-awareness rather than fear.

NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

Ododo Tasks Kogi APC Peace Committee to Reconcile Aggrieved Members Governor Usman Ododo has taken immediate steps to unite members of the ruling All Progressives Congress in Kogi State with the establishment of a 17-man committee to reconcile aggrieved members of the party.

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overnor Usman Ododo of Kogi State has inaugurated the All Progressives Congress’ Peace and Conflict Resolution Committee with a charge to its members to reconcile aggrieved party members, restore unity and strengthen the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The governor, who gave the charge recently in Lokoja, the state capital, while inaugurating the 17-member committee headed by former Governor of the State, Capt. Idris Ichala Wada, described the assignment as historic, stressing that the strength of the APC in Kogi State would depend largely on its ability to remain united and accommodate members with diverse interests and perspectives.

He said: “I am a man of peace. I am a man of consultation and engagement.

I have never believed in violence as a means of resolving political differences. I believe that where there is disagreement, there must always be room for dialogue, understanding and reconciliation.”

Ododo recalled that after emerging as the APC candidate in the 2023 governorship election, he reached out to political leaders across the state irrespective of their political parties, ethnic or religious backgrounds, because of his belief that every Kogite should have a voice in the affairs of the state.

He said the same spirit of consultation and inclusiveness informed the establishment of the Peace and Conflict Resolution Committee, urging members to reach out to aggrieved leaders and members, listen to their concerns and encourage

everyone to forgive the misgivings of the past for the greater interest of the party and the state.

“We are members of the same family.

Whatever differences we have had must give way to the greater interest of the party and the state. The timing of this assignment is also important. We are preparing for the 2027 elections,” the governor said.

He noted that the APC had dominated the political landscape of Kogi State since 2015, expressing confidence that the party could achieve an even stronger performance in 2027 if its members remained united.

Ododo also highlighted the support Kogi State had received from the administration of President Bola Tinubu, citing major projects approved for the state, including the Kogi International Airport and the Ajaokuta Economic City.

According to him, the economic reforms

of the Tinubu administration have increased the resources available to state governments and created greater opportunities for states to undertake projects that directly affect the lives of their people.

“We cannot afford to fail a President who has given so much attention and support to Kogi State. We must therefore continue to support President Bola Tinubu and the Renewed Hope Agenda.

I believe he is the best person to take Nigeria forward, and Kogi State must remain firmly behind him,” he declared.

The governor charged the committee to determine the underlying causes of disputes within the party, identify aggrieved members and others affected by such disputes, and develop lasting and mutually acceptable solutions.

He further mandated the committee to identify inactive founding members of the APC with a view to bringing them back into the fold and make recommendations for promoting mutual understanding, sustainable unity, peace and development within the party.

The committee, which has three weeks to complete its assignment, is expected to produce a Statewide Grievance and Stakeholder Mapping Report, develop an APC Continuous Reconciliation Action Plan, produce a register of unresolved internal disputes and proposed solutions, and develop a framework for reintegrating returning members and accommodating new entrants.

NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

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T H I S D AY • FRIday SEPTEMBER 11, 2026

politics

Gov Yusuf Flays Bandits’ Attacks Ekiti: PDP’s Oluyede Withdraws on Four LGAs in Kano Petition against Gov Oyebanji’s Kano state government has taken decisive action against Re-Election bandits attacking some local government areas in the state.

The Ekiti Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has struck out the petition filed by the People’s Democratic Party’s candidate in the June 20, 2026 governorship poll in the state, Dr Wole Oluyede, against the re-election of Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress.

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ano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has condemned the recent bandit attacks reported in four Local Government Areas of the state, assuring affected communities that his administration is taking necessary measures to strengthen security and protect lives and property.

The governor ’s spokesman, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, in a statement issued listed the affected areas to include Chiromawa in Garun Mallam Local Government Area, Beli in Rogo, Bebeji and communities around Gwarzo.

Yusuf expressed sympathy with the victims and families affected by the attacks, describing the incidents as deeply disturbing and unacceptable.

He assured the affected communities that the government would take all necessary measures, in collaboration with security agencies, to prevent further attacks and restore confidence among residents.

The Governor said relevant authorities have been directed to strengthen surveillance, intelligence gathering

and rapid response mechanisms in the affected areas.

He urged residents of the affected communities to remain calm and avoid actions that could further heighten tension, assuring them that the government is working closely with security agencies to address the situation.

The governor also appealed to residents to cooperate with security personnel and provide credible information that could assist in preventing further attacks and apprehending the perpetrators.

He commended security personnel for their efforts and urged them to sustain intelligence-led operations to protect vulnerable communities across the state.

Yusuf prayed for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives, speedy recovery for the injured and the safe return of any abducted persons.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting the lives and property of all residents and ensuring peace and security across Kano State.

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the June 20, 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State, Dr Wole Oluyede, has formally withdrawn the petition he filed before the Election Petition Tribunal challenging the re-election of Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Tribunal at its first sitting in Ado-Ekiti this week struck out the petition following the motion of withdrawal filed by the PDP flag bearer before the three-member panel of judges led by Justice Abubakar Idris Kutigi. Other members of the panel are Justice Aminu Tukur and Justice Maurice Okediya.

The Tribunal Chairman, Justice Kutigi, subsequently struck out Oluyede’s petition in line with the wish of the petitioner whose motion to withdraw the petition had earlier been moved by his counsel who also represented the PDP, Mr Paul Komolafe.

Counsel to Governor Oyebanji and APC, Dr Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN) and Counsel to Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mr Sulaiman Ibrahim did not oppose the motion of the petitioners (Oluyede and PDP) to withdraw their petition from the Tribunal.

Oyebanji was declared winner of the Ekiti governorship poll by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after polling a total 319,224 votes with Oluyede garnering 40,543 votes. African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Chief Dare Bejide came third with 12,872 votes.

Speaking with reporters after the petition he filed was struck out by the Tribunal consequent upon his request, Oluyede said his action was predicated on the appeal made to him by individuals he described “important people” and out of respect to President Bola Tinubu.

Oluyede also explained that Oyebanji, following his victory at the polls, also extended a hand of fellowship to him declaring his readiness to join hands with the Governor to ensure a resounding victory for Tinubu in Ekiti at the forthcoming presidential election.

According to him: “My decision (to withdraw the petition) was based on the fact that what Ekiti and Nigeria need now is to seek the way forward.

It’s not easy to withdraw your petition when you know you have a case but I took the action at the request of people who are important to me, I mean the President and several advisers.

“They have all asked me to withdraw the matter and advised that everybody should come together and let the President win the next election and bring Ekiti forward. We have a lot of things to do in Ekiti and it will take the efforts of everybody. It shouldn’t be a partisan thing.

“I am a member of PDP and still remains a member of PDP and we have an election in January for President Tinubu. The Governor too has extended a hand of friendship across to me and we will work together when the election comes and see how things go.

It’s just for the betterment of Ekiti and Nigeria.”

T H I S D AY FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 11, 2026 20 TR

UT H

& RE A S O

N

JOSHUA J. OMOJUWA argues that Peter Obi’s visit to Benue was ill-timed

See page 21

IN PRAISE OF AMUPITAN

RAY UMOKORO writes that the INEC Boss is focused on the responsibilities of his office

See page 21

EDITORIAL

THE OKRIKA BURNING WELLHEAD

See page 22

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opinion@thisdaylive.com

www.thisdaylive.com

TRAGEDY, POLITICS AND THE LIMITS OF POLITICAL OPPORTUNISM

Friday September 11, 2026 Vol 27. No 11469

K. BOLANLE ATI-JOHN contends that fuel subsidy will be central to Nigeria’s choice in 2027

THE ELECTION AT THE PETROL PUMP Before dawn each morning, a commercial driver in Kano calculates how much petrol he can afford, how many passengers he must carry, and what will remain after paying the vehicle owner and meeting the day’s expenses.

Let us call him Musa. The calculation has become increasingly unforgiving.

Fuel consumes more of his earnings.

Passengers resist higher fares because their own incomes have not kept pace.

At home, food, rent, medicine and school fees wait for whatever survives.

Musa hears President Bola Tinubu insist that removing fuel subsidy rescued Nigeria from fiscal collapse and created the foundation for recovery.

He also hears Atiku Abubakar promise a targeted production subsidy, arguing that a wealthy country should not abandon its citizens to unbearable living costs.

Atiku’s promise speaks to Musa’s suffering; it has not yet earned his trust.

He remembers that politicians often change their convictions when they change their positions, and he wants relief without a return to fraudulent import claims, smuggling and opaque payments. He is angry with Tinubu, but he is not certain that reversing Tinubu is the same as rescuing Nigeria. Tinubu’s argument may possess economic logic.

It has not yet made Musa’s life bearable.

Musa is a representative figure, but his dilemma is real, and it is shared by millions of Nigerians standing between endurance and exhaustion. Their unresolved judgment may decide the 2027 presidential election because what separates the two candidates’ accounts of the same national pain is not simply their politics. It is whether either can close what might be called the reform legitimacy gap: the distance between macroeconomic figures that describe a country recovering and household experience that describes a country still struggling. A gap this wide is not settled by better statistics. It closes only when citizens can trace a visible line from their sacrifice to something they can actually feel: cheaper transport, functioning clinics and safer roads. Every argument that follows, from Tinubu’s fiscal case to Atiku’s production subsidy, is ultimately a claim about whether that line exists.

No economic decision is more closely associated with President Tinubu than his declaration on 29 May 2023 that fuel subsidy was gone. Prices rose almost immediately, and transportation and production costs followed as foreign exchange reforms weakened the naira

and amplified the cost of imported goods and petroleum products.

The President’s case is that the old subsidy regime was fiscally unsustainable, vulnerable to corruption, and destructive of investment. His administration points to higher public revenues, increased Federation allocations, improved external balances, stronger reserves, expanding domestic refining and renewed investor confidence, arguing that reversing course would revive the very distortions Nigeria struggled to escape. This is a serious argument. The old system consumed vast public resources, encouraged smuggling, rewarded questionable import claims and disproportionately benefited those who consumed more petrol. No responsible analysis should romanticise it.

This essay proceeds from the view that Nigeria needed to end the old, untargeted and opaque subsidy system.

But necessity did not excuse the failure to prepare adequate social protection, public transportation and transparent accounting before transferring the shock to citizens. That was not merely an implementation weakness; it was a failure of statecraft. Citizens were asked to make an immediate sacrifice, and the protections arrived slowly and unevenly, while public transportation remained inadequate and food and operating costs rose rapidly, even as the political system demanding their sacrifice showed little willingness to reduce its own cost.

Tinubu is therefore not merely defending a reform. He is defending a governing philosophy that asked Nigerians to endure present hardship for future stability, and his electoral challenge is to show that the promised future has begun to enter the lives of the people who financed it.

Atiku has recognised the political

opening, but his published proposal now goes beyond a bare promise to restore subsidy. His economic plan would shift public support from imported petrol to domestic production: qualifying public and private refineries would receive crude at preferential prices, subject to verified production, domestic supply and consumer pricing obligations. The proposal also promises an annual fiscal ceiling approved through the federal budget, independent auditing, disclosure of the opportunity cost to the Federation, sanctions for diversion, and periodic reviews designed to reduce support as refining capacity and competition expand. In Atiku’s formulation, the subsidy would follow the barrel, and no refinery would receive discounted crude without passing a measurable benefit to Nigerian consumers.

This is materially different from the old system of open ended import claims and retrospective under recovery, and it deserves serious examination rather than casual dismissal. But a detailed proposal is not yet a proven policy.

Atiku has not yet specified the numerical fiscal ceiling he envisages, the discount to market value at which crude would be supplied, or which institution would verify refinery intake, production yields and consumer price transmission across petrol, diesel and the other products drawn from the same barrel. These are not footnotes. They are the difference between an attractive policy framework and an executable public programme.

Before those arrangements can work, the proposal must establish that the required crude is actually available.

Atiku must identify what volume could be committed to preferential domestic supply after contractual production entitlements and existing financing obligations have been met. He must also demonstrate that the reduction in demand for imported petrol would save more foreign exchange than Nigeria would surrender through discounted domestic crude. Since refiners may carry foreign currency debts and can sell products abroad, the plan must explain how a public concession would be converted into a measurable reduction in domestic prices rather than retained as refinery income.

Rear Admiral Ati-John (Rtd), psc(+), fdc(+), is a Distinguished Fellow of the National Defence College, Abuja. He writes on national security, governance and national development from Lagos.

T H I S D AY

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FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 11, 2026

JOSHUA J. OMOJUWA argues that Peter Obi’s visit to Benue was ill-timed

TRAGEDY, POLITICS AND THE LIMITS OF POLITICAL OPPORTUNISM When the news broke that Peter Obi's convoy had been stopped in Benue, my first reaction was the one most Nigerians had. Another round of killings.

Another set of families burying people they should not be burying. And on top of it, a presidential candidate prevented from performing the ordinary human act of turning up.

Two things then became clearer.

The first is that the blockade was indefensible. On Tuesday 8 September, less than two kilometres from Makurdi airport, along the Gboko Road near the Air Force Base, a crowd of young men with sticks stopped a presidential candidate from travelling on a public highway. The Benue State Police Command confirmed it had been notified of the movement in advance and had provided security. The state government says it knew nothing, and its Information Commissioner has accused Obi of ignoring protocol and courting trouble.

Obi says a government aide mobilised the crowd. The police say the matter is under investigation.

Let the investigation run. The principle does not require its outcome. No Nigerian, candidate or citizen, should be turned back on a federal road, or any road for that matter, by men with sticks, and any argument about the motives of a visit becomes secondary the moment the visit is stopped by force. A country that settles questions of political taste with a roadblock has answered a much larger question about itself. That is not the country we want to be.

The second thing is what made the day complicated, and it is the part most of the commentary has skipped.

The destination was Yelwata, in Guma Local Government Area, where an attack on 13 and 14 June 2025 killed a very large number of people. Reported figures range from more than 100 to over 200. Obi himself puts it at more than 270. That massacre happened almost fifteen months ago.

Fifteen months is a long time in grief.

Visit someone fifteen months after they buried a child, arrive in convoy, and the more forthright among them will ask the question politeness usually swallows. What exactly is this visit about?

There is the part where you are reopening my pain. What are the other parts?

When you arrive in campaign colours, nobody needs to ask what those other parts are. The answer walks in wearing the answer. The elephant in the room, dressed in campaign colours.

This is the uncomfortable centre of the matter. It is one thing to be a candidate whose politics is animated by national tragedy, and there is nothing dishonourable in that. Even though there are better alternatives to being seen as the tragedy candidate, agbotikuyo as some have called it. One who is excited about news of death. It is another thing

to keep a tragedy in the present tense long after the people who suffered it have been trying to move it into the past. People are entitled to closure, or at least to be spared the public performance of condolence timed to somebody else's calendar. Grief runs on one clock. Elections run on another. When the second clock starts driving the first, something has gone wrong, and it has gone wrong even if every word spoken at the scene is sincere.

The Independent National Electoral Commission has lifted the ban on campaigning. Everybody understands what season this is. That is precisely why the timing invites the question rather than settles it.

So what separates solidarity from harvest? Not the presence of cameras, since a candidate travels with them whether he wants to or not. The honest test is narrower. What is left behind when the convoy departs. Whether the visit produces anything the families can use, or only footage the candidate can. And whether the same attention is available in the weeks when there is no election in view, when there is no road to be blocked and no video to be shared, and when a family in Guma is simply a family in Guma rather than a stop on an itinerary.

That test is worth applying to Peter Obi, and it is worth applying to everyone else in the field. He is not the only candidate who will stand beside grieving Nigerians between now and 2027. He is simply the one whose politics is most defined by it, which is why the argument is being conducted around him.

Here is the part we should be most ashamed of. A massacre from June 2025 can still be politically fertile ground in September 2026 for one reason only, which is that nothing has been resolved. The displaced are still displaced. The killings have not stopped in Benue or elsewhere.

If those families had been rehoused, compensated and protected, if Yelwata were a place people had returned to rather than a place they fled, no candidate could mine it, because there would be nothing left in the ground to extract.

Omojuwa is chief strategist, Alpha Reach/BGX Publishing

RAY UMOKORO writes that the INEC Boss is focused on the responsibilities of his office

IN PRAISE OF AMUPITAN Professor Joash Amupitan, chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) since October 23, 2025 has been misjudged, misunderstood and wrongly deconstructed by a section of Nigerians. This is understandable when you consider that Amupitan, a professor of law, is now chairman of INEC, the elections management body saddled with the responsibility of superintending electoral matters in Nigeria.

And why not? Politics revolves around different political parties with divergent interests and philosophies. It is called partisan politics. It hardly needs conjecturing that any election conducted among these political parties is viewed from diverse perspectives. Such election is usually seen as free, fair and credible by the winning party. For the losers, the same election is neither free nor fair. So, win or lose, INEC is always under fire. As the winners hail INEC for its transparency and diligence in the conduct of an election, the losers roll out their armada of critics and sundry hirelings to hit hard at INEC. A real catch-22 for the electoral umpire and its officials. That’s what elections have become in Nigeria. An occasion to applaud and to rebuke.

But this does not erode the fact that some election officers at different levels, came to their beat with very commendable credentials, unimpeachable character and a badge of integrity. Over the years, we have seen INEC chairmen, commissioners and returning officers who demonstrated the nobility and constancy of character. Remember Professor Humphrey Nwosu of June 12, 1993 election fame? By his account, he shunned dainties dangled before him by the military to rig what is now referred to as Nigeria’s most credible election, though it turned inconclusive. He resisted the perils of the jackboot and insisted that MKO Abiola, presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) won the election.

There was Professor Nnenna Oti, the Returning Officer in the 2023 governorship election in Abia state. Oti is the amazon who exposed one of the flaws of Nigeria elections: procuring victory by financial inducement, not by popular votes. She returned Alex Otti of Labour Party as winner of that election. Otti was the popular choice and the preferred candidate of Abia electorate. We remember her popular statement: “They came with their money, they came with their intimidation.” But at the risk of her life, lioness Oti stood on the side of the people. She upheld, not subvert, the mandate of Abia people.

These two personae, Nwosu and Oti, are not just professors; they belong to a rare tribe. The tribe of integrity. Not many people belong here. Yet, many mouth it. They speak of integrity with feisty passion. But they mouth the same garb of integrity under the crush of money and other niceties. Integrity is not a fad. It does not fade. It is not sloganeer-

ing either. Integrity is doing the right thing in good times and in bad times. It is doing good even when you have the opportunity and situational capacity to do otherwise. That’s what Nwosu and Oti demonstrated.

The current INEC Chairman, Amupitan, belongs to this rare tribe of integrity.

His storied career has coursed through several work environments yet he remains untainted. A star-spangled diamond. Amupitan wears a garment of veracity. He bears the emblem of unvarnished verities. Brutally frank, courageous with a veneer of measured calmness. He is not one who hunches under the vainglorious weight of ethno-religious bigotry. He has been apolitical, a trait he cherishes till this day. The more you get closer to him, the more you see a rare patriot, an accomplished academic and lawyer, who is always conscious of his place in the annals of humankind.

That is the man many Nigerians do not know. Some doubt his badge of honour.

Some even question his professorship.

Haba! Here comes Amupitan who in his undergraduate years at the University of Jos, graduated top of his class in 1987.

