Supreme Court Trashes
P&ID’s Case Against Nigeria, Insists Firm Must Pay £44m
Court insists company must pay in pounds
end to a prolonged legal tussle, the UK Supreme Court has unanimously found that P&ID, a
Kwankwaso: 2027 Poll Will Be Tough, We’re Open to Alliance with Any Political Party
Former Kano State Governor and presidential candidate of New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in 2023, Senator
Rabi’u Kwankwaso, has predicted that the 2027 elections would be the toughest in Nigeria’s democratic history. Kwankwaso also declared his party’s readiness for al-
liances with other political forces, including President Bola Tinubu, Goodluck Jonathan, and Peter Obi.
Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa, Kwankwaso, who recently marked his 69th birthday, predicted a more intense and tough contest, saying Nigerians have become more politically aware and determined to change their circumstances. He stated, “I believe the 2027 elections will be much tougher. People are now more informed, more concerned, and more involved. Everyone
Continued on page 10 is seeking a way out because of the country’s current situation.
“Thanks to radio and social
Tinubu to Amupitan: Serve with Integrity, Beyond Reproach, Anambra Poll Your Test
L-R:
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja In what could be termed an
Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Honourable Benjamin Kalu; Vice President Kashim Shettima; newly appointed INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan; President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, during the swearing-in of newly appointed Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the National Economic Council meeting at the Presidential Villa Abuja ... yesterday
PHOTO: GODWIN OMOIGUI
Chuks Okocha in Abuja
PreSS cONFereNce ahead OF
L-R: Head of Finance, Olaniyi Olaleye; Growth & Marketing Executive, Saratalai Ekeolere Landar; Head of Operations, Abiodun Obaseki; Project Manager, Victoria Eyo; CEO, Oriki Group, Joycee Awosika; Distributor Network Lead, Grace Nnake; Production Manager, Femi Adelakun; Head of Business Development, Ogheneyoma Isioye; and Human Resource Manager, Talent & Performance Management, Beleetela Mark, at a press conference held ahead of the firm’s 10th anniversary celebration scheduled for October 26
UN Chiefs Seek Sustained Global Support,
Long-term Solutions for Nigeria’s IDPs
IOM, BOA sign MoU for $200m support fund to boost livelihoods of migrants, displaced
Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja
Senior United Nations (UN) officials have commended Nigeria for its leadership in addressing internal displacement. They called for sustained international engagement to ensure the full realisatuon of development-anchoredlong-term, solutions.
That was as the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and Nigeria’s Bank of Agriculture Limited (BOA) signed a Memo- randum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen access to sustainable livelihoods for migrants and displaced persons across the country.
The agreement, signed by IOM’s Deputy Director General for Operations, Ugochi Daniels, and Managing Director/CEO of Bank of Agriculture, Ayo Sotinrin, sets the stage for long-term, sustainable cooperation between the two institutions, through the establishment of a $200 million Agriculture and Livelihood Support Fund to improve the lives of forcibly displaced persons in Nigeria.
At the conclusion of a three-day joint mission to Nigeria, Deputy Director-General for Operations at the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), Daniels; As- sistant High Commissioner for Operations at the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), Raouf Mazou; and Director of the Crisis Bureau at the UN Development Programme (UNDP), Shoko Noda, urged global and national partners to build on Nigeria’s progress through coordinated and inclusive approaches.
The delegation underscored that Nigeria’s forthcoming National Development Plan (2026–2030) presented a critical opportunity to embed durable solutions for internally displaced persons (IDPs) into national development and financing priorities.
They also called on international financial institutions (IFIs) and development partners to continue efforts to scale up sustainable financing for solutions, emphasis- ing that predictable, long-term investment is essential to move from humanitarian response to self-reliance, economic recovery,
and resilience.
The delegation met with the Yobe State Policy Advisory Committee on Durable Solutions, chaired by the deputy governor, traditional leaders, commissioners, and IDP representatives.
The authorities confirmed that 24 per cent of the state’s annual budget was now dedicated to
implementing the State Action Plan on Durable Solutions, one of the most significant government allocations globally.
Daniels stated, “Humanitarian needs remain urgent and security remains a top priority, but durable solutions cannot be achieved through humanitarian aid alone.
“What we witnessed in Yobe
State is government leadership and development approaches in action. Importantly, IDP representatives took part in the discussions as members of the official delegation, reflecting a shift from being seen as beneficiaries to recognised partners and decision makers.”
Nigeria, one of 15 pilot
persons
countries under the UN Secretary- General’s Action Agenda on Internal Displacement, continues to demonstrate strong national ownership through the National Policy on Internal Displacement (2022) and the rollout of State Action Plans for Durable Solutions in Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, and Benue states.
Global Sukuk Summit 2025 Explores Pathways to Accelerate Sustainable Finance, Expand Islamic Capital Markets
IsDB Group chair opens market at LSE to celebrate €500m Green Sukuk listing
Sunday Okobi
The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) has partnered the Financial Times (FT) Group to garner leading global investors, policymakers, and financial institutions for the Global Sukuk Summit 2025 to advance global dialogue on sustainable finance as well as expanding the role of Sukuk in international capital markets.
Swiss Govt: Nigerian Women Still Facing Significant Barriers to Leadership, Governance
Says inclusion of women in governance not favour but necessity
The Swiss Government has lamented that Nigerian women continue to face significant barriers to leadership and participation in governance.
It said there are currently only seven female ministers in Nigeria’s federal cabinet of about 48 persons, adding that women remained significantly underrepresented in decision-making spaces, yet they comprised nearly half of Nigeria’s population.
The Deputy Ambassador of Switzerland to Nigeria, Mr. Siamak Rouhani, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja at the roundtable on “Promoting Effective Participation of Women in Governance and Combating Gender-Based Violence”, organised by the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation.
He said the initiative, spanning three years, has been a testa- ment to shared commitment to advancing gender equality, strengthening democratic gov-
ernance, and protecting human dignity.
Rouhani noted the gathering was not merely a ceremonial closure, it was a moment of reflection, accountability, and renewed commitment.
He stated: “Over the past three years, this project has worked across sectors and states to address two deeply interconnected challenges: the underrepresentation of women in governance and the pervasive scourge of gender-based violence.
According to a statement made available to THISDAY by the IsDB Communication Director, Ahmed Abu Ghazeleh, the summit was held in London under the theme: ‘Capitalizing on Sukuk Beyond Traditional Markets’.
The statement disclosed that in his remarks at the summit, the Chairman of the IsDB Group, Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser, emphasized that Sukuk has evolved from a niche product into a globally recognised and trusted asset class that effectively links finance with tangible
development outcomes.
According to him, “Sukuk represents capital with purpose, channeling financing into infrastructure, renewable energy,healthcare, and educationprojects that directly serve communities.
“This intrinsic link between capital markets and the real economy is what gives Sukuk enduring value.”
He added that since 2003, the IsDB has mobilised over US$55 billion in Sukuk through nearly 80 issuances, including almost US$6 billion in Green
and Sustainability Sukuk. The bank’s latest €500 million Green Sukuk, listed earlier in the day at the Market Open of the London Stock Exchange, attracted record investor demand, “which has reaffirmed Sukuk’s credibility as an instrument for sustainable finance.”
Al Jasser also commended the partnership with FT Live, the International Capital Market Association, and the London Stock Exchange on their vital contributions to advancing global dialogue on sustainable finance.
FG Urged to Make Public Sector Boards Transparent, Accountable to Build Citizens’ Trust
emma Okonji
The Centre for Public Sector Governance (CPSG), chaired by the Board Chairman, MTN Nigeria, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, yesterday, had its first virtual Public Sector Director’s Symposium, where it urged the federal government to strengthen the public sector boards for
accountability and transparency that would earn public trust.
Participants and speakers at the symposium themed: ‘Reimagining Public Sector Boards: Global Insights for Africa’s Transformation’, called for a change in orientation of the system, where the public sector boards in Nigeria are man-
aged through the political process, thereby denying real technocrats with relevant skills, the opportunity to serve in public sector boards. They called on CPSG to help persuade the political class and decision makers to change the orientation so that the best people can serve on public sector boards.
adedayo akinwale in Abuja
FITC THINKNNOVATION CYBERSECURITY CONFERENCE 6.0...
L-R: Deputy Director, Public Affairs, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ayo Oyewole; Coordinator, Compliance Department (Lagos), Central Bank of Nigeria, Olubunmi Ayodele-Oni; Head, Learning and Development, Financial Institutions Training Centre (FITC), Dr. Esther Amoye; Founder and Chief Visionary Officer, Digital Encode, Prof. Peter Obadare; and Programme Director, FITC, Alaba Ekundayo, during the FITC ThinkNnovation Cybersecurity Conference 6.0 in Lagos… recently
NUPRC: 2024 Licensing Round to Add 1.5bn
Barrels to Nigeria’s Oil Output in 10 Years
Targets 12 billion scf/d of gas by 2030 Says exploration phase concluded in Kolmani, FDP phase ongoing
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has disclosed that the 2024 oil licensing round is expected to yield as much as 1.5 billion barrels in oil output for Nigeria within the next 10 years.
The Executive Commissioner, Exploration and Acreage Management (E&M) of the com- mission, Mr. Bashir Indabawa, stated this in a special edition of the NUPRC’s magazine to mark the 4th anniversary since its establishment.
Looking back over the last four years, Indabawa stated that the E&AM department has recorded several significant milestones in assessing the hydrocarbon potential of Nigeria’s sedimentary basins, building on the regulatory foundation for the implementation of the
Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.
Besides, he said the commission expanded geoscience data coverage by facilitating the acquisition, processing and reprocessing of large volumes of 2D and 3D seismic data across both the onshore and
FG Fixes Uniform Prices for Housing Units Nationwide, Approves N12.5m for 3-bedroom Bungalow
The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has approved and announced uniform sale prices for housing units under its ‘Renewed Hope Estate Programme’ across all states of the federation.
The housing units, which comprise one, two, and three-bedroom semi-detached bungalows, a statement in Abuja by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Badamasi Haiba, stated, are part of the ministry’s efforts to
make homeownership more accessible and equitable for Nigerians.
“The approved selling prices are as follows: One-bedroom semi-detached bungalow, N8.5 million; two-bedroom semidetached bungalow: N11.5 million and three-bedroom semi-detached bungalow, N12.5 million,” the statement added.
The adoption of uniform selling prices, according to the statement, aims to promote affordability, transparency, and fairness, ensuring that
Nigerians across all regions have equal opportunities to benefit from the Renewed Hope Housing Programme.
Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, stated that priority in the allocation of the housing units will be given to low and middle-income earners, civil servants at all levels of government, employees in the organised private sector with verifiable sources of income, and Nigerians in the Diaspora who wish to own homes in the country.
WHO: Type 2 Poliovirus Prevalence in Africa Drops By 54%
The World Health Organization (WHO) said the number of African countries with active type 2 poliovirus outbreaks between 2024 and 2025 has declined from 24 to 14, with the total virus detections dropping by 54 percent as of October this year.
In a message by WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Mohamed Janabi, to mark the World Polio Day 2025, the organization said
the continent is making steady progress towards achieving the target of a polio free society.
With reference to this year’s theme, “End Polio: Every Child, Every Vaccine, Everywhere”, Janabi said it is a call to ensure that no child, in any setting, is left unprotected.
“Across the African Region, countries have continued to advance towards this goal.
“The progress in 2025 reflects stronger cross-border coordination, expanded surveillance, improved laboratory capacity, and the use of digital tools to increase reach, efficiency and equity.
“Between January and October 2025, 15 African countries reached nearly 200 million children with at least one dose of polio vaccine through supplementary immunization rounds,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, explained that several payment options have been provided to make the houses affordable and flexible. These include outright (full) payment, mortgage, rent-to-own scheme, and installment payment plans.
The ministry further an- nounced that the sale of the completed housing units across the northern and southern regions will soon commence.
Esso anticipates 40, 000 bpd from Usan field
offshore basins and advancing Nigeria’s multi-client projects.
This, he said, was done in partnership with local and international geophysical companies, to de-risk explora- tion and attract investments.
The NUPRC in 2024 opened an ambitious upstream licensing round aimed at revitalising Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. At launch the regulator invited bids for 12 new blocks onshore, continental shelf and deep offshore, alongside seven deep-offshore blocks carried over from the 2022/23 minibid round, bringing the initial package to 19 blocks.
However, following acquisi- tion of additional subsurface data and a review of acreage, the NUPRC added 17 more deep offshore blocks while withdrawing five blocks under litigation (PPL 3008, 3009, PML 51, PPL 267, PPL 268), resulting in a revised total of 24 to 31 blocks on offer depending on counting method.
While implementing the
‘Drill or Drop’ provisions of the PIA to reduce the number of inactive or underperforming licenses through monitoring and enforcement, Indabawa stated that about 400 fields were identified as fallow or inactive.
“Four companies from the 2020 Marginal Field Licensing Rounds have applied for conversion to Petroleum Mining Licence (PML) and added about 80MMbbl of oil reserve. In total, we are expecting the recently concluded 2024 Licensing Rounds to add between 500 million to 1.5 billion barrels of oil within the next five to 10 years,” the executive commissioner stated. While big players remain cautious due to geological risk, security and energy transition dynamics, the Commission’s strategy, he said, has encouraged indigenous operators to take the lead, setting the stage for broader participation once more discoveries and infrastructure are established.
House Moves to Strip President of Powers to Remove EFCC Chairman
The House of Representatives has passed a bill seeking to strip the president of the powers to remove the chair- man of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), without recourse to the National Assembly for the second reading.
The proposed legislation - A Bill for an Act to Amend the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004, and for Related Matters (HB. 2493) seeks to
insulate the EFCC from political control and align its operations with global anti-corruption standards, was sponsored by Hon. Yusuf Gagdi.
Leading the debate on the general principles of the Bill, Gagdi noted that since the EFCC Act was enacted in 2004, the scope of financial crimes has expanded to include cybercrime, cryptocurrency manipulation, illicit financial flows, terrorism financing, and real estate-based money laundering.
He added that the amend-
ment aimed at modernising EFCC’s legal framework and ensuring it effectively responds to the growing complexity of financial and economic crimes in Nigeria. Gagdi argued the antigraft agency operates under outdated provisions that do not adequately address these new realities.
He emphasised the existing Act does not provide sufficient guarantees for the indepen- dence of the commission, exposing it to external influence and political interference.
Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
Farewell ceremony For oshinlaja...
L-R: Director, Sales & Distribution, Joypratip Sengupta; Director, Customer Experience, Oladokun Oye; Director, Marketing, Ismail Adeshina; Director, IT, Kemi Ariyo; Director, Human Resources & Administration, Adebimpe Ayo-Elias; Chief Commercial Officer (outgoing), Femi Oshinlaja; Director, Airtel Business, Ogo Ofomata; Director, Corporate Communications & CSR, Femi Adeniran; and Chief Technology Officer, Harmanpreet Singh Dhillon; all of Airtel Nigeria, during the farewell ceremony for Oshinlaja at the company’s headquarters in Lagos ...recently
At High Level Dialogue, Access Bank Restates Commitment to
SMEs’ Needs
Woos customers with N10 million -N50 million credit without large collateral
james emejo in Abuja
Deputy Managing Director, Access Bank Plc, Chizoma Okoli, yesterday reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to addressing the financing needs of SMEs as well as improving services to customers.
Speaking at an exclusive SME roundtable in Abuja, the DMD said the goal of the bank was to ensure that small businesses are comfortable, by meeting their needs, and that “you can always reach us when you need us”.
The bank also urged entrepreneurs to take advantage of its loan products without the need for large collateral, offering up to N10–N50 million depending on business capacity.
The loan decisions are however, based on cash flow and transaction history rather than traditional collateral, and aimed to make financing easier, faster, and more inclusive for MSMEs.
Okoli said the bank was
aware of the highly competitive environment it operates in, adding that “every bank has its strengths and weaknesses.”
She said, “For me, customers mean everything…we are nothing without you. We do not claim to know it all, and I would never say that we’ve perfected every aspect of customer service — that would be taking you for granted.
“Instead, we choose to remain humble, acknowledge where we fall short, and work
to make things right. So, I ask that we have open and honest conversations today — even if they are uncomfortable.
“If there are areas we’re doing well, please let us know too — your encouragement helps us sustain what works, even as we improve what doesn’t. We truly value your partnership and will never take you for granted.”
The Access Bank DMD noted that the bank recently completed its recapitalisation
process and was among the first banks to do so — and commended customers for their support, adding that the experience showed how emotionally invested its customers are with the bank.
She said the bank currently serves over 60 million customers, adding that this remained the largest customer base in the Nigerian banking industry. She said to support its growing customer base, the bank is making major investments
in technology — adding that digitalization remained the future of banking.
Olkoli said, “That’s why we’ve launched and expanded digital platforms like hydrogen and oxygen, as well as upgraded our core systems — upgrades that many of you might not have even noticed because they were smooth and seamless.
“We’ve also expanded internationally, following the flow of business from our customers.
Wherever your business takes you, we want Access Bank to be there to support you. Our recent partnership with Mastercard has strengthened our payment systems, enabling transactions in over 170 countries — making global payments faster and more secure.
“As we move forward, we’re entering a consolidation phase to strengthen our operations and deliver even better value to you.”
Ekpo, Mshelbila Elected Gas Exporting Countries Forum Chiefs
Tuggar, NMDPRA applaud development
emmanuel addeh and michael olugbode in Abuja
The Nigerian duo of the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo and Dr. Philip Mshelbila, Managing Director of Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) has emerged the President and
Secretary General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) respectively.
Their message was contained in a congratulatory statement signed by the Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, yesterday.
Ekpo emerged as President of the 2026 GECF Ministerial
Public Procurement: Senate Moves to Enforce Transparency, Value for Money
sunday aborisade in Abuja
The Senate has renewed its push for stricter compliance, transparency, and accountability in Nigeria’s public procurement process, warn- ing the nation cannot afford leakages and inefficiencies in government spending.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Procurement, Senator Olajide Ipinsagba (APC, Ondo North), made this known on Thursday at the opening ceremony of a two-day retreat organised for
members of the committee in Abuja by LeadBold Resource Consulting.
Ipinsagba stressed that public procurement must be transformed into a tool for effective governance and national development, ensuring that every naira spent by the government translates into tangible, verifiable results.
Ipinsagba said, “Public procurement is not merely a technical or administrative activity; it is the mechanism through which government policies are transformed into
tangible services, infrastructure, and development outcomes.
“It accounts for a significant proportion of national expendi- ture and therefore demands the highest standards of integrity, efficiency, and accountability.”
The lawmaker noted that while the Public Procurement Act of 2007 and the establishment of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) were major milestones in Nigeria’s effort to institutionalize transparency, more reforms are needed to strengthen oversight and ensure compliance.
Meeting, with Tuggar describing these dual milestones as clear testaments to President Bola Tinubu’s proactive foreign policy engagements and his strategic vision to restore Nigeria’s influence in global energy diplomacy under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He further highlighted the pivotal diplomatic efforts under- taken by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in support of Nigeria’s candidature through Nigeria’s missions to all GECF member
states, formally launching the campaign, and its engagement with all African member states requesting unified support for Nigeria’s candidature.
“Nigeria’s missions were also activated to engage and lobby voting members, in close coordination with bilateral engagements conducted at key summits such as the BRICS Summit (Brazil) and the African Union 7th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting (Malabo, Equatorial Guinea),” the statement added.
The statement revealed that the process also benefited from high-level political backing from the Presidency, ensuring Nigeria’s candidature received broad-based support. Tuggar commended Mshelbila and Minister Ekpo for bringing stellar credentials and experience to their new international roles, describing their elections as “victories not only for Nigeria but for Africa’s collective voice in global energy governance.”
Ministry Seeks Partnership with EU on Project Execution
onyebuchi ezigbo in Abuja
The Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, has expressed the ministry’s commitment to deepening its partnership with the European Union (EU) and other development partners.
As part of the collaboration, Momoh said Regional Development Commissions
will ensure the right projects are executed to meet the needs of each region.
A statement signed by the Head, Information and Public Relations, Sani Datti, said the minister disclosed this during a courtesy visit by the EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Gautier Mignot, to the Ministry in Abuja.
The visit which sought to
create strategic alignment and partnership served as a platform for both the ministry and the EU to explore ways to strengthen cooperation in achieving sustainable regional development across the country. While welcoming the Ambassador, Engr. Momoh expressed optimism that the EU would play a vital role in supporting the ministry’s work.
Theme
Building Influence and Driving Growth Through Strategic Marketing Th
Speakers:
06 November, 2025
Elozonam Ogbolu
Chinonso Egemba (Aproko Doctor) Digital Health Advocate
Catherine Kamau Actress, Media Entrepreneur
Nasiru Lawal (Nasboi) Digital Creator, Artist
Equity Trading on Nigerian Exchange Surges
115% to N8.54trn as
Kayode Tokede
Transactions by domestic and foreign investors on Nigerian Exchange (NGX) more than doubled in the nine months of 2025, reaching N8.54 trillion, a 115.2per cent Year-on-Year (YoY) increase from N3.97 trillion recorded in the same period of 2024.
According to NGX’s latest Domestic and Foreign Portfolio Participation in Equity Trading report, the surge marks a record high for total market activity, buoyed by stronger participation from Pension
Fund Administrators (PFAs) and high-net-worth domestic investors.
Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) accounted for N1.84 trillion of total trades, a 164 per cent year-on-year rise from N696.9 billion a year earlier, while domestic investors contributed N6.7 trillion, up 104.7 per cent from N3.27 trillion in 2024.
Foreign investors represented 21.6 per cent of total market activity during the period, up from 17.6 per cent a year earlier.
Domestic investors, while still dominant, saw their share
Reforms Draw Investors
ease slightly to 78.4 per cent from 82.4 per cent
Within the domestic seg- ment, institutional investors led activity with N4.09 trillion, compared with N2.6 trillion from retail participants. Foreign transactions were strong on both the buy and sell sides.
Inflows climbed 231 per cent year-on-year to N1.03 trillion, while outflows rose 110 per cent to N810.4 billion.
Over an 18-year horizon, NGX data showed domestic transactions had grown by 33 per cent, from N3.56 trillion in 2007 to N4.73 trillion in 2024,
while foreign transactions rose 38 per cent from N616 billion to N852 billion.
Vice Chairman of the board at Highcap Securities Limited, David Adonri, stated that the rebound in foreign participation reflected renewed confidence following reforms in Nigeria’s foreign exchange regime by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
The changes aimed at improving transparency and stability in currency markets have been credited with enhancing liquidity and reducing uncertainty for
foreign investors.
“The surge underscores growing optimism about Nigeria’s reform trajectory and corporate resilience,” said one Lagos-based analyst, who did not want to be named.
The source added, “The combination of exchange rate realignment, strong earnings, and the ongoing banking recapitalisation drive is mak- ing local equities increasingly attractive.”
The Nigerian capital market has benefited from the momentum of President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms,
T I nu B u T o Amu PITA n: Serve w ITH In T egr ITY, Be Y on D r e P ro A c H , An A m B r A Poll Your Te ST Deji Elumoye and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, charged the new Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, to serve with integrity beyond reproach.
with improved clarity around monetary policy and renewed interest in Nigeria’s oil and non-oil sectors, bolstering investor sentiment.
media, the masses now know more. You may see things that have never happened before in Nigeria’s electoral history. People will not sell their votes this time, they want real Kwankwasochange.” declared that NNPP was willing to collaborate with any political party or individual that shared its vision for a prosperous Nigeria and commitment to the welfare of the masses.
But he was quick to add that any merger or alliance must be anchored on mutual respect, clear benefits, and shared ideals, particularly the upliftment of the common man.
paid bribes in the process of procuring gas contracts with Nigeria, must be paid in pounds sterling, rather than Nigerian naira.
The UK’s apex court rejected P&ID’s argument that the legal costs claimed by Nigeria, which could be up to £44.2 million excluding interest, should be paid in Naira to avoid the West African country making a windfall from advantageous conversion rates.
The judgment draws to a close the fallout from the extraordinary events which preceded it, following years of arbitration in which P&ID sought to claim over $ 11 billion from Africa’s most populous nation, a development that could have completely ruined the country’s economy.
It also highlighted the role played by certain individuals in government at the time, to save
Amupitan pledged to defend the Nigerian constitution and the electoral system.
The president told the new INEC head, “Your nomination and the subsequent confirmation by the senate are a testament to your capacity and the confidence reposed in you by both the executive and the legislative arms of government.
“This significant achievement
Speaking at the swearing-in of Amupitan as the sixth sub- stantive chairman of INEC at Council Chambers, State House, Abuja, Tinubu declared that his first litmus test would be the November 8 governorship election in Anambra State.
The former presidential candidate stated, “We’re ready for anyone, whether it is the APC, PDP, ADC, Jonathan, or Peter Obi. If we are satisfied with their competence and integrity, we will join forces to achieve success.
“But whoever we align with must be committed to improving the lives of Nigerians. If they fail to meet our expectations, we will not continue with them.
“What we are asking for is simple, that the common people should benefit, that the youth should be educated, and that security should be improved.”Kwankwaso stated that
the country from bankruptcy. In 2019, P&ID won an award against Nigeria in the UK court in the sum of $9.6 billion. Upon the pronouncement of the judgement, Nigeria’s assets abroad and its FX reserves were under threat of seizure.
But concerned by this threat on the Country’s FX reserves the then Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, approached President Muhammadu Buhari, requesting for approval for the apex bank to take over the appeal of the case and for the CBN to pay all legal costs on behalf of the federal government.