But he was not only the best graduating law student, he also won several awards including the Richard Akinjide’s Prize and the University of Jos Chancellor’s Prize.

You see, he’s not just a professor of law.

He’s a multiple awards winner. At the University of Jos where he was Deputy Vice Chancellor, he was known for his firmness, candour and rectitude. This is the personality he brought to bear at his new station, INEC. And in barely 10 months, Amupitan has proven the constancy of character.

Under him, INEC has conducted four major off cycle elections plus six legislative bye-elections. The Anambra guber election of November 8, 2025 in which Chukwuma Soludo (APGA) won with 418,817 votes, defeating Nicholas Ukachukwu of the ruling APC by a very wide margin; the FCT Area Council elections of February 21, 2026 with APC winning five out of the six chairmanship seats; the Ekiti State governorship election of June 20, 2026 which returned Biodun Oyebanji (APC) as winner by a wide margin with 319,224 votes.

Umukoro, public policy analyst, writes from Abuja

22 4

T H I S D AY FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 11, 2026

EDITORIAL

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

F

THE OKRIKA BURNING WELLHEAD Regulatory authorities should live up to their responsibilities

or two years, a wellhead fire has been burning at Ofioma-Ama Alakiri, in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State, upending livelihoods in the fishing and farming community. Last week, youths, elders, women and residents of Alakiri and surrounding communities staged a protest over the constant release of toxic fumes into their rivers and atmosphere, describing the persistent gas leak accompanied with fire as “genocidal Wellhead fire”. They raised issues of health, safety and other environmental concerns, while calling on the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), operator of Alakiri Well 9, to extinguish the raging fire on their waters. “The continuous release of toxic hydrocarbons into the atmosphere forces the residents of Ofioma-Ama and surrounding Wakirike communities to inhale poisonous fumes daily,” they noted. “Our mothers, children, and elderly citizens are at high risk of severe respiratory illnesses and long-term health complications.”

Unfortunately, the Alakiri well fires represent just one among many in the oil producing areas of the country, contaminating waters, farmlands, and endangering the lives of the people.

There is a more prolonged one at Ororo 1, located off the coast of Awoye in Ondo State, said to have been burning for the past six years without any deliberate attempt to put it off. Curiously, the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) is silent over the raging environmental disaster. The Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) described the sites as “time bombs,” adding that the ongoing fires compound environmental harms such as oil pollution, gas flaring and deforestation. “Protecting the Earth is not a choice, but a necessity for the health, economy and security of every nation,” said Nnimmo Bassey, HOMEF’s executive director, who called for urgent decommissioning, clean-up and support for the affected communities. Oil bearing communities in the Niger Delta have long endured hardship and environmental pollution caused by the oil industry in decades of oil exploration. This is despite the enormous wealth they

generate for governments and corporations. Communities, particularly those close to extraction sites, often experience environmental degradation, poor health, declining livelihoods, and inadequate public services.

According to reports, over 240,000 barrels of crude oil are spilled annually in the Niger Delta environment with over 178 active gas flare points within the region.

Every day, flames burn beside homes, schools, rivers, and fishing communities, releasing dangerous chemicals, and other pollutants into the atmosphere.

In a presentation titled “Living in Danger: Health Harms of Fossil Fuel Extraction in Nigeria’s Niger Delta”, in commemoration of World Environment Day 2026, Executive Director, ‘We The People,’ Ken Henshaw, lamented that many people in oil communities suffer from respiratory illnesses, skin conditions, eye problems, declining agricultural productivity, contaminated water sources, and the destruction of local ecosystems. “Farmers speak of reduced crop yields,” said Henshaw. “Fisherfolk describes disappearing fish stocks and polluted waterways. Families recount generations growing up under the glow and noise of flare stacks that never seem to stop burning”.

Unfortunately, the problem will likely persist for a while. Oil spills have become a regular feature of the oil producing communities due mainly to accidents, obsolete equipment, and lack of maintenance of oil pipelines. But the oil companies have also blamed the spills largely on vandalism from oil thieves, illegal bunkering, and on aggrieved unemployed youths.

Indeed, shortly after the protest by the Alakiri community, a dozen of persons reportedly died within the same Okrika local government area after inhaling toxic fumes from a petroleum product at the Okari Jetty in the Okrika Mainland area. The youths were reportedly loading petroleum product from an illegal tapping point when a strong smell suddenly saturated the air, causing several of them to collapse. But while investigations are still on, we call on the authorities to stop the endless pollution in Akairi wellhead gas leaks and beyond.

Communities, particularly those close to extraction sites, often experience environmental degradation, poor health, declining livelihoods, and inadequate public services T H I S D AY

EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU DEPUTY EDITOR WALE OLALEYE MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

T H I S D AY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

Letters to the Editor Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-300 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details to opinion@thisdaylive.com. We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (750- 1000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive.com along with photograph, email address and phone numbers of the writer.

LETTERS

AN OILY DANCE OF DEATH

Nigerians continue to die from incidents related to oil theft, tragically showing in stark terms the true cost and real curse of Nigeria’s oil.

When Nigeria fortuitously struck the black gold deep in the nondescript sands of Oloibiri, Bayelsa State, even the colonialists who were packing their bags to leave Nigeria at the time could not have foreseen how completely the precious resource would rewrite the country’s history, largely in black.

More than 60 years down the line, while Nigeria as a country has largely flown under the radar of international development, languishing in what is largely a rut, oil has arguably become the most valuable natural resource in the world. It is a profound irony that just as Nigeria has become one of Africa’s richest countries as oil wealth has poured in, its citizens have travelled dourly and sourly in the other direction, becoming some of the world’s poorest people. Indeed, according to the World Bank

Group, more than 100 million Nigerians live below the international poverty line, living on less than three dollars per day. Beyond forging and fostering a deleterious culture of corruption, this disconcerting disconnect between Nigeria’s national oil wealth and the quality of life of its citizens frequently unleashes a fusillade of deadly consequences.

Almost every year, Nigerians die from one unnatural disaster or the other involving oil. The cases have been heartbreaking. The death of about 37 people at Okari Jetty in Okrika, Rivers State, in early September, after inhaling toxic fumes during an oil theft is just one case.

In October 2024, about 150 persons died in Majiya, Niger State, when a fuel tanker exploded while they were stealing oil.

It bears questioning the desperate circumstances that have made Nigerians thieves and victims of that which is ordinarily their most prized possession.

Oil was supposed to bring life to Nigeria, yet what it has ultimately done in the past 60 years is to slowly bleed life out of Nigeria. Money has come into the country, but everything else that is valuable has gone out, lost in the petroleum haze and hysteria. Public health and public services have all collapsed, dragging public dignity, decency, and decorum down with them. Nigeria’s major tragedy is that a country that thought it found something valuable enough to sell everything else sold everything only to discover that it had sold its soul.

Over many incredible years, Nigeria has failed to devise a system to ensure that everyone benefits from its oil. This pathetic lack of planning and emphatic absence of equity and empathy has resulted in a citizenry always in a rat race to steal their oil. No dog chews a bone tied around its neck.

Ike Willie-Nwobu is a social thinker and development expert

23

T H I S D AY • FRIday, September 11, 2026

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S

MONEY MARKET

A S

A T

REPO

Group Business Editor Eromosele Abiodun Email oriarehu.eromosele@thisdaylive.com

08056356325, 07034471123

S eptember

S & P INDEX

1 0 , 2 0 2 6

S & P INDEX

EXCHANGE RATE

OPR

25.34%

CALL

23.25%

INDEX LEVEL

595.26

1/4 to daTE

0.24%

N1,358/ 1 US DOLLAR*

OVERNIGHT

25.18%

1-MONTH

21.37%

1-DAY

0.10%

YEAR TO DATE

-10.99%

*AS AT THUR, September 10, 2026

3-MONTH

22.41%

MONTH-TO-DATE

0.24%

NESG: Manufacturing Sector Recorded Strongest Business Expansion in August

Dike Onwuamaeze The Business Confidence

Monitor (BCM) report of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) showed that manufacturing sector recorded the strongest business performance in August 2026.

The report stated that during the month under review, the Nigeria’s business environment recorded further expansion as the Current Business Performance Index (CBPI) stood at 112.7 points, up from 108.6 and 107.3 points in July 2026 and August 2025,

respectively.

The report attributed this to sustained expansion across sectors, with manufacturing recording the strongest business performance.

It, however, stated that despite this expansion, many industry players have continued to face constraints during the month, especially inadequate power supply, limited access to financing, elevated rental costs, insecurity, and infrastructural challenges, which heightened cost pressures.

According to the BCM,

business activity in manufacturing accelerated further in August 2026, with the CBPI for the sector rising to 120.4 points from 110.5 points in the previous month (July 2026).

It said: “The index reading also marks a significant improvement compared with 106.2 points recorded in August 2025. This reflects broad-based strength across subsectors, led by Food, Beverage & Tobacco and Chemical & Pharmaceutical Products, both of which recorded strong expansion.

“Textile, Apparel & Footwear remained in expansion, performing better than in July 2026, while cement held steady at an elevated level despite a marginal pullback. Notably, plastic and rubber products, pulp, paper and paper products, wood and wood products, and motor vehicles and assembly all moved into expansion territory during the month, having contracted in July.”

However, it said electrical and electronics slipped into contraction, while non-

metallic products remained in contraction despite a marginal improvement.

In addition, the report said basic Mmtal, iron and steel eased slightly but held onto expansion.

“Moreover, many industry players faced growth-inhibiting constraints, including an inadequate power supply, a shortage of raw materials, high rental costs, and limited access to financing, which heightened cost pressures during the month,” the report said.

On the other hand, the CBPI for the agriculture

sector declined marginally to 110.5 points from 110.8 points in the previous month but represented a substantial increase from 95.6 points it recorded in August 2025.

“This broadly resilient performance reflects positive expansion across most subsectors despite weaker activity in forestry. Livestock and fishing expanded further, performing better than in July 2026. Improved output conditions supported stronger activity in both subsectors.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

How NAMA Wasted N7.58bn on ILS for Lagos, Abuja Airport Chinedu Eze

The Category 3 Instrument

Landing System (ILS) the federal government acquired at the sum of N7.58 billion and installed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja and the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos in 2019, has been abandoned and left to rot, THISDAY inquiry has revealed.

The N7.58 billion (N30.02 billion in 2026) spent on the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) project, was only for the first phase, as more

money was planned to be spent on the second phase.

The federal government has also planned to install the vital equipment at other airports, including Kano, Katsina, Maiduguri and Sokoto.

Industry sources said the abandoned project is a good example of how government waste money generated from taxes.

It was learnt that after the installation, NAMA was unable to provide other requirements needed for the equipment to work, so the project was abandoned and Abuja and Lagos airports

resorted to the use of Category 11 ILS, which is still in use today.

The purpose of the installation was to reduce flight delays and cancellation during harmattan season and to enable pilots to land at zero visibility.

Over the years, air travellers were stranded at airports because of dust haze occasioned by harmattan weather, which usually occur at the high Christmas holiday season in December and January when many Nigerians travel for festivities.

For Category 3 ILS to be functional, there are other navigational aids that must be installed along with it, which include the localizer that provides horizontal/ lateral guidance to runway center-line to guide the pilot to land safely.

Also, for Category 3 ILS to work, there must be very high accuracy, integrity monitoring and dual transmitters and monitoring equipment and visual lighting aids because pilots may not see the runway until it is very late, seconds before the aircraft touches down on the runway.

All the accompanying equipment were not provided in addition to the fact that under the Category 3 ILS equipment, the airport must not experience power outage on the runway, a condition which the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) may not meet because it transits from the national grid to independent power plants and high-capacity generators.

It was after the installation of the equipment that government officials started giving excuses that other equipment must be installed

for the Category 3 ILS to work and since then the project has been kept in abeyance.

In fact, insiders told THISDAY that there was no feasibility study and prequalification and planning process `because they just wanted to use the project to corner money, which was what they eventually did.

Today, no one is charging anybody in court for using the project to corner government resources, since the equipment never worked for one day.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

M a r k e t d ata A s at T h u r s d ay, S e p t e m b e r 1 0 , 2 0 2 6 BONDS Description Price ^13.98 23FEB-2028 ^21.00 20MAR-2028 ^14.55 26APR-2029 ^14.55 26APR-2029 ^18.50 21FEB-2031

96.21 105.35 104.74 94.89 104.43

Change Updated Time (%) September 0.00 10, 16.98 2026 September 16.90 0.00 10, 2026 September 16.95 -0.10 10, 2026 September 17.00 0.20 10, 2026 September 17.03 0.01 10, 2026

Yield

BILLS Maturity NTB 8-Oct26 NTB 5-Nov26 NTB 3-Dec26 NTB 7-Jan27 NTB 4-Feb27

Discount Yield 17.00

17.28

17.30

17.83

17.79

18.62

18.54

19.81

17.10

18.43

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Change (%) Updated Time

Maturity

September -0.02 10, 2026 September -0.02 10, 2026 September -0.01 10, 2026 September -0.02 10, 2026 September -0.02 10, 2026

HAAI CP X 7-SEP-26 PCLL CP V 25-SEP-26 AGRO CP IV 7-DEC-26 DAIL CP II 26-NOV-26 JVIL CP XXIV 29-DEC-26

Discount Yield 22.86

22.92

22.80

23.11

22.82

24.26

21.22

22.31

22.20

23.89

CLEARED NAIRA-SETTLED NDFS Change (%)

Updated Time

September 0.00 10, 2026 September -0.01 10, 2026 September 0.01 10, 2026 September -0.01 10, 2026 September -0.02 10, 2026

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FRIday, September 11, 2026 • T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

Air watch

Keyamo Engages Global Aviation Aircraft Manufacturers at Airshow Stories by Chinedu Eze The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, has held high-level engagements with major Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and aviation stakeholders from across the world at the second edition of the El Alamein International Airshow in Egypt.

The airshow was presided over by the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, who was accompanied by the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides.

The event provided a significant platform for

Nigeria to deepen strategic relationships with leading players in the global aviation industry and explore opportunities to accelerate the development and modernisation of the country’s aviation sector.

According to the minister, the engagements with major OEMs awill afford Nigeria the opportunity to discuss practical areas of collaboration, particularly in upgrading aviation infrastructure across the country.

“The occasion afforded us the opportunity to meet major OEMs from around the world and engage in discussions regarding

upgrading our aviation infrastructure across the country. These engagements are important as we continue to position Nigeria’s aviation industry for greater efficiency, safety, competitiveness and sustainable growth,” the Keyamo said In a statement signed by the minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, the minister emphasised the importance of beginning preparations early to ensure that the aviation component of next year’s Hajj is efficiently coordinated and delivers a smoother experience for Nigerian pilgrims.

A i r Watch S h o r t a g e o f Te c h n i c a l Personnel in Aviation Industry

ASRTI Commends FG on Payment of Retirement Benefits Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative (ASRTI) has commended the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for addressing the delayed payment of the retirement benefits of the ex-workers of the defunct

Nigeria Airways Limited.

The retired staff members have been subjected to over two decades of agonising neglect following the airline’s abrupt liquidation in April 2003.

“While we are appreciative of the government’s responsiveness to the plight of these unfairly treated citizens,

we further request that the entitlements of the remaining living and deceased staff be promptly paid to them and their respective families, to ensure fairness and equal treatment for all senior citizens of Nigeria,” the body said in a statement signed by its president, Air Commodore Ademola Onitiju (rtd).

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), has reaffirmed its commitment to improving air cargo operations and strengthening collaboration with licensed customs agents as part of efforts to reposition Nigeria’s air cargo sector.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement organised by the FAAN Directorate of Cargo Development and Services in Lagos, the Regional General Manager, South West

Airports, FAAN, Mr. Tokunbo Arewa, while declaring the meeting open, said the authority would continue to engage stakeholders to obtain feedback and improve service delivery.

Arewa said the meeting was designed to provide an opportunity for customs agents to raise concerns about the charges they pay and the services provided by the authority.

He said FAAN was

interested in knowing whether its operations were meeting stakeholders’ expectations, stressing that the authority did not want to collect charges without demonstrating value for the services provided.

The Terminal Manager, Hajj and Cargo, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Adedayo Alale, called for stronger interaction between the authority and stakeholders to improve service delivery.

FAAN Restates Commitment to Air Cargo Devt

NCC Trains Persons with Disabilities on Digital Skills The Nigerian Communications The participants numbering Commission (NCC) has over 100, were trained on digital commenced a two-day training skills and emerging technologies, programme for persons with for digital inclusivity. disabilities in Lagos.

In his opening remarks, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, said the training was of utmost importance, designed to advance digital inclusion and to empower persons with disabilities to participate meaningfully in Group Business Editor Nigeria’s growing digital Eromosele Abiodun economy.

Deputy Business Editor Maida who was represented Chinedu Eze by the Director Digital Economy Comms/e-Business Editor at NCC, Ms. Helen Obi, said Emma Okonji while technology would Asst. Editor, Energy continue to enable opportunities, Emmanuel Addeh it could also create barriers, Asst. Editor, Money Market particularly for persons with Nume Ekeghe disabilities.

Correspondents According to him, KayodeTokede(CapitalMarkets) “Participation in the digital James Emejo (Finance) economy now requires more Ebere Nwoji (Insurance) than basic internet access; it requires appropriate devices, Reporter affordable and reliable Peter Uzoho (Energy)

broadband, digital skills, accessible platforms, and secure systems. That is why the theme for the training is ‘Empowering Persons with Disabilities Through Digital Citizenship for an Inclusive Digital Economy’.”

The Director, Monitoring, Evaluation and Orientation, Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), Dr. Adekola Oluwafunmilayo, who represented the General Manager of LASODA, Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, commended the NCC for facilitating the training programme.

“With the training on digital skills, NCC has raised the hopes of people with disabilities in Lagos State.

Lagos is committed to the empowerment of people with disabilities and in developing their skills for independence and competitiveness.”

Chinedu Eze Aviation industry stakeholders have acknowledged that Nigeria is experiencing a severe shortage of technical personnel, a development that has prompted the federal government to recall and retain retired experts on contract to bridge critical operational gaps.

Some of the factors identified for the shortage include massive retirement of old personnel who are not easily replaced because of paucity of young successors, as local aviation training schools are struggling to meet demands.

Recently, the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) in Zaria raised the alarm regarding critical shortages of functional infrastructure, including times when only six aircraft were airworthy, forcing the school to ration training hours for student pilots.

Industry analyst and second Vice President of Aviation Round Table (ART), Dr Alex Nwuba, said Nigeria would never fill its aviation job gap. He quoted major aircraft manufacturing firm such as Boeing, which projected global demand for 674,000 new pilots over the next twenty years, plus hundreds of thousands of technicians and cabin crew.

Nwuba said Nigeria, a country of over 200 million people that should be a natural supplier for that demand, instead sits on a workforce pipeline broken at both ends.

According to Nwuba, “Those we’ve trained cannot get a job. Those who need training cannot afford it, here or abroad.

I don’t say Nigeria will never fill the gap out of pessimism. I say it because I have watched the pipeline fail from both directions, and neither end is being fixed. Start with entry. NCAT and the private academies now charge upward of N20 million for a licence, in a country where that sum is well beyond what most families will ever see. Industry insiders have warned this is turning aviation into, in their words, an elite club for the super-rich.

“Compare that to the United States, where becoming a pilot or an aircraft engineer is not a university-gated process at all — it runs through general aviation: flying clubs, small airfields, affordable time-building, instructor routes that don’t require a sixfigure dollar sum before you’ve logged an hour. And the US still has a shortage. If a country with cheap, accessible (admission process) still can’t fill its cockpits, a country with almost none, and a training bill most

families can’t touch, has no realistic route to closing its own gap. Nigeria offers no inroads outside an expensive, degreeadjacent pipeline, and prices most of its own talent out before they start.”

He also pointed out that Nigerian airlines, which should be the first port of call to give the trained pilots their first after-training practical experience, is rejecting them. It was learnt that this is because after the airlines have helped to train them in the past, and after gathering the required flying hours to get a bigger job outside the country, they leave. Also, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) over the years, has been ambivalent about bonding, which is a process whereby a pilot is trained by an airline and the pilot will sign a bond that he will work for the airline for certain number of years before he will leave the company.

NCAA ought to ensure that if an airline signed a bond with a pilot both parties must abide by the agreement, but when disagreement came up over such bonds in the past, the regulatory authority was not firm; rather, the Director General of the agency then said pilots were free to leave. That ended an opportunity young pilots would have secured to further develop their skills and acquire dexterity to become captains over time.

In his recommendation, Nwuba said: “We revive the flying schools properly, and we build staged time-building into the system the way the US and Europe do — hours that accumulate through structured, affordable routes rather than a single expensive credential. We open entry-level observer seats, cabin crew, and dispatch to pilots, crew, and dispatchers who have already paid for training and have nowhere to use it.

And on the hardest question: most of these young people would work for free to build time. That would be unconscionable, and we should not accept it. What we should build instead is a special, regulator-set training wage—protected, capped, and supervised so it cannot be abused as a loophole for cheap labour, but real enough to let someone build hours without going backwards financially.”

However, commenting on the issue, the Chief Executive Officer of Omni-Blu Aviation Limited and pioneer Director General, Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Akin Olateru, remarked that training to become a pilot, aircraft engineer, or other aviation professional was not cheap.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

25

T H I S D AY • FRIday, September 11, 2026

BUSINESSWORLD

FINANCE

Enhancing Cross-border Payments, Online Transactions with AnyworkX

AnyworkX, a local app developed by Nigerians for online transactions in a virtual market space, is designed to address hiccups in cross-border payments, while building a single digital ecosystem around the everyday transactions of millions of Africans, using scalable technology to advance business processes, writes Emma Okonji

A

frica’s digital economy has produced successful platforms for payments, mobility, food delivery and e-commerce. Yet one of the continent’s biggest technology opportunities may still lie in something far more fundamental: bringing the fragmented transactions of everyday life into one trusted digital ecosystem.

That is the opportunity Nigerian technology company X-agon Digital Solutions Limited is pursuing with AnyworkX, a home-grown platform that began as a marketplace for services and is rapidly evolving into a broader consumer super app.

From finding a plumber in Lagos to ordering groceries for a parent from abroad, the app, which is a virtual market place, connects customers to verified artisans that have been carefully onboarded to serve customers’ needs.

The proposition is deliberately simple. A user who needs an electrician should not necessarily need one application, another to order dinner, another for groceries, another to locate a pharmacy and yet another to access businesses in a local market. AnyworkX wants to become the digital doorway through which all of those transactions can happen.

Already configured for use across 42 countries, with Nigeria serving as its principal operating market and expansion beachhead, the platform is positioning itself at the intersection of Africa’s services economy, e-commerce, food ordering, pharmacy fulfilment, local retail, logistics and digital payments. That intersection could prove commercially significant.

Addressing Customers’ Needs Giving details of the app, the Chief Operating Officer, X-agon Digital Solutions, Mr. Segun Ogundipe, said AnyworkX was originally created to address a problem familiar to millions of Africans.

According to him, a leaking pipe, faulty generator, urgent electrician, cleaner, photographer, lawyer, mechanic, caterer or other professional need frequently begins with the same question: “Do you know somebody who can do this?”

Much of Africa’s enormous service economy remains fragmented, informal and dependent on personal referrals. Skilled people may exist within a few kilometres of a customer who needs them, yet neither knows the other exists. AnyworkX digitises that connection. The platform gives users access to providers across more than 300 service categories, covering both blue-collar and professional services. Technology enables users to discover providers based on location and service requirements, while verification processes are designed to address one of the biggest barriers to digital transactions in Africa: trust.

“But management soon recognised a bigger opportunity. The same customer looking for an air-conditioning technician today may need groceries tomorrow, medication later in the week and dinner on Friday evening. Instead of competing for a single transaction, why not build around the customer’s everyday life? That insight is driving AnyworkX’s transformation,” Ogundipe said.

One App Addressing Multiple Needs The expanded AnyworkX ecosystem now brings together two enormous sides of Africa’s consumer economy.

The first is services. Users can discover and engage verified artisans, technicians, professionals and other service providers across hundreds of categories. The second is everyday commerce.

Customers can order from restaurants, grills, supermarkets, pharmacies and other participating merchants, with local-market commerce also forming part of the platform’s expansion strategy.

According to Ogundipe, the result is an increasingly integrated marketplace through which a consumer can book a plumber, order lunch, replenish groceries, purchase medication or shop from participating local merchants without continually moving between unrelated platforms.

This matters because the economics of a multi-category platform can be fundamentally different from those of a single-purpose application.

Even businesses that already have their own applications can potentially benefit. A standalone merchant app primarily serves customers who already know the merchant. A marketplace creates discovery, putting that merchant in front of consumers who may never have searched for its individual application.

AnyworkX therefore does not necessarily have to replace merchants’ existing digital channels. It can complement them, Ogundipe said. R

A food-delivery platform must repeatedly persuade customers to order food. A services marketplace must wait until somebody needs a service. A platform combining multiple high-frequency and occasional needs has more opportunities to bring the same consumer back.

Frequency creates engagement. Engagement creates transactions. Transactions generate data.

Data improves personalisation and efficiency.

And a larger customer base attracts more merchants and service providers. That is the network effect AnyworkX is attempting to build, Ogundipe said.

The Business Model Speaking on the business model of the app, Ogundipe said for investors, the more important question is not simply what AnyworkX does, but how activity on the platform can become revenue.

“Its model is designed around transactionbased monetisation rather than simply charging users to download an application. Within its service marketplace, the platform facilitates transactions between customers and service providers, creating opportunities for fees around successfully completed jobs and other value-added services.

“Within commerce, AnyworkX has adopted a merchant-friendly approach intended to lower the resistance businesses often have to joining digital marketplaces. Participating merchants can retain the value of the products they sell, while the platform can earn facilitation income around transactions rather than relying solely on conventional merchant commissions.

Logistics creates another layer of potential economics as ordering volumes scale.

“The broader architecture can therefore support multiple monetisation opportunities over time: services, commerce facilitation, logistics, payments and other ecosystem services, while much of the underlying technology infrastructure serves the same expanding customer base.

That distinction is important,” he said.

According to him, the ambition is not to build several unrelated businesses inside an app. It is to build one digital transaction infrastructure capable of serving multiple categories of everyday expenditure.

build an expensive standalone application.

Imagine being able to digitally shop from a familiar local market, arrange fulfilment and have purchases delivered to your home.

The implications extend beyond convenience.

For merchants, it means visibility beyond foot traffic. For consumers, it means access without physical presence. For logistics companies, it creates delivery demand.

And for AnyworkX, every newly digitised market potentially adds merchants, products, customers and transactions to an infrastructure that has already been built. This is where the scalability argument becomes particularly compelling.

Diaspora Opportunities Highlighting the diaspora opportunities, Ogundipe, said: “There is another use case with potentially significant implications. An African living in London, Toronto, Atlanta or Dubai may want to pay for groceries, food, medication or services for parents and relatives back home. Today, this often involves sending money first and leaving the recipient to complete the transaction.

A cross-border marketplace can change that behaviour from “send money to buy something” to “buy the thing directly.

“AnyworkX’s 42-country architecture and cross-border capability are designed with this opportunity in mind: enabling customers in one location to initiate transactions that are fulfilled locally for recipients elsewhere. That creates a potentially powerful bridge between Africa’s diaspora spending power and the continent’s domestic services and retail economy.

Rather than competing only in the remittance market, the platform can potentially participate in what happens after money would otherwise have been remitted, the actual purchase of goods and services.”

About Partners For restaurants, pharmacies, local merchants professionals, joining a ultimately about one thing: business.

AnyworkX’s proposition is that businesses should Addressing Local Markets Perhaps one of the most interesting aspects of to become technology AnyworkX’s strategy is its planned digitisation to participate effectively in of local-market commerce. Africa’s commerce economy. A neighbourhood story is not confined to shopping malls, may have excellent inventory supermarket chains and formal retailers. A pharmacists but limited significant portion of everyday trade still takes A restaurant may have loyal place through traditional markets like Mile no sophisticated ordering 12, Daleko, Oyingbo markets in Lagos, Wuse An artisan may be highly virtually invisible online. market in Abuja, Oja Oba in Ibadan.

AnyworkX provides These markets have huge inventory and customers but limited digital infrastructure. storefront, customer-discovery AnyworkX sees an opportunity to bring these and transaction environment markets into organised digital commerce which those businesses without requiring each trader or market to accessible to a much wider

supermarkets, and service marketplace is incremental not have companies the digital pharmacy and trusted digital reach. customers but infrastructure. skilled but the digital infrastructure through can become market.

Trust Issues Technology platforms operating in Africa eventually encounter a problem that cannot be solved by elegant software alone: trust. Is the technician genuine? Will the merchant deliver? Will the customer pay? Will the service provider turn up? Will money be released before the transaction is completed?

AnyworkX has consequently made verification, transaction controls and accountability central to its platform architecture, including multi-stage provider verification and mechanisms designed to improve transaction confidence. If successfully executed at scale, this trust layer may ultimately prove as valuable as the marketplace itself.

The African informal economy does not suffer from a shortage of buyers and sellers. It frequently suffers from the absence of trusted infrastructure connecting them.

Economics of Scale The investment thesis around AnyworkX becomes clearer when viewed not as another delivery application but as an ecosystem business. Digital platforms can exhibit powerful operating leverage.

Technology that initially supports 10,000 users does not necessarily cost ten times as much when supporting 100,000 users.

A merchant integrated into the platform can fulfil hundreds or thousands of transactions. A service provider onboarded once can serve multiple customers over time. And every additional participant can increase the usefulness of the network for everybody else. More customers attract more merchants and service providers.

More merchants and providers improve selection. Better selection attracts more customers. Higher transaction volumes make logistics more efficient. More transactions generate better data. And increasing data can improve recommendations, matching, risk management, pricing and customer retention.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

26

WEDNESDAY, MARCHSEPTEMBER 11, 2026 • T H11, I S2026 D AY T H I S D AY • FRIday,

business/MOnEYGUIDE

Nigerian Firm Signs Implementation of $60m Coffee Partnership with Liberia Olawale Ajimotokan JR Farms Group and the Liberia Ministry of Agriculture have signed the implementation of the $60 million coffee partnership designed to spur development across the coffee value chain in Liberia.

The implementation followed the partnership agreement signed between both parties in Monrovia on June 8, 2026.

The signing signaled the official commencement of the 20-year partnership, which covers the development of commercial-scale coffee nurseries hubs five 5 counties, registration, profiling, and onboarding of more than 200,000 farmers nationwide, training of extension workers and farmers, development of coffee washing stations, and

development of market infrastructure that will place Liberian coffee in the global market.

This partnership aligns with the interest and focus of the Liberian Government, which had earlier placed coffee as the sole priority crop of the country under the Food and Agriculture Organisation project of “One Country, one Priority Crop”.

Under the leadership of the Honorable Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Neutah Alexander, Liberia is witnessing the most organized, precise, and largest revamp of the coffee value chain in its history, evident in the partnership with JR Farms Group.

The Founder and the Group Chief Executive of JR Farms Group, Mr. Olawale, Rotimi Opeyemi, expressed his satisfaction about the progression of the project, which he noted will spur nationwide cross-cutting development in Liberia.

“We are happy about the current progression of the project, since signing the main partnership in June 2026, we have recorded tremendous progress and serious commitment to the partnership; we are confident the project is heading in a great direction, with the scale, the project will create close to half a million direct and indirect jobs in Liberia, majorly in rural areas, contribute to the country’s GDP and income and position Liberia as a global exporter of coffee. So far, the Liberia Ministry of Agriculture, under the leadership of Dr. Neutah Alexander, has been very active and committed to supporting the project.

We appreciate the Honorable Minister and His Excellency, President Boakai, for his visionary leadership and support for agricultural development in Liberia,” he said.

Dorman Long Aware of CAC Public Notice on Ownership, Management Dorman Long Engineering Company Limited yesterday in Lagos said it is aware of the Public Notice issued by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) on September 8, 2026, concerning the company’s membership, ownership and management.

The company in a statement said, “Dorman Long Engineering

Company Limited is engaging with the relevant authorities and taking the necessary steps to address the matter through the appropriate regulatory and legal processes.

“We will cooperate fully with the relevant authorities and comply with applicable regulatory requirements as the matter progresses.

Throughout this process, our priority is to maintain business continuity, continued engagement with our stakeholders and ensure the uninterrupted delivery of our operations and services.”

It assured that, “We will provide further information when appropriate and as developments permit.”

Amaana Oil: Sealed Value, Honest Price, No Compromise

The typical Nigerian market is made up of branded and unbranded cooking oils. For many consumers, buying oil from large containers or smaller open containers is simply part of everyday shopping. These oils are commonly referred to as loose oil. They often have no easily traceable source, while information about their storage and handling may not be readily available. This leaves an unspoken question in consumers’ minds: how safe and reliable is the oil going into my food?

To give consumers a more informed choice, Golden Terra has launched Amaana Oil, a premium refined vegetable oil blend that offers Nigerian families

sealed, hygienic and nutritionally fortified cooking oil at an honest price.

While loose oil may cost less, consumers should not have to choose between price and confidence in the oil they use to prepare their meals.

Executive Director, TGI Group, Deepanjan Roy, said, “With the introduction of Amaana Oil, we are taking another deliberate step towards democratizing access to quality essential nutrition.

We recognised a gap between premium quality and what everyday households can comfortably purchase, and Amaana Oil has been developed to bridge that gap.”

For TGI Group, responding to evolving

consumer needs has remained central to its approach, making it no surprise to see the Group continue to explore practical solutions that put consumers first and address everyday needs.

Chief Marketing Officer, TGI Group, Probal Bhattacharya, said, “The launch of Amaana Oil is rooted in a simple belief: consumers should not have to compromise on quality, safety or hygiene simply because they are looking for an honest price. With Amaana Oil, we are bringing the assurance of sealed cooking oil closer to more Nigerian households. It is our way of delivering sealed value at an honest price, with no compromise.”

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS (MILLION NAIRA) October 2025

Month

Money Supply (M3)

119,037,577.07

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

9,291.49

Money Supply (M2)

119,028,285.58

Quasi Money

79,681,419.97

-- Narrow Money (M1)

39,346,865.60

---- Currency Outside Banks

4,646,794.28

---- Demand Deposits

34,700,071.33

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

34,804,442.84

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

84,233,134.23

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

99,199,655.08

---- Credit to Government (Net)

24,787,980.96

---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA

0.00

---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA)

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

74,411,674.12

--Other Assets Net

2,603,854.03

Reserve Money (Base Money)

36,641,142.21

--Currency in Circulation

5,057,881.01

--Banks Reserves

31,583,261.21

--Special Intervention Reserves

284,361.95 • Source - CBN

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

October 2025

Inter-Bank Call Rate

October 2025

Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) Monetary Policy Rate (MPR)

27.00

Treasury Bill Rate

15.07

Savings Deposit Rate

7.43

1 Month Deposit Rate

11.37

3 Months Deposit Rate

11.32

6 Months Deposit Rate

11.12

12 Months Deposit Rate

11.78

Prime Lending rate

18.89

Maximum Lending Rate

29.56

NSE MARKET INDEX CAP

0.75%(52%YoY)

Index

0.9% (29%Y/D) • Monetary Policy Rate - 27%

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE As At 24TH NOVEMBER , 2025

The price of OPEC basket of twelve crudes stood at $63.14 a barrel on Monday, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

27

T H I S D AY • FRIday, SEPTEMBER 11, 2026

mARKET NEWS

Stock Market Rebounds, Gains N100.5bn on Demand for Seplat Kayode Tokede The Nigerian stock market, yesterday staged a rebound with volume rising by 161.79 per cent to 1.4 billion shares as market capitalisation closed higher by N100.5 billion amid demand for Seplat Energy Plc, 22 others.

As the stock price of Seplat Energy gained 10 per cent, the Nigerian Exchange Limited All-Share Index

(NGX ASI) gained 155.03 basis points or 0.06 per cent to close at 242,378.13basis points. Similarly, the overall market capitalisation value rose by N100.5 billion to close at N157.150 trillion.

Sectoral performance was mixed as the Oil & Gas (+0.8per cent) and Banking (+0.7per cent) indices advanced while the Consumer Goods (-one per cent) and Insurance (-0.4per cent) indices closed lower.

P R I C E S MaiN Board

F O R DEALS

The Industrial Goods index closed flat.

As measured by market breadth, market sentiment was negative as 23 stocks gained relative to 29 losers.

Seplat Energy recorded the highest price gain of 10 per cent to close at N14,907.80, per share. Japaul Gold & Ventures followed with a gain of 9.83 per cent to close at N2.57, while Tantalizer rose by 8.29 per cent to close at N3.79, per share.

S E C U R I T I E S Market Price

quantity traded

Secure Electronic Technology appreciated by 7.94 per cent to close at 68 kobo, while Access Holdings rose by 5.66 per cent to close at N28.00, per share.

On the other hand, R.T. Briscoe and Aradel Holdings led the losers’ chart by 10 per cent each to close at N8.10 and N1,413.00 respectively, while Champion Breweries followed with a decline of

T R A D E D

value traded ( N )

A S

MaiN Board

O F

9.91 per cent to close at N10.00, per share.

International Breweries lost 9.80 per cent to close at N9.20, while CWG declined by 9.28 per cent to close at N17.60, per share.

The total volume traded advanced by 161.8 per cent to 1.40 billion units, valued at N27.14 billion, and exchanged in 46,218 deals. Transactions in the shares of Fortis Global Insurance topped the

S E P T E M B E R DEALS

Market Price

activity chart with 1.031 billion shares valued at N1.494 billion. Mutual Benefits Assurance followed with 59.555 million shares worth N167.812 million, while Access Holdings traded 28.570 million shares valued at N791.714 million.

GTCO traded 25.736 million shares valued at N3.334 billion, while Zenith Bank transacted 14.318 million shares worth N1.779 billion.