THISDAY learnt that Buhari approved the request and di- rected the office of the Attorney General of the Federation to work with the CBN. The then AGF, Abubakar Malami, and CBN subsequently headed to the UK to seek advice from
marks the beginning of a challenging, yet rewarding journey, and I trust that you will approach your responsibility with the highest level of integrity, dedication and patriotism.”
Tinubu stated that the country had been on a path of democratic governance and learning since 1999, with notable achievements in the strengthening of various institutions.
He stated, “Our democracy has come a long way in 25 years. We have consolidated
NNPP, which fielded candidates across all states in the 2023 elections, had become a national force capable of influencing the political direction of the country.
He recalled that in September, he had hinted at the possibility of NNPP working with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), but stressed that such a move must come with tangible value for the NNPP structures and candidates.
He said, “If you are asking us to join APC, you must tell us what NNPP will gain. We have gubernatorial candidates in all the states and full structures nationwide. What will
various UK legal experts.
Most of these experts refused to take on the matter given that the time limit allowed for appeal to be heard had expired. However, it was gathered that only Mishcon firm accepted to help Nigeria prosecute the matter by relying on Section 68 of the UK Law which says that an appeal against an award may be granted if fraud is adduced.
The case commenced in 2020 and in August 2023, Nigeria won the case and got the award reversed, thus saving the country from losing over $11 billion, plus the accumulated interest.
A source close to the deliberations and decision process after the judgement revealed to THISDAY the role played by Emefiele in the battle to reverse the judgement. “The judgement shook the country to its core,
and strengthened our democratic institutions, particularly in electoral systems, through innovations and reforms.
“We have learned a great deal along the way and have improved significantly from where we were many years ago. We must now remain committed to the principles that underpin democracy in a complex and multifaceted society.
“The electoral process is a vital part of a democracy that
you offer them if we join?”
The former Minister of Defence also took a swipe at Nigeria’s political elite, accusing them of neglecting the suffering of ordinary citizens while living lavishly in Abuja.
Kwankwaso said, “Our people are being killed in Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, and parts of Kaduna. The victims are ordinary citizens. The elites have fled to Abuja, where they live in luxury building big houses, driving expensive cars, and enriching themselves at the expense of the people.
“They act as if they are un- touchable, but I am confident that Allah will judge them accordingly.”
but the former CBN governor rose to the occasion, declaring that Nigeria didn’t the money to pay such colossal sums, choos- ing to fight instead to save the country from fraudsters who were determined to impose such liability on generations of Nigerians.” the source who pleaded anonymity stated.
In its landmark 2023 ruling, the High Court found that Trevor Burke KC and Seamus Andrews, two London-based lawyers who acted for P&ID, made an “indefensible decision” to retain Nigeria’s internal documents, which they knew included privileged documents that they were not entitled to see.
The judge highlighted the sums of up to £850 million and £3 billion that they were respectively due to receive personally in the event of P&ID’s success which, he stated,
grants the people the exclusive right to choose their leaders and shape their future. To ensure that our democracy continues to flourish, the integrity of our electoral process must be beyond reproach.”
Stating that the governorship election on November 8 in Anambra State would serve as a litmus test for Amupitan, Tinubu asked the new leadership of the electoral commission to brace up for the challenge.
He said, “It is important that our elections are free, fair and credible. We must consistently improve our electoral process, addressing the challenges of yesterday and innovating for today and tomorrow.
“To maintain public trust in the election, electoral integrity must be protected. All aspects of the process – from registration to campaigning, the media access, voting and counting should be transparent, non–violent and credible.”
Tinubu added, “No electoral system is flawless, but since elec- tions are vital to a nation’s future, it is essential to continually strengthen electoral institutions, ensuring that they are robust, resilient and safeguarded against artificial setback.
“I, therefore, charge you, Professor Amupitan, as you take on this important assignment
informed their behaviour. A copy of this judgment was referred by the judge to the Bar Standards Board and Solicitors Regulation Authority in the case of both legal professionals.
Finally, a court document seen by THISDAY showed that the United Kingdom Supreme Court on October 22, dismissed the appeal by P&ID, affirming that Nigeria is entitled to recover its legal costs in sterling (GBP) rather than in naira (NGN) following its successful challenge to a multi-billion-dollar arbitral award.
Delivering judgment, a panel led by Lord Reed, President of the Supreme Court, unanimously upheld earlier rulings of the Commercial Court and the Court of Appeal that costs should be paid in the same currency in which Nigeria’s legal obligations were incurred.
to protect the integrity of our electoral process and strengthen the institutional capacity of INEC.”
The 58-year-old academic outlined his plans to reform Nigeria’s electoral system, strengthen institutional inde- pendence, and rebuild public trust in the commission at the screening.
In an interview with newsmen after his inauguration, Amupitan pledged to defend the constitu- tion and Nigerian laws as they relate to the electoral system.
He stated, “So, I will reaffirm what I have just taken, that I’m going to defend the constitution and the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as far as it relates to the electoral system, and like the president said, I was given a clear charge to ensure credible, fair and free election. “Not just that, I will ensure that that is done. I’m also going to engage all the stakeholders, because no matter how you set the barometer and the level of success, you still need all the stakeholders to be able to succeed.”
The swearing-in ceremony followed the senate’s confirmation of Amupitan’s nomination on October 16. He succeeded Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure ran from 2015 to 2025.
The case arose after Nigeria successfully overturned two arbitral awards granted to P&ID—worth over $11 billion including interest—on grounds of fraud and public policy viola- tions. The Commercial Court, in 2023, found that the awards had been “procured by fraud” and were therefore void.
In pursuing the challenge, Nigeria incurred legal expenses amounting to £44.2 million, billed and paid in sterling through 116 invoices between November 2019 and November 2024. P&ID had argued that the costs order should be made in naira, claiming that paying in pounds would give Nigeria a “windfall” due to the sharp depreciation of the naira since 2023, when it was allowed to float freely. However, the Supreme Court
KwA n K wAS o: 2027 Poll wI ll
Group CEO, NGX, Temi Popoola
Congratulations EKEOMA ESTHER EZEIBE (MRS.)
23rd President and Chairman, Governing Board Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB)
On behalf of the management and staff of Fortune Global Shipping and Logistics Limited, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Mrs. Ekeoma Esther Ezeibe on her emergence as the 23rd President and Chairman of the Governing Board of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB).
We at Fortune Global celebrate this remarkable achievement and wish you continued success, wisdom, and impactful leadership as you steer the NCRIB to greater heights.
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NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
COMMITTEE ON INTERNAL SECURITY OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AND REQUEST FOR MEMORANDA
Pursuant to Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the Committee is inviting stakeholders and general public to a one-day public hearing on: A BILL FOR AN ACT TO PROVIDE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT AND THE FUNCTIONS OF LEGISLATIVE SECURITY DIRECTORATE IN THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY; TO PROVIDE FOR THE QUALIFICATION AND CONDITION OF SERVICE OF THE SERGEANT-AT-ARMS AND OTHER PERSONNEL OF THE DIRECTORATE AND FOR RELATED MATTERS, 2024 (HB1632)
THE FOLLOWING ORGANIZATIONS ARE SPECIALLY INVITED AND TO MAKE THEIR SUBMISSIONS:
• The Speakers State House of Assemblies
• The Clerk State House of Assemblies
• The Sergeant at Arm State House of Assemblies
• All Security Related Organizations
• Security Experts
• Non Governmental Organizations
• Civil Society Groups
DATE: Tuesday 28th October, 2025
TIME: 10:00AM Prompt
VENUE: Conference Hall 028, House of Representatives New Building, National Assembly Complex, Abuja
All memoranda are to be submitted to Committee Secretariat at Room 3, White House, House of Representatives in 25 hard copies and 1 soft copy on or before Tuesday 28th October, 2025.
FOR INQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT THE CLERK TO THE COMMITTEE: (08064689118)
DISTINGUISHED HOST
Rt. Honourable Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D, GCON Speaker, House of Representatives
SIGNED:
Honourable Garba Ibrahim Muhammad Chairman, House Committee on Security of the National Assembly
Politics
ILado Foundation: Empowering Future Leaders through Scholarship
In this piece, Francis Sardauna, chronicles giant strides of Lado development Foundation in making higher education affordable, reducing students’ debt and giving more vulnerable students access to quality universities, polytechnics and colleges of education in northern Nigeria.
n an era where sustainability of educational programmes and policies is paramount, scholarships play a critical role in expanding access to higher education, supporting academic achievement and fostering social and academic development.
Recognizing this, Senator Yakubu Lado, through his Lado Development Foundation (LDF), is investing heavily in youth-led innovation, education and research through grants, mentorship programmes and scholarships across states in northern Nigeria.
From financial relief and reduced students’ debt to enhanced career prospects and personal growth, Lado Development Foundation is offering life-changing opportunities for students, especially those from underrepresented and vulnerable backgrounds in different public and private higher institutions across the region.
The foundation has over the years, been empowering the younger generation through these academic scholarships to lead charge toward a greener future of excellence in order to become greater leaders that will reshape the region’s current educational status, which has been described by many as poor.
Regardless of their political and religious affiliations, 13,007 students, including those undergoing their first degree, masters and PhD programmes in both public and private universities, colleges of education and polytechnics across the northern region had benefited from Lado’s revolving scholarships.
These scholarships and grants are primarily aimed at addressing the financial needs and making education affordable for students who are pursuing different careers at Bayero University, Kano; Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University, Katsina; Federal University, Dutsinma; Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
In Bayero University for instance, 712 students benefitted from the scholarship; Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University, 2,298 students; Federal University Dutsinma; 1,922 students; Usman Danfodiyo University, 217 students, while 365 students of Ahmadu Bello University were also awarded the scholarship to study courses of their choice.
Statistics from the Lado Development Foundation further revealed that 431 students of Federal College of Education, Katsina, were financially empowered through the scholarship programme; 53 from Federal College of Education, Zaria and 63 from Federal Polytechnic,Kaduna respectively.
Committed to encouraging and sustaining education in the country, the Lado Development Foundation has paid millions of naira for students to write qualifying examinations to gain admission into universities, polytechnics and colleges of education in many states of the northern region.
Evidently, the foundation has paid the National Examinations Council (NECO) registration fee for 2,928 students and Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination fee for 4,918 students across different centres in Katsina, Funtua and Daura senatorial zones of Katsina State.
For these 13,007 benefiting students, the scholarship is not just financial aid, it is a chance to break barriers, access quality education and achieve their dreams because without such support, many of them might be forced to abandon their aspirations due to financial constraints.
They also believe that the scholarships and grants given to them by the Lado Development Foundation have empowered them to succeed, contribute to their immediate communities and create a better future for themselves and the society at large.
“This scholarship empowers us to pursue our dreams, fuels our passion for learning
and helps us explore opportunities that might have otherwise been out of reach”, Nuraddeen Mohammed, one of the benefiting
Mohammed, a 200 level student of the stateowned Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University,
described the scholarship as key to unlocking a brighter future, build confidence and pave the way for independence for the Nigerian future leaders.
“For most children, attending school is a normal part of life, but for an orphan like me, the reality is often drastically different. So, I thank the Lado Development Foundation for coming to my aid. May Allah bless the owner of the foundation and keep him or her for us”, he added.
For Abdulhamid Mubarak, the scholarship is a life changer. “My parents struggle to pay my school fees. Sometimes I work at construction sites or some form of hard labour just to raise money to help my parents pay for my school fees.
“But now I feel so happy and I want to say that the Lado Development Foundation and my parents will be proud of me later in the future. With this financial support, I will do everything humanly possible to continue my education and be a better person.”
The story was not different for Amina Lawal, an SS III student whose NECO fee was paid by the Lado Development Foundation in 2024.
“Many of us were not sure whether we were going to write the National Examinations Council (NECO) with our fellow students, but because of the scholarship support, we were able to graduate from secondary school,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Khadija Khalid, thanked the foundation for making concerted efforts to dismantle barriers and create inclusive learning environments where every student can thrive and fulfill their potential.
NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com
Govt Moves to Complete UmuahiaIkwuano-Ikot Ekpene Road
Eshiorameh Gabriel writes that after a decade of advocacy, the Umuahia-IkwuanoIkot Ekpene road is almost completed following President Bola Tinubu’s decisive intervention and transfer to state authorities.
Imagine a journey that should take 30 minutes, but instead steals five hours or more of your life. This is the daily reality on the Umuahia-Ikwuano-Ikot Ekpene Road, where commuters are worn down by the grind, and farmers see their crops and profits, bruised beyond sale. For decades, this vital 49-kilometer link road has been a frustrating tale for people of Abia and other neighbouring states. But that story is finally being rewritten.
The prolonged political and bureaucratic deadlock over the Umuahia-Ikwuano-Ikot Ekpene road has been decisively interrupted by a recent presidential directive. The commitment demonstrated by President Bola Tinubu’s administration to resolve this longstanding issue is widely recognised as the catalyst for progress.
This calculated decision to leverage local oversight and execution has generated a palpable shift in public sentiment within the region, especially for a populace wearied by years of delay and infrastructural neglect. This latest move by the Tinubu administration has introduced a fragile yet significant sense of anticipation. There is now a prevailing mood of cautious optimism—a collective hope that this substantive political intervention may finally signal the end of a deeply frustrating chapter for
commuters, farmers, and local economies alike.
At the heart of the long campaign to fix this road is Hon. Sam Onuigbo, a politician who has made its restoration a central cause of his career.
His sustained advocacy, navigating multiple administrations with a consistent focus, has been widely noted as a prime example in persistent governance.
In a climate where long-term projects often falter amid changing political priorities, his ability to keep this critical infrastructure issue on the national agenda demonstrates the tangible impact that determined, constituency-focused
leadership can achieve.
The catalyst for action can be traced to May 26, 2016. It was then that Sir Sam Onuigbo took the floor of the House of Representatives, armed with stark evidence of the devastating nature of the road. That parliamentary motion ignited what would become a nine-year odyssey of bureaucratic wrestling. His subsequent meeting with then Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, in June 2016 yielded what seemed like quick results. A response letter dated June 15, 2016, committed to immediate palliative works and promised a full contract award by 2017.
The momentum built through 2016 culminated in a December flag-off ceremony at Okweukwu, Oboro, where Onuigbo stood alongside Senator T.A. Orji as Federal Roads Maintenance Agency’s equipment rolled in. The announcement was met with a widespread celebration from residents.
After enduring years of hardship, a palpable sense of relief swept through the community, one that gave the people a sense of belief that a resolution was finally within reach.
-Gabriel writes from Abuja.
NOTE:
Alex Ekwueme: Legacy of a Deliberate Man and Visionary
Chido Nwangwu writes about the legacy of s econd Republic Vice president, late d r a lex i feanyichukwu Ekwueme, who would have been 93 years old on o ctober 21, 2025.
2027: As Makinde Eyes Ondo Central Senatorial Seat...
Fidelis David writes that as the political tempo in ondo state gathers momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, the spotlight is now on personalities whose performance and antecedents have spoken louder than promises.
FIour days ago, Dr. Alex Ifeany ichukwu Ekwueme, would have been 93 years. Ide, the gentle giant with a first-rate intellect and extraordinary capacity for supporting education and human capacity building, was born on October 21, 1932.
A philanthropist of peerless kindness and uncommon grace, he gave from his huge resources and the depths of his credibility. He was not a showboat. No. He was a deliberate man, a strategic thinker, an astute power player. He under-estimated the new “stakeholders” of Nigeria’s cash and carry politics.
He was the first elected Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, from 1979 to 1983, under the late President Shehu Shagari. Ekwueme, a pioneer architect and lawyer, joined his ancestors in the mysterious journey of life, living, and death on November 19, 2017.
On August 24, 2012, I was invited to serve as keynote speaker at an international event on Dr. Ekwueme’s 80th birthday. It was a privilege to appreciate Dr. Ekwueme’s purposeful life and critical items — in his esteemed presence with his wife, Mrs. Beatrice Ekwueme.
Among other things, I said: “Dr. Alex Ekwueme, you have planted human seeds through scholarships and empowerment of Oko persons and other communities. Many will thank you; may be, a few will scorn you with their violent ingratitude, and claim that the sun and moon
you showed them were not bright enough…. No matter what, Ide, your name and legacies are greater.”
His humility and mild-mannerism stood in contradistinction to the towering examples of Olympian legacies and transformative achievements. He championed the reintegration of the Igbo and others into the geo-political and socio-economic mainstream in the country.
Dr. Ekwueme, recipient of Nigeria’s national award of the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), lived a quintessential embodiment of public service. He was committed to his Anglican Christian faith.
Ide’s philanthropy, modestly and relatively, reminded us of the Carnegies, the Mellons, the Gates, Mohameds, Abiolas, Dantatas, Bank-Anthonys, the Buffets, the Annenbergs, Mosingers, Ilodibes and many other cheerful givers.
Dr. Ekwueme, Ide Aguata na Orumba, was, by no means, perfect; he had some issues with which some disagreed strongly. Yet, many regard him among the great Africans of the 20th century!
-Dr Nwangwu, author of the forthcoming book, MLK, Mandela & Achebe: Power, Leadership and Identity., is the Founder of the first African-owned, U.S-based newspaper on the internet, USAfricaonline. com, and established USAfrica in 1992 in Houston. Follow him on X @Chido247
n the annals of Ondo East and Ondo West Local Government Areas of the sunshine state, few leaders have left an indelible mark on the political, social, and economic development of the region. Over the years, the twin local governments, known for their rich cultural heritage and vibrant political history, have produced illustrious sons and daughters who have contributed immensely to their growth. From the visionary leadership of Dr. Olusegun Mimiko whose developmental strides and tenure as governor brought unprecedented transformation to Ondo Kingdom and the coastal state as a whole, the area has witnessed remarkable leadership.
Others such as Hon. Akinlaja Joseph Iranola, a respected labour leader and ex-federal lawmaker among others, have also played pivotal roles in shaping the political narrative of the constituency.
Among the new generation of leaders, Hon. Abiola Peter Makinde, the member representing Ondo East/Ondo West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, stands out for his dynamic approach to governance, youth empowerment initiatives, and people-centered representation. His impact has rekindled hope in grassroots leadership, positioning him as one of the most influential and result-oriented public figures in contemporary Ondo politics.
A dedicated member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Makinde has become a name synonymous with development, empowerment, and pragmatic leadership. Now tipped as a strong contender for the Ondo Central Senatorial seat, his sterling record of service presents a compelling argument for why he is more than fit to represent the zone at the Senate come 2027.
It is a tautology to say that Makinde’s journey in the House of Representatives has been marked by purposeful motions, bills, and interventions that address both the immediate and future needs of his people.
Particularly, in 2021, he moved the motion for the dualization of the Ondo–Ore–Akure road, a vital artery for commerce and mobility in Ondo State. That singular intervention ensured the project was awarded, underscoring his ability to translate advocacy into tangible results. Similarly, his sponsorship of HB 426, which successfully upgraded the Adeyemi College of Education into a Federal University of Education, elevated not just an institution but also the educational standing of Ondo State and the South-West as a whole.
Suffice to say that no lawmaker in recent memory has invested in human capital as robustly as Makinde. His belief that education is the most sustainable empowerment tool is evident in his interventions. He facilitated the construction of modern classrooms across communities like St. Andrew Anglican Grammar School, Ajangbala, and Odowo. He built a state-of-the-art library at the heart of Ondo City, creating a hub for research and scholarship.
The lawmaker’s annual provision of instructional materials, laptops, projectors, and textbooks has lightened the burden of education for parents while enriching the learning experience of students. Over 30 indigent Ondo students are currently pursuing postgraduate studies abroad in countries including the UK, Sweden, Canada, India, and Germany—thanks to Makinde’s direct sponsorship. Similarly, through the HAMDROMI Entrepreneurship School, he has trained and graduated hundreds of youths in various skills, setting them on paths to self-reliance. Makinde’s representation has been visible not just in the National Assembly, but also on the streets, schools, farms, and markets of Ondo East and West.
He has facilitated the asphalting of major roads in Ondo, reconstructed bridges and culverts, installed solar-powered boreholes across several communities, and provided transformers to
electrify villages long abandoned to darkness. His push for urban renewal is also exemplified by the ongoing Ondo City Ultra-modern Children Park and Zoo, as well as the ambitious Ekiwood Movie Village in Epe—projects set to boost tourism, entertainment, and local commerce. Perhaps the most defining feature of Makinde’s leadership is his deliberate focus on empowerment that cuts across demographics—youths, women, farmers, artisans, and the aged. He launched a ₦15 million interest-free loan scheme for market women and small-scale business owners, boosting local enterprise. Farmers have benefited from the distribution of 30,000 hybrid cocoa seedlings, fungicides, tools, and training in modern farming techniques. His Kasolayo initiative has provided medical intervention for pregnant women and the elderly, coupled with monthly free healthcare outreach. Through mega-empowerment programmes, he distributed tricycles, motorcycles, deep freezers, grinding machines, and hair dryers—life-changing tools for many constituents. Widows, orphans, and the elderly regularly benefit from welfare packages and palliatives under his HAMDROMI Palliative Drive.
Makinde has also left footprints in areas often neglected by politicians: security, sports, and culture. He donated patrol vehicles to police divisions across Ondo East and West to boost security, sponsored the Ondo City Marathon—the biggest in the state—and facilitated scholarships for local football talents in partnership with academies. He has equally supported indigenous entertainers, ensuring that culture and creativity continue to thrive in Ondo.
What truly distinguishes Makinde is his openness and accountability. He has severally held Town Hall meetings with constituents, where he presented his scorecard and received feedback. This gesture of transparency sets him apart as a lawmaker who listens as much as he delivers.
His appointment by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa as the Director-General of his governorship campaign council in the November 16 2024 governorship election in Ondo State further attests to his political weight, organizational skills, and growing influence within the All Progressives Congress (APC). The decision was not merely a political gesture but a strategic endorsement of his proven capacity to mobilize people, coordinate large-scale political structures, and deliver tangible results. Under his coordination, the Aiyedatiwa Campaign Council ran one of the most disciplined, issue-based, and people-oriented campaigns in recent political history of the state. The effectiveness of his leadership was clearly reflected in the outcome of the governorship election, where the APC recorded a resounding victory across all 18 local government areas of Ondo State—a feat that reaffirmed the party’s dominance and the strength of its grassroots machinery.
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SIMONE GBAGBO OR ALASANE OUATTARA?
In Ivoiriens elect a new president tomorrow,writes VICTOR C. ARIOLE
See page 21
LAWMA’S NEW PLAYBOOK ON THE ENVIRONMENT Indiscriminate dumping of refuse has consequences, writes MUYIWA GBADEGESIN
page 21
opinion@thisdaylive.com
JOSHUA J. OMOJUWA argues that job prospects are good in every area of the economy
NIGERIA NEEDS TO CREATE MORE JOBS
I organized a big event last year that exposed me to an unusual number of rejections. Even some close friends had no choice but to say no. I understood everyone, the economy was biting so hard, even a clinically deluded person would have recovered enough to know what the weather was saying. The rational thing was to postpone execution, but I was adamant. Execution is my forte. My thinking was that not starting was going to cost more than whatever it took to start. That same event has found raising money a lot easier this year. From the perspective of this experience alone, I can say without a doubt that things are improving. And this is not my only data point. That said, we have a long way to go and creating jobs is an inescapable part of that journey.
How do we create new jobs? What economic sectors offer prospects for mass job creation? Where are the new opportunities? What are we doing wrong today? What can we do better? The answers are less about slogans and more about execution. Jobs grow when countries lower the cost of doing business, raise the reliability of basic services, and match skills with demand. If Nigeria treats jobs as a national mission with quarterly milestones, the flywheel can start to turn.
Are we even taking measurements?
Agriculture offers a massive opportunity. The fastest path to mass employment here is to deepen value chains. Move from farming alone to a system that includes inputs, irrigation, storage, processing, packaging, and distribution. Fund rural roads and small bridges. Co-finance cold rooms and warehouses. I watched Chief Adeoluwa Adeshola, the accomplished agropreneur, make some of these points in a recent interview. Promote contract farming so processors can guarantee supply, and farmers can lock in prices. Build mechanisation hubs that rent small equipment to cooperatives. Every tonne saved from spoilage protects incomes and preserves jobs.
My foray into construction and housing shows that there are opportunities here too. Can we launch an affordable housing programme with standardised designs, local materials, and off take guarantees?
The Renewed Hope Housing Project is a good start but more needs to be done on that front. We can begin to tie projects to apprenticeship schemes for masons, carpenters, electricians, and site managers. We don’t have enough of these skills in Nigeria, ridiculous as that sounds. Prioritise feeder roads, urban transit, and water works. Construction absorbs large numbers of medium skill workers and creates steady orders for local suppliers.
Energy and clean tech. Reliable power multiplies employment across sectors. Upgrade transmission, enable commercial mini grids, and simplify permits for commercial solar. Create national training for solar installers and appliance technicians. Cleaner cooking fuels open new distribution and after sales roles, especially for women led enterprises. Each additional megawatt creates design, finance, installation, and maintenance jobs.
Light manufacturing and assembly are big prospects. We can focus on clusterbased competitiveness rather than isolated factories. Time to develop serviced parks near ports and major markets with reliable power, water, security, and testing labs. We then set predictable tariffs that allow input imports while encouraging local value addition.
We can expand export readiness through standards, packaging, and logistics partnerships. When one anchor arrives, suppliers follow, and jobs compound. Digital services and the creative economy is another opportunity. Business process outsourcing, online customer support, cloud operations, and game or animation studios can employ thousands if connectivity is affordable and power stable. Set up digital work hubs in each state with subsidised broadband and reliable electricity. Link hubs to global talent platforms. Pair software training with paid gigs so learning converts to income. Grow Nollywood and Afrobeats through production finance, rights management, and skilled postproduction roles.