1 0 / 2 6 quantity traded

value traded ( N)

28

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2026 • T H I S D AY

This

Weekend

FRIday, september 11 • T H I S D AY

Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com

07010510430

TR

N

Weekly Magazine UTH

& R E ASO

Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi:The Merchant of Hope Driving Lagos’ Fight Against Domestic, Sexual Violence

30

Cover

Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi: The Merchant of Hope Driving Lagos’ Fight Against Domestic, Sexual Violence For about 15 years, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, popularly known as “The Merchant of Hope,” has built a career in public service around policy, law, social welfare and social protection, with much of her work focused on protecting vulnerable people. As the pioneer Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), she leads a team of more than 100 professionals driving Lagos’ coordinated response to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). Her work combines survivor support, advocacy, prevention and public education, including through books she has authored on domestic violence, sexual violence, self-love and body safety. As Lagos joins the rest of the world in observing September as Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month, her leadership at the DSVA is again bringing the need for greater awareness, prevention and collective action against abuse to the forefront. Chiemelie Ezeobi reports

A

s Lagos marks the 2026 Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month this September, the Executive Secretary, Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, has been increasingly centred on a bigger objective- ensuring that domestic and sexual violence in Lagos is no longer simply about receiving complaints, rescuing survivors or pursuing perpetrators, but about building a system strong enough to prevent violence, identify warning signs early, protect survivors, support their recovery and ensure that those responsible face justice.

Five years into the agency’s existence, while the scale of the work is perhaps still daunting, she is not about to quit or let things get half done.

A lawyer and public administrator, she has more than 15 years of public service experience, spanning public policy, administration, legal services and social services and before the agency was created, she served as coordinator of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT).

Building a Statewide Response That approach has become increasingly visible in the work of the Lagos State DSVA, which Vivour-Adeniyi has headed since its creation in 2021 after the Lagos State government established the agency in 2021, following Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s assent to the law establishing it in September of that year.

Her work has focused on developing a coordinated institutional response to sexual and gender-based violence — from survivor support and referrals to access to justice, public sensitisation, child protection and economic empowerment.

It has also involved training justice-sector and health professionals, collaboration with the police and other first responders, and prevention programmes.

Under her leadership, the DSVA has increasingly moved beyond the traditional model of receiving complaints and referring survivors elsewhere. The agency has worked with government institutions, schools, healthcare providers, police, courts, community leaders, religious organisations and civil society groups.

Grassroots sensitisation has become an important part of that strategy, with the agency taking information about domestic and sexual violence into local communities rather than limiting campaigns to government offices.

Vivour-Adeniyi has also consistently linked economic empowerment with the ability of survivors to leave abusive relationships.

Consequently, the DSVA has partnered organisations to provide skills acquisition and economic support to survivors.

The Numbers Behind the Motivation What motivates her to keep going despite the daunting work, you might ask? Between September 2021 and July 2026, the DSVA received 33,009 cases of domestic and sexual violence through physical walk-ins and its Virtual Referral and Response Service (VRRS), an average of more than 300 clients monthly.

The figures form the backdrop to the 2026 Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month, which began in September under the theme “SGBV – It Ends With Us.” For Vivour-Adeniyi, however, the numbers are not merely statistics. They represent people,

The Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), Titilayo Vivour-Adeniyi with other stakeholders kicking off September as Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month

families, children and communities requiring intervention.

The five-year statistics reveal both the workload placed on the agency and the different forms of violence it has had to confront. Of the 33,009 cases, domestic violence accounted for 13,515, making it by far the largest category.

The agency also recorded 1,171 cases of defilement, 797 cases of child abuse and physical assault, 420 rape cases, 428 cases of sexual harassment and 100 cases of sexual assault by penetration.

Other reports included 95 cases of technology-facilitated sexual and gender-based violence, 323 threats to life, 79 attempted rape cases and 1,861 family-related disputes involving issues such as custody, neglect, abduction and child labour.

Particularly disturbing was the identification of 10,613 children who suffered emotional abuse as a result of exposure to domestic violence in their homes. The annual breakdown further shows the scale of the problem: 1,075 cases were recorded between September and December 2021; 5,929 in 2022; 6,389 in 2023; 7,882 in 2024; 7,721 in 2025; and 4,013 cases as of July 2026.

From Rescue to Recovery The achievements of the DSVA under Vivour-Adeniyi are perhaps most visible in what happens after a survivor reports.

During the period under review, 175 survivors received free legal support, while 40 survivors requiring immediate protection were accommodated at Eko Haven and other safe shelters.

The agency’s Clinical Psychology Department provided psychotherapy and counselling to 953 survivors, 267 perpetrators and 304 children.

It also conducted 501 rescue operations, providing immediate protection to people found in dangerous environments. The agency extended services to 46 persons with disabilities experiencing gender-based violence.

On the justice side, 20 restraining orders were obtained under the Lagos State Protection Against Domestic Violence Law 2015.

The DSVA also financially supported the investigation and prosecution of 464 SGBV-related cases, while more than 711 cases were charged to court. Within the same period, the Directorate of Public Prosecutions in the Ministry of Justice secured more than 160 convictions.

Prevention Takes Centre Stage The most significant evolution in Vivour-Adeniyi’s work may, however, be

the increasing emphasis on prevention.

Statewide sensitisation campaigns reached an estimated 1,964,559 residents across Lagos’ 20 Local Government Areas — an average of roughly 98,228 residents per Local Government Area based on the state’s figures.

The interventions have included school outreach, community and market engagements, the Kings & Queens Club, Purple Lagos Campus Activation, traditional ruler engagements and community dialogues.

The agency has also expanded access through sub-offices in Kosofe and Ikorodu.

Other access mechanisms include the Lagos State Religious Premarital Counselling Online Course, the reintroduction of the *6820# USSD short code and the ASK INU WhatsApp Chat Bot. More than 60,000 educators, parents and caregivers have also been trained through the Lagos State Safeguarding and Child Protection Online Course.

The DSVA has further identified marriage and relationship education as an important prevention tool. More than 466 religious marriage counsellors have completed the Lagos State Religious Premarital Counselling Online Course.

Protecting Children and Changing Behaviour Child protection remains another major pillar of her work. Through initiatives such as the Kings Club and Queens Club, the agency engages boys and girls on sexual and gender-based violence, sexual and reproductive health, resilience, anger management and related issues.

Vivour-Adeniyi has stressed the need to engage boys proactively in preventing violence while recognising that boys themselves can also become victims.

The DSVA has also collaborated with the Lagos Ministry of Education on sensitisation programmes for children and parents.

A Survivor-centred Approach to Justice Vivour-Adeniyi’s professional philosophy is also evident in her advocacy for survivor-focused justice. In 2024, she presented a paper titled “Beyond Enacting Legislation: Survivor-Focused Justice Service Delivery” at the 10th Network Conference of Sexual Assault Referral Centres. The emphasis captures an important part of her approach: justice should not end with prosecution.

A survivor may require medical care, psychosocial support, legal assistance,

protection, shelter and help navigating the justice system.

The DSVA has consequently worked with judges, magistrates and legal practitioners to improve the handling of SGBV cases.

That survivor-centred approach also informs the agency’s collaboration with the health sector.

As part of current efforts, the DSVA has worked with the Lagos Ministry of Health and the Primary Health Care Board to train healthcare professionals on responding to survivors of SGBV and preserving evidence.

The first training involved 50 medical social workers from health facilities across the state.

September and the Fight to End SGBV September therefore provides an important opportunity to assess the work of VivourAdeniyi and the agency she leads. The 2026 Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month is being used to push the conversation beyond awareness towards prevention and collective responsibility.

The campaign began with Turn Lagos Purple on September 1 along Ikorodu Road and in Lekki Phase 1, followed by Turn Alausa Purple on September 2, when public servants wore purple ribbons as symbols of solidarity against domestic and sexual violence.

Other activities include training for medical social workers on SGBV prevention and response, training for police officers in newly upgraded Family Support Units, disabilityinclusive case management training and training for newly recruited health workers.

There is also Caring for the Carers, a mental wellness programme for frontline staff, an Advocacy Walk Against SGBV in Lagos Island and Survivors’ Day on September 15.

The private sector is being engaged on workplace sexual harassment prevention, while a Market Fiesta is scheduled for Ile-Epo Market.

For children and young people, the Safeguarding and Child Protection Week, scheduled for September 21 to 25, is expected to reach more than 1,200 students across Lagos’ six Education Districts.

The state will also host the National Convening of Gender-Based Violence State Coordinators on September 24 and 25, bringing together GBV coordinators from across the country.

Another major milestone will be the launch of the Lagos State GBV Prevention Policy.

The month-long programme is scheduled to end on September 29 with the Governor’s Commendation and Awards Night, recognising individuals, institutions and partners considered to have demonstrated exceptional commitment to preventing and responding to domestic and sexual violence.

For Vivour-Adeniyi, the purple campaign must represent more than symbolism.

“We want the purple in Alausa to be more than a colour,” she said, stressing that residents must recognise that domestic and sexual violence affects people around them and that everyone has a role in prevention.

That philosophy lies at the heart of her work.

As she continues to champion the fight against domestic and sexual violence in Lagos, the “Merchant of Hope” is bent on shaping an institution while simultaneously confronting one of Lagos’ most difficult social problems and ensuring that those stories do not end with trauma, but with protection, recovery, justice and, ultimately, prevention.

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FRIday, september 11 • T H I S D AY

Entrepreneur

Estree Bridges Heritage and Luxury as House of Estree Shines at 16th Africa Fashion Week London

Design by Estree 1

Design by Estree 2

Design by Estree 3

Mary Nnah

L

ondon’s fashion calendar had a distinctly African heartbeat this year as Esther Olorunfemi, designer, serial entrepreneur and Creative Director of House of Estree, popularly known as Estree (@estree16), commanded the 16th edition of Africa Fashion Week London with her brand, House of Estree.

The UK-based Nigerian creative delivered a dual-impact moment that set her apart.

On the main runway, she unveiled a bold 12-look menswear and womenswear collection. Off the runway, she anchored the AFWL exhibition floor, giving buyers, critics, diaspora leaders, and style enthusiasts an immersive, up-close encounter with House of Estree and her newly launched activewear label, KOWRI. The runway was where the statement was made. Before an international audience, House of Estree redefined what Ankara could be in 2026. Rather than limiting the vibrant African textile to traditional silhouettes, the 12-look collection pushed it into contemporary tailoring.

Structured jackets, belted outerwear, tailored trousers, blazers, skirts, bomber jackets, winter coats and sharp separates moved Ankara and Aso-Oke out of expectation and into everyday global luxury.

That approach is core to House of Estree’s DNA. Founded in London in May 2025, the brand was built to transform African fabrics into modern pieces that travel across cultures without losing their origin story.

The result is a clear meeting point: African textile heritage speaking fluently in the language of international fashion.Sharing the runway spotlight was KOWRI, Estree’s new activewear brand. KOWRI brought a different energy - T-shirts, jerseys, hoodies and jogger pants designed for movement, but rooted in symbolism.

The name is a deliberate stylisation of “cowrie,” the shell historically used as currency across Africa and long linked to wealth, value and protection. For KOWRI, that legacy becomes a brand ethos for a contemporary generation.

The label will expand next with a gym wear collection including sports bras, leggings and other fitness-focused pieces.“African Fashion Week London provides an important international platform to showcase the depth, sophistication and global potential of African

Design by Estree 4

fashion,” Estree said. “Bringing our 12-look collection to the AFWL runway, while also presenting KOWRI to an international audience, is both a celebration of our heritage and a statement on where contemporary African fashion is headed.”

The presence didn’t end when the lights went down. Both House of Estree and KOWRI maintained a strong activation on the AFWL exhibition floor throughout the weekend. It created space for fashion influencers, retail buyers and the public to touch the fabrics, study the tailoring, and understand the craftsmanship behind the collections.The AFWL showing also signals what comes next for KOWRI. Following its UK launch and strong reception in London, the brand will officially enter the Nigerian market on 15 September 2026, while continuing worldwide delivery. It’s the next phase in Estree’s ambition to scale KOWRI across international markets and make it accessible to customers globally. House of Estree itself is envisioned as more than retail. It is a cultural and creative hub based in London. Beyond housing the brand’s

Founder and Creative Director of House of Estree, Esther Olorunfemi

womenswear, menswear, accessories and lifestyle collections, the expansive space is designed to platform African and diaspora designers who may not have access to their own physical showcase. With dedicated retail and creative zones, visually curated areas for photography and content creation, and rooms for exhibitions and cultural experiences, House of Estree is building a destination.

The goal: for African creativity to be discovered, experienced and celebrated in the UK and beyond, with doors opened wider for new talent.AFWL 2026 marks another milestone in that journey, following the brand’s participation in AFWL 2025 and its growing presence through fashion, retail and cultural programming in London.

The moment also highlights the breadth of Estree’s work beyond fashion. She is an established serial entrepreneur and Founder and Managing Director of Enablement Care Services, a UK-based care organisation providing specialist support for adults with autism, learning and physical disabilities, and mental-health needs.

Her portfolio further spans hospitality,

short-let accommodation, events, media, fitness and music. Across every venture, the throughline is the same: championing creativity, culture and enterprise.

That cultural commitment travels with her.

Estree has participated in the historic Ojude Oba Festival in Ijebu-Ode, Nigeria - a vibrant celebration of Yoruba heritage, fashion and tradition.

Her involvement reflects the same philosophy driving House of Estree and KOWRI: to celebrate African identity in ways that are authentic, vibrant, contemporary and globally relevant.

From the colour and community of Ojude Oba to the structure and scale of Africa Fashion Week London, Estree continues to position House of Estree and KOWRI as formidable bridges.

Bridges between heritage and modernity.

Between Lagos and London. Between African fabrics and international luxury.With a full 12look collection on the runway, a commanding exhibition presence, and the introduction of KOWRI to a global audience, AFWL 2026 cements another significant chapter for House of Estree. For Estree, it is further proof that contemporary African fashion is not waiting for a seat at the table. It is building its own.

32

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2026 • THISDAY

NEWS

FREE EDUCATIONAL DATA ACCESS FOR NIGERIAN STUDENTS...

Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Idris Olorunnimbe; Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa; Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida; and Chairman, National University Commission (NUC), Prof Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, at the launch of free educational data access for Nigerian students in Abuja, yesterday

Former Ambassador, NDC, Others Disagree over Stoppage of Obi’s Movement in Benue Chuks Okocha in Abuja, Sunday Ehigiator in Lagos and George Okoh in Makurdi A former Nigerian Ambassador to Namibia, Terhemen Tarzoor, has advised the presidential candidate of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, to apoligise to the Benue State governor, Hyacinth Alia, for trying to “sneak in and out” of the state.

While observing that Obi had blamed the governor for what befell him, Tarzoor emphasised that the former Anambra State governor was not fair to Alia, for insisting that it was right for him to come to Benue, without alerting the state government of his visit.

He explained that the incident that followed the attempt by Obi to get into the state without formally notifying government, could be interpreted to be that of one that had come to Benue with an ulterior motive.

Tarzoor, who is also the state coordinator for the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, working for the reelection of President Bola Tinubu in 2027, also dismissed allegations that the presidency had a hand in the incident that led the youth in the state to stop Obi from getting into Makurdi, en route Yelwata.

The former ambassador attributed the allegations against the presidency to the usual politics of “allegations and counter-allegations.”

He said, “I am happy that you are starting with the word: allegations.

There are no facts to it. But I tell you

Mr President is a true democrat and I challenge to look at what happened in Osun state.

“He was the first to congratulate the governor of Osun State. And with all the forces that went to Osun State, he (Tinubu) insisted that let there be free, fair elections and APC lost.

Thereafter, he received the governor in his office.

“So why would the president choose to be cherry-picking? I want Osun State, but when it’s Benue, I don’t want Peter Obi to go to Benue.

It doesn’t add up.”

LP: Tinubu Must Rein in His Governors Labour Party (LP) asked President Bola Tinubu to rein in the governors of his party before they derail democracy, describing the recent Benue incident as shameful.

LP said if the allegation that the miscreants who perpetrated the absurdity were sponsored by the state governor, a supposed minister in the temple of God, was true, it made the situation even more frightening.

According to a statement by LP National Publicity Secretary, Ken Asogwa, “If a Reverend Father, who mounts the pulpit to teach morals could descend to this level of violence, what should Nigerians expect from more indecorous politicians and governors, like the one in Edo?” LP urged Tinubu to rein in the governors, as their actions, if left unchecked, could derail the already wobbling democracy.

Asogwa stated, “Nigeria’s

Constitution guarantees freedom of movement, and every citizen, irrespective of tribe, political leaning or religion, must be allowed to enjoy that right.

“It is particularly concerning that a Governor who, as the Chief Security Officer of Benue State, has never been able to arrest and prosecute the criminals ravaging his state could instead be feasting on a man, who was embarking on a humanitarian mission.

“Political differences should never become a licence for violence, intimidation or the suppression of the fundamental rights of Nigerians.

“The sanctity of our democracy depends on the ability of every citizen to move freely, express political

opinions and participate in public life without fear of harassment or attack,” Asogwa stated.

SNG-USA Decries Blockade of Obi’s Convoy Save Nigeria Group USA (SNGUSA) condemned the reported “attack, intimidation, and blockade” of the convoy of Peter Obi, in Makurdi, Benue State.

In a statement in Washington, D.C., the group expressed its “profound outrage and strongest condemnation” of the incident, which occurred while Obi and members of his entourage were travelling to Yelwata in Guma Local Government Area.

SNG-USA said Obi was on his

way to “express condolences and solidarity with families and communities affected by the horrific killings of June 2025, in which more than 270 people were reportedly killed”.

The organisation said instead of being allowed to proceed with the visit, Obi’s convoy was “reportedly stopped and confronted by a group of youths along the Gboko-Makurdi Road, near the Nigerian Air Force Base and Makurdi Airport”.

It added that reports and videos from the scene indicated that “protesters barricaded the road and prevented the convoy from proceeding”.

SNG-USA said it considered “any attempt to intimidate, obstruct, threaten, or physically confront a presidential candidate in the course of

a peaceful public engagement deeply disturbing and wholly unacceptable in a constitutional democracy.

Democracy cannot survive political intimidation.

“The freedom of political actors to travel, engage citizens, visit communities, express solidarity with victims, and participate peacefully in the democratic process must be protected regardless of political party, ideology, ethnicity, religion, or personal affiliation.

“Nigeria cannot build a stable democracy where political disagreements degenerate into intimidation, road blockades, threats, violence, or the mobilization of groups to prevent political opponents from moving freely.”

AbdulRazaq Lauds Tinubu over Commencement of Construction of Oko-Olowo Bridge in Kwara Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State yesterday commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the commencement of construction work on the Oko Olowo Bridge.

The non construction of the bridge at Oko-Olowo axis of Ilorin has claimed many lives while property worth several millions of naira have reportedly lost to the carnage in the recent times in the axis of the state.

Many auto crashes had happened at the axis as a result of over speeding and non-compliance with road rules

in the area.

However, a statement issued by Governor AbdulRazaq on Thursday, the governor said the project underscores the love of President for the people of the state and his commitment to public welfare.

AbdulRazaq said, “Our advocacy on this bridge began since 2019. We again renewed this advocacy as the President settled down in the office in 2023.

“I recall visiting the Hon. Minister HE David Umahi in 2024 in company of His Excellency Governor of Kogi State Ahmed Usman Ododo, Hon.

Mukhtar Shagaya and Hon. Ahmed Yinka Aluko to further press for urgent construction of the bridge as well as Ilorin-Lokoja Road via Omu Aran.

“In a visit to the state in October 2025, the Hon. Minister assured us that work will soon begin on the bridge”.

The governor added: “So what is happening today is a dream come true and promise kept by the president and minister.

“We are grateful and we see this as an intentional effort to protect lives and property.

“It is a relief to tens of thousands of our people who live in that axis or travel along that road every other day.

“We are also confident that the Hon. Minister will graciously expedite action on our other requests, including the Ilorin-Lokoja via Omu Aran, for the good of our people.

“This Oko Olowo project is one of the many other dividends of democracy that our people have en-joyed, and it is another reason that the people of our state will vote massively for the President and all APC candidates in the coming election.”

Oborevwori’s Good Performance Will Ensure His Re-election in 2027, Says Ifeajika Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

The Executive Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Public Enlightenment (Projects and Policies), Mr. Olisa Ifeajika, has assured Deltans and supporters of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori that his remarkable performance in office would serve as vehicle for his re-election in 2027.

Indisputable achievements since becoming Governor in 2023 forms the strongest basis for the Deltan electorate’s overwhelming support for Governor Oborevwori’s second term bid in next year’s general election,

Ifeajika declared.

Speaking on a programme, Politics HQ on News Central Television, monitored in Asaba, he stated that his support for Oborevwori goes beyond political party loyalty, but more because the governor’s achievements in Delta State were there for all to see.

Ifeajika said, “The governor of this state, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, is my project in the forthcoming general elections because we want to return him as our governor; not just because he is our party man, but because of the work he is doing

in Delta.

However, he also made clarifications about the governor’s widely reported claim that his political project was to ensure the re-election of President Bola Tinubu, saying that “there is nothing contradictory about the governor supporting the President while seeking a second term for himself.”

Oborevwori, having joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), was naturally expected to support the party’s presidential candidate, he pointed out.

“He is an APC man, so he will

talk about the President of Nigeria, who is of the same party with him, being re-elected. That was what he meant when he said his project is to ensure that Bola Tinubu is re-elected as President of Nigeria,” he stated.

Specifically, Ifeajika said that the APC’s strategy in Delta condistef primarily in presenting the achievements of the Oborevwori administration to the electorate and then allowing the governor’s record to speak for him.

“The performance of our governor speaks for itself. Everybody is applauding what the man is doing in the state,” he said, adding, “He’s a

good product that is selling itself.”

“Even if we were not in the APC, for instance, we would have still won the election because our governor is a performing governor acknowledged by everybody in the state irrespective of political affiliation.”

Ifeajika, who rose in support of the fuel subsidy removal by President Tinubu, likened the current economic situation to farming, saying the difficult stages of clearing, planting and weeding must precede harvest.

He said, “What we are going through in this country now is like a farmer. To farm, you first clear

the bush before planting, weeding and, eventually, harvesting. It takes a process!

“In this country, we knew that at some point Nigeria was borrowing money to pay for subsidy. Not the money we earned; we were borrowing money to pay for subsidy.

That was so irregular.

“In this country, I am aware that between 2018 and 2019, two states in the North-Central lost so many civil servants out of hunger and starvation because they were not paid salaries for periods ranging from nine to 11 months.

33

THISDAY • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2026

NEWS

MEGASTAR MAN OF THE DECADE AWARD 2026...

Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt. Hon Dennis Idahosa (left); and CEO, Megastar Media Community/Convener, Megastar Man of the Decade Award, Dr. Adeniyi Ifetayo, during presentation of letter of invitation to the deputy governor at the Government House Benin to serve as one of the panelists at the Award Ceremony in October, 2026

Lawmakers at Loggerheads over Wike’s Alleged Borrowing Without Vital Approval Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has dismissed allegations by the lawmaker representing Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Ireti Kingibe, that FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike engaged in borrowings without the approval of the National Assembly.

Speaking on national television, Kingibe raised concerns over the borrowings, insisting that she had never seen Wike appear before the Senate to seek approval for any loan.

“I have never seen Wike come to the National Assembly and before the Senate to ask for approval of anything,” Kingibe had said.

However, Agbese while reacting to the recent claim by the Senator in

a statement maintained that Wike had not committed any infraction in the financing of projects and programmes of the FCT. The lawmaker described Wike as one of the most legislatively compliant public servants under the scrutiny of the National Assembly.

He noted that it was misleading to suggest that the FCT minister had circumvented the National Assembly or acted outside the law in securing funds for projects in the territory.

The House Deputy Spokesperson stressed that Wike had consistently subjected the FCT Administration’s activities to legislative scrutiny, including the presentation and consideration of the territory’s budgets and appearances before relevant committees of the National Assembly.

“The processes governing public borrowings involve the appropriate constitutional and administrative authorities, and the FCT minister cannot unilaterally create a sover-

eign borrowing obligation outside those established processes,” he said.

Agbese emphasised that the minister’s record of engagement

with the legislature contradicted any suggestion that he had deliberately operated outside legislative oversight.

According to him, “Wike has

No One Has Monopoly of Violence, ADC Warns over Kaduna Attack Chuks Okocha in Abuja African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned the attack on its members in Kaduna State, warning that no individual, group or political party has a monopoly of non-state sanctioned violence, and those introducing thuggery into the 2027 political process were playing a dangerous game.

In a statement by ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji

Abdullahi, the party said the attack represented an unacceptable escalation at a time when political activities ahead of the elections were only just beginning.

According to Abdullahi, “Let nobody mistake our commitment to peaceful democratic participation for weakness. No political party has a monopoly on non-state sanctioned violence. Once violence becomes an accepted instrument of political competition, nobody can predict

where it ends.

“This is why the security agencies must act now. Those responsible for the attack, as well as anyone who sponsored or organised it, must be identified, arrested and prosecuted.”

ADC expressed solidarity with its governorship candidate, Hon. Isa Ashiru, and members affected by the incident, while calling on the Kaduna State government to guarantee the safety of opposition

SANWO-OLU LAUDS DANGOTE’S RESILIENCE DESPITE LAGOS REFINERY OBSTACLES in Africa by size and profitability,” he said.

He said the group’s wider mission was to reduce the perceived risks associated with investing in Africa and demonstrate that globally competitive enterprises could be built successfully on the continent.

“Our job is to derisk Africa, encourage more investors, create jobs and create more opportunities. That is how we will transform Africa,” Dangote said.

Speaking, former United States Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs and Co-Chair of the Africa Center, Ambassador Jendayi Frazer, said the proposed IPO could connect African industrial production with African and diaspora capital, broadening participation in the value created by the continent’s strategic assets.

“The refinery connects us all through the proposed IPO that creates broader ownership,” Frazer said. “It can broaden participation in the value created by African industry. It can connect investment with African production to scale with African institutions, pension funds, savers, individual investors, including the African diaspora coming into this, owning a stake in Africa’s growth.”

Frazer said the refinery had already “changed the equation” for Africa, with implications

extending far beyond petroleum production into the continent’s geopolitical standing.

“Economic power is not only what a country possesses, it’s what it can create, process, finance, transport and sell. Supply chains, energy systems and capital markets shape sovereignty,” she said.

She said the refinery demonstrated what was possible when African ambition was matched by capital, technical knowledge, partnerships and disciplined execution.

Group Executive Director, Commercial Operations, Dangote Industries Limited, Fatima AlikoDangote, said Africa must now move beyond merely possessing natural resources and talent to building the productive capacity and institutions required to retain the value they create.

She said the deeper question was what Africa could build, process, finance and own, arguing that development must ultimately translate into tangible improvements in people’s lives.

“This is more than a Dangote story. It is a story about what Africa must build, what Africa must own, and what this generation of leaders must help make possible,” she said.

A Trustee of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, The Africa Centre in New York and Patron of the Aliko

committed no infraction in borrowings. There is no basis for the allegation that he has been borrowing money behind the back of the National Assembly.”

Dangote Young Global Leaders Fellowship, she said that sustainable development must ultimately be measured by its impact on people.

Similarly, the African ExportImport Bank (Afreximbank), which provided significant financial backing for the refinery, described the project as its African industrialisation mission “made concrete”.

Speaking on behalf of the President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, Director, Creatives and Diaspora, Intra African Trade and Export Development Bank, Temwa Roosevelt Gondwe, said Afreximbank underwrote $2.5 billion of the $4 billion syndicated loan supporting the refinery and subsequently provided a $1 billion working capital facility.

“Unless we produce, we cannot trade. Unless we capture value, we cannot prosper,” Gondwe said, describing the refinery as proof that Africa could move from exporting raw materials towards processing resources and capturing more value on the continent.

The convening also highlighted the Aliko Dangote Foundation’s investment in Africa’s leadership pipeline.

Also yesterday, Dangote, emphasised that the planned public offering of shares in Dangote Petroleum Refinery was not merely a capital-raising exercise but an

opportunity to broaden Nigerians’ participation in one of Africa’s most ambitious industrial investments.

Dangote spoke at the Abuja leg of the refinery’s investor roadshow tagged, “The Eagle Has Landed”.

He said the offering was designed to give ordinary Nigerians and other investors an opportunity to take ownership in an industrial asset with significant implications for the country’s energy security, Foreign Exchange (FX) earnings and broader economic development.

The proposed Initial Public Offering (IPO), which is expected to become Africa’s largest, is targeting about N2.15 trillion from investors through the offer of 4.1 billion shares at N525 each.

Dangote said the refinery represented a long-term investment rather than an opportunity built around temporary market conditions, stressing that the company’s ambition extended beyond its current operations. He was represented by the group’s Regional Director and Senior Adviser, Fatima Abdurrahman.

He said the refinery was being positioned for further expansion, with plans to increase its processing capacity substantially, while also developing supporting infrastructure that would strengthen its ability to serve both the Nigerian and wider African markets.

According to him, the objective is to build an enduring industrial enterprise capable of creating value for shareholders while contributing to Nigeria’s emergence as a major refining and energy hub.

Dangote maintained that the investment case for the refinery should be viewed from its long-term fundamentals and potential rather than short-term developments in the global oil market.

In his intervention, Managing Director/Chief Executive, Financial Derivatives Company Limited (FDC), Mr. Bismarck Rewane, said the planned IPO could become a catalyst for industrial transformation, deepening the capital market while reducing Africa’s dependence on imported refined petroleum products.

Rewane said the significance of the offering extended well beyond the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), stating that the refinery had the potential to reshape regional energy trade, stimulate industrial output and create stronger linkages across the Nigerian economy.

He noted that Africa had historically lacked sufficient functional refining capacity but said the emergence of the Dangote refinery had positioned Nigeria as a potential refining hub for West and Central Africa.

According to him, the facility’s

parties.

He stated, “Kaduna belongs to its people, not to any party. If anyone believes intimidation will frighten the ADC off the political field, they have badly miscalculated.

“We will not be intimidated. We will organise, we will campaign, and we will compete in every part of Kaduna State. The 2027 elections must be decided by ideas competing at the ballot box, not by thugs and bruises,” impact would become more pronounced as its backward and forward linkages expand, particularly with the development of pipeline infrastructure capable of improving operational efficiency and lowering logistics costs.

Rewane said the refinery’s integration into the wider economy could generate a multiplier effect, strengthening Nigeria’s industrial base while supporting real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth.

He said the IPO could therefore be viewed as much more than a stock market transaction, describing it as a potential catalyst for capital mobilisation, refinery expansion, import substitution, exports and increased foreign exchange earnings.

The economist also projected that the offering could deepen participation in the Nigerian capital market and strengthen investor confidence by providing investors with an opportunity to take positions in a major productive asset.

Beyond Nigeria, Rewane said a more efficient and expanded Dangote refinery could help reduce Africa’s reliance on refined petroleum products sourced from Europe and the Middle East.

He added that increased domestic refining capacity could also encourage stronger intra-African trade, Continued on page 34

34

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2026 • THISDAY

NEWS

AMINA MOHAMMED-LED DELEGATION’S WORKING VISIT TO IMO...

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State (L) with the United Nations Deputy Secretary General, Amina Mohammed, when the latter led a delegation on a working visit to the governor at Government House Owerri, yesterday

Workers Shut Down Education Ministry Over King’s College Concession, Threaten to Close 115 Unity Schools

As APCI raises the alarm, demands reversal of 35-year concession of college

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja and Funmi Ogundare in Lagos Workers of the Federal Ministry of Education on Thursday shut down the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja in protest against the reported 35-year concession of King’s College, Lagos, to its old boys’ association.

Under the Joint Workers Union (JWU), comprising Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, ASCSN, and four other unions, the workers threatened to indefinitely shut down the ministry and all 115 Federal Unity Colleges nationwide if the concession was not reversed.

In a related development, African Principals Conference Initiative (APCI) called on the federal government to immediately halt the proposed 35-year concession of King’s College, Lagos, warning the planned cessation of budgetary allocations to the institution amounts to an abdication of the government’s responsibility to fund public education.

Director-General, Joseph Ayodele, in a statement, expressed concern over what he described as the opaque process surrounding the proposed concession, insisting that King’s College and other Federal Unity Colleges are national public trusts and should not be treated as commercial assets.

He stated that the college was nurtured over decades through public investment and forms part of the federal government’s broader educational policy aimed at promoting national unity and providing access to quality education.

The protest by workers of the Federal Ministry of Education followed the ministry’s announcement of the transfer of King’s College to its old boys’ association.

The workers, who barricaded the ministry entrance, carried placards with inscriptions such as ‘Tinubu must hear this’, ‘Alausa must go’, and ‘No resumption of Unity Colleges in Nigeria’.

A union official who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the protest was also triggered by the Minister of

APC Welcomes Mass Defection, Promises Full Integration of New 10,000 Members

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

All Progressives Congress (APC) expressed readiness to welcome more than 10,000 members of various political parties, including African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) set to join the ruling party under the auspices of the Maji Johnson Bello (MJB) Movement.

National Chairman of APC, Nentawe Yilwatda, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, said the development followed a courtesy visit by the executive members of the MJB Movement to the National Secretariat of the APC in Abuja on Tuesday where they met with the leadership of the party ahead of the planned formal defection ceremony.

He stressed that the visit was part of ongoing consultations and preparations for the official decamp-

ing of thousands of members of the Movement from different political platforms into the APC, with the leadership of the Movement reaffirming its commitment to strengthening the ruling party through massive grassroots mobilisation.

Receiving the delegation on behalf of Yilwatda, his Personal Private Secretary, Comrade Jibrin Bancir, described the decision of the MJB Movement and its members to join APC as a significant development and an indication of growing confidence in the party and the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

Bancir stressed that APC was particularly encouraged by the organisational capacity, grassroots reach and political network which the Movement was bringing into the party.

He added that the ruling party remained open to Nigerians, who were genuinely committed to the progress, stability and development of the country.

Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa’s alleged refusal to meet with the JWU for about a month despite repeated requests to discuss staff welfare issues.

The workers said the concession could lead to downsizing and job losses.

“By the time you privatise, you are downsizing, you sack people, and the union will not accept this,” the official said.

They warned that allowing the King’s College arrangement to stand could set a precedent for the concession of other Unity Colleges.

The union also accused the minister of outsourcing core ministry functions to consultants and special advisers, instead of using directors and senior

officers.

Other grievances include unpaid allowances owed to staff who participated in 2024 activities such as data collection and capacity-building. The official said some workers borrowed money for the assignments but were yet to be reimbursed.

Despite efforts by the Acting Permanent Secretary and other senior officials to address them, the protesters insisted on meeting directly with the minister.

The JWU said the protest will continue from 7am on Friday and that all 115 Unity Colleges will remain shut until their demands are met. Workers in South-West schools have also announced

plans to halt activities.

The union called for an immediate review of the King’s College concession and the removal of Dr. Alausa, arguing that government should strengthen public schools instead of handing them over to private interests.

Director-General of the African Principals Conference Initiative (APCI) further argued that the operation, funding and maintenance of the Unity Colleges are subject to national education policies and annual budgetary appropriations, stressing that significant structural changes to such institutions should be subjected to legislative scrutiny.

Ayodele expressed particular concern over the reported plan to stop budget-

ary allocations to the college under the proposed long-term concession arrangement.

“Such move is an abdication of constitutional responsibility. Education is a fundamental public good that should not be surrendered to private, alumni-led or other non-state management models, the director general stated.

He also raised concerns over the lack of transparency surrounding the proposed concession, saying details of the terms, operational arrangements and accountability mechanisms of the planned handover had not been adequately disclosed to the public, education professionals and other stakeholders.

SANWO-OLU LAUDS DANGOTE’S RESILIENCE DESPITE LAGOS REFINERY OBSTACLES particularly as countries within the region increasingly source refined products from a major refinery located on the continent.

For the average Nigerian, Rewane said the significance of the offer should not be limited to the immediate value of the shares purchased but to the potential benefits of disciplined, long-term investment.

Using an illustrative investment of N5,250, he demonstrated how consistent reinvestment could potentially grow a modest investment substantially over five years if an annual growth rate of 50 per cent were sustained.

Rewane further linked the refinery’s potential impact to Nigeria’s broader economic ambitions for 2030. He outlined a scenario in which Nigeria’s nominal GDP could rise from a baseline of about $278 billion to $600 billion by 2030, supported by stronger real GDP growth, increased investment, higher oil production and improved manufacturing performance.

In his keynote address at the roadshow, Professor of Capital Market, Nasarawa State University Keffi (NSUK), Uche Uwaleke, urged prospective investors seeking to participate to look beyond immediate price movements and consider the potential of the underlying business over the longer term.

He also urged them to approach the IPO from the standpoint of sound investment principles rather than sentiment or the prominence of the Dangote brand.

Uwaleke advised investors to study the offer documents carefully and understand the fundamentals of the business before committing their funds.

He emphasised the importance of examining the company’s earnings prospects, business model, valuation, risks and expected returns, noting that investors should make decisions based on their individual financial circumstances and investment objectives.

He also stressed the need for investors to distinguish between the reputation of a promoter and the actual investment merits of a company.

Also speaking at the event, economic analyst and consultant, Dr. Biodun Adedipe, said the refinery’s emergence as a major domestic refining facility had implications far beyond the petroleum industry.

Adedipe noted that the project could generate wider economic benefits through its linkages with other sectors, including logistics, manufacturing, agriculture, financial services and trade.

He stressed that the ability of large industrial projects to stimulate other areas of the economy would ultimately determine their broader developmental impact.

The economist also pointed to the importance of ensuring that Nigerians derive greater value from the country’s natural resources through domestic processing and industrialisation.

According to him, the refinery’s significance lies not only in its size

but also in its potential to deepen local value addition, strengthen Nigeria’s productive capacity and improve the country’s position in regional energy markets.

Besides, Financial market commentator, Ugodre Obi-Chukwu, also urged investors to pay close attention to the investment opportunity presented by the IPO, particularly the possibility of gaining exposure to a large-scale Nigerian industrial enterprise through the capital market.

He noted that increased participation by retail investors could help deepen the Nigerian equities market while giving more Nigerians the opportunity to benefit from the growth of major domestic businesses.

Obi-Chukwu, however, echoed the need for investors to understand what they were buying and to approach the offer with a clear investment strategy.

The roadshow in Abuja formed part of efforts to educate prospective investors ahead of the offer, with the company seeking to broaden participation in what is expected to be a landmark transaction for the Nigerian capital market.

Meanwhile, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has raised $750 million through debut Eurobond listed on the Vienna Stock Exchange, with a term of 10-year senior unsecured notes, due July 16, 2036.