What about logistics and trade facilitation? Every hour saved from farm or factory to market lowers costs and funds new hiring. Modernise ports, digitise customs, and enforce single window clearance as the government appears to be pursuing. Encourage competition in trucking and rail freight. Build dry ports and regional distribution centres. Streamlined trade is a jobs policy. Health and education services offer a lot of prospects for job creation too. We can empower community health workers, upgrade primary care, and localise basic
medical supply chains. That Red Letter from the Minister of Health? Let’s put words to action. In education, scale teacher training, tutoring, and edtech for foundational literacy and numeracy. These sectors hire directly and raise human capital for every other sector. Platforms like Krystal Digital, led my Temitope Ogunsemo, have led the way here.
Effort is split across too many agencies with shifting rules and overlapping mandates. Multiple taxes and informal levies choke small firms and discourage hiring, so the new tax regime couldn’t have come sooner. Power is better but it remains unstable, and backup energy is costly, which erodes margins.
It is time to stabilise the basics. Macroeconomic stability is a jobs plan. Continue to tame inflation, do not derail the foreign exchange strategy. It is time to build skills that match demand. The government’s commitment to vocational education by offering stipends to students is a welcome incentive. We must now equip technical colleges with modern tools. Tie training to verified job slots, not generic certificates.
You can’t effectively grow what you don’t measure. We should measure and publish regular job reports. Create a quarterly jobs dashboard that reports net new formal jobs, enterprise registrations, apprenticeships, export volumes, power connections, and permit times. Keep the public engaged.
Nigeria has the people, market, and resilience. What we need is discipline around a short list of actions and the patience to stick with them. Choose engines that hire widely. Lower the cost of basics. Make rules simple. Finance what already works. Train for real jobs. Protect the roads, the ports, and the grid. Invite the diaspora to co-invest under clear rules. Then keep score in public. Jobs are the difference between dignity and despair. Treat them as the first test of policy. If Nigeria must consolidate, this economy must create and keep track of jobs.
Omojuwa is chief strategist, Alpha Reach/BGX Publishing
Indiscriminate dumping of refuse has consequences, writes
MUYIWA GBADEGESIN
LAWMA’S NEW PLAYBOOK ON THE ENVIRONMENT
In May, a short video clip sparked public outrage: a driver pulled up on the Alapere Link Bridge, opened the boot of his car, and tipped household refuse onto the carriageway before driving off. Within hours, our enforcement teams, working with the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC/KAI), identified and arrested the suspect.
By May 22–23, the Environmental and Special Offences Court sitting in Oshodi had ordered his remand at Kirikiri Correctional Centre, with the case adjourned for further hearing. The message was clear: indiscriminate dumping has consequences in Lagos.
That incident was not a one-off. In the weeks leading up to the arrest, we had publicly appealed for information and even offered a modest reward to help identify a serial dumper operating on the same bridge—an appeal supported by surveillance from field officers and tips from nearby traders. Community vigilance is not a slogan; it is the difference between a video that trends for a day and an arrest that deters repeat behaviour.
As Managing Director of LAWMA, I view enforcement through the lens of Lagos’s geography and exposure. We are a heavily populated, low-lying coastal state where rainfall can be intense and tidal influence is real. A bag of refuse tossed into a drain in Ketu does not disappear; it blocks culverts, exacerbates flooding, pushes contaminated water into homes and markets, and sends plastics and organics down our canals into the lagoons and the Atlantic.
Illegal dumping raises vector-borne disease risks, degrades fisheries and recreation, and imposes real economic costs on traders, commuters, and households after every downpour. This is why enforcement is integral to our waste-management system: it protects public health, climate resilience, and everyday livelihoods.
Over the past year, we have moved from episodic crackdowns to a standing, intelligence-led model that couples quick prosecution with community vigilance. In September 2025, our Legal Department filed 10 new matters against more than 25 individuals and business entities, acting on intelligence from private surveillance teams, estate associations and residents, and LAGESC across Egbeda, Ayobo, Ketu, Alimosho, Lekki, and Iyana Ipaja.
During the same review period, the Environmental and Special Offences Courts delivered judgments in over 80 environmental cases, imposing penalties
totalling ₦15,090,000. Defaulters who could not pay received community service or were remanded at the appropriate correctional facilities—real consequences that raise the cost of non-compliance.
The pipeline is steady and transparent. From September 2024 to September 2025, LAWMA instituted 155 environmental-offence matters, concluded 82, and is prosecuting 46 ongoing trials, with 27 fresh summonses awaiting judicial endorsement. These are not isolated figures; they describe a system moving consistently from evidence to consequence.
The offences we encounter most frequently are straightforward but deeply harmful: failure to patronise accredited PSP operators; transportation of waste through unauthorised channels; dumping in drains, canals, and other unapproved locations; and failure to provide proper on-site storage.
These behaviours are illegal under the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law, 2017—among others, sections 79, 81, 85, 86, 88, 109, 118(1), 140, 144, and 169(1)(b)—because they place the many at risk for the convenience of a few.
Our operating philosophy is simple: enforcement works best when it is people-powered, preventive, and fair. We are strengthening multi-level intelligence gathering with estate and resident committees that monitor and report violations; encouraging whistle-blowers to share real-time, verifiable tips; and coordinating closely with LAGESC and the Ministry of Justice so that credible cases move quickly from arrest to prosecution.
We are also restoring the everyday presence of Environmental Health Officers—the “wole-wole”—whose inspections and guidance help stop problems before they escalate. This is how we make enforcement less about surprise raids and more about consistent standards that everyone understands.
The stakes are high in a coastal megacity. A single blocked culvert can back up stormwater across multiple streets; night-time tipping into canals travels downstream into wetlands and beaches; informal haulage scatters refuse along corridors that serve schools and markets.
By raising the cost of environmental offences through fines, community service, and, where necessary, custodial sentences, we keep drains clear, canals flowing, and neighbourhoods safer when the clouds open. The Alapere case shows what this looks like in practice: credible surveillance, swift arrest, and an unambiguous judicial response.
Dr Gbadegesin is Managing Director, LAWMA
Ivoiriens elect a new president tomorrow,writes VICTOR C. ARIOLE
SIMONE GBAGBO OR ALASANE OUATTARA?
Come tomorrow, 25th October, 2025, Ivoiriens trouping to the polls will let the world know if they want to perpetuate Alasane Ouattara as the indispensable maximum ruler of Côte d’Ivoire or decide otherwise with the only viable candidate facing him being the estranged wife of Laurent Gbagbo – the man who, thrice challenged the established order set by the founding President of Côte d’Ivoire, Felix Houphouet-Boigny. Felix Houphouet Boigny and his followers do not believe in either socialism or communism hence his preference for either Alasane Ouattara –
his Prime Minister, or Henri Konan Bedie – President of the National Assembly, then – as his viable successors. Both of them IMF/World Bank Protégées. They all, once, served IMF/World Bank also. Henry Konan Bedie served out his first term – 1993 – 1998, with interim period added. He created problem for himself by insisting that Alasane Ouattara must not be allowed to contest against him on the grounds of “Ivoirité” – Mother and father must be Ivoirien to be eligible as a Presidential candidate. Protest went on against that till an Army General – Robert Guei took over the realm of power in 1999 and tried to organize fresh elections and foolishly joined as candidate. He declared himself the winner but Ivoiriens could not take the insult hence they marched to the State House and deposed him to allow Laurent Gbagbo, a fellow contestant to assume the presidency. Laurent Gbagbo was at the helm of affairs in a tumultuous Côte d’Ivoire from 26th October 2000 to 11th April 2011 when he was brutally removed by the help of France to restore Alasane Ouattara as the winner of the election held, in still a divided Côte d’Ivoire in a civil war between North and South that started on 19th September 2002 and ended on 4th March 2007 forcing even the relocation of African Development Bank to Tunisia. Gbagbo was President without election till 2010. Elections were postponed due to civil war. The peace accord of 2007 allowed Alasane Ouattara to stand as candidate on 25th October 2010; and he won the election but Laurent Gbagbo refused to concede power to him. It was assumed that it was second term election for Laurent Gbagbo who has been enabled by the civil war to be in power. The same scenario is about to repeat itself as Ivoiriens go to the polls on 25th October 2025. The constitutional council
that regulates how public powers are to function and the Independent Electoral Commission in charge of organizing and managing elections seem not to be in sync on who must stand for presidential election. Two powerful contestants are declared ineligible by the constitutional council; Laurent Gbagbo based on his court conviction yet to run its full course and Tidjani Thiam – a Senegalese Ivoirien – based on his double nationality of France and Côte d’Ivoire. Tidjani Thiam, massively favoured in line with what Felix Houphouet Boigny’s PDCI – RDA stands
for; and presented as their best candidate, has renounced his France’s nationality just of recent. While that seems not be the issue, the electoral body is worried that he is not registered as an electorate, and could easily toe the line of its law that does not make it compulsory for a presidential candidate to be or not to be on electoral list. A great dilemma. PDCI – RDA (Parti Démocratique de la Côte d’Ivoire –Ressemblement Démocratique Africain) is the leading Party in Francophone Africa at Independence, differing from Senghor’s Socialist Party and Modibo Keita’s Communist inclined Mali. Tidjani Thiam is leading the party as at today in Côte d’Ivoire and it is the same Party that gave Alasane Ouattara the shine he is enjoying today notwithstanding his new party still coined in line with PDCI – Rassemblement Des Houphouetistes pour la Démocratie et la Paix (RHDP). Even Simone Gbagbo with her new party of Mouvement des Générations Capables (MGC) is somehow Houphouetist oriented, and come October 25, she is going to stand as the voice Ivoiriens must meet in compromise or must reject in shame. Note, his estranged husband was also the voice that provided alternative to the Ivoiriens in 1990 when Côte d’Ivoire seemed to be the guarded enclave of Felix Houphouet Boigny. He was also the person who made it impossible for Army General, Guei, to take over power, and finally he nearly made it impossible for Alasane Ouattara to assume power in 2010. The die is cast and like Ivoiriens always say, The Elephant, their symbol, is a peaceful animal until you hurt it, and total destruction of the aggressor follows.
Ariole is Professor of French and Francophone Studies at University of Lagos
Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA
SUPER EAGLES MUST SEIZE THE MOMENT
The sporting authorities should work to ensure Super Eagles victory in the playoffs
Nigeria’s senior men’s football team, the Super Eagles, have completed the 10-match African qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, finishing second behind South Africa. It was an anticlimax for the race which began in November 2023. But it could have been worse. By a stroke of fortune, Nigeria qualified on the last day as one of the four best runners up nations in the nine groups. The other three nations for the playoffs include Gabon, Cameroon, and Democratic Republic of Congo. The reward is a trip to Morocco next month to play in the series with the hope of winning Africa’s ticket to the Intercontinental Playoffs in Mexico where two tickets are available for the World Cup.
For a country of over 220 million citizens who love the game of football, the inability to qualify for the World Cup back-to-back would be an anathema. This is the reason why the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the National Sports Commission (NSC) must work to ensure that the Super Eagles win the African playoffs in Morocco and qualify for the Intercontinental Playoffs in March next year.
The players must realise that this is another opportunity for them to right the wrong of whatever may have happened in the qualifiers
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
However, before focusing on the Intercontinental playoffs, Gabon and the winner of the Cameroon versus D.R. Congo should not be taken for granted. Everything necessary must be put in place to ensure that Super Eagles lack nothing ahead of the trip to Morocco. The players must also realise that this is another opportunity for them to right the wrong of whatever may have happened in the qualifiers. Besides, some of them may not have the opportunities to attend the World Cup in their football careers if they fail with this second chance offered by this playoffs window.
When the draws were done in November 2023, there was excitement in the Nigerian camp that it would be a smooth sail for Super
EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN
THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE
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
Eagles to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after missing the last edition in Qatar in 2022. The Group C pairings had Nigeria, South Africa, Rwanda, Benin Republic, Zimbabwe and Lesotho. But when the qualifiers began, it turned out to be another nightmare for Nigeria. The Super Eagles drew their first three matches and lost the fourth to earn a miserable three points from a possible 12! The results were: Nigeria 0-0 Lesotho; Zimbabwe 1-1 Nigeria; Nigeria 1-1 South Africa and Benin Republic 2-1 Nigeria. With Portuguese coach, Jose Peseiro who started the qualifiers out of the way, ex-international, Finidi George took over the mantle, but he didn’t fare any better. The defeat of Super Eagles in Abidjan, the adopted home of the Benin Cheetahs, also forced the former Ajax winger to step down from the job.
With Nigeria in fifth place at the time, there were calls for something urgent to be done to restore the country’s dignity in the qualification series. That was how Franco-Malian Eric Sekou Chelle arrived at the job. He momentarily brought smiles to the faces of Nigerians. The Super Eagles revived their campaigns with first victory in five matches in March this year, defeating Rwanda 2-0 away in Kigali. Hopes of consolidating against Zimbabwe at home in Uyo a week later fell through as the Warriors snatched a late 90th minute equalizer against the Super Eagles.
With FIFA finally sanctioning South Africa by deducting three points and three goals for the use of ineligible Teboho Mokoena, the gap at the top of the table narrowed. Nigeria then had their eyes on winning the two remaining matches with many goals to stand any chance of finishing as Group C winners or runners up. Having achieved the latter, the onus is now on the Super Eagles to win three more matches for Nigeria’s flag to fly at the 2026 World Cup.
APC AND THE PDP PREDICAMENT
There is a Hausa commonsensical maxim that says: “Da na gaba ake gane zurfin ruwa.” Literally, this means that the depth of a river is best known from those who have crossed it earlier. In this political experiment, on one hand stands the PDP, which, except for divine intervention, has seemingly arrived at its final resting place and on the other hand stands the APC, the chief beneficiary of the PDP’s misfortunes. In a manner that may soon turn Nigeria into a one-party democracy, almost all opposition politicians, particularly state governors, are pitching their political tents with the ruling APC. Consequently, the party and its supporters are expectedly celebrating the PDP’s decline. While this may appear politically expedient, it is equally important for the APC to look at PDP’s trajectory through the lens of history, and perhaps learn a lesson or two. Unlike the APC of today, the PDP was far stronger, more coordinated, and better organised during its heyday. As a result of its high organisational capacity, the PDP, from 1999 to
around 2013, wielded almost total control of Nigeria’s political machinery. The party got virtually everything it wanted, except for Obasanjo’s third-term bid, which was defeated both from within and from without.
Also, compared to the situation today, where FCT Minister Nyesom Wike is allegedly playing a Tinubu card within a PDP consumed by internal wrangling, the APC has much to learn from the party that once boasted it would rule Nigeria for 60 years. When the PDP held sway, it did not go about destabilising opposition political parties in a hide-and-seek fashion. Opposition politics then was largely confined to the states. In Abuja, opposition parties existed more as symbols of identity than as real contenders for power. This created instances where party executives were at loggerheads with their own leaders or flag bearers.
Students of Nigeria’s political history will recall that at several points, governors of the defunct ANPP, the main opposition party at the time, often had conflicting interests
with the late Muhammadu Buhari, the party’s two-time presidential flag bearer and the nation`s main opposition leader. The ANPP leadership and some of its governors openly fraternised with the PDP even when Buhari was in court challenging the latter’s 2003 presidential victory. This shows how President Obasanjo successfully infiltrated the opposition’s ranks and weakened its collective strength. Moreover, when it held power, the PDP maintained a far more rewarding political system. Its card carrying members were far more loyal to the party than what is obtainable in the APC today. Membership of the PDP came with tangible benefits, appointments, contracts, and a sense of belonging, elements that helped to sustain the party’s structure across the country. The APC, on the other hand, is yet to develop a comparable internal system of reward and discipline.
Mukhtar Jarmajo, Kukadi-Gundari Ward, Misau LGA, Bauchi State
Celebration Life
With gratitude to God for a life well spent, we commiserate with our dear friend and sister, Emem Usoro, on the passing of her beloved Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunty and In-Law
Deaconess (Mrs.)
1946 - 2025
(Nee Mma Inyang)
Eno Nnana Usoro
FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS
SERVICE OF SONGS
NIGHT OF WORSHIP/ TRIBUTES
FUNERAL SERVICE
THANKSGIVING SERVICE of
Thursday 23rd October, 2025 | 4:00 p.m- 6:00 p.m
Mount Zion Light House Full Gospel Church Ikot Akpa Ayara, Ndiya, Akwa Ibom State
Friday 24th October, 2025 | 4:00 p.m-9:00 p.m
Four Points by Sheraton, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State
Saturday 25th October, 2025 | 10:00 a.m
Federal Government College (FGC) Ikot Ekpene, Along Old Itu Road, Akwa Ibom State Private Internment at Family Compound (Family members only)
Reception follows after
Sunday 26th October, 2025 | 10:00 a.m
Mount Zion Light House Full Gospel Church, Ikot Akpa Ayara, Ndiya, Akwa Ibom State
SIGNED: FRIENDS OF EMEM USORO
L-R: Managing Director, Moniepoint MFB, Babatunde Olofin; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; and Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Moniepoint Inc, Didi Uwemakpan, at the launch of the Nigerian first informal economy AI chatbot and the report, held in Abuja… recently
L -R: Resident, FREEE Art Residency Programme, Gift Akwajie; Managing Director, FREEE Recycle Limited, Ifedolapo Runsewe; Professor of Arts, Obafemi Awolowo University/Programme Director, FREEE Art Residency, Ajiboye Olusegun; and Resident, FREEE Art Residency Programme, Mr. Adesanya Emmanuel, at the FREEE Art Residency exhibition held in Lagos to commemorate FREEE Recycle Limited’s 5th anniversary celebration… recently
L-R: Alternate Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Judiciary Committee, Nosa Francis Edo-Osagie; Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Edo State, Dr Samson Raphael Osagie; Life Bencher and member Judicial Service Commission, Edo State, Rasaq Isenalhume; Hon Justice Mathias Obayuwana; and former Secretary, NBA, Benin branch, David Maduku, at a ceremony to herald the commencement of the new legal year of the Edo State judiciary held in Benin-city, Edo State… recently
L-R: Professor of Communication, University of Lagos, Adepoju Tejumaiye; Director, Poverty Alleviation Department, Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Toyin Salami; Executive Principal, Docenti Global Business School/book reviewer, Associate Professor Humphrey Akanazu; and Professor of Economics and Policy, Pan Atlantic University and Keynote Speaker, Adi Bongo, at the maiden discourse series on poverty reduction and book presentation, held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island, Lagos… recently
L-R: Member of the House of Representatives (representing Epe federal constituency), Hon. Wale Raji; Director-General, Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Mr. Olayiwola Awakan; former Director-General, Nigerian Tourism Development Cooperation, Mrs. Omotayo Omotosho; and the Lisa of Iseri-Oke, Alhaji Morufu Awakan, during Ola Awakan’s ‘Tafawa Balewa: The Golden Voice of Africa’ production to commemorate Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary held in Lagos… recently
L-R: Partner, Udo Udoma and Belo-Osagie(UUBO), Lolade Ososami; Partner, UUBO, Godson Ogheneochuko (SAN); Partner, UUBO, Mena Ajakpovi; Partner, UUBO, Christine Sijuwade; and another Partner, UUBO, Festus Onyia, at the 2025 SAN conferment ceremony held in Abuja… recently
RATES AS AT Oc TO b ER
23,2025
There are strong indications that the challenge in Visa processing is stifling tourism growth in Nigeria, causing the nation to gradually lose billions of dollars that would have been earned if it has liberal visa process and comes as affordable as that of other countries in Africa, THISDAY investigation has revealed.
Tourism has been described by travel experts as low hanging
fruits because a country does not need to invest hugely before it begins to earn from tourism.
In Nigeria, stringent visa processing is discouraging international businessmen who may want to come to the country to invest.
THISDAY investigation revealed that the cost of a work visa in Nigeria is reportedly among the highest in Africa, with a fee of $2,000 annually for foreign employees. This fee is significantly higher than those in countries
like South Africa ($777), Ghana ($1,000), and Rwanda (around $124 for a two-year permit).
Like Nigeria, Ethiopia charge more for multi-year permits, but the high cost of work visas is cited as a major deterrent to foreign investment in Nigeria. Reports indicate that tourism has the potential to bring billions of dollars to Nigeria’s economy, with some estimates suggesting the sector can reach $5 billion in five years and contribute nearly N12.3
trillion to GDP by 2032. Experts who spoke to THISDAY said that while the federal government is seemingly promoting tourism and shows off improvement it has made so far, its agencies are however, constituting obstacles to easy access to Nigeria by tourists and investors.
The Group Managing Director, Finchglow Holdings Limited and former President of National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies
(NANTA), Bankole Bernard, told THISDAY in a telephone interview on Wednesday that if Nigeria actually wished to develop its tourism industry, it needed to be tourism ready, emphasising that whenever Nigeria gets ready to earn huge money from tourism, the signs will show in all ramifications.
Bernard who is the current President of Association of African Aviation Training Organisations, Nigeria
(AATON), also cited example with Saudi Arabia, saying that despite the fact that the country records about 13 million tourists every year, including those who visit the country on pilgrimage, Saudi Arabia plans to attract $80 billion in private investment to supplement state funding for tourism development with the target to grow more than twice the number of tourists that visit the country annually.
Emma Okonji
The Microsoft Digital Defense Report (MDDR 2025) released on Wednesday, has exposed how new cyber threats such as AI-generated content is flooding digital spaces, overwhelming detection systems and enabling deepfakeenabled fraud, voice
cloning, and the creation of synthetic identities at scale.
The report highlights a 195 per cent global increase in AI-generated IDs used to bypass identity verification and exploit free trials or launch attacks from disposable tenants.
The MDDR 2025 report, which offered a sweeping
view of the global cyber threat landscape, further explained that the attackers target individual and organisation’s data for financial gains, with Africa as their focus, especially in South Africa, Nigeria and Egypt, where the attack is highest.
Microsoft, in the report, provided critical insights for business leaders across
Africa on how to detect and disrupt the attacks.
Drawing from Microsoft’s unique vantage point and over 100 trillion daily security signals, the report highlights a significant expansion in the reach of cybercriminals over the past year, with a growing focus on North and South African countries. It also details
how nation-state actors are refining their methods, harnessing artificial intelligence, exploiting trusted platforms, and targeting high-value industries with remarkable accuracy.
Analysing the report, Microsoft’s Chief Security Advisor for Africa, Kerissa Varma, said: “Africa isn’t just a target, it
has become a proving ground for the latest cyber threats. We’re witnessing attackers harness AI to craft phishing messages tailored to local languages and cultural contexts, impersonate trusted individuals, and exploit the very platforms we depend on.
Chinedu Eze
ESET Research Analyses Cyberespionage Campaign Link to Operation DreamJob
Emma Okonji
ESET researchers have observed a new instance of Operation DreamJob, a campaign that it tracked under the umbrella of North Korea-aligned Lazarus, in which several European companies active in the defense industry were targeted.
Lazarus attacks against companies developing UAV technology align with recently reported
Some of these are heavily involved in the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) sector, suggesting that the operation may be linked to North Korea’s current efforts to scale up its drone programme. It discusses the broader geopolitical implications of the campaign and provides a high-level overview of the toolset used by the attackers.
developments in the North Korean drone programme. Its first appearance dates to late 2022, when its dropper was uploaded to VirusTotal. Soon after, it was seen in the wild, and since then in multiple attacks attributed to Lazarus’ Operation DreamJob campaigns, which makes it the attacker’s payload of choice for already three years,” the research report said.
OPPO: A6 Pro Breakthrough for A-series Lineup
Smartphone giant OPPO has described its new product, the OPPO A6 Pro, as a breakthrough for the A-series lineup.
Product Marketing Manager at OPPO, Caroline Wang, disclosed this recently at an exclusive launch event of the OPPO A6 Pro held in Ikeja, marking another milestone in the brand’s commitment to delivering power, durability, and sleek design
to Nigerian consumers.
Speaking at the event, Caroline Wang said, “The OPPO A6 Pro Series represents the most advanced evolution of the A-series yet, setting new standards in design, display, camera, and overall performance. It delivers flagship-grade innovation and power to a wider range of users at an impressively accessible price point.”
The highly anticipated launch drew tech enthusiasts, media personalities, and OPPO brand partners who gathered to experience firsthand the A6 Pro’s standout features — a massive 7,000mAh ultra-large battery, 80W SUPERVOOC Flash Charge, and military-grade durability that redefine longevity and resilience in a mid-range device.
Farmlinkup Poised to Connect Farmers with Customers in Nigeria
An entrepreneur, Mr. Omoyele Omonira has enjoined youths in the country to embrace agriculture in order to boost food sufficiency, create jobs and increase farm products.
This is just as he assured that an online platform he founded, farmlinkup.com is positioned to market whatever they produced by connecting them with consumers in Nigeria, Africa and the world at large.
Omonira who is the Chief Operating Officer, Ultiads Resources, while addressing journalists in Ibadan, said
the platform is a farmers hub which ensure they sell their farm or agricultural products faster, noting that most agricultural products are perishable products thereby causing huge loss to efforts put into production by the farmers. According to him, the platform which has
over 50,000 subscribers, encourages consumers and all citizens through the patronage of nutritional, fresh farm products, agricultural equipments and services, stating that it was created as a marketplace for farmers where they can link up or project their farm produce and services to the world.
LG Electronics, Ecobank Unite to Transform Homes
LG Electronics Nigeria and Ecobank Nigeria have joined forces to redefine smart living for Nigerians through a partnership that blends cutting-edge AI technology with accessible financing solutions.
Air WAtCh
On Sunday, October 26, 2025, Nigeria’s major carrier, Air Peace, will mark its inaugural flight from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja to London Heathrow Airport.