The coupon rate, which is 8.375 per cent, has a date of January 16, 2027 and pricing/settlement fixed

for September 9, 2026, with the denominations fixed at $200,000 x $1,000.

A report seen by THISDAY stated that J.P. Morgan, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, are the lead bookrunners.

Analysts said the amount raised is targeted at funding expansion and strengthening the balance sheet of the Refinery ahead of Initial Public Offer (IPO), maintaining that the proceeds would help double capacity to 1.4 million barrels per day by 2028.

The refinery had also announced a plan to invest about $14.3billion to expand capacity to 1.4 million barrels/day from 700,000 barrels per day, so part of the investment case is essentially betting on the refinery becoming much larger and more profitable. The refinery is currently maximising its production of diesel and aviation fuel for the European market, where supplies from the Middle East have been severely disrupted.

The $750 million Eurobond is coming days Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) granted approval of its listing on Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) next week, as the company and its advisers had signed the documents for the proposed IPO at a ceremony in Lagos.

The offer is scheduled to open for subscription on Monday, September 14, and close on October 13, 2026, with trading in the refinery’s shares expected to commence on the NGX in late November.

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THISDAY • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2026

NEWS

INAUGURATION OF GOLDRIM MULTI-PURPOSE SHOPPING PLAZA...

The Executive Chairman of Ifako-Ijaiye LCDA, Hon. Usman Akanbi Hamzat (3rd L), cut the tape, assisted by Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotosho (L); Mrs. Beauty Edeyokun (C), Chairman of Goldrim Construction Company Ltd., Mr. Gbenga Edeyokun, Pastor Noruwa Edokpolo (2nd R), and Miss Edeyokun, during the inauguration of Goldrim multi-purpose Shopping Plaza at Ojodu Berger...recently

GOVERNOR PETER MBAH UNVEILS OVER 10,000 MILESTONE ACHIEVEMENTS the state had pursued an extensive urban development agenda, including the New Enugu Smart City, environmental sustainability and urban renewal.

He added that the State’s fiscal architecture had undergone significant reform through revenue automation, reforms at the Enugu State Internal Revenue Service, improved financial management, the Treasury Single Account, enterprise resource planning and broader institutional restructuring.

According to him, the administration had also sustained investments in youth empowerment, women development, technology, skills acquisition, social protection, tourism, environmental sustainability

and community development.

He said the ultimate goal is to improve the lives of the people.

“Behind every project is a community; behind every policy is a citizen; and behind every statistic is a human being whose life the government seeks to improve,” he concluded.

Various speakers at the event, which brought together political leaders, traditional and religious leaders, captains of industry, professionals, public servants and other stakeholders, commended the administration for the scale and spread of its interventions across the State.

Meanwhile, Mbah’s excellence in leadership reverberated during

Let Nigerians Breathe Eddie Mbadiwe

Nigerians have once again reached that crossroad, when we don’t know if we are going forward or backwards. It is a typical state which academics call anomie. It started building up from the day President Bola Tinubu was driven to Eagle Square in Abuja, in the company of his friend, Chief Bisi Akande.

By his own admission, he had a mental block whether to remove petroleum subsidy or not. To everybody’s surprise, he announced the removal of petroleum subsidy.

Opinions were divided, and a good number of his supporters cheered, and the response from the presidency was, “How High’.

While other Nigerians opposed it, it is only the average Nigerians can judge whether the removal of subsidy has improved their living standards in the last two years. Wole Soyinka, Nobel laureate, not long ago went public and said he cannot maintain his two cars because of the high cost of petrol.

We have unknowingly reached that state which psychologists refer to as state of anomie. Government business has almost come to standstill, as all resources are diverted and channeled to election 2027.

Let us warn politicians to be conscious of Ides of 2027, and those chasing it may be chasing the wind and will definitely reap the whirlwind. As the Holy Book says they should get ready to harvest what they are now sowing.

Let us not forget that the law of karma still holds strong in some Eastern religions. At a time like this,

it is unsavory to say unpleasant things about the dead. It is true that many people believe that the eight years of late General Muhammadu Buhari reign were eight wasted years. If miracles were still possible, that of Colonel Tunde Idiagbon should be reinstated. Of course, we cannot play God. Politicians and their cohorts are very busy Criss-crossing the nation, promising a docile, largely illiterate electorate of so many funny things.

Let us not forget the indelible words of former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan, who reminds all of us that there is ‘God O’. there is no provision for free oxygen supply.

In the last two weeks, our brandnew capital, Abuja, was drowned in roads without drainages. The stench was unbearable, and some people moved out of town. The contractor, who ever signed and paid him, should be arrested. Abuja without adequate drainage, together with the official who signed and paid him, should be arrested.

In the former Soviet Union, any official, even though dead, would be exhumed, tried publicly, and if found guilty, publicly hanged. This was a deterrent to their generation. A major part of Nigerians’ problem is that there is only a mini-Schedule of people with integrity who have the courage to speak truth to power.

Please allow me to sign off with the words of my favorite minstrel, Isreal Nwoba: ‘’Many days are for a thief, one day for the owner of the house.

•Rt Honorable Dr. Eddie Mbadiwe writes from Abuja

the graduation ceremony of the University of East London at its Docklands Campus.

Presenting Mbah’s citation for the award of Doctor of Law, honoris causa, Vice-Provost (Business) and Executive Dean, Royal Docks School of Business and Law, Prof. Fatima Ana-Diab, recalled his academic and leadership excellence as a student, which she said had also translated to resounding success as an entrepreneur and governor of Enugu State, Nigeria.

“Peter’s leadership was already evident during his time at UEL. As President of the Students’ Law Society, he helped transform the society into one recognised as the University’s Most Productive Society of the Year.

“He represented his fellow students on the Students’ Representative Council and School of Law Board, won UEL’s Mooting Competition and went on to represent the University at the International Negotiation Competition.

“After graduating with his Bachelor of Laws in 2000, Peter returned to Nigeria, where he attended the Nigerian Law School

and was called to the Nigerian Bar. “His pursuit of knowledge continued through a Master’s degree in Maritime and Commercial Law from Lagos State University, an MBA from IESE Business School in Spain, executive education at Lagos Business School and postgraduate study in Strategy and Innovation at the University of Oxford.

“Peter went on to build a distinguished career spanning law, entrepreneurship and public service. As the founder of Pinnacle Oil and Gas, he demonstrated how ambition, innovation and enterprise can transform an organisation and contribute to economic development. His career in government has included service as Chief of Staff and Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development in Enugu State.

“In May 2023, Peter Mbah took office as Governor of Enugu State, bringing his experience across law, business and public administration to the leadership of millions of people,” Prof. Ana-Diab stated.

“At the heart of his approach is a belief in the transformative power of education. His administration has made significant investment

in education and skills, seeking to move learning beyond traditional models and equip young people with the knowledge, competencies and confidence to participate in a changing global economy,” she said.

The university lauded Mbah’s understanding of education as the cornerstone of human progress and the bedrock upon which the future stands, noting also that his journey from the UEL to Enugu Government House “demonstrates the possibilities that education can unlock and the responsibility that comes with using those opportunities to create change for others.”

“His commitment to development extends beyond education.

Through public service, business and philanthropy, Peter has championed investment, innovation, infrastructure, healthcare and community development, bringing together the disciplines that have shaped his own career to pursue a wider vision for economic and social progress.

“For our graduates today, his journey offers a powerful example of where a UEL education can lead.

It reminds us that leadership is not defined simply by the positions we

hold, but by what we choose to do with the knowledge, opportunities and influence entrusted to us,” Ana-Diab stated.

In his acceptance speech, Mbah reiterated his firm belief in disruptive innovation, the power of education, service, and dreaming beyond one’s inherited circumstances.

“One quality has always mattered to me: the willingness to disrupt.

I have never been particularly interested in accepting the limits of my inherited circumstances.

But imagination is not enough.

There must be purpose. For me, that purpose is service,” he said.

He maintained that education “enlarges our capacity to transform the world.”

He explained: “That is why today we invest 33 per cent of our state budget in education. We are building schools, tech hubs and opportunities for young people to participate in an economy that is increasingly driven by knowledge, innovation and technology,” he pointed out.

Mbah also thanked his alma mater profoundly for the honour and the institution’s immense contributions to the man he has become.

OBI: IN 2023 WE TOOK THINGS FOR GRANTED, BELIEVED INEC, BUT NOT AGAIN DECLARES ELECTORAL BODY WORKED FOR APC IN LAST ELECTION “The Nigerian President must spend his vacation in Nigeria. We cannot continue with this nonsense.

As President of Nigeria, I’ll visit other countries, but I’ll not take my holidays in other countries.

The holiday is here,” he said.

On insecurity, Obi said the problem would be his first priority if elected, promising to personally take charge of the response. He added: “Insecurity today is making it impossible for farmers to go to farm. It’s making it impossible for produce to be moved around. It’s making it impossible for manufacturers to move their goods.

It’s making it impossible even for human movements. So you need to deal with it decisively.”

He said his first week in office would involve appointing competent security chiefs and giving them clear instructions to tackle insecurity.

“In the first week, it’s for me to appoint competent heads in our security agencies with a decisive instruction. We must deal with this. Tell me what will stop us from achieving this,” he said.

He also promised to visit areas affected by insecurity rather than directing the response solely from Abuja.

“I’m not going to sit in Abuja if there’s a problem in Zamfara. We’ll

call the people in Zamfara and see what this problem is. And deal with it decisively. And I’m not going to do it from Abuja, I’m going to visit Zamfara. And the same thing will happen in many other areas. I will not be in Abuja when there’s a problem in Nigeria. We will go there, we must tell us how we can solve it.”

Obi said he supported state police and rejected ransom payments to kidnappers. Asked whether he believed in paying ransom, he answered: “No.” He said the government should use available technology and security resources to locate criminals and rescue victims.

“I’ll take decisive action. There might be casualties. It doesn’t matter who that is, me. But we will deal with it decisively. I’m not going to stay in Abuja when 600 people are kidnapped and in the bush. And that bush is in Nigeria. That bush, people will enter. Our forces will enter it.”

On fuel subsidy, Obi ruled out a return to the previous regime, arguing that the system had been associated with corruption and criminality.

“The subsidy regime in Nigeria was enmeshed with corruption and criminality. And I’ve said it clearly that I will remove our

fight and remove that corruption and criminality. It’s only when you remove it that you will know exactly whether we have a subsidy or not.

I believe that if you remove it, there might not be a subsidy. That’s my belief,” he said.

He argued that the price of petroleum products could be moderated by ensuring regular crude oil supply to domestic refineries.

“I believe that the price of petroleum products today is high.

We have today, by the influence of God, we are an oil producing country. Which means that if we can do regular supply of crude to our local refineries, working with them competitively to refine for domestic consumption, the prices can come down. There must be things we can do to manage it effectively.”

Obi rejected the idea of a “turnby-turn” presidency, saying elections should be based on competence rather than ethnicity or religion.

“Our elections should not be driven by tribe or religion. Today, in terms of qualification, I’m qualified to be president of Nigeria. I have the competence,” he said.

He also maintained his pledge to serve only one term if elected, saying he would leave office after four years. “I will not stay a day

longer. You don’t need 100 years to start a journey in the right direction.

Nigeria is heading in the wrong direction today. I just need to reverse it and head it in the right direction.

In four years, people will see the difference.”

Despite his position on the 2023 election, Obi said he would accept defeat in 2027 if the election was free, fair and credible.

“If the election is free, fair and credible, I will. That’s it. Because it’s an election. I’m not the one that will say who they want to serve.

And I will respect the will of the people. That’s democracy,” he said.

Obi said his objective was to ensure a credible electoral process in which Nigerians could have confidence in the results announced.

He also promised a more physically present presidency, saying he would visit states and communities to understand their challenges.

“I want a president that can come out and move around and see the ordinary people of Nigeria,” he said.

He added: “I’ve visited 180 communities in Anambra State.

There’s no community I did not physically visit as governor. I might not be all over Nigeria, but I can tell you, I will visit every state at least once a year.”

FRIday september 11, 2026 • T H i s d ay

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NEWS

TECHNOLOGY ON THEIR MINDS…

L-R: Territory Manager, West Africa, MIBB, Gbemisola Aruwayo Obe; Infrastructure Leader, West Africa, MIBB, Kayode Oyinkolade; Chief Executive Officer, BluDive Technologies, Abdul-Azeez Musa; Software Sales Leader, West Africa, MIBB, Ifejola Adeyemi; Territory Manager, Ghana, Gambia, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, MIBB, Peter Geh, at GITEX Nigeria 2026 in Lagos...recently

Enugu NDC Crisis Ends as Ene-Nwannaji Withdraws Case against Ohaa

Gideon Arinze in Enugu

The crisis rocking the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Enugu State seems to have ended as Professor Ene-Nwannaji withdrew his case against the party’s governorship candidate, Chinyeaka Ohaa.

The Federal High Court in Enugu subsequently dismissed the case instituted against Ohaa, bringing an end to the dispute over the party’s governorship candidacy.

The crisis had pitted two groups within the party against each other over the control of the party structure and its legitimate candidate for the 2027 governorship election. While one faction

backed Ohaa, a rival group led by the party’s state Secretary, Dr. Sebastine Chukwuebuka Okafor, had maintained that Ene-Nwannaji was the rightful candidate.

The opposing faction had also alleged that Ohaa was a factional candidate and that the party’s governorship primary was not validly conducted.

Speaking after the court decision yesterday, Ohaa described the development as a victory for internal democracy, saying it had restored peace and unity within the party.

“Those who are causing trouble should know that we now have peace,” he said, adding that other members

who were still aggrieved over certain issues would also return to the party.

He said the party would now concentrate on winning

Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) Nigeria has acted as Joint Issuing House on the Bank of Industry’s (BOI) N274.18 billion five-year fixed-rate domestic bond due 2031.

The issuance, which was BOI’s inaugural domestic naira-denominated bond, was the largest debt capital markets transaction by a development finance institution (DFI) in Nigeria, based on publicly available market data.

BOI had initially targeted N250 billion but increased the offer to N274.18 billion following strong demand from investors.

The bond attracted participation from pension fund administrators, banks, insurance companies, asset managers, development finance institutions and other institutional investors.

According to RMB, the strong subscription underscored investor confidence in BOI’s mandate, financial strength and role in supporting industrial and

economic development.

The transaction also highlighted the capacity of Nigeria’s domestic capital market to mobilise longterm funding for large-scale financing requirements.

Commenting on the transaction, Executive Director and Head of Investment Banking, Broader Africa, RMB Nigeria, Chidi Iwuchukwu, said the issuance demonstrated the ability of Nigeria’s capital markets to mobilise long-term capital at scale.

“This transaction demonstrates the ability of Nigeria’s capital markets to mobilise long-term capital at scale,” Iwuchukwu said.

He added: “BOI plays an important role in advancing industrialisation, enterprise growth, and job creation. We are pleased to have partnered with the Bank on this issuance and remain focused on delivering financing solutions that support sustainable economic growth in Nigeria and across the broader African continent.”

for Ohaa, saying the decision was taken in the interest of the people of the state.

He said although he purchased the party’s

governorship nomination form, he was advised to step down for Ohaa because of his experience and ability to deliver good governance.

‘Musa’s Comments on Kaduna Security Not Personal Vendetta’

Sunday Aborisade inAbuja

The CG Musa for PBAT Support Group has defended the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd.), over his recent comments on Kaduna State and national cohesion, insisting that the minister’s intervention was driven by concerns over national security and unity rather than a personal vendetta against any

individual.

The group, in a statement signed by its Director-General, Zakariyah Yakub, yesterday, said Musa spoke from the perspective of a soldier who had spent decades serving the country and witnessed firsthand the consequences of insecurity, communal conflicts and social divisions.

The statement followed

public reactions to an interview granted by the Defence Minister on Channels Television, which has generated debate over issues relating to Kaduna State, national security, unity and peaceful coexistence.

According to the group, Musa’s remarks should be understood within the broader context of the security challenges confronting the country and the

need to prevent ethnic, religious, regional and political differences from further weakening national cohesion.

It said: “General Musa spoke from the perspective of a soldier who has dedicated decades of his life to the service of Nigeria and who has witnessed, first-hand, the devastating consequences of insecurity, communal conflict and social division.

Urhobo Traditional Rulers Back Oborevwori’s Re-election

Sylvester Idowu in Warri

RMB Advises BOI on The leadership of Urhobo rulers yesterday N274.18bn Domestic Bond traditional threw its weight behind the Nume Ekeghe

the 2027 election and changing the narrative of governance in Enugu State.

Also speaking, EneNwannaji pledged his support

Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori’s re-election in the 2027 general election.

The royal fathers, under the auspices of Ukoko R’ Ivie R’ Urhobo, said their position

was anchored on the need to address pressing issues impacting the political stability ahead of the governorship election.

The Chairman of Ukoko R’ Ivie R’ Urhobo and the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, HRM Dr. Emmanuel Sideso, at a press briefing said that though the royal fathers remained apolitical, they cannot

stay silent when political developments threaten the security, well-being, and social harmony of their subjects.

“Recently, we have observed a concerning rise in political tension, hostility, and political thuggery across the Urhobo land. As royal fathers, we cannot sit back and watch our sons and daughters tear themselves

apart over political ambitions.

“Politics should be a peaceful civic engagement, not a do-or-die affair. Driven by this concern, we convened a consultative meeting with our sons who are governorship candidates across various political parties to counsel them on the need for peace, restraint and brotherhood,” he said.

WAP Commends Binta International School on Ibadan Campus

Sunday Okobi

Wale Adenuga Productions(WAP), producers of some of Nigeria’s most beloved TV series, including Superstory, Papa Ajasco and Company, Akpan & Oduma, and Nnenna and Friends, as well as the creative powerhouse behind PEFTI Film Institute

and WAPTV, has lauded the successful launch of Binta International School’s ultramodern campus in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Under the proprietorship of Pastor Ehimwenma Adenuga, WAP said the new Ibadan campus marks a significant expansion for Binta, which previously had campuses

in Ejigbo, Mushin, and Ajao Estate, Lagos.

“This is in a bid to bring premium education closer to the doorsteps of parents who value the professional nurturing and development of their children and wards,” the company stated yesterday in a statement made available to THISDAY. According to the statement,

the Chairman of Wale Adenuga Productions, Wale Adenuga said: “WAP and Binta International School have always had a special history together. Aside from the fact that Binta’s proprietress is my beautiful wife of more than 50 years, WAP has always played a big role, especially in the area of nurturing the talents of Binta students.

African Beverage Brands Pivot to Culture, AI at New Pour Summit African beverage leaders, investors, and creatives converged on Nairobi recently for The New Pour’, themed “Liquid Resilience: FutureProofing Beverage Brands in Africa’s VUCA Markets.”

Broadcast across five African markets, the summit delivered a clear message: the future of

beverages belongs to brands built with the African consumer at the center.

Convened by Co-Founder of Drinkabl Africa, Tosin Balogun, the summit mapped the journey of African beverage brands from idea to scale.

“The New Pour Summit is designed to bring together the

thinkers, doers, and investors shaping the future of African beverages,” Balogun said.

“We are moving from ideas to execution, building brands that start in Africa and scale globally. Investment follows clarity, and our goal is to bring absolute clarity to the African beverage ecosystem.”