That date will be a year and seven months that Air Peace commenced direct flight to London Gatwick from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
Many Nigerians were impressed by the good record Air Peace has maintained so far in its Lagos-London flights and hope the airline will replicate same in the new route.
Some Nigerians who travelled with the airline to London gave reviews of the flights and some of them made recommendations. Almost all the reviews were positive and encouraging and it is because of the success of the operations that British authorities granted the airline the request to operate from Abuja to London.
to either Heathrow or Gatwick using a single ticket, eliminating the need for multiple bookings or baggage re-checks
Also, travellers from London can access multiple destinations across Nigeria using a single Air Peace ticket through Abuja every morning. These destinations are Lagos, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Benin, Warri, Owerri, Kano, Yola, Gombe and Asaba, for now. Other destinations will be added later.
Air Peace provides a distinct competitive advantage, enabling passengers to travel between Nigeria and the United Kingdom with greater ease, efficiency, and value, due to the possibility of choosing multiple cities entry and exit points.
The Nigerian carrier has the cheapest fare on that route, starting from only N1 million round trips with huge baggage allowance.
Comms/e-Business
Asst.
Asst.
Nume
Correspondents
Kayodetokede(CapitalMarkets)
James Emejo (Finance)
Ebere Nwoji (Insurance)
reporter Peter Uzoho (Energy)
During the event, General Manager, Media Entertainment Solutions, TV Division, Mr. Choongbae Seok, emphasised that LG’s goal had always been to make innovation part of everyday life by integrating Artificial Intelligence across its product range.
“Our AI-powered products are designed to simplify living, enhance comfort and create a connected lifestyle for our customers. With AI at the heart of our innovation, LG continues to redefine what
it means to live smart,” he said.
Speaking on the partnership, Head, Distribution Channels/ Sales, Ecobank Nigeria, Dr. Adeola Ogunyemi, said: “We believe technology should be accessible to everyone, not just a select few. Our partnership with LG is a powerful step toward democratizing smart living by offering flexible payment plans that put premium AIpowered devices within reach of more Nigerians. By combining Ecobank’s financial expertise with LG’s cutting-edge innovation, we are creating opportunities for households to embrace smarter, more connected lifestyles without the burden of upfront costs.
Industry stakeholders gave kudos to the President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for the invaluable support they give to Nigerian carriers, especially Air Peace on international flight service and the inclination of the administration to encourage the business community in Nigeria.
It was learnt that Air Peace has received commendations from the management of Gatwick Airport, London. As a very busy airport that operates on slot allocation, Air Peace came second best in descent of the aircraft to the runway (that is approach and landing) among 50-58 airlines that operate to that airport. This shows demonstration of high level skills and precision by the pilots of the airline who operate flights to London.
After many years, and over a decade, a Nigerian carrier is offering international flight services from Abuja to both London Heathrow and London Gatwick Airports.
The airline has said that travellers originating from any of Air Peace’s domestic destinations across Nigeria can now book through fares via Abuja
Spokesman of the airline, Efe OsifoWhiskey, said: “With a proven track record of challenging the status quo and pioneering transformative routes in African aviation, Air Peace continues to raise the bar with the announcement of the Abuja–London service. The latest offer round-trip fares starting from just N1 Million and unmatched domestic connectivity is yet another bold step in democratizing international air travel for Nigerians.”
Osifo-Whiskey also spoke about how travellers were responding to the new route, saying: “The response has been very encouraging. Since the commencement of ticket sales for our Abuja–London flights, we’ve recorded strong bookings across all classes, reflecting growing passenger confidence in Air Peace’s expanding international network.”
He said that the feedback from travel partners has been overwhelmingly positive.
“Many of them have commended our competitive fares, convenient schedules, and top-notch service standards. They’ve also expressed excitement about the additional connectivity and flexibility this new route offers to their clients.”
Chinedu Eze
Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan
NECA Partners UNDP on Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme to Boost Graduate Employability
In renewed efforts to address youth unemployment and strengthen the connection between education and industry, the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has partnered with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to roll out the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) 2.0.
Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, will launch the program yesterday at the State House in Abuja.
According to the Director General of NECA, AdewaleSmatt Oyerinde, the partnership follows a recent strategy meeting between the UNDP–NJFP team and NECA, during which both parties agreed on key actions to ensure the success of the next phase of the programme,
Google, World Bank Collaborate on AI-powered Infrastructure
Google and the World Bank Group have announced a new alliance to accelerate digital transformation in emerging markets.
The collaboration focuses on deploying Open Network Stacks, which act like digital infrastructure to help citizens access vital services.
By combining Google Cloud’s AI technology, including its Gemini models, with the World Bank Group’s development expertise, the initiative helps governments quickly create interoperable networks for critical sectors like agriculture, healthcare
and skilling. Citizens can interact with these AI-powered services in over 40 languages, even on simple devices.
The collaboration builds on a successful pro bono pilot in Uttar Pradesh in India that helped thousands of smallholder farmers increase profitability. To foster a sustainable and open ecosystem, Google.org is providing funding to the new nonprofit Networks for Humanity (NFH), to build universal digital infrastructure, establish regional innovation labs and pilot social impact applications globally.
New Horizons Wins Global ICT Award
CompTIA Inc, the world’s leading ICT certification company, headquartered in Illinois USA, has named New Horizons Nigeria the Best ICT training/ certification organisation in Africa (Emerging Academic Partner Award) for 2025.
The award was based on revenue generated, quality of training and certification delivery and overall students’ satisfaction rating.
Among CompTIA most popular certifications are
Security plus (S+), Hardware (A+), Network (N+) among others.
In a ceremony held at The Piazza Hotel in Johannesburg, South Africa, CompTIA on October 9 2025, honoured New Horizons Nigeria with the prestigious CompTIA Africa Emerging Partner of the Year in Academic Delivery award.
The recognition marked another milestone in New Horizons Nigeria’s journey of empowering individuals and institutions through cutting-edge technology and hands-on training.
which will be handed over to the Federal Government in 2027 for full continuation.
The Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme is a flagship initiative of the federal government supported by the European Union. The NJFP was established to bridge the gap between young graduates and the labour market by providing 12-month, fully paid work placements across private, public, development, and NGO sectors. Each Fellow will receive a N150,000 (one hundred and fifty thousand naira) monthly stipend, fully
funded by the programme, along with mentorship and market-oriented training to enhance workplace readiness.
Oyerinde stated that the association will play a central role in connecting employers to the growing pool of trained fellows by co-leading a Job
Fair, which will be held as a side event during the official launch of NJFP 2.0. According to him, the job fair will bring together major employers across key sectors to interact with NJFP Fellows and explore placement opportunities.
Estonia, Finland Set to Build Nigeria’s Digital Infrastructure
Stories by Emma Okonji
The European Union (EU) has pledged to bring in Estonia and Finland to build Nigeria’s digital infrastructure.
The EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Guatier Mignot, made the pledge during the Nigeria GovTech Conference and Awards 2025, organised recently in Abuja.
According to Mignot, the EU will bring in Estonia and Finland that have very advanced digital technology infrastructure to come to
Nigeria and help the EU build Nigeria’s digital infrastructure.
“The solution we are looking at in with regards to the digital public infrastructure, is a solution that the Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani had identified in Estonia, which Estonia and many other countries had already applied, which is called the X Road.
“It’s the overall model and technology that connects all the public sector within the public sector, including users,”
Mignot said. According to him, “The model is done in a way that protects your data, in the sense that you are not only exposed to knowledge of your data beyond what is strictly authorised by the user, but also, it’s done in a way that the system prompts you to know whether it’s about a school registration or your insurance or whatever, the system will help you follow up on whatever you need to do with the public authorities.”
The Secretary to the
Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Innovation Science and Technology, Mrs. Esuabana Nko-Asanye, said: “It calls on us to reflect on the progress we have made, identify the gaps that we met and chat new pathways to the digital transformation of Nigeria’s public sector in ways that directly impact governance and stimulate economic growth.”
Sophos Launches ITDR to Protect Identity-based Attacks
Sophos, a global leader of innovative security solutions for defeating cyberattacks, has announced the launch of Sophos Identity Threat Detection and Response (ITDR).
The new solution for Sophos XDR and Sophos MDR continuously monitors customer environments for identity risks and
misconfigurations and scans the dark web for compromised credentials.
It enables organisations to detect and respond to identitybased attacks rapidly and identify risky user behavior that could pose a threat to their business.
The launch is a significant milestone building on the Secureworks acquisition,
broadening Sophos’ portfolio and is the first Secureworks solution that has been fully integrated into the Sophos Central platform, further enabling comprehensive security operations outcomes for its 600,000 customers.
Sophos ITDR addresses identity-based attacks, one of the fastest-growing threat vectors globally. Sophos
X-Ops observed a 106 percent increase in stolen credentials for sale on the dark web between June 2024 and June 2025, underscoring the growing risk.
SVP, Product Management, Sophos, Rob Harrison, said: “Cloud and remote work have expanded the identity attack surface and created new opportunities for attackers.
OnePipe Introduces Automated Solution to Address Payment Stress
OnePipe, a payment solution company has unveiled a new payment scheduling feature within its PaywithAccount platform, enabling Nigerians to automate essential payments including electricity, airtime, and mobile data subscriptions. The new scheduling solution, launched in response to rising consumer demand for simplified payments,
allows users to effortlessly automate recurring payments directly from their existing bank accounts through paywithaccount.com.
Product Manager, PaywithAccount, Akin Olunloye, emphasised the rationale behind the launch, stating: “Managing monthly payments has become a significant source of stress
for many Nigerians. This scheduling feature withi PaywithAccount is a direct response to the need for automation. Our goal is to help consumers streamline their payments reliably and consistently.”
Users who tested the service ahead of its official launch expressed strong satisfaction with the
convenience provided. Chinyere, a lawyer based in Lagos, said: “Missing electricity payments has always been a hassle in my household. Automating with PaywithAccount has eliminated that completely. I get notifications and receipts immediately through WhatsApp. It’s made a big difference.”
Oriarehu Bonny
Agnes Ekebuike
L–R: Executive Director, South, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mrs. Pamela Shodipo; Executive Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe and Regional Bank Head, Midwest 2, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mrs. Augusta Anyanwu-Egbom; during a courtesy call on the governor in Asaba… recently
Multi-million Dollar Fraud Case, Lingering Legal Battles Still Haunts EcoBank
Timothy Enietan-Matthews
When Nedbank announced in August that it was selling its 21.2% shareholding in Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI) to Bosquet Investments for $100 million, the South African lender described the move as a strategic shift and “the end of a significant chapter” in its long partnership with Ecobank.
Chief executive Jason Quinn noted that the sale was a natural conclusion of Nedbank’s strategic review and aligned with its renewed focus on southern and East Africa, while commending ETI’s professionalism and the partnership that had lasted 17 years.
However, industry watchers have linked the divestment to the difficult headwinds Ecobank continues to face — among them, a costly fraud case dating back to 2014 and protracted legal tussles in Nigeria and Dubai that have strained the pan-African lender’s reputation and resources.
That saga began over a decade ago with a trade finance deal involving Indian businessman Prem Garg. Ecobank Nigeria had issued letters of credit to finance Garg’s rice imports into Nigeria, but the shipments never arrived. The bank later discovered that the transactions — worth about $165 million in total, including $42.5 million from two central deals — were based on forged documents, and that the supposed suppliers were companies linked to Garg and his family.
In an attempt to recover the losses, Ecobank turned its attention to Wilben
Trade, a Dubai-based commodities trading firm led by Marcus Wade, which had acted as an intermediary. Ecobank maintained that its “sole role was to provide banking services in accordance with international trade practice,” insisting it was not directly involved in the trading arrangements between Wilben Trade, Garg, or his companies.
Between November 2014 and February 2015, Wilben Trade handled two transactions valued at $42.5 million, earning a modest facilitation fee. But when the rice never arrived, Ecobank’s internal investigation revealed no record of the ships docking at Nigerian ports, and the documentation provided turned out to be forged.
Ecobank subsequently filed complaints in Nigeria, India, and Dubai, pursuing Garg and his companies in multiple jurisdictions. Despite several court actions — including one ruling initially secured in Ecobank’s favour in Dubai that was later overturned — the bank failed to recover its losses, and Garg reportedly vanished.
According to Wilben Trade’s legal representatives, an internal Ecobank review later cleared the firm of wrongdoing, and the two parties resumed business. In 2020, Ecobank even approved a $100 million credit facility for Wilben Trade, and the first transaction under the facility, valued at $10 million, was completed successfully.
But relations soured again in 2022 when Ecobank’s recovery arm, ETI Specialised Resolutions Company, led by Oladele Alabi, filed a new criminal
complaint in Nigeria accusing Wilben Trade and its CEO of conspiracy and fraud linked to the same 2014 transactions.
“Following internal investigations, Ecobank discovered evidence that Wilben Trade, in concert with Agrico Agbe, had engaged in fraudulent conduct by diverting funds and failing to deliver the financed products. As a result, Ecobank promptly discontinued all business with the parties, flagged their details within its group, and lodged a petition with the relevant Nigerian authorities,” the bank said.
Wilben Trade, however, insists the renewed charges are a rehash of old allegations from which it had already been cleared. The firm’s Nigerian counsel, BabajideOgundipe, argues that Ecobank’s actions are based on a misunderstanding of previous settlements involving other banks defrauded by Garg.
“While Wilben was negotiating with Access, Ecobank had their people in court observing what was going on,” Ogundipe said. “When Access reached a settlement with Wilben, it didn’t involve Wilben paying anything. The Ecobank conclusion, it seems, was that Wilben must have paid something.”
In December 2024, Wilben Trade filed a civil claim in Dubai seeking nearly $68 million in damages for reputational harm and lost business opportunities, arguing that Ecobank’s renewed allegations amounted to extortion and malicious prosecution.
Wade alleged that during a 2023
phone conversation, Alabi mentioned pressure to recover funds tied to an upcoming $500 million eurobond repayment, and suggested that if Wilben repaid the $42 million in dispute, the case would be withdrawn.
Ecobank firmly rejected the claim. “All allegations of misconduct or malicious litigation against Ecobank are misconceived, misleading and without foundation,” the bank stated.
The original architect of the fraud, Prem Garg, remains at large. He and his relatives have faced multiple complaints across India, Nigeria, and the UAE, with reports that they once appeared on Interpol’s wanted list before a Nigerian court ordered their removal in 2019.
Meanwhile, Wilben has accused Ecobank of failing to disclose its $67.8 million Dubai counterclaim in its 2024 annual report, a point that neither Ecobank nor its auditors, Deloitte, have commented on.
Ecobank’s broader challenges — including foreign exchange losses, capital adequacy shortfalls, and exposure to high-risk assets — have drawn concern from Fitch Ratings, which recently warned that the bank “requires a large capital injection” to restore full compliance.
Against this backdrop, Nedbank’s well-timed exit appears to coincide with Ecobank’s ongoing efforts to steady itself. While Nedbank maintains its divestment was purely strategic, the enduring legal and operational turbulence at Ecobank underscores the scale of the task before its management team.
The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com
Rafsanjani: Most of Africa’s Loans Are for Consumption not Development
Oluchi Chibuzor
Nigerian civil society leader and Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, has called for urgent reforms in global financial governance and Africa’s debt management systems, warning that the continent faces a worsening fiscal crisis that demands immediate international and domestic action.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 2025 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank in Washington D.C., Rafsanjani, who also heads
Transparency International Nigeria, described the debt trajectory of many African nations, particularly Nigeria, as reckless and unsustainable.
He lamented that most of Nigeria’s borrowings were being channelled into recurrent expenditure rather than productive investments that could generate growth, employment, and sustainable development.
“Most of the loans we take are not for development but for consumption. There is little or no accountability around them. Civil society must be involved in monitoring these debts, especially when even lawmakers lack access to
full disclosure,” Rafsanjani said.
The activist threw his weight behind global calls for debt cancellation, especially in cases where loans have failed to yield tangible development outcomes and aligned with the recent position of the G24, which described the current debt trap faced by developing nations as a structural injustice that perpetuates poverty and dependency.
According to him, Africa’s growing fiscal vulnerability is deeply rooted in weak governance, endemic corruption, and unregulated illicit financial flows that
drain the continent’s resources. Rafsanjani also echoed calls for deep-seated reforms within the IMF and World Bank systems, condemning what he termed the “disproportionate influence” of powerful countries regarding decisionmaking mechanisms in those institutions.
He stressed that global financial systems must become more transparent, inclusive, and equitable for developing countries to have a fair chance at achieving economic stability and growth.
Turning his attention to Nigeria, Rafsanjani expressed deep concern about the
country’s overreliance on oil revenue while describing deteriorating infrastructure, and persistent insecurity as factors that continue to repel investors and stifle productivity. He criticised the government’s withdrawal of subsidies in critical sectors such as healthcare, education, and transportation, arguing that these austerity measures have only worsened poverty and widened inequality in the country.
On domestic fiscal policy, the CISLAC boss urged state governors to increase their internally generated revenue (IGR) through
innovation and efficiency rather than depending solely on allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), while adding that the recent increase in FAAC allocations should translate into tangible improvements in the lives of citizens, rather than being diverted into “elephant projects” or luxury expenditures.
“The fuel subsidy savings must also be transparently accounted for by governors. These funds belong to the people and must be used to improve healthcare, education, and infrastructure, not to enrich political elites,” he enthused.
UBA, Renewvia Commission Solar Systems Across 25 Branches
In a significant stride toward deepening economic ties between Nigeria and Norway, United Bank for Africa (UBA) has partnered with Renewvia Solar Nigeria to deploy renewable energy solutions across 25 UBA branches in five Nigerian states.
The initiative was formalised at the official Ribbon Cutting ceremony held at the UBA Oba Akran 2 branch, IkejaLagos Nigeria on Wednesday, by the Nordic Ambassador to
Nigeria, Mr. Svein Bæra which followed a walkthrough of the Inverter/Battery Room and Operations by Renewvia Team.
This initiative reflects a growing commitment to sustainable investment and innovation, a key message emphasised by UBA Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu, during the recent Norway–Africa Business Summit held in Oslo, where he urged global partners to view Africa not as an aid
destination, but as a continent of opportunity and enterprise.
“Africa needs partners, not charity,” Elumelu stated in Oslo, calling for deeper collaboration built on mutual respect, entrepreneurship, and investment.
UBA’s Deputy Managing Director, Muyiwa Akinyemi, said, “At UBA, we believe sustainability is not just a responsibility but a key part of building Africa’s future. This project demonstrates
how innovation and partnership can deliver lasting impact in terms of growth and advancement as well as reducing our carbon footprint, improving operational efficiency, and contributing to a cleaner environment. Continuing, he said, “We are proud to work with Renewvia Solar Nigeria, Incremental Energy Solutions, and Empower New Energy to make this vision a reality.”
On his part, the Managing Director, Renewvia Solar Nigeria Limited, Adebowale Dosunmu, said, “This partnership with UBA marks a major milestone in our mission to deliver reliable, clean energy to commercial and industrial clients across Nigeria. We are proud to support UBA’s leadership in sustainability and operational excellence.
The CEO, Incremental Energy Solutions (IES) Ltd,
Oladipupo Omodara, who also spoke on the project, said, “We appreciate the cooperation and proactiveness of the UBA management team, whose support helped bring this remarkable project and partnership to life. We at IES are particularly pleased that this success reinforces our commitment to helping Africa claim its rightful place in global energy investment and technology deployment,” .
Craft Meets r oyalty as Celebrity Carpenter Weds Adamawa Princess in Fusion of Culture and Tradition
It was a union where craftsmanship met royalty, as abuja’s beloved “Celebrity Carpenter,” Mr. Musa Moses amiebenomo, sealed his love story with Princess aishatu Mamman daksiri of the adamawa royal dynasty. Precious Ugwuzor writes that the colourful ceremony, filled with rich cultural displays and royal splendour, drew dignitaries, traditional rulers, and admirers from across Nigeria to celebrate the couple’s joyful beginning
Filindabo Community in Abuja Municipal Area council (AMAC) was recently agog with excitement and celebration as the Founder and CEO of Sagesse College of Traditional Carpentry (SCTC), the first Traditional African and modern carpentry academy in Africa, Mr. Musa Moses Amiebenomo popularly known as Celebrity Carpenter married Princess Aishatu Mamman Daksiri from the Royal dynasty in Adamawa State.
The Royal Nikah which began with the wedding Fatiha at the Central Mosque Abuja, was presided over by Imam Prof. Luqman Zakariya and HRH Edris Musa the (Emir of Giwa).
It was witnessed by the Hakimi of Filindabo (Dekashi) Muhammed Sani Paga, the Chief of the Hausa community in Filindabo, Abubarka Hassan, friends, relatives, associates
and other dignitaries from all walks of life.
His Royal Highness Dr. Idris Musa (MFR), Emir of Jiwa, FCT, represented the groom and accepted the marriage on his behalf, while Dr. Aliyu Idi Hong, former Minister of Health (State), and former Minister of Foreign Affairs (state) was appointed as the bride’s guardian (Wali) who gave her out in marriage. Their distinguished presence added more prestige to the royal celebration.
The convoy, accompanied with a herd of horses, then moved to Filindabo for the grand reception where other dignitaries were already seated.
The reception was colourful, as it represented a celebration of Culture in diversity, having various ethnic groups take turns to display their unique
cultural dances, traditional wrestling, songs and other cultural exhibitions.
Present at the occasion, which was hosted by one of Abuja’s finest MC’s (Sarkin Dariya), were the Emir of Giwa H.R.H Edris Musa; the Hakimi (Dekashi) of Filindabo, H.R.H Muhammed Sani Paga; Oba Tajudeen Kolawole the (Yoruba community leader); Abubarka Hassan, (the Hausa community leader); and Chief Tochukwu Nzegbo, (Igbo community leader).
Others include Dakachi Zauda, women community leaders, Gbaggi community leaders, all mai- angwas, youth leaders, and other dignitaries.
The bride, Princess Aishatu Daksiri Musa, who was visibly overwhelmed with what she witnessed could not hide her excitement. “I’m so elated
with what I saw here today. The love shown me and my husband is overwhelming. I will never forget this day”.
She described her husband as a strong, compassionate and caring man. The groom, Mr. Moses Musa was full of praise to the Emir, traditional rulers, friends, business associates and members of the community who came to honour and celebrate with him and his wife.
Celebrity Carpenter is popular in both Abuja entertainment and traditional landscape as he has consistently supported the development of entertainment in the nation’s capital. He is also a holder of the traditional title of Garkuwan Matasa of Fillin-Dabo Dei-dei in the FCT.
He has used his traditional school of carpentry to empower young Nigerians, giving young people access to decent means of livelihood.
The couple with distinguished guests
Groom with family and guests
Culture on display
Democratising Climate Finance: Why the Green Climate Fund Must Embrace Small-scale Solutions
Climate change impacts are not abstract future scenarios; they are present realities devastating communities across the developing world. In Nigeria’s coastal regions, rising sea levels pose a threat to fishing livelihoods that have sustained families for generations. Across the Sahel, prolonged droughts force smallholder farmers to abandon ancestral lands. In Africa’s rapidly urbanising centres, inadequate drainage infrastructure leaves informal settlements submerged after heavy rains, displacing thousands.
These frontline communities possess intimate knowledge of their changing environments and often demonstrate remarkable innovation in developing locally appropriate adaptation strategies. What they critically lack is not ingenuity or commitment, but access to the financial resources necessary to scale their solutions from promising pilots to sustained impact.
This resource gap makes the Green Climate Fund (GCF), established as the world’s largest dedicated climate finance mechanism with over $10 billion in pledged resources, essential to achieving global climate resilience. Yet a fundamental disconnect exists between the GCF’s mandate to support climate action in vulnerable countries and the accessibility of its funding mechanisms for grassroots actors who are closest to climate impacts. This misalignment threatens not only local communities but the achievement of global climate goals themselves.
The Accessibility Paradox: Institutional Bias in Climate Finance Architecture
The GCF has established multiple
access modalities, including direct access pathways designed to strengthen national and regional institutions. However, these mechanisms systematically favour actors with substantial technical capacity, established institutional frameworks, and administrative resources: national governments, multilateral agencies, and large international NGOs.
This institutional architecture creates what development economists would recognise as a classic principal-agent problem.
The very characteristics that enable organisations to navigate complex GCF accreditation and proposal processes —bureaucratic sophistication, technical
specialisation, and centralised operations — often correlate inversely with proximity to affected communities and understanding of local adaptation needs.
The consequences are measurable. Youth-led organisations, women’s cooperatives, grassroots civil society groups, and community-based organisations find themselves systematically excluded by:
• Scale thresholds that exceed both their operational capacity and actual funding needs
• Accreditation requirements that can require 2-4 years and substantial institutional investments to achieve
• Proposal complexity demanding technical expertise in climate science, financial modelling,
and results-based management frameworks
• Co-financing requirements that assume access to complementary funding sources unavailable to most grassroots actors
The result is a climate finance ecosystem where funding flows through traditional institutional channels while the most vulnerable and often most innovative communities remain chronically underserved. This represents not merely an equity failure but an efficiency failure, leaving vast reservoirs of local knowledge, community trust, and adaptive capacity untapped.
The Economic Case for Small-Scale Climate Investment
Financial decision-makers increasingly recognise that climate resilience cannot be built exclusively through large-scale infrastructure and national adaptation programs. Communitylevel interventions offer distinct advantages that complement macro-level investments:
Superior Cost-Effectiveness Ratios
Small-scale climate projects consistently demonstrate exceptional return on investment. Consider these comparative economics:
The Climate Teen Hub, a youthled initiative under The Ebaidebheki Initiative in Nigeria, successfully planted 300 trees in partnership with the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) toward Nigeria’s 1-million-tree goal. Their model demonstrates that $25,000 can facilitate planting 5,000 trees when implemented through community structures, a cost per tree that large contractors cannot match due to overhead costs.
The story continues
ORÍKÌ Group Marks 10 Years of Wellness Innovation, Announces Major Expansion Across Africa
Mary Nnah
When Joycee Awosika founded ORÍKÌ Group a decade ago, wellness was not yet a global movement; certainly not in Africa. What began in 2014 as a vision to take African brands to the world, and in 2015 as a modest product showroom in Victoria Island, has today evolved into a multi-country ecosystem of wellness innovation, luxury, and empowerment.
At a recent press conference held ahead of its 10th anniversary celebration scheduled for October 26, ORÍKÌ Group reflected on its decade-long journey, its growing impact, and its bold plans for the future.
“When we started, people saw wellness as indulgence; today, that story has changed. People now prioritize self-care and preventive health,” said Joycee Awosika, Founder and CEO of ORÍKÌ Group.
From its flagship spa at V.I. at Oju Olobun, launched in 2015, to its expansion at Oriental Hotel, and its presence in 15 locations across Nigeria, Kenya, and Uganda, ORÍKÌ has set the pace for what Africa’s wellness economy could look like; rooted in science, culture, and community. Its innovation, Unwind by ORÍKÌ, described as the Uber of the spa industry, has brought relaxation and care into hundreds of thousands of homes through mobile therapists across cities such as Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan,
Kampala, and Nairobi.
Beyond wellness experiences, ORÍKÌ vision is deeply tied to empowerment. Through its training programmes, the company has helped individuals become skilled professionals and entrepreneurs. Its Anoint Haircare range, now present across four regions, demonstrates the brand’s capacity to create and scale locally made beauty solutions powered by African botanicals like cloves, kola nuts and atilli oil.
ORÍKÌ expansion has also attracted partnerships with seven Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), allowing clients to access spa and wellness services through prepaid
health plans; a first-of-its-kind collaboration in Nigeria’s wellness industry.
“For us, wellness is not just business; it’s about the true, intentional care for people,” Awosika noted. “We are people-focused, and our work is to make care accessible, sustainable, and empowering.”
Speaking at the conference, Abiodun Obaseki, ORÍKÌ Spa, Head of Operations, underscored that wellness is a right, not a privilege.
“Our wellness programmes are designed for everyone, from the working class to the elderly, from individuals to families,” she said. “Wellness should not be seen as
a luxury. It’s a fundamental part of living, and preventive care will always outweigh corrective care.”
Other members of the ORÍKÌ team echoed similar sentiments, reflecting on the brand’s unwavering commitment to wellness and its people-first philosophy. They described the journey has been one of resilience, innovation, and purpose, anchored in the belief that true wellness should be inclusive and accessible to everyone. From spa professionals to brand partners, each voice underscored the collective effort behind ORÍKÌ evolution into a wellness ecosystem that empowers individuals, nurtures communities, and sets the pace for holistic care in Africa.
As ORÍKÌ moves into its second decade, its focus shifts toward its FSC Manufacturing arm (Farm to Skin Manufacturing), expanding its local production of safe, sustainable skincare products that rival synthetic imports. The company has also announced its plans to open its newest Lagos spa in VGC in October 2025 and a major international location outside of Africa in December 2025.
Internally, ORÍKÌ continues to invest in leadership development through its HR initiatives, ensuring that every member of its team, affectionately called the Humans of Oríkì, embodies the brand’s core values of care, excellence, and authenticity.
Ebaide Omiunu
ORIKI AltHaven Couples Room
Heirs Technologies Seek Investments to Unlock Africa’s $700bn Digital Economy
Oluchi Chibuzor
Heirs Technologies, a leading player in Africa’s digital transformation landscape, has released its maiden industry report titled, “Africa’s Digital Leap: Cloud, Connectivity & AI in the Next Decade,” calling for decisive investments and policy reforms to unlock the continent’s projected $700 billion digital economy by 2030.
The report underscores Africa’s immense potential but warns that without sustained infrastructure investment, regulatory alignment, and talent development, the continent risks missing out on the next wave of global digital growth.
Although Africa is home to 19 per cent of the world’s population, it currently hosts less than one per cent of global data centre capacity, highlighting a critical gap in digital infrastructure.
According to the report, 55 per cent of African enterprises now run more than half their workloads in the cloud, while 17 per cent are fully cloud-native. Southern and West Africa are leading adoption, while North Africa lags due to infrastructure and regulatory challenges.
The study values Africa’s artificial intelligence (AI) market at $4.5 billion, with the potential to contribute up to $2.9 trillion to GDP by 2030, as AI adoption
expands across agriculture, healthcare, financial services, and education.
Infrastructure projects such as the 2Africa subsea cable and over 211 active data centres are identified as critical enablers of faster connectivity and cloud-driven growth. The report also notes that between 2019 and the first quarter of 2025, African AI startups raised $1.25 billion, with Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, and Egypt attracting 87 per cent of total funding.
Speaking at the report’s unveiling, Obong Idiong, Chief Executive Officer of Heirs Technologies, emphasised the urgency for coordinated action among governments, investors, and businesses.
COWA PTML Launches Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign
To curb the rising threat of breast cancer, the Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA), Ports and Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Chapter, has launched an awareness campaign urging women to prioritise regular health checks and early detection as vital steps to saving lives.
As part of activities for the event, the PTML Chapter of COWA held a sensitisation programme on Wednesday at the PTML Command to educate women on the dangers of breast cancer
and the importance of early diagnosis.
Speaking at the event, the Customs Area Controller of PTML, Comptroller Joe Anani, described the initiative as a “clarion call” for women to take their health seriously through routine medical checkups. He encouraged members of COWA to internalise the lessons from the campaign and apply them in their everyday lives.
Similarly, the Controller of Kirikiri Lighter Terminal, Comptroller Joy Edelduok,
commended the PTML Command for the initiative and emphasised the need for regular medical checkups to avoid late detection. “A healthy wife is a valuable wife, and a valuable wife is one who gives her husband peace,” she noted.
The COWA PTML Chairperson, Mrs. Caroline Anani, praised the National President of COWA, Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, for her leadership and consistent support to women of the PTML Command.
Coronation Merchant Bank Hosts Private Banking on Real Estate
Kayode
Tokede
Coronation Merchant Bank, in partnership with RPA Group, recently convened an intimate gathering of distinguished clients and stakeholders at the Coronation Gallery to explore the evolving landscape of private banking and international real estate financing.
Speaking at the event, Group Head, Private Banking at Coronation Merchant Bank, Ifeyinwa Uwefoh emphasised the Bank’s commitment to platform innovation: “We’ve moved beyond traditional banking relationships.
“Today, our clients expect seamless access to opportunities that align with their vision for the future. Through strategic platforms and partnerships, we’re creating pathways that don’t just facilitate transactions—they enable thoughtful, sustainable wealth decisions. Real estate financing abroad presents significant value, but it requires the right infrastructure, insight, and trusted guidance. That’s precisely what we’ve built our private banking proposition around.”
The Coronation Gallery provided an elegant backdrop for the evening’s
conversations, reinforcing the Bank’s philosophy that wealth extends beyond numbers into lifestyle, legacy, and informed choice. Guests explored how platform-enabled solutions are democratizing access to premium investment opportunities whilst maintaining the bespoke service that defines private banking.
The partnership with RPA Group underscored a shared commitment to delivering transformational solutions through collaboration—bringing together financial expertise and real estate knowledge to serve clients navigating international markets.
BIC Wins Legacy Brand Award for Iconic Cristal Pen
BIC, a global leader in stationery, lighters, and shavers, emerged as the Legacy Brand Award winner in the Ballpoint Pen category for its iconic BIC Cristal pen at the 13th edition of the Marketing Edge Awards held at the Balmoral Event Hall, Sheraton, Ikeja, Lagos. The award recognizes BIC’s strong market presence and consistent commitment to quality and innovation in Nigeria’s stationery sector.
This recognition coincides with BIC’s celebration of
75 years of the iconic BIC Cristal pen, a milestone that highlights the brand’s legacy of trust, simplicity, and excellence in Nigeria and around the world. Since its introduction in 1950, the BIC Cristal has become a household name, consistently delivering products that combine quality with timeless design. Today, it remains the world’s best-selling ballpoint pen, with over 100 billion units sold globally.
The Legacy Brand recognition by Marketing
Edge celebrates brands that have demonstrated consistent quality, consumer trust, and leadership over time.
BIC’s General Manager, Anthony Amahwe, stated, “We’re truly honored to receive this recognition from Marketing Edge. For 75 years, the BIC Cristal has been part of people’s everyday moments of creativity, learning, and progress. This award is a wonderful reminder of that legacy and strengthens our commitment to continue inspiring generations in Nigeria and around the world.”
Saharan Blend (Algeria), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea),
(Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic
Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).
L-R: Customs Area Controller, Kirikiri Lighter Terminal command, Comptroller Joy Edelduok; COWA Chairperson, Port and Terminal Multi-Service Limited, (PTML) Command, Mrs Caroline Anani and Customs Area Controller, PTML command, Comptroller Joe Anani during a sensitisation on Breast Cancer by the COWA PTML command in Lagos…recently
Trading on NGX Surges to N8.54trn as Reforms Draw Investors
Kayode Tokede
Transactions by investors on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) more than doubled in the nine months of 2025, reaching N8.54 trillion, a 115.2 per cent Year-on-Year (YoY) increase from N3.97 trillion recorded in the same period of 2024.
According to NGX’s latest Domestic & Foreign Portfolio Participation in Equity Trading report, the surge marks a record high for total market activity, buoyed by stronger participation from Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) and high-net-worth domestic investors.
Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) accounted for N1.84
trillion of total trades, a 164per cent year-on-year rise from N696.9 billion a year earlier, while domestic investors contributed N6.7 trillion, up 104.7per cent from N3.27 trillion in 2024. Foreign investors represented 21.6 per cent of total market activity during the period, up from 17.6 per cent a year earlier. Domestic investors, while still dominant,
saw their share ease slightly to 78.4per cent from 82.4per cent Within the domestic segment, institutional investors led activity with N4.09 trillion, compared with N2.6 trillion from retail participants. Foreign transactions were strong on both the buy and sell sides. Inflows climbed 231% year-on-year to N1.03 trillion, while outflows rose 110per cent to N810.4
billion.
Over an 18-year horizon, NGX data shows domestic transactions have grown by 33per cent from N3.56 trillion in 2007 to N4.73 trillion in 2024, while foreign transactions rose 38% from N616 billion to N852 billion.
Vice Chairman Of The Board at Highcap Securities Limited, David Adonri stated that the
rebound in foreign participation reflects renewed confidence following reforms in Nigeria’s foreign exchange regime by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The changes, aimed at improving transparency and stability in currency markets, have been credited with enhancing liquidity and reducing uncertainty for foreign investors.
PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF OCTOBER /23/25
A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return.
An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the
floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg. Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
GUIDE TO DATA:
Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 22 October 2025, unless otherwise stated.
Exposed: Indian Factories Feeding Africa’s Opioid Crisis — ‘Tafrodol’ Now Destroying Youths’ Lives
By Princess G. Adebajo-Fraser
Adisturbing undercover investigation by BBC Africa Eye has uncovered a secretive pharmaceutical operation in India manufacturing highly potent opioid-based painkillers for illegal export to Africa. The pills—sold under street names like Tafrodol—are significantly stronger than Tramadol and are being abused by thousands of African youths seeking escape from pain, anxiety, or economic despair.
The investigation exposes a multi-billionnaira illicit trade threatening to wipe out a generation of future leaders while enriching traffickers and rogue manufacturers.
Inside the Indian factory
The BBC’s cameras captured factory workers admitting openly that the pills were “mainly for Africa,” where demand “never stops.” Packages were labelled as muscle relaxants or energy boosters to evade regulatory checks.
Many products were not approved by India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) and contained opioid concentrations several times above the permissible medical dosage. Lab tests found synthetic opioids blended with muscle relaxants, creating a hybrid substance far more addictive and dangerous than standard Tramadol.
The footage revealed poor oversight, falsified export documents, and zero ethical restraint. What begins in a remote Indian industrial zone ends in the hands of street dealers in Lagos, Accra, and Freetown — a tragedy built on the loopholes of globalization.
From medicine to menace — a timeline of failure
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) first warned in 2015 that traffickers were shifting from traditional narcotics to synthetic opioids because they were easier to produce and transport.
In its 2021 report, the UNODC documented the seizure of over 600 tonnes of Tramadol worldwide, with 70 percent traced to shipments bound for Africa, mostly via India and the Gulf.
Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) confiscated more than 30 million opioid tablets between 2021 and 2023, while Ghana, Benin, and Sierra Leone reported a threefold rise in synthetic-drug seizures within the same period.
UNODC now describes opioid misuse in West Africa as a “silent pandemic”, estimating that 10 million people in the region have misused pharmaceutical opioids in the past year. In Nigeria, abuse among 18- to 35-year-olds has doubled within five years.
‘Tafrodol’: the new street poison
The BBC identified Tafrodol as the latest and deadliest entrant into the market — a high-dose opioid fused with a fast-acting muscle relaxant that delivers an intense, short-lived high. Dealers call it “Super Tram” or “225 Plus.”
The pill sells for N500–N800, making it easily accessible to students, motor-park workers, and unemployed youths.
A Kaduna university student told Headlinenews.news:
“We call it the strong one. It makes you
boss,BubaMarwa
fearless and focused, but when you stop, you shake all over. Many of my friends couldn’t quit.”
A 24-year-old mechanic from Kano added:
“It gives power for a few hours, then weakness for days. My friend died after taking four in one night.”
Medical experts confirm that such abuse causes respiratory collapse, heart failure, and irreversible brain damage. The World Health Organization (WHO) links non-medical opioid use to one-fifth of all substance-related deaths among African youths.
The social toll — families collapsing, classrooms emptying
Across Nigeria, Ghana, and Sierra Leone, hospitals and rehabilitation centres are overwhelmed. The Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital Kaduna reports that six out of ten new addiction cases in 2024 involved Tramadol-type substances.
Teachers lament students who nod off or become violent in class. Families lose breadwinners; communities lose hope.
Sociologist Dr Oluwatobi Ajayi summarised it bluntly:
“These pills exploit pain and poverty. Young people use them to forget hunger, rejection, or joblessness. But Tafrodol doesn’t heal — it enslaves. It’s a chemical weapon against the next generation.”
Profit over people — the global supply chain
India’s pharmaceutical industry, worth over $50 billion, produces many of the world’s legitimate generic drugs. Yet a shadow economy thrives alongside it — small unlicensed factories making export-only batches for regions with weak regulatory systems.
An insider told the BBC: “African buyers don’t demand strict dosage certification. Some even request extra-strong versions. We only give them what they ask for.”
These exports routinely exploit customs blind spots. Pills are packed under misdeclared codes — such as dietary supplements or vitamins — then re-labelled in transit through Dubai or Cotonou before entering West Africa’s markets.
UNODC and WHO figures paint a grim reality
250 million opioid tablets seized in West Africa (2021-2023); 40 percent traced to South Asia.
1 in 5 youth drug deaths in Africa now involves synthetic opioids.
NDLEA reports opioids in over 50 percent of drug-related arrests.
Ghana’s seizures of synthetic opioids rose 300 percent since 2020.
At this pace, experts warn, West Africa could replicate America’s opioid disaster within a decade — but without the resources to recover.
Breaking the chain — policy and technology solutions
*Adopt ICTN cargo-tracking reform
One decisive safeguard lies in the proposed Eden Frabemar International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN) system — a digital platform that monitors every shipment entering Nigerian ports.
With ICTN, no cargo can be imported without prior government consent and digital certification, and the system automatically flags prohibited or suspicious consignments for inspection.
If fully implemented, ICTN would allow customs, NDLEA, and the health ministry to trace pharmaceuticals back to origin, detect falsified declarations, and stop opioid-laden containers before they reach African soil.
Experts estimate ICTN could reduce illegal pharmaceutical imports by 70 percent within two years and save billions in lost revenue and public-health costs.
*Strengthen bilateral enforcement
Nigeria, Ghana, and ECOWAS partners must pressure India diplomatically to close rogue factories and prosecute complicit exporters. Joint intelligence task forces should share data on suppliers, container routes, and intermediaries.
*Equip borders and laboratories
Modern scanners and drug-testing labs at ports, airports, and land borders are essential. Customs officers must receive real-time alerts from ICTN and NDLEA to interdict suspect cargo.
*Educate and rehabilitate
Mass media, schools, and religious institutions must lead national awareness drives. Rehabilitation funding must match enforcement budgets. Every youth saved from addiction is a potential innovator, entrepreneur, or leader restored to society.
*Empower youth
Governments must link anti-drug campaigns with employment and skillbuilding initiatives. Addiction thrives where opportunity dies.
Message to the youths
To the young men and women of Africa: That small pill that promises energy and courage is lying to you. It dulls your pain but kills your destiny. It robs your focus, steals your dreams, and drains your future. Real strength is not in Tafrodol; it is in faith, resilience, and purpose. Say no to the poison and yes to your promise. You are meant for greatness — not for the graveyard of addiction.
Conclusion — act now or lose a generation
The BBC’s revelations are more than a scandal; they are a call to urgent action. The opioid flood from India to Africa is a public-health catastrophe and a nationalsecurity threat.
Implementing systems like Eden Frabemar’s ICTN, tightening international cooperation, and confronting domestic complicity are essential to shutting the pipeline.African leaders must treat this not as a drug-problem but as a defence of the nation’s future. Every shipment stopped, every factory closed, every youth rehabilitated is a victory for humanity. If governments delay, the streets will pay — with wasted talent, broken families, and silent funerals.
The National Patriots stands with all partners fighting to protect Africa’s youth. Because a nation that loses its youth loses its tomorrow — and tomorrow must be saved today.
•Princess Gloria Adebajo-Fraser MFR. The National Patriots. Public Analyst.
NDLEA
POLITY
Prince Olusoji’s Philanthropy Illuminates Ayere’s Cultural Celebration of Progress
Sunday Ehigiator
There are people whose lives quietly redefine what it means to lead, to serve, and to give. Among them stands Asiwaju Prince Dr Olatunji Olusoji, businessman, philanthropist, and the Asiwaju I of Ayere Kingdom in Kogi State. He is a man whose influence reaches far beyond titles, and whose generosity continues to transform lives in ways both profound and lasting.
Last weekend, the people of Ayere gathered for the 30th edition of their annual cultural celebration, known as Ayere Day or Atuosi. It was not just a festival of tradition and dance, but a celebration of unity, resilience, and progress. Every year, sons and daughters of Ayere, both at home and abroad, return to their roots for a day of reflection and recommitment to their community. This year’s edition, however, carried an even deeper sense of pride and gratitude as one of Ayere’s most distinguished sons, Prince Dr Olusoji, returned home to celebrate with his people.
His arrival at the Obajana Airstrip was met with warmth and excitement. Friends, family members, and admirers from across Nigeria and the diaspora came to welcome a man whose presence continues to inspire hope. Despite his demanding schedule and global business commitments, he made time to stand once again among his people, not as a distant benefactor, but as a son of the soil who has never forgotten where he comes from.
During his speech at the event, Prince Olusoji made a remarkable declaration that has since become the talk of Kogi State and beyond. He announced his commitment to singlehandedly renovate and modernise all the schools in Ayere, while also furnishing them with the necessary materials to create a truly conducive learning environment. It was
a bold promise that reflected not just his vision, but his deep understanding of how education can transform lives.
“Education has helped me to be where I am today,” he said, “and I am passionate about the educational development of our people.”
Those simple words captured the heart of who he is. For Prince Olusoji, education is not a privilege but a right, and he has made it his life’s mission to ensure that children in his community receive the opportunities he once fought for. Through his foundation, he has extended support to countless students and institutions across Kogi State.
Earlier in the year, he donated fifteen million naira to sponsor one hundred students of the College of Education for three years, another fifteen million to the College of Agriculture, and began plans to build a modern hostel at Kogi State University. Beyond financial support, he also set in motion the employment of thirty-two new teachers for government schools in Ayere, to strengthen the quality of education at the grassroots. His foundation’s impact has been so consistent that many now describe it as the quiet engine driving social renewal across Kogi.
The truth is that Prince Olusoji’s approach to philanthropy is deeply personal. He does not just give; he gets involved. His projects are carefully chosen, thoughtfully executed, and driven by a genuine desire to see lasting progress. He believes that for a community to thrive, its people must be educated, empowered, and united inWhatpurpose.stands out most about him is his humility. For all his accomplishments, he remains grounded in his faith and family values. He is a devoted husband and father whose life reflects discipline, integrity, and compassion. Those who have had the privilege of knowing him speak of a man who listens more than he talks, who gives without seeking
attention, and whose quiet confidence inspires others to dream bigger.
The Ayere Cultural Day, as it turned out, became not just a celebration of heritage but a reaffirmation of collective purpose. Traditional dances, songs, and performances filled the air, blending joy with gratitude. In one particularly touching moment, a birthday tribute was held in honour of Prince Olusoji, who marked another year of life in October. It was a simple, heartfelt gesture that reflected how deeply he is cherished by his Beyondpeople. the festivities, the day also became a platform for dialogue about Ayere’s future. During his visit to the Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Alhaji Usman Ododo, at the Government House in Lokoja, Prince Olusoji expressed his commitment to partner with the state government in advancing sustainable development across Kogi. The governor, deeply impressed by the Asiwaju’s contributions and community-driven initiatives, pledged in turn to prioritise the rehabilitation and construction of key roads in Ayere. He recognised, as Prince Olusoji often emphasises, that good roads are vital to unlocking education, commerce, and opportunity. The synergy between private initiative and government support promises to deliver tangible progress to the people of Kogi State. This spirit of collaboration is central to Prince Olusoji’s philosophy of leadership. He has often said that progress cannot come from one person or one institution alone, but from a collective sense of responsibility. He believes in people working together across political and social lines, driven by shared purpose rather than division. His words at the festival echoed that conviction, as he called on indigenes of Ayere everywhere to build bridges of understanding and love.
For the people of Kogi, his example continues to resonate. Through his
company, the Grosvenor Group, and his personal foundation, the Prince Olatunji Olusoji Foundation (PROOF), he has touched countless lives — building not just schools and roads, but trust and unity. His vision of development is not defined by grand gestures or self-promotion, but by consistent acts of service that speak louder than any title.
As the sun set over Ayere on that final day of celebration, one could sense a renewed spirit of hope among the people. The children who danced that evening may not fully grasp it yet, but they are the true beneficiaries of a legacy being built before their eyes. A legacy not of wealth alone, but of wisdom, compassion, and faith in what is possible when one man decides to lead with heart.
In a time when our nation yearns for examples of selfless leadership, Prince Dr Olatunji Olusoji stands out as a beacon of what is still possible in Nigeria — a reminder that integrity, vision, and empathy remain powerful tools for change. He has turned his success into a channel for service, his influence into impact, and his wealth into opportunity for others.
The story of Ayere today is, in many ways, the story of what can happen when leadership is rooted in love for one’s people. The schools he is rebuilding, the students he is sponsoring, and the roads soon to be constructed under the partnership with the Kogi State Government all speak to a vision much larger than one man. They speak of a future that is already taking shape — one community, one classroom, one child at a time.
As the celebrations fade into memory and work begins in earnest, Ayere stands as a testament to what purposeful leadership can achieve. And in that story, Prince Dr Olatunji Olusoji legacy will not just as a successful man, but as a good man, one who chose to lift others as he rose.
L-R: James Olorundare, Eboseta Osezua, Chief Otumara Ebami, Princess Esther Olusoji Olagunju, Prince Olatunji Olusoji, Princess Deborah Olusoji, Prince Olayinka Olusoji, Hon. JasperIsiakpere, BabatundeYusuf,IbrahimMunir,ZayyanUbandoma
A PLAQUE FOR MR. GOVERNOR...
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu (left), receiving a plaque from the Project Management Institute (PMI) President/CEO, Pierre Le Manh, at the historic reception at Lagos House, Marina in Lagos… recently
PwC Report: Nigeria Leads Africa Entertainment Media by 11.2% Growth, Trailed by Kenya, South Africa
Dike Onwuamaeze
The PwC’s Entertainment and Media (E&M) report has declared Nigeria the top leader in Africa with a remarkable 11.2 per cent growth rate in 2024. The report released yesterday
and titled “Africa’s E&M Shift: Fast, Focused and Future-Ready (Perspective from the Africa Entertainment and Media Outlook 2025-2029)” also said that Nigeria is followed by Kenya and South Africa at 7.1 per cent and 6.2 per cent
growth rate respectively.
It said: “In 2024, Nigeria led the region with a remarkable 11.2 per cent growth rate, followed by Kenya at 7.1 per cent and South Africa at 6.2 per cent.
“Looking ahead, the
compound annual growth rate (CAGR) through 2029 is projected to be 7.2 per cent for Nigeria; 5.2 per cent for Kenya and 3.5 per cent for South Africa, indicating sustained momentum across all the three markets.”
At Gatefield Summit, Stakeholders Seek Improved Funding, Investments to Boost Africa’s Health Resilience
Report puts Nigeria’s average per-person spending at $5 compared to $4,500 in Europe Expert says allocating 1% of diaspora remittances will raise country’s health budget by $200m
Stakeholders in the health sector have urged African leaders to take bold steps to boost funding and investments to enhance the continent’s resilience amidst growing threats.
Also, lamenting the low level of health spending, participants noted that though Africa bears 25 per cent of global disease burden, the continent receives only three per cent of health spending.