A major highlight was the unveiling of The New Pour Report 2026, the inaugural industry intelligence report built on 10 trends and 15+ data sources. The report shows capital shifting toward Southern and Sub-Saharan Africa, driven by demographics, urbanization, and connectivity.

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FRIday semptember 11, 2026 • T H i s d ay

NEWS xtra

Radda Unveils $1m Project to Boost Food Security, Tackle Floods in Katsina

Francis Sardauna in Katsina

Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has launched a $1 million food security project aimed at strengthening the resilience of vulnerable farming communities against recurring floods and drought in the state.

The 12-month intervention, titled: ‘Protecting Food Security Against Recurring Floods and Drought’, is being implemented by Mercy Corps Nigeria with support from Katsina State Development Management Board (KTDMB), Ministry of Budget and Economic

Planning and development partners.

Unveiling the project Thursday in Katsina, Governor Radda described climate change as a reality requiring collective action and practical interventions to protect the environment, improve agricultural production and strengthen food security.

He explained that Katsina, being an agrarian state, has a large population that depends on agriculture for livelihoods, and stressed the need to protect land and water resources while improving agricultural productivity in

the state.

He directed the state’s Ministry of Environment and the Department of Climate Change to examine the intervention and assess the possibility of replicating similar climate-resilience initiatives across other local government areas.

Radda said: “Climate change is a reality. We have no way to hide from it, and we must confront it with all the capacity and ability so that together we can fight it. Our aim is for every local government in the state to benefit from this laudable initiative.”

Marital Peace Meeting Turns Tragic as Man Allegedly Hacks Wife to Death in Ekiti

Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti

What was expected to be a last-ditch effort to reconcile a troubled marriage reportedly ended in tragedy on Wednesday when a 25-year-old woman, Kehinde Onizeokaraga, was allegedly hacked to death by her husband during a peace meeting in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.

The deceased’s husband, Ibrahim Sodiq, popularly known as Alfa Eleran and

said to be a meat seller, allegedly attacked her with a machete after a disagreement escalated at the residence of a family acquaintance in the Dallimore area of the town.

The couple, who are natives of Kogi State, had reportedly been battling persistent marital problems, prompting elders and family associates to intervene in an effort to save the marriage.

Sources said the meeting was held at the residence of Lamidi, described as a friend of the deceased’s father, who

had volunteered to mediate after the marriage reportedly hit the rocks.

According to a source, the deceased had earlier moved out of her husband’s residence following unresolved disputes.

“I know the marriage had been in crisis for some time.

The woman had already left the house because of serious disagreements. The husband later sought reconciliation, but she was reportedly unwilling to return,” the source said.

CSO Petitions NASS over NIOMCO-Premium Steel Deal

A civil society organisation, Public Accountability and Transparency International, has petitioned the House of Representatives over the Sub-Lease and Operation Agreement between the National Iron Ore Mining Company (NIOMCO)and Premium Steel and Mines Limited.

The petition, dated August 20, 2026, prompted the House Committee on Steel Development chaired by Hon. Zainab Gimba, to commence a preliminary investigation into the transaction and other procurement matters involving the

Federal Ministry of Steel Development.

The committee disclosed this in a letter to the minister signed by Hon. Gimba yesterday.

The investigation, the committee said, was being conducted pursuant to Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution and Order 17 of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives.

The CSO petition raised questions about the sub-lease and operation agreement between NIOMCO and Premium Steel and Mines Limited.

It also questioned the

process surrounding the allocation of iron ore and its implications for the federal government’s efforts to revive the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited.

The petitioner further asked the National Assembly to establish whether the required approvals and procurement procedures were followed before the agreement was executed.

The petition also raised questions concerning the award of contracts for the technical and financial audit of Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited and the digitisation of its archives.

Family Seeks Financial Support for Cancer Patient

Ayodeji Ake

The family of David Inegbejie, a father, husband, and brother who is battling cancer, has appealed to Nigerians and compassionate individuals for financial assistance to enable him to continue his treatment.

According to the family,

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as MISS PATIENCE SYLVANUS NTEYEN, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. PRECIOUS OFON NWANYANWU. All former documents remain valid. Father Fintan Secondary School, Magnus Medical Centre.The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Boluwatife Ojesola Victoria, now wish to be known and addressed as Boluwatife Oluwatoyin Victoria. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

Inegbejie’s health crisis began with what initially appeared to be an ordinary pain. However, medical tests later confirmed that he had cancer, turning his life and that of his family upside down.

For the past months, he has undergone chemotherapy, medical examinations, scans, and other treatments, with mounting hospital bills placing significant financial pressure on the family.

The family said doctors have indicated that there is still a chance for Inegbejie to overcome the illness, but the cost of treatment remains a major challenge.

They are seeking donations to help cover chemotherapy, medications, hospital bills, scans, and X-ray treatment.

The family appealed for support, saying even donations of N1,000, N5,000 or N10,000 could contribute towards sustaining his treatment and giving him hope.

Those unable to make financial contributions were urged to share the appeal with others who may be able to assist.

Donations can be made to: Account Name: Inegbejie Samson U, 3093618336, First Bank.

For enquiries and further assistance, the public can call +234 802 148 3852.

The family described Inegbejie as a father, husband, son, brother, and friend who remains determined to fight the disease, and appealed to the public to support him through the difficult period.

WORLD OF ISLAM

Edited by: MJO Mustapha Email deji.mustapha@thisdaylive.com

Qualities of a Muslim (I) Islamweb A Muslim differs from all other types of people on earth; they worship and prostrate to other than Allah; some of them worship the sun, the moon, stars, cows, and idols, such as those who worship Buddha. Conversely, a Muslim worships only Allah and believes that He is All-Capable; He is the All-Powerful; the Almighty; the Omnipotent; the Holy; the All-Dominant; the Sustainer; the Creator; the Causer of Death and the Granter of life. All these things reflect the life of the believer and make him different to all other types of people on earth.

People usually attribute being cured to the doctor who treated them; they believe that he is the one who causes the sick to be cured, but a Muslim firmly believes that it is Allah who cures, and that the medical treatment is only to be used as a way of utilising the worldly means that Allah has commanded us to utilise.

Indeed, Allah has ordered us to use all lawful means along with having the firm belief that they are only means, and that He is the One who actually causes these means to be effective, or stops their effect. Even in the case of those who go to pious people for them to recite the Quran over them as a means of treatment against an evil eye, envy or being possessed by a Jinn, a Muslim does not and should not believe that these pious people are the ones who have the ability to cure; rather, this lies solely with Allah.

The story of the People of the Trench is a clear evidence to prove this point; Allah honoured the boy in the story and gave him the ability to treat and cure people by His will.

The story is as follows: There once lived a king who had a court magician. As the magician grew old, he said to the disbelieving king: “I have grown old, send a boy to me so that I can teach him magic.” This magician wanted to make certain of having a successor who would also trick the people - so that the king could continue deceiving the people and forcing them to worship him. The king sent a boy to him so that he could train him in magic.

This story occurred in the interval between the era of the message of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and that of ‘Eesaa, may Allah exalt his mention. The message of ‘Eesaa, may Allah exalt his mention, had been distorted and altered through time, and many people diverted from what ‘Eesaa, may Allah exalt his mention, came with.

Going back to the story: On his way to the magician, the boy found a monk sitting on the path. The boy listened to the monk’s words and was impressed. He asked the monk about what he was saying and was informed that the words were from the message of monotheism with which ‘Eesaa, may Allah exalt his mention, came. Therefore, it became the habit of the boy to visit the monk on the way to each of his visits to the magician. This caused him to be late for the magician and so the magician would beat him. He complained about this to the monk and so the monk said to him: “When you feel afraid of the magician, say to him: Members of my family detained me, and when you feel afraid of your family, you should say: The magician detained me.”

One day, it so happened that a huge beast of prey blocked the way of the people, and so the boy said: “I will come to know today whether it is the magician who is superior or the monk.” He picked up a stone and said: “O Allah! If the affair of the monk is dearer to You than the affair of the magician, cause death to this animal so that the people would be able to move about freely.” He threw the stone towards the beast and killed it, and so the people could move along the path freely.

This boy was then enabled by Allah to perform supernatural acts, such as bringing back the senses to the blind, deaf, and mute; he could also cure people afflicted with leprosy and all other types of sicknesses. The monk then said to him: “Son! Today you are superior to me. Your affair has reached a stage where I find that you will soon be put to a trial, and in case you are put to a trial, don’t give any clue regarding myself.” A companion of the king who had gone blind heard about the

boy, and so he came to him with numerous gifts and said: “If you cure all these problems, then everything that is collected here (i.e., the gifts) are yours.” The boy replied: “I myself do not cure anyone. It is Allah who cures, and if you affirm faith in Allah, I shall supplicate to Him to cure you.” The king’s companion affirmed his faith in Allah and Allah cured him.

Some people go to doctors, believing that the cure lies in their hands, which is a contradiction of sound belief; some of them say to the doctor whilst a relative of theirs is dying: ‘Doctor! Try harder to rescue him!’

This reflects weakness in faith and can lead to them associating with Allah; people ought to pay attention to this issue and must have it firm in their minds and hearts.

When one firmly believes that Allah is the Sustainer and Provider, he will never humble himself to anyone thinking that his sustenance lies in that person’s hands, or that that person can deprive him from his provisions. Allah is the only One who can stop provisions, or decrease or increase them, and people are nothing but a means. Some people address their managers or company owners in a tone that reflects their belief that they are the ones who control their provisions, and if they (i.e., the owners or managers) were to dismiss them, they would rush to them, begging them not to prevent his provisions; but the fact is that Allah is the One in whose Hands lie the people’s provisions.

Similarly, ruling and legislating exclusively belong to Allah, because He Says (what means): “…The decision is only for Allah…” [Quran 6:57] Thus, one who resorts to other than Islamic rulings in order to solve his problems or disputes, while accepting such man-made rulings, has exited from the fold of Islam.

His eminence Shaykh ‘Abdul-‘Azeez ibn Baaz said: “One who believes that it is lawful to use legislation other than that set by Allah or believes that other legislations are better than that of Allah, or who even believes that they are equally good, is a disbeliever.”

One of the apostates said: “French law is part of the four schools of Islamic law.” This is a mockery of Islamic legislation.

Many people have committed prohibitions after having accepted resorting to other than Islamic legislation; this is why we see some people giving Fatwas that Ribaa (interest or usury) is permissible and that the interest rate is a form of profit; these people began naming things with other than their real names in order to pass such rulings. Many people were confused when some of these rulings were passed with such unfamiliar names given to the prohibitions in order to make them lawful, such as the name ‘profit’ for Ribaa, ‘talent’ for singing and music, ‘art’ for making statues and idols, ‘spiritual drinks’ for intoxicants, and so on. Those who pass these rulings, and those who propagate them, have sold their faith for worldly gains, whether these gains are in terms of wealth or positions. They have forgotten the Day on which they will stand before Allah for reckoning. What will their situation be then, after having misguided millions by their words and Fatwas? Not all people can differentiate between the truth and misguidance; some follow others simply based on trust, and such people, who misguide others, will therefore shoulder the responsibility of their sins, as Allah Says (what means): “That they may bear their own burdens [i.e., sins] in full on the Day of Resurrection and some of the burdens of those whom they misguide without [i.e., by lack of] knowledge. Unquestionably, evil is that which they bear.” [Quran 16: 25] Resorting to the Quran and the Sunnah is not an optional matter; one has no choice in this matter. Under no circumstances can any Muslim take his legislation and rulings from any other sources, otherwise, he cannot even be called a Muslim.

Another issue that is related to faith is bowing down to anything other than Allah, such as what some people do during their martial arts training where they bow down to their instructor. This is prohibited because it reflects submission to others than Allah.

To Be Continued

38

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2026 • THISDAY

FRIDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor: Duro Ikhazuagbe Email: duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

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Motivated Falconets Keep Hope Alive With Scoreless China Draw Spain massacre New Caledonia 11-0 to qualify for Last 16

Nigeria’s U20 women national team, Falconets, earned a hard-fought 0-0 draw against China PR in their second Group F match at the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Poland on Thursday evening. The match was played at the Arena Sosnowiec.

Coach Moses Aduku’s side

U 2 0 W O M E N ’S W O R L D C U P started with intent and created the first clear opportunity through Janet Akekoromowei in the 17th minute. The Falconets grew into the game as the half progressed, with Kafayat Mafisere winning a corner in the 33rd minute

Inter Milan Contact Fulham on Calvin Bassey Italian Serie A champions Inter Milan have contacted Fulham over the transfer of Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey.

According to Italpress, Inter Milan are interested in Calvin Bassey, and contacts between the defender and his current club, Fulham, are at a critical stage.

Bassey is out of contract with Fulham, who would like to keep him and has an option to extend his contract by another year.

The player is currently evaluating offers to decide whether to stay with Fulham or let his contract expire.

This would allow him to sign with a new club in January and be acquired for free in July.

Inter have been interested in Bassey

and Akekoromowei going close again in the 38th and in added time of the first period, to see Nigeria ending the first half on the front foot.

China also posed a threat before the break. Huang Jiaxin, Zhou Xinyi and Song Lijuan all tested the Nigerian defence with efforts on goal, while Xue Sifan delivered two dangerous corners. Goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma was equal to the task as the Falconets backline held firm to keep the scores

level at halftime.

The second half opened with China PR making a tactical change, introducing Chen Ruilin for Xiao Yafei.

The substitution added impetus to the Asians, with Chen, Xue and Huang all registering attempts on goal. The Falconets responded with urgency.

Queen Joseph (in the 58th minute), Mafisere (in the 56th and 60th minutes), and Precious Oscar (in the 54th minute) all went close.

Nigeria thought they had a chance to take the lead in the 74th minute

when they were awarded a penalty, but the decision was over-turned after a VAR review. Both sides continued to push until the final whistle, but neither could find the breakthrough in a tightly con-tested encounter.

The result leaves the Falconets with one point from two games in Group F. Coach Aduku’s team will now turn their focus to their final group match against New Caledonia on Sunday, September 13, in Lód as they fight to secure a place in the knockout rounds and keep Nigeria’s campaign alive at

AFCON RESULTS CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Fenerbahce 1-1 AS Roma PSV 1-1 Shakhtar B’Munich 5-0 Bodo/Glimt Como 4-1 RB Leipzig Man Utd 4-0 Sabah Baku S’Prague 2-3 Lens

the global tournament.

Meanwhile, Spain have booked their place in the Last 16 with a 11-0 massacre of New Caledonia in the Group F other fixture yesterday evening.

Calvin Bassey

since last winter and appreciate his physical strength, playmaking ability, and versatility.

Bassey is capable of playing as a central defender, wide center-back or left-back.

GTI Unveils Ambitious $20m NPFL Transformation Plans

The GTI Group, who are the Strategic Partners of the Euromatch Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), yesterday unveiled an ambitious five-year plan aimed at elevating the value of the Nigerian topflight league to be worth $20million.

Speaking at a media parley in Lagos yesterday, the Group Managing Director of the GTI Group, Abubakar Lawal, commended the arrival of Euromatch as the title sponsor of the NPFL after over a decade without such. However, following Euromatch’s $7.5 million title sponsorship commitment for the 2026/27 season, the GTI chief executive insisted that the NPFL is on the way to becoming the top league in Africa with the strengthening of the league’s commercial value, infrastructure, club administration, data management and digital content.

The GTI group managing director reiterated that the coming of Euromatch to Nigeria represents

a strong vote of confidence in the NPFL. He therefore urged for more local and international businesses to invest in the domestic league.

“Your decision to invest in the NPFL is a strong vote of confidence in Nigerian football and in the enormous opportunities that exist within our domestic sports ecosystem and the economy at large,” Lawal said.

He said with Nigeria’s over 200m population, football culture and abundance of talent provided the foundation for the NPFL to become a major commercial sporting property.

Lawal noted that although the NPFL is currently ranked fifth in Africa by FIFA, the position should serve as a starting point for further development.

“Our ambition must be to build an NPFL that competes among the very best leagues in Africa and, ultimately, becomes a globally recognised football brand,” he said.

Okafor Says He Won’t Play for Switzerland Again UnderYakin Leeds United forward Noah Okafor has announced he will not play again for Switzerland under the leadership of Murat Yakin, citing a breakdown in trust with the head coach.

The 26-year-old has earned 26 caps for the Swiss national team since making his debut in 2019 but only featured for 19 minutes at the World Cup, coming off the bench in their last-32 win over Algeria.

In a statement released on his Instagram account on Thursday, Okafor said his decision was unrelated to his lack of game time, instead attributing it to how he feels

he has been treated by the current leadership.

“My decision has nothing to do with my playing time,” Okafor wrote.

“Things happened that hurt me deeply. Trust was broken. Commitments were not kept.

“When I was allowed to play against Algeria, people reacted to minor mistakes far away from our goal in a way that hurt me deeply.

“In the weeks that followed, I thought a lot and decided for myself that I no longer want to play for the national team under the current manager.”

Falconets’ Onyedikachi Ekezie (right) taking on a Chinese opponent during their Group F U20 Women’s World Cup clash in Sosnowiec, Poland …on Thursday evening

Pinnick-led NFF Board Clears Air on NFF Debts, Insists Govt is a Continuum Duro Ikhazuagbe

Nigerian football stakeholders have not heard the last on the N17billion intervention fund released by the Federal Government to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) board under the watch of Ibrahim Musa Gusau, the immediate past president of the federation.

In a right of reply to THISDAY’s report yesterday, a former member of the Amaju Pinnick-led NFF board between 2014 and 2022, also cleared air on claims by the Gusau board that the bulk of the N17billion intervention fund was spent in servicing debts incurred by the Delta State-born football administrator.

Because of investigations by antigraft agencies to unravel how the Gusau board spent the money, the source from the Pinnick board has also craved anonymity.

The top football administrator insisted that Gusau board was economical with the truth to say that the Pinnick-led board incurred the humongous debts that gulped all the cash.

“First, I want to state clearly that it is not true that our board led by Mr. Amaju Pinnick incurred all the debts that the Gusau board claimed it serviced with the bulk of the intervention funds

Amaju Pinnick

Ibrahim Gusau

from the Federal Government.

“As you are aware, government is a continuum. So it is with the Nigeria Football Federation board. When we came on board in 2014, we inherited debts, some as old as 2008. We didn’t go shouting to the roof -top. Don’t forget under the acrimonious situation that our board emerged. Sports Minister at the time, Solomon Dalung, wanted Chris Giwa as NFF President. He did everything to frustrate our efforts to attract sponsors. When Dalung left, we had serious issues with Sunday Dare as new sports minister, who wanted Shehu Dikko and Dr Mohammed

Sanusi, out at all cost. But we didn’t resign to fate. Aside Guinness, who indicated to stop their sponsorship with NFF, there were no sponsors.

We rolled up our sleeves and went to work. That was how Mr. Pinnick used his networks in Corporate Nigeria to attract several sponsors, including AITEO, Nigeria Breweries Plc, MTN, Zenith Bank, later Stanbic IBTC, Air Peace, NIKE, GAC, Premier Lotto and a host of other sponsors to the federation. In addition to other sources of funding from FIFA, CAF and the Federal Government, we did our best to take Nigeria football away from a

beggarly position when we came in to one that was almost 80 per cent self-sustaining,” revealed the former NFF board member.