Speaking at the opening of the summit, with the theme, “Resilient Health Futures” in Abuja, Lead Strategist at Gatefield, Adewunmi Emoruwa, disclosed that in Nigeria, average per-person health spending remained at $5 compared to $4,500 in Europe.
He said, “The biggest ques- tion we face is why Africans are dying younger than they should. This loss of potential is the crisis. The difference between a life lived in the Global South and a life in Europe is the resilience of our systems — the gap is resilience.
“Over $4,500 is spent annually on healthcare for every citizen in Europe. In Switzerland, it’s $12,000. In Nigeria, it’s just $5. Think about it: you need 2,500 Nigerians to match the healthcare budget of one Swiss citizen. That’s the funding gap. As long as we underfund our system, we’re outsourcing our health outcomes to fate and luck.”
Emoruwa also expressed concerns over the misuse and abuse of antibiotics, describing it as a silent but escalating
threat.
He said, “Let’s be honest. Many of us here have self- medicated with antibiotics. We take them without prescrip- tions, don’t finish the doses, or use them for the wrong illnesses. And when the drugs stop working, we blame fake
medicines. But sometimes, it’s our behaviour that’s the problem.
“If nothing is done, he warned, over 10 million Africans could die annually by 2030 from drug-resistant infections—a death toll equal to the population of Portugal.
The report also stated that “Nigeria remains the fastest growing E&M market in Africa. This growth is fueled by rapid expansion in internet advertising, video games and esports, OTT streaming and audio content such as music, radio and podcast. Mobile internet and video streaming are expected to lead growth, fueled by cheaper data plans and smartphone penetration.
“Gaming and social media advertising are also gaining traction, especially among gen z and millennial audiences. While infrastructure remains a challenge, the pace of digital innovation is outpacing the obstacles.
“This rapid expansion is underpinned by the country’s population size, the largest in Africa, an exceptionally young median age that fuels demand for digital content across all sectors.”
The PwC’s report also stated that “infrastructure challenges remain, particularly in rural areas, but ongoing investment in fibre rollout and 5G deploy- ment is expected to improve connectivity and unlock new digital experiences.”
It added that “the key to unlocking Nigeria’s E&M potential lies in scalable digital infrastructure, regulatory clarity and inclusive access, especially for underserved communities.” The report stated that stream- ing platforms are expanding across all three African markets.
According to the report, South Africa is projected to add 1.4 million new over-the-top (OTT) subscribers by 2029 while Kenya and Nigeria are seeing strong growth.
It also said that Ad-supported models are helping platforms reach broader audiences, especially in price-sensitive segments.
Ex-Nova Bank Chief, Nath Ude, Appointed as CapitalSage Group CEO to Drive Pan-African Fintech Expansion
Fidelis David in Akure
CapitalSage Holdings, a leading multinational player in agribusiness and digital finance, has announced the appointment of Nath Ude as Group Chief Executive Officer of CapitalSage Technology Limited, its financial services subsidiary.
According to a statement from
the company, made available to journalists on Thursday, the appointment which took effect from October 13, 2025, marks a decisive step in the company’s mission to accelerate technology- driven financial inclusion and strengthen its presence across key African and international markets.
It explained that Ude will
oversee all financial service entities under the CapitalSage brand, including Kolomoni Microfinance Bank (Nigeria and The Gambia), ERCAS, Regius Asset Management, Regius Capital, CreditAssist Investment, Tiki by Kolomoni, and SageBrush Wealth. The statement reads: “His mandate extends beyond Nigeria to operations in The Gambia,
Kenya, and the United Arab Emirates, reflecting the group’s growing pan-African and global footprint.”
The company described the appointment as part of its broader strategy to deepen innovation and provide inclusive, technology- driven financial solutions that empower individuals, entrepreneurs, and small businesses.
James Emejo in Abuja
LG AI TeLevIsIon LAunch...
L-R: Mr. Paul Mba, Head of Corporate Marketing, LG Electronics West Africa; Dr. Adeola Ogunyemi, Head of Distribution Channels/Sales, Ecobank Nigeria; Mr. Choongbae Seok, General Manager, Media Solutions, TV Division, LG Electronics West Africa; and Mr. Moses Osime, Corporate Marketing, LG Electronics West Africa, at the LG/Ecobank partnership press conference themed “From Screens to Scenes with AI Smart TVs,” also a “Buy Now, Pay Later” Scheme held yesterday at Ecobank Head Office, Victoria Island, Lagos.
CJN Warns Against Court Processes Frustrating Legitimate Debt Recovery
As judiciary, CBN collaborate on building efficient, credible, stable financial system
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat KekereEkun, has warned against the abuse of court processes that frustrate legitimate debt recov- ery in the country, pointing out that such act undermine confidence in the financial system.
The CJN who stated that efficient recovery of loans remains central to financial stability, observed that pro- tracted delays in enforcing credit obligations weaken institutions, distort balance sheets, and constrain liquidity.
She spoke on Thursday in Abuja, while declaring open the 2025 Capacity Building Workshop on Banking and Financial Services Sector, jointly organized by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the National Judicial Institute (NJI).
While urging judicial officers to ensure that contractual obligations are honoured, disclosure requirements enforced, and the principle
of good faith upheld, Kekere- Ekun said, “We must also be vigilant against abuse of court processes that frustrate legitimate debt recovery and undermine confidence in the financial system”.
She stated that the judiciary, by doing so would not only protects individual citizens but also reinforces the integrity and credibility of Nigeria’s financial system.Meanwhile, the CJN empha- sized that a well-functioning financial sector depends as much on sound regulation as well as on a judiciary that commands public respect for its competence, impartiality, and courage to do justice without fear or favour.
She therefore urged judicial officers to continuously update their knowledge, particularly in specialised and technical areas such as banking, finance, and digital“Theinnovation. law cannot stand still while commerce and technology advance. Workshops such as this are invaluable in equipping the Bench with the
knowledge, tools, and insights required to navigate these complexities.
“I therefore urge all participants to embrace this engagement as an opportunity
to learn, to reflect, and to reaffirm our collective commitment to ensuring that financial regulation achieves its objec- tives within the framework of justice and the rule of law”,
she added.
In a welcome address, the Administrator, National Judicial Institute, Justice Babatunde Adejumo (Rtd), stated the workshop underscores a shared
commitment to fostering a judiciary that is not only in- dependent, but also informed, adaptable, and responsive to the evolving realities of the modern financial landscape.
PremiumTrust Bank Earns Strong GCR Ratings
PremiumTrust Bank has been assigned A- (NG) Long-Term and A2 (NG) Short-Term credit ratings from Global Credit Ratings (GCR), one of Africa’s foremost credit rating agencies. This recognition underscores the Bank’s strong capitalization, sound risk management, and sustained growth trajectory, reaffirming its long-term sus- tainability in Nigeria’s banking industry.
The ratings highlight Pre- miumTrust Bank’s financial resilience, following a successful equity raise and enhanced profitability. GCR commended the Bank’s robust liquidity and prudent governance framework, which continue to underpin its credit profile even as it expands across Nigeria’s competitive
Chamber Woos Businesses in Abuja for Abia International Investment Summit
The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has urged businesses in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to look towards Abia and take advantage of the opportunities the Turkish and European partners of the forthcoming Abia-Turkey Investment Summit and Product Exhibition will offer.
The ACCI President, Chief EmekamadeObegolu, the call in his office in Abuja, Wednesday when
the organisers of the event addressed a press conference.
The maiden Abia-Turkey Investment Summit and Product Exhibition is slated for Umuahia, the Abia State capital between November 25 and 27, 2025.
Applauding the Abia State government for its investmentdriven initiatives, Obegolu said the chamber’s “Buy Africa, Build Africa” mantra aligns with the objectives of the forthcoming summit, pledging ACCI’s total support for the event.
He said, “We have a duty
to support every homegrown initiative that attracts investment and boosts manufacturing capacity in Nigeria and Africa.
“We are inviting businesses in the Federal Capital Territory to look toward Abia and take advantage of the opportunities the Turkish and European partners will bring.”
He expressed the readiness of the chamber to collaborate with the Abia State government to host a “Made-in-Aba Expo” at the ACCI premises, to further promote locally manufactured products.
bankingAccordinglandscape. to GCR, the Bank’s ratings are anchored by its robust capitalization metrics, strengthened by a successful equity injection. The agency also assessed PremiumTrust Bank’s funding and liquidity position positively, citing a stable funding structure and a sufficiently liquid balance sheet.
Current and savings account (CASA) deposits represented a significant 92.1% of total de- posits, translating to a low cost of funds of 3.8%. The deposit base remains well-diversified.
The Long-Term Rating of A- (NG) reflects Low Risk, very good financial strength, and excellent operating performance while the Short-Term Rating of A2 (NG) indicates Fair Credit Quality and adequate capacity for timely payment of financial commitments.
In the same vein, the Bank
was also issued A- (NG) Long- Term and A2 (NG) Short-Term credit ratings from leading credit agency, DataPro. The rating took into consideration the Bank’s Earning Profile, Liquidity, Cor- porate Governance, Regulatory Compliance and Sustainability of its current healthy profile from medium to long term period.According to DataPro, the Bank’s Long-Term Rating of A- projects Low Risk, very good financial strength, operating performance, and an excellent business profile while the short- term rating of A2 indicates Fair Credit Quality and adequate capacity for timely payment of financial commitments.
Despite being less than four years old, PremiumTrust Bank has achieved remarkable milestones, leveraging its “phygital” strategy—a blend of physical branch expansion and digital
innovation—to deepen financial inclusion and reach underserved markets nationwide.
Speaking on the development, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Emmanuel Efe Emefienim, CON, FCIB, stated:
“These ratings validate our solid capital base, robust risk management framework, and strengthen stakeholder confidence in our financial stability.”
The rating by GCR, reaf- firms investor confidence in PremiumTrust Bank’s governance structure and long-term growth strategy. With a solid capital base and a focus on technology-driven services, PremiumTrust Bank is well-positioned to support critical sectors such as energy, agriculture, and infrastructure, while advancing financial inclusion across Nigeria.
2000 TNP Host Community Women to Benefit from PINL’s Empowerment
Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
No fewer than 2000 women from host communities on the Eastern Corridor of the Trans Niger Pipeline, TNP, would soon benefit from an entrepreneurial and financial literacy skills put together by the Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL).
The empowerment according
to the security company is for women and girls from the 215 host communities along the corridor.
General Manager, Community Relations and Stakeholders Engagement of PINL, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, disclosed this during the monthly stakeholders meeting for its host communities of Rivers, Imo and Abia States in Port Harcourt, yesterday. Mezeh said the program
is focused on small business development, financial literacy, and skills training for women and girls in the host communities.
“The PINL Women Entrepreneurs and Empowerment Initiative has completed data capturing, conducted in Port Harcourt for host communities in Abia, Imo, and Rivers States, and Yenagoa for Bayelsa communities.
Alex enumah in Abuja
ndubuisi Francis in Abuja
CONFERMENT OF DOCTOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (HONORIS CAUSA) ON PROF. AHMED BIN SALAWUDEEN...
L-R: Vice Chancellor, Crescent University, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Prof. Ibrahim Gbajabiamila; President and Chief Executive Officer, Standard Group Holdings, Prof. Ahmed bin Salawudeen Olaniyi; and his wife, Hajiya Aisha Ahmed bin Salawudeen, during the conferment of the Doctor of Business Administration (Honoris Causa) on Prof. Salawudeen at the auditorium of the university in Abeokuta, Ogun State… recently
Bago: I Won’t Pay Ransom or Negotiate With Bandits, Says
‘we’ve reached point where people must now defend ourselves’
Dipo in Minna
Niger State Governor, Alhaji Mohammed Bago, has declared that he would neither negotiate with bandits nor pay ransom for the release of kidnapped victims
Bago’s declaration followed the
DSS,
demand for payment of N400 million in hard currency ransom for four top indigenes of the state, who had now spent four weeks in the kidnappers’ den.
“I will not negotiate with bandits. I will not pay ransom. The moment we start paying,
they will open shop on our heads and keep kidnapping people,” the governor was quoted as saying in a statement made available to newsmen in Minna by his Special Adviser on Print Media, Aisha Wakaso.
Bago described banditry in
Niger as “a state of war that requires collective resistance”.
Bago, according to the state- ment, spoke when he paid a condolence visit to the people of Rijau and Magama local govern- ment areas, whose communities were recently attacked by bandits.
NASENI Achieve Milestone in Production of Modern Security Equipment
Tinubu commended for breakthrough
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
The Department of State Services (DSS), in partnership with the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), have achieved a major feat towards technological self-reliance in Nigeria’s security sector. Making the disclosure in Abuja, NASENI Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, said the high-tech equipment which his agency is jointly producing with the DSS, with full support of
President Bola Tinubu, will improve intelligence gathering and effective security coverage in the country.
This is according to a state- ment in Abuja yesterday by the Director of Information, NASENI, signed by Olusegun Ayeoyenikan. “A state-of-the-art manufacturing facility jointly constructed with the DSS in Abuja, is fully-equipped with the latest security systems and technology that will transform the conduct of security opera- tions nationwide,” disclosed the NASENI boss.
He said that the DSS Director General, Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi, had always emphasised the President’s vision of promoting self-reliance by security agencies in Nigeria and reducing importation of security equipment.
This, stressed by the NASENI boss, explained why both agencies trained and developed technical expertise in manufacturing the security equipment; details of which cannot be disclosed now for “obvious reasons”.
According to the DG of the DSS, the President firmly
Onitsha Indigenes Celebrate Pipe Borne Water 25 Years After, Pledge to Return Soludo
David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka
Natives and residents of Onitsha North and South Local Government Areas have celebrated the return of pipe borne water in their city, 25 years after.
Family members of Agwuzani Family in Umuaroli, Onitsha who briefed journalists in Awka, Anambra State, said
they are excited over this and would return Governor Chukwuma Soludo in the forthcoming election.
The family who was led by Mr. Sunday Ogoazi the Diokpa (leader) of the family said Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has offered Anambra people good leadership and that the people owe him massive support for him to return for a second term.
He said besides coming to Awka to thank the governor for returning pipe borne water to the city, they also came to thank Soludo for saving them from land grabbers who had earlier tried to seize their land, after victory over protracted court case involving Ogwugwu Agbu land, which they said was bequeathed them by their forefathers.
believes that Nigeria has the capacity to manufacture its own security equipment and should minimise reliance on foreign imports.
“ This strategic partnership leverages on NASENI’s scientific and engineering expertise to enhance research and innovation tailored specifically to the needs of the security sector,” Halilu said.
He said, “The state has reached a point where the people must stand up and defend themselves,” warning, “Ransom payments would only turn kidnapping into a thriving business.”
He said, “It is a constitutional duty of government for the lives and property of the people to beBagoprotected.”assured that he would go all out to do that as the constitution did not state how far he should go in protecting theHepeople.declared, “We are surrounded by enemies, but we will not give up. The constitution gives us the right to defend our lives and property, and we will do just that. There is no going back.”
Bago described “as embar- rassing and unacceptable” the fact that communities could be invaded and their residents turned into internally displaced persons.
He announced plans to recruit and train 10,000 members into the Joint Task Force (JTF) to help
restore security across the state.
Bago declared a total ban on mining across the entire Zone C of the state, covering eight local government areas, including Magama, Kontagora, Rijau, Wushishi, Mariga, Borgu, Mashegu, and Agwara. He said this was because illegal mining had become one of the major drivers of insecurity in the area. The governor assured the victims of recent attacks that his administration would support them, promising compensation for families of those killed, medical treatment for the injured, and assistance for those who lost their sources of livelihood.
A member of the Niger State Independent Electoral Commis- sion, his daughter, and driver and a former member of the board of the State Universal Basic Education Board were kidnapped a month ago, with the kidnappers, reportedly, reaching out to their families to demand for the payment of N400 million ransom.
Cadbury Nigeria: Kolade a Corporate Colossus Who Nurtured Many Businesses Leaders
Cadbury Nigeria Plc has paid glowing tribute to its former Managing Director and later Chairman of the Company, Dr. Christopher Kolade, who passed away recently at the age of 92.
This announcement was contained in a statement issued yesterday by Head, Corporate Communications and Government Affairs, Cadbury Nigeria, Dr. Fredrick Mirdi.
According to the statement, Cadbury Nigeria described Ko-
lade, who was the company’s first indigenous managing director, as an accomplished corporate colossus, a distin- guished diplomat, and an intellectual giant that nurtured many business leaders.
It said: “Cadbury Nigeria, which he helped nurture to greatness during his stint with the organisation, is recognised as a ‘Top Employer in Nigeria’ by the Amsterdam-based Top Employers Institute.
“The Company is also listed among ‘Top 100 Companies in Nigeria’ and ‘100 Best
Companies to Work for in Nigeria.’
The Chairman, Cadbury Ni- geria, Mr. Adedotun Sulaiman, said: “The board, management and staff of Cadbury Nigeria, join the family of Dr. Kolade and indeed Nigerians, to mourn the demise of one of the finest administrators that this country has ever produced.
“Dr. Kolade played a key role in the transformation of our Company and contributed immensely to the development of Nigeria’s human capital in various capacities.
Dike Onwuamaeze
Laleye
THIRD QUARTER MEDIA PARLEY AND MINI-LAUNCH OF ILERA EKO...
L-R: Director, Finance and Accounts, Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), Mr. Wahab Abalagada; Director, Administration and Human Resources (LASHMA), Mrs. Olufunke Longe; Permanent Secretary (LASHMA), Dr. Emmanuella Zamba; Director, Social Media, Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy, Dr. Olajide Atansunyi; Coordinator, Regulations (LASHMA), Mr. Tosin Awosika; and Head, Business Development (LASHMA), Mr. Rotimi Olatunji, during the Third Quarter Media Parley and Mini-Launch of Ilera Eko Spotlight Online Radio at LASHMA’s Head Office, Alausa, Lagos… recently
NEC Okays President’s Proposal to Revamp Training Institutions for Security Agencies
Constitutes committee to oversee overhaul of facilities, endorses anticipatory action framework to prevent riverine flooding across 36 states Shettima urges states to align with Tinubu’s growth targets
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
National Economic Council (NEC), yesterday, at its monthly meeting, endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s proposal for the overhaul of training institutions for security agencies nationwide.
The president’s proposal followed a presentation made to Council by Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, on the realisation of Tinubu’s vision for a trillion-dollar economy.
Bagudu, in the presentation, highlighted the need for the three tiers of government to invest more in security.
At the 152nd meeting held at State House, Abuja, NEC constituted a committee, chaired by Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, to oversee the process of overhaul of training institutions for security agencies across the country.
The committee was given one month to produce a blueprint for the renovation of training
institutions for the Nigeria Police and sister agencies nationwide.
Other members of the NEC committee were Governors Uba Sani of Kaduna, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Kefas Agbu of Taraba, Umoh Eno of Akwa Ibom, Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, and Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa.
The committee had former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Baba Usman, as secretary.
Addressing members of the council, Tinubu highlighted the need for government to fix training institutions and facilities for security agencies across the country. He assured that his administration would make concerted efforts to reverse the dilapidation in police training facilities nationwide.
“We have to make the conditions of the training facilities more conducive for both the trainers and trainees,” he said, urging governors to pay attention to issues that affect the wellbeing of the people, particularly, from the grassroots.
Earlier, Chairman of NEC, Vice President Kashim Shettima, called on state governments to translate the optimism of the streets into real prosperity in homes and communities.
In his opening address, Shettima reminded governors that the measure of governance lay in the tangible improvement of citizens’ lives rather than rhetoric.
“The measure of government is not in speeches delivered; it is in the lives improved,” the vice president said.
Highlighting one of the day’s major presentations, including the Anticipatory Action Framework for Riverine Flooding, by Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the vice president reiter- ated the administration’s shift from reactive crisis management to proactive planning.
According to him, “It is no longer in doubt that rivers that once sustained our farmlands and livelihoods have also been the source of recurring tragedy for many of our citizens.
NES@40: Society Reaffirms Commitment to Advancing Environmental Professionalism
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
The Nigerian Environmental Society (NES) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing environmental professionalism, policy development, and sustainable climate action in theThecountry.commitment was made on Thursday in Abuja at the 40th anniversary celebration of the association, which also marked the society’s National Conference and 35th Annual General Meeting.
In her virtual keynote ad-
dress, the President and CEO of the Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (ISED), United Kingdom, Sarah Mukherjee, described the Nigerian Environmental Society as “a beacon of what can be achieved when a group of people come together with a vision and complete the hard work.”
Mukherjee, while speaking on the theme Nigeria’s Contri- bution to Global Climate Action, congratulated the society for its 40 years of commitment to environmental advocacy, policy
development, and capacity building.
She said: “You should be rightly proud to celebrate 40 years of the society’s dedication to shaping national policies, from the National Policy on the Environment to the Environmental Impact Assessment Act,” noting that: “It is a landmark achievement.”
She said many NES members have served on inter-ministerial committees, offered technical advice, and represented Nigeria at international environmental negotiations.
“Entire communities have watched their dreams drown in waters that could have been tamed through foresight and planning. True leadership anticipates danger and builds systems to prevent loss before it happens.”
He commended the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, for leading the charge towards disaster preparedness across the federation, stating that the framework would strengthen early warning systems, coordination mechanisms, and subnational response capacities.
Bagudu presented a NEC memorandum outlining Nigeria’s trajectory towards a $1 trillion economy by 2033, describing the target as a test of coordination and clarity.
He outlined key strategies to deepen cooperation among the federating units and sustain the ongoing reforms driving macroeconomic stability, national security, and inclusive growth.
Bagudu explained that the document drew from constitutional principles defining the shared responsibilities of all tiers of government for national development.
Citing Section 130 (2) of the 1999 Constitution, he recalled that the president served as “Head of State, Chief Executive of the Federation, and Commanderin-Chief of the Armed Forces.”
He said Section 13 mandated all authorities and persons exercising powers to uphold the constitution and apply its directive principles of state policy.
Bagudu stated, “The memo recognises the president’s deep respect for federalism and highlights the achievements made through collaboration between the federal and state governments over the past two and a half years.”
He stated that measures, such as macroeconomic reforms, security interventions, the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund, and grassroots devel- opment programmes, had strengthened the economy and laid the groundwork for accelerated growth.
Bagudu proposed key resolu- tions, which were approved by the council. They included Regular Briefings on Economic Stability.
Under the initiative, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, and Minister of Budget and Economic Planning were to periodically brief NEC on policies supporting macroeconomic and monetary stability.
Other resolutions included:
Sustained Infrastructure Collaboration: it said the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund shall remain a collaborative vehicle for nationwide infrastructure development, with periodic progress reports to NEC.
Enhanced Security Funding: NEC said cooperation on national security shall continue, with additional investments to be determined by the president on NEC’s recommendation.
According to the vice president, “This ambition requires coordina- tion across the federation. It is our duty as a Council to interrogate the pathways, to assign respon- sibilities, and to ensure that our targets are realistic, time-bound, and transparent to the citizens who expect results.”
He emphasised that the roadmap aligned with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritised macroeconomic stabil- ity, job creation, food security, and subnational competitiveness as anchors of national prosperity.
Shettima commended the Katsina Sustainable Platform
for Agriculture (KASPA), a state-driven digital agriculture model designed to modernise service delivery and improve farmers’ access to data, markets, and climate information.
He stated, “Earlier this week, at the invitation of His Excellency, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, I was in Katsina State. One of the progressive projects we launched is the Katsina Sustainable Platform for Agriculture, known as KASPA.
“It is a scalable framework for digital governance, farmer inclusion, and climate-smart productivity ready for subnational adoption.”
Shettima said the platform reflected the council’s broader commitment to technologyenabled governance and inclusive agricultural growth that cut across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“The story of Nigeria’s recovery will not be written by chance but by choice, by the deliberate actions we take to protect our economy, safeguard our environment, and uphold the welfare of our citizens,” he said.
Shettima commended gover- nors, ministers, and members of the council for sustaining NEC as a platform of trust, cooperation, and policy innovation.
A NEC Committee on Security Investment Mobilisation was approved.
The council said NEC Committee on Crude Oil Theft would have its mandate expanded to include preventing theft of solid minerals, including gold and other precious resources.
Implementation of the programme shall remain a core national priority, with the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning submitting periodic progress reports, the council resolved.
OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 2025 AFRICA COLLOQUIUM AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING...
L-R: Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Tourism, Hon. Bonu Solomon; Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba; Representative of Lagos Governor and Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin; Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN); Lagos Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Mr. Hameed Oyenuga; Director, Sundreau Global Justice Institute, Pepperdine University, California, USA, Prof. Cameron McCollum; and Representative of Minister of Justice, Ezinne Nwokoro, at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Africa Colloquium Against Human Trafficking held in Ikeja, Lagos, yesterday
Nnamdi Kanu Sacks Legal Counsel, Opts to Defend Himself in Alleged Terrorism Trial
Court adjourns to today Police explain why they arrested Sowore
Alex Enumah and Linus Aleke in Abuja
Trial of the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, took a new twist, yesterday, following his sacking of his entire legal team, which have been representing him in the alleged terrorism case before Justice James Omotosho of a Federal High Court in Abuja. Kanu, was expected to open his defence in the seven-count amended charge yesterday, after the court declined his “no-case submission” to the case of the federal government.
But, when the matter was called on Monday, lead counsel to the defendant, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN applied to withdraw from the legal representation, informing the court that the defendant had taken the case back from them.
Agabi, who told the court that
they respect the decision of the defendant, gave the name of the other SANs, who withdrew to include Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN; Joseph Akubo, SAN; Paul Erokoro, SAN; Emeka Etiaba, SAN; and one other.