The source said unlike Pinnick, Gusau had the luxury of having a peaceful atmosphere to run the NFF with former Sport Minister, Senator John Owan Enoh giving him the free hand while NSC Chairman, Shehu Dikko, a through-bred football personality, similarly allowed Gusau to run his show.

On the unpaid salaries of former Super Eagles Head Coach, Jose Peseiro, the source insisted that “the sponsorship money from AITEO was basically for the offsetting of coaches emoluments and that a few delays in the payment of the yearly fee of about $600,000 didn’t mean that the oil & gas company didn’t fulfill its obligations to the NFF, even after we left office.”

“Gusau was part of our board led

by Mr Pinnick. He cannot claim not to know that AITEO had some challenges in their operations in Bayelsa State at some point during the relationship.

AITEO sponsorship was essentially for the payment of coaches salaries and after we left office and Gusau came on as President, his board still collected some outstanding fees in excess of N1billion from AITEO.

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2026

39

BACK PAGE CONTINUATION 2027: CANDIDATES, MASQUERADES, SPOILERS AND CLOWNS

must get written permissions from them first.

These undemocratic injunctions seem to target candidate Obi. A near-bloody episode happened in Benue State on Tuesday when thugs who were apparently statesponsored, physically blocked the highway and denied Obi access into Makurdi. It took Obi’s gracious nature to avert a fatal clash. He led his team back!

He has said he would campaign directly and not by proxy. He would reach out to Nigerians and not just by touching base but by truly feeling their pains.

He has traversed about half the country already in the short period the campaign whistle was blown.

ATIKU’S BOMBSHELLS The flag-bearer of the ADC has kicked off his campaign with a most enviable strategy that may have not only destabilised all opponents, but has the incumbent in panic mode.

He’ has focused on the major mistakes of the APC in the last three years.

Atiku started by jeering at the so-called fuel subsidy.

He would tinker with it because Tinubu’s model has not only failed, it has left the populace prostrate.

He will give scholarships to Nigerian students and not bond them to sovereign loans. Meaning that he may disband NELFUND, the much bragged about, corruption-ridden National Education Loan Fund.

Atiku, the old political fox, has pursued Tinubu to the US to finally unravel his certificate and narcotics shenanigans.

This barrage of political firestorm has probably sent president Tinubu fleeing to catch his breath and rework his campaign strategies. Officially though, the president is on vacation in Europe for about three weeks. But people are asking, which serious politician would jet off to holiday abroad at the beginning of campaign in a major election cycle?

TINUBU’S DOODLE Apart from the damaging effects of the political salvos from opponents, the APC’s campaign may have come unstuck when the long list of its campaign council members is found to be filled with rogues, em-bezzlers and bandits.

The deafening uproar that ensued caused the list to be hurriedly trashed. Three weeks later, APC has not been able to constitute a campaign team.

The president who is to lead the charge won’t be back till October when electioneering would have been halfway gone. What does that say? Perhaps that’s a show of confidence?

Even at that, the incumbent is a vastly damaged product. His first term so far has been an abysmal fail-ure.

Atiku Abubakar With 60 million Nigerians heaped in the dunghills of poverty, Tinubu’s campaign is dead on arrival. He has nothing concrete to campaign with. Some wags have actually conjectured that he’s on the run!

JOKERS, SPOILERS, MASQUERADES AND CLOWNS After the top three runners, the rest of the park falls into categories to be described as jokers, masquer-ades, spoilers and such.

Two stand out: Mr Donald Duke who aligned himself with the parochial Peoples Redemption Party (PRP).

If President Olusegun Obasanjo as he was in 2006 had picked Governor Donald Duke (as he was) as running mate to the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Duke would likely have the status of a former presi-dent right now instead of Goodluck Jonathan.

IS DUKE A PAID SPOILER: As a result of the sterling pedigree of Duke as a governor of Cross River state (1999 - 2007), many of us rooted for Duke at the material time, to run with Yar’Adua.

If not for the dynamics of geography in Nigeria, Duke would have been President in Nigeria already.

That’s how enchanting a politician he is/was.

And this leads us to question why? After 20 years of being at the cusp of glory why would Duke de-scend to the current inglorious state of playing spoiler?

Everyone who knows DD is wondering what infernal folly is driving him now. What the heck is he doing in PRP, they muse? Why PRP or all parties? Isn’t it

more honourable to align forces with a team seeking to rescue Nigeria? Isn’t he troubled by the state of the nation today?

Perhaps he never had any nobility in him? Maybe overrated after all!

But some observers have ventured that he’s not running for president, he’s a mere spoiler! He’s proba-bly on retainership of sorts with Abuja.

That seems beyond reason but Nigeria’s politics is not a game for the rational.

Whatever the case may be, Duke’s glorious political life has been quenched at noon. What a pity.

WHAT’S GOV. SEYI UP TO? Seyi Makinde, the outgoing governor of Oyo State has moulded himself into an enigmatic politician after an impressive eight years in office.

He defied the ruling party and President Tinubu’s autocratic tendencies.

For instance, the day he announced his presidential interest coincided with the blitzing kidnap of school children in Oyo schools.

Yoruba say, the witch cried today and children suffer misfortune tomorrow. You need no calculator to do the arithmetic.

This is why when Gov. Seyi called for an international audit of the Oyo kidnap, the ruling party appa-ratchiks were much distraught. It would seem as if Seyi spoke treason going by their responses.

Seyi Makinde’s candidacy can only be a dross to President Tinubu in Oyo State and the south west.

It is even feared that he may align with NDC or ADC at the last minute.

That would be a dagger to the heart of APC and a huge bolster to Seyi’s bona fides to statesmanship.

Should he align with a winning party, he would immediately become the most important politician in Yoruba land after the fall of Tinubu!

And lest we forget, like Obi and Kwankwaso, Makinde also boasts of some organic followership in Oyo State.

SOWORE THE CLOWN: One can’t help seeing the serial presidential contest of Omoyele Sowore as mere clowning around. This is probably the third time he’s running for president. Though Yele sounds smart on the face of it, but why this serial stupidity?

Why can’t he start from the National Assembly or governorship level at that?

Just because he was a student union leader doesn’t mean he can catapult himself to Aso Rock simply by contesting!

Well, let someone whisper to Sowore that he’s never going to be president of Nigeria even if he tries till the end of time. Unless he reworks his strategies and start from the lower rungs.

He also appears like an autocrat: how come he’s

BEYOND THE ANNIVERSARY: NIM@65 AND THE GOVERNANCE CHALLENGE

The first major challenge for NIM, and for management education generally, is the persistent gap between what is taught and the environment in which Nigerian managers operate.

Much of management education relies on theories, frameworks and case studies developed elsewhere.

Learning from successful organisations and economies is valuable. But foreign models cannot simply be transplanted into an environment shaped by weak institutions, political interference, informal power networks, infrastructure deficits, unreliable data, corruption risks, inequality, and regulatory uncertainty.

The Nigerian manager does not operate in the controlled environment of a textbook. He or she must often make decisions where rules are ambiguous, institutions are fragile, resources are scarce and competing interests are powerful. The challenge is not merely to formulate strategy but to execute it in an environment where implementation is itself a battlefield.

Nigeria therefore needs a different kind of management education: one that teaches professionals to build systems where institutions are weak, manage uncertainty without abandoning standards, navigate competing interests without sacrificing principles, resist patronage, deploy scarce resources efficiently and produce measurable results under pressure.

Nigeria does not merely need people who understand management. It needs people who can manage Nigeria.

A second challenge is elevating certification above competence. Across the professional landscape, people too easily confuse attendance with learning and credentials with capability. People attend seminars, collect certificates, take photographs, update their profiles, and return to workplaces where nothing changes.

A certificate cannot reduce waste, improve patient outcomes, make a port more efficient, raise factory productivity, or make a government agency more responsive. It proves that someone completed a programme; it does not prove that the person can transform an institution.

The real examination should begin after the classroom.

Did the manager reduce costs without weakening service?

Improve productivity? Strengthen internal controls?

Motivate staff? Complete projects on schedule? Raise citizen or customer satisfaction? Develop successors?

Build systems that survived his or her departure?

Commodore Abimbola Ayuba If professional education cannot be connected to such outcomes, something fundamental is missing.

More troubling is the moral deficit in management.

Training programmes often celebrate strategy, innovation, efficiency, and negotiation while treating ethics as a supplementary subject. Yet Nigeria’s management problem is not only technical; it is profoundly ethical.

A manager who manipulates procurement, falsifies performance, protects incompetence, rewards loyalty over merit or converts institutional resources into private privileges may possess impressive technical knowledge.

But such a person is not an effective manager. He is an institutional liability.

Nigeria has never lacked intelligent people. It lacks enough institutions and leadership cultures that consistently reward competence, integrity, and results. Management must therefore be taught and practised as stewardship. Authority is a trust. Public resources are not private assets. Corporate resources are not executive entitlements. Leadership is not an

opportunity to accumulate influence; it is an obligation to create value and leave an institution stronger than one found it.

This principle should define NIM’s next era.

The Institute must also confront the distance between training individuals and transforming organisations.

Too often, training providers know little about what happens after participants return to work. Post-training mentoring is limited, institutional follow-up is weak and outcomes are rarely measured.

A manager may return from an excellent programme determined to introduce reforms, only to encounter a workplace that punishes initiative, rewards conformity and allows vested interests to frustrate change. In too many institutions, professionals quickly discover that proximity to power is valued more highly than competence.

NIM must therefore enlarge its ambition. It should not merely train individuals; it should help institutions solve problems. It should work with boards, businesses, ministries, departments, agencies, and state governments to identify specific management failures and design interventions around them. Participants should be required to apply what they learn, with progress assessed against agreed institutional outcomes.

That would mark the transition from management education to management impact.

It would also require NIM to challenge Nigeria’s culture of appointing people to critical positions for reasons unrelated to competence. Political loyalty, ethnicity, seniority, patronage, and personal relationships too often determine who leads important institutions.

Each such appointment sends a destructive message: competence is optional and performance negotiable.

The consequences are visible in abandoned projects, weak planning, bloated bureaucracies, financial waste, and organisations that deteriorate once a powerful individual departs. No serious country can build sustainable institutions on such a foundation.

The answer is not to dismiss professional management bodies but to reinvent them as laboratories for national renewal. NIM’s curriculum should engage more deeply with Nigeria’s most urgent challenges: public fiscal management, project execution, institutional reform, crisis leadership, digital transformation, productivity, succession planning, conflict resolution, risk management,

the only one in his party. Did he cannibalise others or he’s a lone ranger?

Maybe someday he becomes a true democrat and Nigerians can begin to take him seriously.

LIKE SOWORE LIKE ADEBAYO: Another perennial presidential candidate is Mr. Adewole Adebayo, the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Adebayo is imbued with immense economic brilliance but he must have failed his political courses in school. SDP used to be a sizable party with men of stature. But Adebayo has reduced it to the size of his lean frame. Like Sowore, he’s the sole contender, the rooster among the chickens. No other name or face.

That’s a red flag already!

THE REST OF THE JOKERS: THERE are 19 presidential contenders altogether. Beyond the top three, and the two spoilers, the remaining 14 may well be advised to go for mental health check up while there’s yet time.

Why would people with no name, nor face nor pedigree deign to seek to run a country? Why don’t they consider governorship or the legislature as stepping stones?

One wagers that these are busybodies and people with easy cash to burn. In every election circle, they only succeed in elongating the ballot paper and making the process more cumbersome for the voters. In the years ahead, we must find a way to discourage people like these from plaguing us with utter folly.

LAST LINE: WHERE IN THE WORLD IS PRESIDENT TINUBU? Yes, we have been informed he’s on vacation for some weeks. But this column doesn’t think a sitting president has the luxury of total privacy for weeks on end.

The presidency of a country bears a country’s sovereign authority. It’s like a monarch of yore reigning over a kingdom.

A President, like a king, should never go to another king’s domain to hibernate for weeks on end. It speaks ill about the state of his kingdom.

Today, most leaders create exotic vacation spots at home where they retreat to and unwind. Most presidents shun medical tourism in another country. Apart from the security risk, even minor national enti-ties have upgraded their health systems to the point that high-facilities serve their leaders and create medical tourism in the process.

It’s unacceptable that a Nigerian president still travels to another president’s domain in search of rest, recreation and medical support in 2026. For weeks our president is incommunicado!

That is perverse indeed.##

and anti-corruption systems.

Its case studies should increasingly be Nigerian.

Our ports, hospitals, schools, banks, factories, energy companies, local governments, and public agencies provide abundant material. Nigeria’s failures should become classrooms rather than embarrassments to be concealed. Why do projects on which billions have been spent collapse? Why do public institutions struggle to retain talent? Why do apparently sound reforms fail during implementation? Why do organisations weaken after successful leaders leave?

A nation begins to learn when it studies its failures honestly.

Ultimately, management education’s success must be measured by impact, not activity. Certificates issued, conferences held, and participants trained are activities. Stronger institutions, reduced waste, better public services, higher productivity, sustainable jobs, and ethical systems that outlive individual leaders are impact.

At 65, NIM has earned the right to celebrate its endurance. But longevity is not the same as relevance.

The defining question is not whether the Institute has survived for 65 years; it is whether its next 65 years will help produce a demonstrably better-managed Nigeria.

Nigeria does not need more people who speak elegantly about leadership. It needs managers who turn plans into execution, resources into value, organisations into institutions and authority into stewardship. The ultimate measure of leadership is not the awards displayed, conferences attended or speeches delivered in one’s honour. It is what continues to work after one has left.

Nigeria’s greatest deficit may not be resources or ideas. It may be the managerial capacity—and moral courage—to transform what we have into what we need.

If NIM can help close that gap, its next 65 years will become a contribution to nation-building worth remembering. If it cannot, Nigeria may continue producing an impressive army of certified managers while remaining, paradoxically, a fundamentally under-managed country.

That would be the most damning anniversary verdict of all.

•Dr Dakuku Peterside, Fellow of NIM, is the keynote speaker for NIM@ 65 annual conference.

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2026

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STEVEOSUJI EXPRESSO

2027: Candidates, Masquerades, Spoilers And Clowns J

ust as we had in 2023, it’s a three-horse race once again. Nigeria is set for another general election with three major candidates on the ballot.

In Nigeria’s election history, (as it is in presidential elections around the world), it has always been two frontrunners. But in the last election, a certain Peter Obi crept into the ballot through the back door.

Using the instrumentality of a floundering Labour Party, he literally set Nigeria’s political landscape ablaze.

Presidential elections have never been the same since then. The 2027 election is by the corner and three, not two presidential wannabes are jostling for the top job yet again.

Peter Obi (NDC), Atiku Abubakar (ADC) and the incumbent, President Bola Tinubu of the ruling APC. But there are 16 others too. We forbid to call them spoilers and clowns!

OBI’S BLITZKRIEG In 2023, Peter Obi wasn’t only the X-factor, he was

Peter Obi widely acclaimed to have won the election before INEC brazenly ‘glitched’ it and awarded it to Tinubu. Election

observers said so; decampees from the ruling party who were cohorts in the rigging crime, have been confessing in lachrymal mea culpa, how they stole in broad daylight, a poll Obi won by miles.

Today, the incumbent sags under the dead weight of an illegitimate mandate. A stolen mandate would often render leadership arduous and rudderless.

The incumbent’s response to Obi, the third force and the people’s choice was to seek to bar him from the ballot ab initio. Obi’s Labour Party was torn to shreds by the rampaging APC ruling house. But the stubborn gadfly yet again, managed to get on the arena, under the umbrella of a new, fledgling party, the National Democratic Congress.

Immediately Obi joined the NDC, it blossomed to become probably the biggest party in Nigeria over-night.

That’s the power of organic followership.

Apart from Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and to a lesser extent, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, no other political lead-er in Nigeria’s history has managed to garner

Obi’s power and momentum.

With a movement which grew by its own manure and named itself Obi-dients, they had insisted that it was Obi or nothing. They vowed never to settle for a second fiddle position. This drove Obi to decamp once again. He left the African Democratic Congress where the party was bent on denying him the ticket even though he has the mo and the magic.

As in 2023, Obi remains the issue today in the run-up to the 2027 election. Most remarkable about this candidate is that he seems to buck all electioneering trends. No elaborate campaign councils, no bill-boards, no radio and television commercials. Nothing of such stuff Obi has described as “criminal struc-tures.”

Many state governments have made it very expensive and almost impossible to campaign in their do-mains.

Most have imposed outrageous fees for outdoor bills. Some dimwits have even insisted candidates Continued on page 39

DAKUKUPETERSIDE BENEATH THE SURFACE

Beyond the Anniversary: NIM@65 and the Governance Challenge

A

nniversaries invite celebration, but consequential ones must also provoke introspection. As the Nigerian Institute of Management marks 65 years, the occasion should rise above ceremonial speeches, awards, commemorative photographs, and congratulatory messages. It should compel Nigeria to confront a troubling contradiction: after more than six decades of management education, professional certification, and leadership conferences, why does the country remain so poorly managed?

The question extends beyond NIM. It goes to the heart of Nigeria’s development crisis. We speak endlessly about oil, minerals, population, infrastructure, investment, technology, and public policy, as though these assets automatically produce prosperity. They do not.

Resources create value only when competent people and effective institutions convert them into results.

Countries do not develop merely because they possess natural wealth or produce ambitious plans. They develop because they can organise people, allocate resources intelligently, execute decisions, measure performance, and correct failure. Nations rise or decline, in considerable measure, on the quality of their management.

President/Chairman of Council, NIM, Commodore Abimbola Ayuba (rtd.)

That is why NIM’s anniversary matters. For 65 years, the Institute has trained and certified generations of managers. Yet the evidence of national transformation

attributable to this managerial ecosystem remains painfully inadequate. Public institutions are routinely inefficient. Infrastructure deteriorates soon after commissioning. Projects exceed budgets and deadlines.

Businesses struggle with productivity. Policies celebrated at launch disappear during implementation. Too many organisations still depend on their leaders’ personality and connections rather than durable systems.

The uncomfortable truth is that Nigeria’s governance crisis is, to a significant extent, a management crisis.

This is not to hold NIM responsible for the country’s failures. Such a conclusion would be simplistic and unfair. Political leadership, corruption, insecurity, weak institutions, poor policy choices, structural economic constraints, and limited accountability all contribute to Nigeria’s condition. But managerial capacity is not incidental. A brilliant policy badly executed can be almost as damaging as a bad policy. A well-funded project poorly managed becomes a monument to waste. A sound institution placed under incompetent leadership can quickly become dysfunctional.

Nigeria has spent too much time debating what government should do and too little time asking whether

those charged with doing it possess the competence, discipline, and integrity to deliver.

Our governance culture illustrates the problem. We have become preoccupied with approvals, budget releases, expenditure, procedures, and compliance while neglecting outcomes. Officials are applauded for exhausting allocations rather than solving problems.

Agencies celebrate the commissioning of projects without accounting for their functionality years later. Managers are rewarded for producing reports, attending meetings, and launching initiatives even when institutional performance remains unchanged.

This is not management. It is administrative ritual.

Management must ultimately be judged by what it changes. A government that spends billions without delivering dependable public services has not demonstrated managerial success. A company that expands its bureaucracy without improving productivity is not practising managerial excellence. An institution that becomes paralysed whenever its chief executive leaves was never truly institutionalised.

Continued on page 39

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