The pro-Biafran agitator, who attested to the development from the dock, however, informed the court that he would be defending himself in the time being, and went ahead to challenge the jurisdiction of the court to try him on the terrorism allegations brought against him by the federal government.
Justice Omotosho, however, overruled the defendant, insisting Kanu must proceed with his defence.
But, one of Kanu’s former lawyer, Ikpeazu intervened, drawing the court’s attention to the fact that their withdrawal took effect on the morning of Thursday.
Ikpeazu prayed the court to
create “disproportionate and expensive satellite litigation.”
grant Kanu few time to gather his thoughts and compose himself for the task ahead.
The lawyer representing the federal government, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, however, did not object to Ik- peazu’s request, following which Justice Omotosho adjourned till Friday, October 24 for Kanu to open his Meanwhile,defence.Kanu had a few days ago indicated desire to call some eminent Nigerians when he opens his defense.
Some of the witnesses included a former Minister of Defence, Rtd General Theophilus Danjuma; immediate past Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN; the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike; former Chief of Army Staff, General Tukur Buratai (Rtd); Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State; and Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, all of whom fell under
the category of “compellable witnesses”.
The remaining were Minister of Works, Dave Umahi; the immediate-past Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu; the immediate-past Director General (DG), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ahmed Rufai Abubakar; former DG of the State Security Service, Yusuf Bichi, and several witnesses whose identities he didn’t reveal.
The list of witnesses were contained in a fresh motion he personally signed and filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Meanwhile, the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force, has confirmed the arrest of the leader of the Free Nnamdi Kanu protest, Omoyele Sowore, in Abuja.
The Force explained that he was apprehended by operatives in Abuja for allegedly directing protesters to violate a subsisting court order that barred dem-
onstrators from converging in certain areas of the city.
The Force Spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the arrest while fielding questions from journalists during a press conference at the Force Intelligence Department – Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) Headquarters, Guzape, Abuja.
He also revealed that Sowore, would be charged to court within 24 hours of his arrest, possibly today.
“Today, Omoyele Sowore has been arrested by the Nigeria Police Force. You may ask why he was arrested? The reason is straightforward. The thirteen people previously arrested all gave their statements, and one thing was consistent in all of them: each person mentioned that one Omoyele Sowore led them into the restricted area, in clear contravention of the court order.
“It would therefore be unfair to charge those people to court and leave out the person who
led them — their leader, the lead protester — who guided them into the restricted area. In the spirit of fairness and to ensure that justice is served, Omoyele Sowore was arrested today.
“Like the others, he will not spend much time with us. He will not be in custody for up to 24 hours. Once we conclude the charges, he will be prosecuted. In fact, if all goes as planned, he will be arraigned in court today.
“You will recall that eight people were arrested on Monday in the Transcorp area of Abuja. They were arrested because they contravened a court order restricting movement within those areas.
“Despite several warnings not to enter the restricted area, they defied the order and forced their way in. As we warned two days before the protest, in our statement, anyone who contravened the order would be arrested and prosecuted. Accordingly, we arrested them as stated. Ag AI n, UK’S S U preme Co U rT Tr ASH e S p &ID’S C AS e Ag AI n ST nI ger IA , In SISTS F I rm mUST pAY £44m Leg AL Co STS rejected that argument. In a joint judgment delivered by Lord Hodge and Lady Simler, with the concurrence of Lords Reed, Stephens, and Richards, the Court held that an order for costs “is not intended to compensate for loss” but rather represents a statutory indemnity for expenses incurred in litigation.
“As Nigeria had incurred liability and made payments in sterling, the court ought to make a costs order in sterling,” the Justices ruled.
The Court further emphasised that costs awards are discretionary and not compensatory in nature, distinguishing them from damages in tort or contract cases. It warned that adopting P&ID’s approach requiring inquiries into how litigants fund their legal fees would
It reaffirmed the principle that costs are to be awarded in the currency in which the legal services were billed and paid, unless there are exceptional or abusive circumstances, dismissing P&ID’s appeal and ordering the company to pay Nigeria’s costs on the standard basis.
On reasons for the judgment, a summary of the case given by the court said: “ First, an order for costs is not intended to provide compensation for loss in the same way as awards of damages in tort or for breach of contract.
“Secondly, an order for costs is a discretionary remedy determined by reference to all the circumstances. While a party cannot recover more in costs than it has paid in legal fees, the costs award is not an
attempt to restore a party to the position it would have been in without the litigation.”
Instead, the court stated that its task in making a costs award is to identify the reasonable amount which the paying party should pay as a contribution to the receiving party’s costs, affirming that a costs order is therefore very different from an award of damages.
“Thirdly, the court does not usually know how the litigant obtained the funds used to pay its legal fees and does not investigate those arrangements in order to ascertain that party’s loss.
“Fourthly, there are pragmatic reasons why the court should not inquire into how the litigant has funded an action. Making such inquiries would risk col- lateral disputes of fact which may require a separate trial. The
courts should be very slow to adopt a principle which would encourage disproportionate or expensive additional litigation.
“The dispute in this case as to how Nigeria funded the sterling payments it made to its solicitors is an example of the kind of additional issues that might arise if the courts were to embark on the inquiry suggested by P&ID.
“There is no requirement in the Senior Courts Act 1981 or the Civil Procedure Rules 1998 that costs orders be made only in sterling . A general rule that an order for costs is made in sterling or in the currency in which the solicitor has billed the client and in which the client has paid or is liable to pay is consistent with the nature of the court’s costs jurisdiction and with legal certainty,” part of the judgement read.
Olubadan: There Can’t Be Religious Crisis in Ibadanland, I’ll Be Fair to All Religions
Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Ladoja, yesterday, said, there could not be a religious crisis in Ibadanland and assured the people of his commitment to be fair to all religions in the ancient city.
Ladoja, a former governor of Oyo State, gave the assurance when delegates from the Redeemed Christian Church of God, (RCCG), paid him a courtesy visit.
The monarch while addressing his guests at the Olubadan palace in Oke Aremo in Ibadan,
reiterated that there could not be religious crisis in the ancient city, noting that all families in Ibadan had adherents in all the three major religions. He appreciated the delegation for their visit and enjoined them not to relent in their prayers for Ibadanland, Oyo State and the country in general.
“There cannot be a religious crisis in Ibadanland as there is no family compound without the adherents of the various religions, particularly Christianity, Islam and African Traditional Religion.
THANK YOU VISIT TO GOVERNOR ODODO...
Front row from left: Olu of Ayetoro Gbede, Oba Sunday Adewumi Ologe; Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo; Commissioner for Special Duties, Sunday Faleke; and Women Leader, Mrs. Elizabeth Bello, with some other community leaders (standing), while Ayetoro Gbede traditional and community leaders were on a thank-you visit to Governor Ododo after Oba Adewumi’s coronation as the monarch… recently
PDP BoT Dismisses Anyanwu’s Alleged Forgery, Declares He
Signed the Documents
Northwest rejects consensus national chair, claims not consulted, choice imposed by govs
The Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has faulted claims by the National Secretary of the Party, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, that his signature was forged on the correspondence transmitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), regarding the forthcoming National Conven- tion of the party in Ibadan, Oyo State.
In a statement by the chairman of the BoT, Senator Adolphus Wabara, while the BoT would have preferred to refrain from engaging in matters of internal administrative procedure in the public domain, the gravity of the allegation and its capacity to mislead party members and the general public, necessitated a clear and factual clarification.
Wabara said it was on record that the said INEC notification letter was jointly signed by the National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum and Senator Samuel Anyanwu, the National Secretary, on the 25th of
August, 2025, during the 102nd meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the PDP.
‘’The signing took place in the presence of critical organs and stakeholders of the party, including members of the PDP governors’ forum, the Board of Trustees, and other NEC members, who witnessed the process.‘’Subsequent to this, Senator Anyanwu was formally in- augurated as the Secretary of the Contact and Mobilisation Sub-Committee for the 2025 National Convention.
“In that capacity, he co-signed official communications of the sub-committee, including letters of appointment issued to its members, alongside the Sub-Committee Chairman, His Excellency Senator Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State.’’
Furthermore, Wabara stressed that, ‘’Senator Anyanwu, in his capacity as Sub-Committee Secretary, personally signed and transmitted a letter seeking finan- cial approval for the inaugural meeting of the sub-committee.
‘’These verifiable correspon- dences, bearing his signature, are in the custody of the party and relevant convention committees,’’ he stated
Accordingly, Wabara said, ‘’In view of these incontrovertible facts, the BoT finds Senator Anyanwu’s claim of forgery to be baseless, misleading, and to say the least, reprehensible being inconsistent with the documented
record of events.
‘’Such allegations, regrettably, can only be interpreted as a de- liberate attempt to cast aspersions on the integrity of the party’s leadership and processes, and to misinform security agencies and the general public.
‘’The Board of Trustees reaffirms that the Peoples Demo- cratic Party remains cohesive, resolute, and unwavering in
its commitment to democratic values, transparency, and internal harmony.
‘’The forthcoming PDP 2025 Elective National Convention scheduled to hold on Saturday 15th to Sunday 16th November, 2025 in Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital, shall by every measure, be a credible and unifying exercise reflective of the PDP’s long-standing tradition of internal democracy.
‘’The BoT therefore calls on all members, stakeholders, and supporters of the Party to disregard the unfounded claims by Senator Anyanwu and remain steadfast in their support for the leadership of our great Party as it continues to chart a course for Nigeria’s democratic renewal on the platform of the PDP,’’ Wabara stressed.
National Assembly Intensifies Electoral Reforms Effort Ahead of 2027 Polls
Sunday Ehigiator
The National Assembly has intensified efforts to overhaul Nigeria’s electoral framework ahead of the 2027 general elec- tions, with its Joint Committee on Electoral Matters holding another high-level retreat in Lagos to review proposed reforms to the Electoral Act.
The retreat, held yesterday,
German Envoy: Nigeria-Germany Trade Volume Now €3 Billion
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
Nigeria-Germany trade volume has hit an all-time high of €3 billion, the German Ambassador to Nigeria, An- nett Gunther said yesterday, stressing that the 30 per cent increase could be attributed to Nigeria’s economic recovery.
Speaking in Abuja, Gunther, who called a press conference ahead of the joint Nigerian- German binational commission scheduled for Berlin, in German, noted that Nigeria remains Germany’s second
biggest trading partner in Sub-Saharan Africa with a total trade volume of 3 billion Euros.
“Trade volumes have increased this year by 30 per cent due to Nigeria’s economic recovery,” she said.
The envoy equally revealed that more than 90 German companies are active in the country, “indirectly creating about 17,000 jobs in Nigeria.”
Gunther also told journal- ists that good times between both countries were not over, promising Nigerians that
more investments were on the way, especially in the energy and the pharmaceuti- cal sectors.
She revealed that in the energy sector, the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI) is now in the second phase.
She said: “This cooperation with the German energy giant Siemens will add about 7 Gigawatts to Nigeria’s Energy Grid. Secondly, the German –Nigerian cooperation in the Gas sector, eliminating gas flaring and improving Nigeria´s CO2 footprint.”
gathered lawmakers from both the Senate and House of Representa- tives, alongside representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), civil society actors, development partners, and technicalAlthoughexperts. the Chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on Electoral Matters, Senator Simon Lalong and Hon. Adebayo Balogun, were absent due to their participation in the inauguration of the new INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, in Abuja, Sena- tor Seriake Dickson represented Lalong and coordinated the
session.
In his remarks, Lalong de- scribed the retreat as a “crucial step in the reform of Nigeria’s electoral laws”, adding that the deliberations would help harmonize stakeholder inputs from recent public hearings.
“This retreat comes at a pivotal moment in our democratic jour- ney,” Lalong said. “As we reflect on the successes and challenges of past electoral cycles, it has become increasingly clear that the legal architecture underpinning our electoral system must evolve to meet emerging realities and public expectations,” he said. He stressed that a credible electoral system is fundamental to sustaining democracy, warning that without it, public confidence erodes and governance legitimacy suffers.
Governors’ Advisor at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) of the British High Commission, Dr. Mathew Ayibakrom, in his address, commended the National Assembly for sustaining the reform process, noting that the early start was key to ensuring adequate preparation before 2027.
Umahi Mourns Victims of Niger Tanker Fire, Orders Palliative Work
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, yesterday sympathised with the families of victims of the tanker explosion at Essa Village, along Lambata-Lapai- Bida road, in Niger State. Umahi also conveyed his condolences to Governor Umar Bago and the people of Niger State over the unfortunate
tanker inferno which occurred on Tuesday, October 21, 2025.
“In furtherance of the outcome of his meeting with the delegation of the National Assembly members from Niger State, and his discussion with the Governor of Niger State and the President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, on the immediate intervention to the affected road, the Minister
of Works has set up emergency committee to immediately move to Niger State.
“(The committee) will work with the contractor handling the project, CGC Nigeria Limited, to ensure that palliative rehabilitation is carried out on the affected road,” the minister said in a statement by his spokesman, Uchenna Orji.
Chuks Okocha in Abuja
OFFiCiaL LaUNCH OF aRT X LaGOs...
L-R: Curator, ART X Live!, Lanre Masha; Founder/Chairman, Tokini Peterside-Schwebig; Curator-at-Large, Missla Libsekal; Curator, Talent Advancement Platforms, Jumoke Sanwo; and Curator, Audience Engagement, ART X Lagos, Fikayo Adebajo, at the official launch of the landmark 10th Edition of ART X Lagos(10X) held in Victoria Island, Lagos…recently
Lagos to Gazette Wetlands, Mangroves as Solution to Coastal Challenge
sunday Ehigiator
Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, has revealed that long-term plans are underway to gazette wetlands and mangroves within the state as a solution to the rising sea level threatening coastal settlements.
This is just as he
announced that November 6 to 7 are dates for the upcoming Lagos International Climate Change Summit 2025, with the theme: ‘Blue Economy, Green Money: Financing Africa’s Coastal Resilience and Ocean Innovation’.
Speaking during a press briefing yesterday, Wahab said the summit, which is bid to take place at the Lagos Continental Hotel,
AFD Applauds LAMATA on New Transport Interchanges
Raheem akingbolu
The Agence Française de Développement (AFD) has commended the Lagos State government and the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) for their efforts to ease commuting in the state, with the construction of two transport interchanges in Marina and Mile 2.
The Director of the Africa Department of the AFD, Sandra Kassab, stated this after leading a team from the agency to tour
the two projects, along with the Commissioner of Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, and the Managing Director of LAMATA, Mrs. Abimbola Akinajo, to check the progress of the work done.
Commenting after the tour, Kassab, who was excited about what she saw and the progress of work done, praised LAMATA and the state government for its commitment in wanting to easing commuting across the metropolis.
RMBNigeria Asset Mgt Wins Fastest Growing Manager Award
RMBNigeria Asset Management Limited, a member of the FirstRand Group, has been named the Fastest Growing Asset Manager of the Year at the Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards 2025, organised by BusinessDay Media.
would bring together over 1,200 participants from more than 30 countries, including global CEOs, development partners, scientists, investors, and youth innovators, to design real, bankable
climate solutions for Africa.
The commissioner noted that the summit, a flagship initiative of the Lagos State Government, first launched in 2009 by the former Governor Babatunde Raji
Fashola government, has evolved into one of Africa’s leading sub-national climate dialogues.
“Lagos is one of the world’s most vibrant coastal megacities; a hub
of creativity, commerce, and culture. Yet it is also one of the most climate-vulnerable cities globally, facing sealevel rise, excessive rainfall, heat, coastal erosion, and flash flooding,” he stated.
Troops Foil Multiple Attacks in North-East, Eliminate 50 Terrorists
Linus aleke in abuja
The Nigerian Army has said that troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) thwarted terrorist attacks on multiple locations across its joint operations area in the early hours of yesterday.
A statement by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, North
East Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, noted that combined ground and air efforts resulted in the neutralisation of over 50 terrorists across all locations.
Uba stated: “Between midnight and 0400 hours, the terrorists launched coordinated assaults on troops’ positions in Dikwa,
Mafa, Gajibo, and Katarko, situated in Sector 1 (Borno State) and Sector 2 (Yobe State), respectively. In all instances, troops stood firm, fought gallantly and professionally repelled the attacks, dealing the terrorists a heavy, decisive, and bloody blow.
“The coordinated offensive response was
supported by air platforms of the Air Component Command of OPHK. The precision strikes, coupled with enhanced battlefield awareness provided by Theatre Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets, gave troops additional leverage and impetus to respond with overwhelming and lethal force.
Activist Faults Kukah’s Position on Religious Freedom, Persecution
sunday Ehigiator
The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, has come under criticism over what has been described as a sudden shift in his stance on the issue of religious freedom and alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
In a statement yesterday, Civil Rights Activist, Dr. Thompson Udenwa, faulted Bishop Kukah’s recent comments, recalling that the outspoken cleric had, only a few years ago, been among the leading voices urging the United States Government to designate Nigeria as a Country of
Particular Concern (CPC) over widespread attacks on Christian communities, church burnings, and targeted killings across parts of the North and Middle Belt.
Udenwa described the Bishop’s new tone as “reflective of inconsistency that should not be seen in
political or religious leaders.” He queried why the same Bishop who, in 2021, addressed the U.S. Congress and criticised the Buhari administration’s alleged indifference to Christian persecution, would now oppose the very designation he once described as “moral justice.”
Gani Adams: Olokun World Festival Unlocks Economic Potential, Tourism
ayodeji ake
especially for the Small Scale Enterprise (SMEs).
The award recognises RMBNigeria Asset Management’s remarkable growth trajectory, innovative investment solutions, and commitment to delivering superior value to clients amid a challenging and evolving financial landscape.
Managing Director, RMB-Nigeria Asset Management, Kike Mesubi, in accepting the award, stated: “Since inception, RMBNigeria Asset Management has delivered superior and consistent performance, curated innovative client centric products and services leveraging the deep market expertise and the strength of FirstRand Group to be the trusted partner for investment management.
The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland and the Chief Promoter of Olokun Festival Foundation (OFF), Iba Gani Adams, has explained that the annual Olokun World Festival is not only about spiritual encounter but it also to unlock economic potential,
Addressing journalists at the scheduled press conference organised by the Olokun Festival Foundation to officially announce the commencement of the festival held at the Oodua House in Lagos State recently, Adams, who was represented by the
Asoju Aare Onakakanfo, Chief Yinka Oguntimehin, noted that the festival attracts tourism, spiritual and economic gains.
He said: “The essence of this conference is to unveil the programmes lined up for this year’s edition of the annual Olokun World Festival, a cultural fiesta that is held
every year in Badagry that attracts prominent dignitaries and tourists across the world.
“Aside from the direct benefits that come with tourists visiting the festival site, its environs, and adjoining towns, the spiritual and economic gains of organising the festival are many.”
BetKing Partners BB Naija Season 10 to Reward Winner of In-house Task
sunday Okobi
BetKing, Nigeria’s leading gaming and entertainment brand, has partnered with the Big Brother Naija Season 10 to reward the housemates who participated and won their tasks.
Talking to THISDAY at the presentation of the prize in Lagos, the Head of Marketing, Nengi Akinola, explained that BetKing embarked on the sponsorship/partnership with BB Naija to expose their audience and the general
public to the fact that, beyond sport betting, BetKing also has an iGaming portfolio, is virtual and games, which the housemates participated in and won.
“So, we are here today for a wrap-up of our sponsorship of the BetKing-Big Brother partnership. We wanted to target an entertainmentdriven audience, so we collaborated with Big Brother Naija, which is one of the biggest platforms to drive awareness for our portfolio, and that was why we did the sponsorship.”
Uba Sani Advocates Access to Medical Care for All Nigerians
Michael Olugbode in abuja
Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has advocated access to affordable medical care for all Nigerians, insisting that no citizens should be pushed into poverty for seeking essential medical care.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Ali Pate, also called for national consensus on prioritising healthcare system in the country.
They spoke yesterday at a Health Media Dialogue with media executives in Nigeria with the theme: “Escalating
Executive and Media Action for Health Accountability and Financing,” in Abuja. Sani said: “We believe no Nigerian family should be pushed into poverty by seeking essential medical care. Here, equity is not rhetoric for us. It is a principle of governance and justice…”
While noting that health facilities had been elevated in all parts of Kaduna State, Sani said these landmark facilities significantly reduced the need for medical tourism, lessening the financial and emotional burdens in families.
Noting that emergency care was given priority, he said, “We have launched the Kaduna State Emergency Medical Services ambulance system, which has ensured that countless lives ensuring that urgent intervention reach patient within critical calling hour.
“Our consensus, as of today in Kaduna, the government has made it free for every emergency case in the first 24 or 48 hours without paying a penny, every patient will be treated free the first 48 hours in Kaduna.”
PINL to Empower 2,000 Host Communities Women
Blessing ibunge inPort Harcourt
No fewer than 2,000 women from host communities on the Eastern Corridor of the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP), would soon benefit from an entrepreneurial and financial literacy skills put together by the Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL).
The empowerment, according to the security company, is for women and girls from the 215 host communities along the corridor.
General Manager, Community Relations and Stakeholders Engagement of PINL, Dr Akpos Mezeh,
I, was formerly known and addressed as MISS. DONALD IJEOMA VICTORIA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. HENRY-NWIBOR IJEOMA VICTORIA. All documents bearing my former name remain valid, general public should take note.
I, was formerly known and addressed as LAuRETTA CHINENYE OBIHAI, now wish to be known and addressed as LAuRETTA MERCY CHINENYE OBIHAI. All documents bearing my former name remain valid, general public should take note.
This is to confirm to general public that the names below: JOHNSON TOGAR, and OPARAOLu EMEKA FIDELIS is one and the same person, now wish to be known and addressed as OPARAOLu EMEKA FIDELIS. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.
This is to confirm to general public that the names below: ARHEWOH FAVOuR OSEMEN and AREWOH FAVOuR OSEMEN is one and the same person, and now wish to be known and addressed as ARHEWOH FAVOuR OSEMEN. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.
disclosed this during the monthly stakeholders meeting for its host communities of Rivers, Imo and Abia States in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Mezeh said the programme is focused on small business development, financial literacy, and skills training for women and girls in the host communities.
“The PINL Women Entrepreneurs and Empowerment Initiative has completed data capturing, conducted in Port Harcourt for host communities in Abia, Imo, and Rivers States, and Yenagoa for Bayelsa communities. “This programme focuses on small business development, financial literacy, and skills training for
women and girls”, Mezeh said. He stated that verification of data is currently ongoing and that beneficiaries will be contacted shortly, adding: “Through the PINL Women’s Skills Development and Enterprise Programme, 2,000 women are being targeted for empowerment before the year’s end.”
Reeling out other actions taken by the company so far, he said scholarship programme for youths is currently being processed for payment, with beneficiaries expected to receive disbursements soon, adding that new entries from underrepresented communities have also been added to the list.
NGO Wants Youths’ Engagement in Campaign to End Violence Against Women
James sowole in abeokuta
A non-governmental organisation (NGO), the Centre for Women’s Health and Information in Nigeria (CEWHIN), has stressed the importance of involving youth in the campaign to end Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).
Speaking with THISDAY at a consultative forum for traditional, religious leaders and youths, the Executive Director of CEWHIN, Mrs Atinuke Odukoya, said it was discovered that youths were not properly carried along in the campaign. She said it was during an encounter with the youths that the organisation discovered the existence of new group known as “Cooler Ministry,” on
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campuses of Nigerian tertiary institutions.
According to her, the group, which is operating under the guise of religion, subjects female students to various exploitative practices including but not limited to house chores for a pastor, who is also a fellow student.
Speaking at the forum held with youths at the Green Legacy, Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, Ogun State, Odukoya said the event, was an eye opener.
The forum involving the youth, was organised in furtherance of CEWHIN’s Partnership for Enhansed VAWG Prevention Among Traditional and Religious Stakeholders, was organised with support from Ford Foundation.
The executive director said the three-day consultative forum and particularly the one that involved youths of between 18 and 35 years, had been very revealing. She said: “It has been a mixed pill like a pot pouri. If we did’nt have this workshop, I just wondered where and how we will be. In the past three days, we have been engaging ourselves on how certain things can be prevented.”
Edited by: MJO Mustapha Email deji.mustapha@thisdaylive.com
The Qur’an on Art, Architecture & Built Environment (2) WORLD OF ISLAM
By: Spahic Omer/IslamiCity
The Qur’an and Sunnah and Perceiving Architecture
In relation to the realm of architecture, the role of the Qur’an and the Prophet’s Sunnah is to provide Muslims with an inspired outlook on life and issues that are pertinent and particular to architecture. It also provides some broad rules of morality and guidelines of proper conduct which may or may not be directly related to architecture.
Hence, Muslims are invited to establish their architectural theories, systems and styles that are consistent with their religious preferences and the requirements of their diverse eras, geographic regions, cultures and other practical needs and conditions.
Islamic architecture is a symbiosis between permanence, which is represented by the constant innate inclinations of essential human nature and the heavenly guiding principles and regulations, and impermanence which is necessitated and controlled by time and space factors. It is impermanence that changes, while permanence is abiding and remains unchanged.
This is the thrust of Islamic architecture’s powerful identity. Hence, Islamic architecture was able to rise above the precincts of the geographic and cultural contexts in which it was planted.
Furthermore, Islamic architecture was able to transcend the restrictions of the historical moments during which it was fashioned, outliving generations of its engineers, craftsmen and users. The ideals it personifies dominate its people and their thinking patterns. It is never the case that the people subjugate to their wishes and then control the world of Islamic architecture. Whenever this happens, it spells out a dire degeneration of Islamic architecture which can lead to its eventual death.
Islamic architecture likewise enlightens and inspires. Some of its facets can be inspired by a fine and purified vision, philosophy and thought approved by the Islamic consciousness, which then are fully Islamized and made subservient to the same Islamic consciousness.
However, no segment of Islamic architecture can be inspired by ideas and attitudes that are contradictory to the source whence Islamic architecture originates, that is, the revelation in the forms of the Qur’an and Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Such an act would be blasphemous and injustice towards the Islamic architecture users.
Islamic architecture declined and struggled to retain its conspicuous identity only when its two defining poles were bartered. This happened when the sacred in Islamic architecture was compromised and regarded as a transient and man-generated legacy, when the building system or the style of an age or a geographic region became excessively venerated and regarded as a sole inspiration and guidance, or when a complete detachment from the religion of Islam and its civilization occurred and an inspiration and guidance were sought from foreign sources. It follows that the success in reviving the real meaning of Islamic architecture depends on properly conceptualizing its basic notions and ideological framework, which then should be followed by finding and actualizing its appropriate strategies as well as methods.
The first role of the Qur’an and Sunnah as the sources and foundation of Islamic architecture is to afford a perfect guidance as to how Muslims perceive the creating, using and possessing of architecture. This is an integral part of the total Islamic worldview and belief system. The two holy sources also educate on the importance of architecture and its purpose in life. The goals of architecture are closely linked to man’s life purpose and goals and are treated as such. The two, in fact, complement each other.
Thus, a Muslim architect should perceive himself firstly as a servant of God, then an architect. He should see his profession as a means towards realizing his noble terrestrial mission as a vicegerent and servant of his Creator. In general, the purpose and goals of every Muslim’s professional life - it goes without sayingcannot deviate from the purpose and goals of his total existence. Architecture is a form of service to the people, environment and God.
It stands to reason that a conceptual dimension of architecture, which determines and shapes its physical and artistic dimensions, is perhaps most critical in evolving an architectural style. This is so because humans are not the only creatures that build. Many creatures that we classify low down the hierarchy of the animal kingdom, such as bees and ants, build elaborate structures. However, it has been suggested that awareness, thinking and imagination single out humans as superior to other animals in architectural output.
While other creatures act on the environment instinctively with no reasoning or training - as preordained by God, the Creator of the universe - humans do the same willingly and at their own discretion. Since their actions are preceded by thinking and beliefs, human beings clearly demonstrate through acts of building - and every other engagement of theirs - their philosophy and outlook on life. The relationship between the people’s outlook on life and
the disposition of their actions, including building, is causal, the former being the cause of the latter. No sooner does a paradigm shift occur in one’s worldview, than a corresponding change accordingly ensues in the very essence and character of one’s performances, thus revealing and immortalizing one’s actual relationship with his own self, peers, other creatures and his Creator.
The Qur’an and Sunnah as the Sources of Inspiration and Catalysts for Creativity
The Qur’an and Sunnah afford sets of broad and general values and principles which are central to the body of architecture: from the ideological and abstract aspects concerning the philosophy, to the practical and tangible ones concerning the functions of scores of components of Islamic architecture. If one expects to find in the Qur’an or Sunnah a concrete formula for designing a dwelling or a mosque, for example, then one is seriously misguided.
Equally misguided is he who asserts that the architecture of Muslims has nothing to do with the beliefs and value system of Islam, and that the two should be kept clear of each other.
The Qur’an and Sunnah with their vision of and approach to architecture function as the everlasting sources of inspiration and catalysts for matchless ingenuity, in addition to other conventional sources and catalysts needed by architects. And the two notions: inspiration and ingenuity, are fundamental to every successful architectural story. It is yet argued that the wellbeing of civilizations depends on how creatively and resourcefully they respond to recurring challenges confronting them.
As a few examples, the Qur’an and Sunnah do not speak about how to plan and design house entrances and windows, but speak about the issues and activities pertinent to the subject matter; nor do they address how to organize inner spaces inside a house, but deal with scores of issues related to that particular topic; nor do they speak about the ways mosques are to be planned and designed, but speak about mosque activities and matters relevant to mosques and their multiple functions as community centers, which should be duly considered when planning, designing and building mosques; nor do they speak about how to make buildings sustainable and environment friendly, but speak about the meaning and importance of the environment and our many duties and rights over it, so much so that one gets a feeling that Islam is truly a religion of environmental protection and that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was the first de facto environmentalist; nor do they speak about how to make buildings perfectly safe, secure and clean, but speak about establishing safety, security and cleanliness as foremost principles of Islam and the most important standards of living.
Without doubt, the broad and general Islamic values and principles, which lie at the core of architecture, can enlighten, enrich and inspire Muslim designers and architects. They can widen not only their architectural, but also spiritual and intellectual, horizons. Muslim designers and architects have thus nothing to lose, but on the contrary, can only gain multiple benefits. The above were some examples where the contents of the Qur’an and Sunnah can function as the sources of motivation and catalysts for creativity. However, this is to be seen as a starting point only for a Muslim architect to express himself architecturally and produce such architectural concepts and forms as he deems most suitable insofar as his spiritual inclinations and life interests are concerned. He uses the same divine guidance as a point of reference for acceptance and authorization whenever an architectural accomplishment is made. This hierarchical organization and order in Islamic architecture render it ever alive and applicable. It also signifies God’s acknowledgment of the talent and potential inherent in man, God’s vicegerent on earth, which, after all, are God-given.
Islam is a complete way of life. Its values and teachings are universal and timeless. Islamic architecture is universal and permanent too, in that the philosophy that it embodies is an Islamic one. However, such is the nature of Islamic architecture that it is receptive to advances in science and technology and the dictates of people’s living conditions.
It is an imperative that Muslim architects always remember this verity while trying to revive and sustain the notion of Islamic architecture. They are bidden firstly to identify the general guidelines and principles of the Qur’an and Sunnah pertaining to the enterprise of building. Next, they should be fully aware of the implications of the fluctuations of their time and the diverse regions in which they live. They cannot be trapped in a historical episode, overly romanticizing it and attempting to emulate the architectural solutions the Muslims of that particular period successfully evolved. If something was the norm during a period and in a particular ecological and socio-economic setting, such by no means might be the same in every subsequent period and in different ecological and socio-economic milieus.
Super Falcons Aim for Big Win over Bénin’s Amazons in Lomé
Duro
Ikhazuagbe
Ten-time champions, Nigeria’s Super Falcons will today engage Benin Republic in the 2026 Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final qualifying fixture, first leg clash inside the 25,000-capacity Stade de Kégué in the Togolese capital, Lomè.
A comfortable win for Falcons will make the return leg in Abeokuta, Nigeria on Tuesday a mere formality. But
2026 WAFCON QUALIFIER
like Benin senior men’s team proved in the just concluded 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup qualifiers, no team can be taken for granted any more in Africa. Super Falcons will have this at the back of their minds as they step out against Benin Amazons this afternoon in Lomé .
Interestingly, Head Coach, Justine Madugu, who led Falcons to win their 10th
NNL: Gov Alia Fires Lobi FC Board, Management
Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, has approved the dissolution of the Board and Management of the state-owned Lobi Stars FC, Makurdi.
A statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir. Tersoo Kula, the dissolution which is with immediate effect is aimed at repositioning the club for greater efficiency, accountability, and better performance in both the Nigeria National League (NNL) and other competitions.
The Governor further directed that all members of the dissolved management should hand over all official documents, assets,
and responsibilities to the Com- missioner for Youth, Sports and Creativity with immediate effect.
The Governor expressed appreciation to the outgoing board and management for their services to the club and the state, and assured that a new management structure will soon be announced to drive the next phase of Lobi Stars’ growth andHecompetitiveness. reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sports development as a vital tool for youth engagement, talent discovery, and social cohesion in Benue State.
El Clásico Tops European Football Weekend Action on SuperSport
Football fans are set for another thrilling weekend across Europe, with headline fixtures from the Premier League, Serie A, and La Liga on SuperSport, exclusively on DStv and GOtv.
The Premier League lineup offers several pivotal clashes. On Saturday at 3:00 p.m., Chelsea will host Sunderland at Stamford Bridge. Enzo Maresca’s men are in fine form, scoring 11 goals in their last three outings, including a dominant 5–1 win over Ajax in Champions League midweek. Sunderland, however, have shown resilience and will look to make it a difficult afternoon in London. At 5:30 p.m., Manchester United face Brighton at Old Trafford. Ruben Amorim’s side will aim to build on their impressive 2–1 victory at Anfield, while Brighton, buoyed by a win against Newcastle, remain dangerous opponents capable of unsettling any top side. Later that night at 8:00 p.m., Brentford welcome Liverpool. Arne Slot’s team ended their European slump with a 5–1 win over Frankfurt, but are still winless in three league games. Brentford’s organised approach and home advantage could test Liverpool’s push for stability.
continental title in Morocco, has promised his squad will go all out for the goals that will earn his ladies the ticket to a defence of the title in the same North African country.
The Kingdom of Morocco will also host next year’s house- party, where all semi-finalists will collect automatic qualifica- tion tickets to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in Brazil.
“We have a team that will go out there and make us proud. Yes, we would have loved to
have Jennifer (Echegini) but we do not and we can only pray for her to recover quickly.
“On Friday, we will go out and play our game and seek the goals that will put us in a good stead ahead of the returnWithleg.”Echegini out, Madugu is likely to opt for US-based impresario Deborah Abiodun to start, alongside captain Rasheedat Ajibade and Christy Ucheibe in the middle, with Chiamaka Nnadozie (one of the best goalkeepers in the world) marshalling a defence-line of Michelle Alozie, Tosin Demehin,
Osinachi Ohale and Ashley Plumptre.
In the fore, Madugu has Esther Okoronkwo (doubtless one of Nigeria’s impact players at this year’s Women AFCON), the pushful Chinwendu Ihezuo, six-time Africa Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala, new-face Joy Omewa and China-based Folashade Ijamilusi, who was also a delight as Nigeria won a tenth AFCON title in Morocco this summer.
Gambian official Ngum Fatou will be the referee of the encounter that begins at 3pm Togo time (4pm Nigeria time).
10 Bouts on the Card as Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame Returns
Kunle Adewale
As the Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame (LBHF) returns this weekend, fans can expect a thrilling lineup of bouts featuring amateur talents from across Lagos State.
The event, scheduled for Saturday, October 25 at Agege Stadium, will showcase 10 matchups as part of the revitalised monthly boxing series.
Among the featured contests;
in the men’s 50kg category, Bolarinwa Michael of Next Page Club, Mushin, will face Daramola Daniel of Brightest Club, Oto Awori. Quadri Oyebamiji is set to slug it out with Lateef Qudus in the men’s 55kg division. Innocent Prosper of Bariga will challenge Samuel Talabi of Abule Egba in the men’s 60kg bout.
Muftau Abdullahi will square off against Adeyemi Adebayo in the 63kg category, while
Abdullahi Robiu takes on Ibrahim Olayiwola in another clash within the same weight class.
In the women’s 48kg division, Sofia Yakubu of Oshodi will battle Nurat Sulimon of Badagry.
A special exhibition bout in the 31kg category will feature Eniola Owolabi of Ojokoro against Amira Aremu of Ajegunle.
Olamilekan Badiru of Ikorodu West will test his strength against
Chelsea, Others Show Interests in Three Kwara Football Academy Youngsters
Hammed Shittu in Ilorin Executive Chairman, Kwara State Sports Commission, Mal- lam Bolakale Adisa Mogaji, has revealed that English Premier League side, Chelsea FC, and several other European clubs have expressed interest in signing three players from the Kwara Football Academy. The players include; Ab- duljelil Kamaldeen (Chelsea England); Uthman Tajudeen (Brentford London); and
Ifeanyi Ikechukwu, (Leuven FC,MogajiBelgium).further revealed the achievements of the Kwara Sports Commission in the sports sector during the third Quarter Inter-Ministerial Press Briefing, organized by the Ministry of Communications in Ilorin, the stateHecapital. stated that the proceeds from the proposed contracts with these international clubs are expected to boost the state’s
Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
Mogaji explained that having identified their preferred players, arrangements are in top gear with scouts for the players to proceed to the clubs for further rigorous evaluation.
The sports administrator also highlighted a historic achievement by Kwara United FC as the reigning President Federation Cup champions after a long period of time.
He stressed that the victory qualified Kwara United to par- ticipate in the CAF Confedera- tion Cup but unfortunately have now ended their campaigns in the competition in the first round.
The Executive Chairman disclosed that 16-year-old squash player, Shuaib Giwa, from Kwara State is set to repre- sent Nigeria at an international squash tournament in Canada, sponsored by the Kwara State
Government.
Mogaji emphasized that the purposeful leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (CON), has been instrumental in nurturing and developing athletes to national and international standards.
He also noted that, for the first time in the state’s history, 16 Kwarans have been recognized and currently hold various posi- tions within different national sports federations.
Sharafadeen Fawas of Ajegunle Apapa in the men’s 70kg
In the 75kg category, Hamed Adegoke of Kosofe will go head-to-head with Dolapo Ajayi of TheIfako-Ijaiye. final bout of the day promises fireworks as Segun Aboseh of Badagry takes on Michael Olomitutu of Odi-Olowo in the men’s 86kg division. With the Governor’s Belt tournament on the horizon, this weekend’s event marks the begin- ning of a competitive journey for boxers aiming to earn their spot in the prestigious year-end championship.
Fans are expected to turn out in numbers to witness the action and support grassroots boxingAccordingtalent.to LBHF Director, David Mohammed, the return of the monthly tournament is part of a broader strategy to spotlight the five administrative divisions of Lagos—Island, Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos Mainland, and Epe (IBILE)—as well as local councils, fostering a more dynamic and inclusive competition.
Super Falcons players training in Lome, Togo yesterday ahead of today’s 2026 WAFCON qualifier against Benin Republic
division.
tasked with coordinating responses to natural and man-made disasters. This unit has showcased impressive efficiency, enabling timely and effective responses to crises, thereby minimizing the impact on affected communities.
A notable highlight of his tenure is the groundbreaking oversight of the first-ever major surgery performed on an inmate at the Kuje Correctional Facility. This significant achievement underscores Dr. Tunji-Ojo’s commitment to modernizing correctional services and ensuring humane treatment for inmates. His approach emphasizes the importance of rehabilitation and healthcare access, reflecting a compassionate understanding of inmate welfare. These initiatives are not merely administrative choices; they reveal Dr. Tunji-Ojo’s profound dedication to governance that prioritizes human dignity, trust, and the overall well-being of the Nigerian populace. His work embodies a holistic vision for a safer, more equitable society, leaving a lasting impact on the nation’s internal security landscape.
Championing Digital Transformation in Public Service
Dr. Tunji-Ojo, a leader in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and strategic management, has played a pivotal role in steering digital innovation within the Ministry of Interior. His comprehensive methodologies are meticulously crafted to align with global best practices, with a primary focus on streamlining immigration processes to effectively eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks and enhance transparency for all stakeholders involved.
Under the leadership of Dr. Tunji-Ojo, the modernization of operations has reached an impressive milestone with the successful digitization of records across various correctional facilities and medical systems. This transformative shift has guaranteed real-time access to critical information, a key element in driving accountability and maximizing operational efficiency. By deploying cutting-edge digital solutions, Dr. Tunji-Ojo has established a robust system in which data is not only more accessible but also highly reliable, empowering staff to make rapid,
run its nation like a corporation: driven by efficiency, meritocracy, and measurable outcomes. Through statutory boards and commercially managed state investments, decisions were made with speed, clarity, and discipline.
Nigeria — and indeed Africa — can do the same: apply corporate discipline to public purpose.
V. Appreciating Visionary Leadership
At this juncture, it is important to acknowledge and appreciate the deliberate efforts, courageous policies, and strategic foresight of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
Through initiatives such as the Renewed Hope Agenda, the Macroeconomic and Fiscal Reforms, the Infrastructure Funding and Power Sector Revamp Initiatives, and the ongoing drive to liberalize markets and unlock productivity, Mr. President has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to long-term national growth and sustainable development.
His leadership is re-engineering Nigeria’s economic architecture: from fuel-subsidy removal and exchange-rate unification to the bold acceleration of public-private collaboration in infrastructure, power, and human-capital investment.
These policies may be tough, but they are strategic foundations: the kind that turn shortterm pain into long-term prosperity. They reflect a clear understanding that no nation can grow on populism; only on productivity.
VI. The Enterprise Landscape of Nigeria
In Nigeria today, over 39 million micro, small, and medium enterprises generate nearly half of GDP and provide up to 88 percent of all employment. They are the true engine of our economy, yet the roads they travel, both literally and figuratively, are riddled with potholes.
Power remains unreliable. Finance remains scarce. Policy remains uncertain.
Our MSMEs face a N13 trillion financing gap — about 17 percent of GDP. These are not signs of failure; they are signs of an economy waiting to be properly wired.
VII. The Balance Sheet of a Nation
informed decisions. This modernization guarantees that essential information is always available to those who need it most, significantly enhancing resource management and support within the corrections and healthcare sectors. The outcome is a streamlined process that enables personnel at all levels to tackle challenges effectively, ultimately cultivating a safer and more organized environment for both staff and those in their care.
He has successfully implemented advanced surveillance and biometric systems at Nigeria’s borders, firmly establishing the country’s dedication to meeting international security standards. This significant advancement plays a crucial role in strengthening national security and ensures more effective monitoring and management of border activities.
In today’s fast-paced digital world, data stands as one of our most precious assets. Dr. Tunji-Ojo is passionately dedicated to harnessing this resource— not for his own benefit, but to inspire profound national change. His vision? To use technology as a powerful force for good, transforming our governmental framework into something more
In the boardroom, we celebrate profit and growth. But outside those walls, the national bottom line still bleeds red ink.
For the stock price of Nigeria Plc to rise, the balance sheet of Enterprise Nigeria must be positive in all critical areas, from governance to infrastructure, from education to energy, from trust to transparency. That is the equation that determines the true value of our nation in the global marketplace.
VIII. From Profit to Purpose — My Personal Journey
Early in my career, I thought success meant a healthy balance sheet. If profits rose, I celebrated. Then I realised — even as the company thrived, the nation’s fundamentals remained weak. The lights were still off. The youth were still idle. The suppliers were still struggling. So we began to act differently. Through the Sahara Regenerator Technical Programme, we trained 120 young Nigerians in solar installation and metering technology. Watching them light homes and power communities taught me something profound: when we invest in people, we invest in prosperity. That was my awakening: the walls of the
secure, efficient, and transparent. This ambitious endeavour aims to create a brighter future that uplifts and benefits every citizen.
A Call to Continue: From Reform to Legacy
Professor Ojo Emmanuel Ademola enthusiastically commends Dr. Tunji-Ojo for his outstanding accomplishments as a daring and visionary leader. While these achievements are impressive, the path to transformation is far from over. He fervently advocates for a significant boost in digital literacy and training across all interior agencies, empowering staff to take the lead in driving important reforms. Additionally, he champions the need for enhanced collaboration between ministries, aiming to make data sharing effortless and improve service delivery across various sectors.
Furthermore, he envisions the development of a comprehensive national correctional digitisation blueprint. This initiative aims to position Nigeria as a leader in the realm of humane incarceration and rehabilitation across the continent. By implementing advanced digital technologies, the blueprint will enhance transparency, efficiency, and
boardroom are not boundaries — they are launching pads.
IX. When Policy Meets Purpose
Consider the US $200 million partnership between the Rural Electrification Agency and WeLight: to build 400 mini-grids and 50 metro-grids, bringing power to up to 2 million people. That is not just a power project. It is proof that when policy meets private capital, darkness turns to productivity. Each bulb lit extends the working day, powers a business, and illuminates a child’s future. That is enterprise serving purpose.
X. Dispelling Myths
We must end the myth that development is solely government’s duty and that business exists only for profit. A business disconnected from public purpose cannot prosper for long. The real economy thrives where enterprise and nation work as partners, not as strangers.
XI. Three Clear Priorities for Sustainable Transformation
We do not need ten complicated steps. We need three deliberate priorities.
1. Fix the Rules Champion smart regulation and investment incentives that remove friction for MSMEs. Streamline permits, harmonise taxes, and strengthen credit-guarantee schemes. Use your influence as business leaders to advocate reforms — one regulation at a time. If every leader here fixed just one obstacle in their value chain, imagine the compound impact across the nation.
2. Wire Inclusion into Cashflows Enterprise is not sustainable unless it is inclusive. Women- and youth-led MSMEs are too often excluded from finance and supply chains. Set inclusion targets. Pay your small suppliers promptly — within 15 to 30 days. Co-invest in reliable energy solutions for your production clusters. Your success is tied to theirs — and theirs, to ours.
3. Build the Innovation Commons True productivity grows from shared knowledge and collaboration. Partner with universities. Sponsor
accountability within the correctional system. It seeks to facilitate better monitoring of inmate progress and provide access to educational and vocational training programs, ultimately fostering a path towards successful reintegration into society. Through this transformative approach, Nigeria can serve as a model for other nations in promoting humane treatment and effective rehabilitation of offenders.
Final Benediction
Dr. Tunji-Ojo’s leadership stands out prominently in the landscape of governance, embodying a beacon of hope for the nation. As he embarks on this significant journey of development, reform, and digital transformation, it is crucial for him to maintain not only a steady hand and a clear vision but also a deep-seated commitment to public service that prioritizes the needs of the citizens. With each initiative he undertakes, whether it involves streamlining bureaucratic processes, enhancing transparency, or improving access to government services through technology, the nation watches with a sense of optimism rather than scepticism. People are eager for tangible changes that will enhance their daily lives and strengthen the fabric of society.
As Dr. Tunji-Ojo continues to navigate challenges and seize opportunities within this complex landscape, there is a growing anticipation that his legacy will be one marked by profound and meaningful transformations. These changes are expected to resonate far beyond his tenure, impacting not only the current generation but also setting a foundation for future leaders and citizens. His efforts are poised to touch the very essence of the country, fostering a renewed sense of pride and purpose in the collective journey toward progress and prosperity.
•Professor Ojo Emmanuel Ademola, Africa’s First Professor of Cybersecurity and Information Technology Management, Chartered Manager, UK Digital Journalist, Strategic Advisor & Prophetic Mobiliser for National Transformation, and General Evangelist of CAC Nigeria and Overseas
incubators and accelerators. Open part of your data or infrastructure to start-ups under controlled conditions. Africa holds one-fifth of humanity. It is time to match that demographic power with innovation power. When we build ecosystems instead of silos, we transform a continent of hustlers into a continent of producers.
XII. Alignment: The Fourth Imperative
Beyond these three, one more imperative stands out — alignment.
The organised private sector must actively collaborate with the government in selecting and aligning priorities: to enable big-leap results in resource allocation for infrastructure, social-impact projects, and human-capital development. Africa — nay, Nigeria — will record significant progress only when this alignment between public purpose and private capability becomes deliberate, structured, and sustained.
XIII. The Call to Leadership
We began with a continent in shadow. We saw the pain of entrepreneurs struggling in the dark, the myth of government monopoly over development, and the gap between business density and productivity. We charted a way forward: Fix the rules, wire inclusion. Build the commons. Align priorities.
Now comes the decisive question, not can we? But will we? No one else will build our prosperity for us. We, who sit around boardroom tables, hold the keys.
So I ask you:
Will you use your influence to reform the rules? Will you design your business models to be inclusive? Will you invest in innovation ecosystems? Will you align your priorities with national purpose?
If each of us answers yes, sincerely, deliberately, consistently, then the next time we gather, Africa will no longer be the continent of dim lights in the night sky, but the brightest constellation on earth. Thank you. May God bless Nigeria, and may God bless Africa.
•A keynote address by Dr. Kola Adesina, MFR, FNSE
Dr. Tunji-Ojo
President Tinubu
AppREciATion DAy foR niGERiA’S nEwS mEDiA ELDERS...
Tunji-Ojo: A Beacon of Interior Reform and Digital Transformation
In the changing landscape of Nigeria’s governance, where leadership is continuously challenged by complexity and high expectations, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Honourable Minister of Interior, has stepped forward as a transformative force. He is redefining public service through innovation, empathy, and strategic vision. Although his tenure is still in progress, it already reflects the characteristics of significant impact, particularly in areas such as digital transformation and institutional renewal.
Reforming the Interior Ministry with Precision and Purpose
Since his appointment in August 2023 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Dr. Tunji-Ojo has spearheaded transformative reforms that have reshaped the Ministry of Interior, positioning it as a benchmark for efficiency and national security in Nigeria. Under
his leadership, a series of innovative initiatives have been launched, significantly impacting both
public safety and governance.
One of the flagship programs initiated by Dr. Tunji-Ojo is the “Safe Haven” Initiative, designed to enhance community engagement and develop innovative crime prevention strategies. Through a comprehensive approach that includes collaboration with local law enforcement, community organisations, and residents, this initiative has implemented a variety of programs aimed at addressing the root causes of crime.
Thanks to these dedicated efforts, numerous high-risk urban areas have achieved an impressive 25% reduction in crime rates. This substantial decline has not only enhanced safety but has also significantly strengthened the sense of security and trust among residents. The initiative has effectively empowered community members by actively involving them in discussions and decision-making processes, which has heightened civic responsibility and spurred collective action
against crime. Through these proactive governance strategies, the “Safe Haven” Initiative serves as a powerful testament to the effectiveness of community-centric approaches in fostering safety and stability within neighbourhoods.
Additionally, Dr. Tunji-Ojo has implemented the “Smart Border” Solution, which leverages cuttingedge technology to enhance border security. This program has resulted in a remarkable 30% decrease in illegal border crossings, thereby significantly improving the integrity and security of Nigeria’s borders. By employing advanced surveillance systems and data analytics, the initiative not only curbs illegal activities but also facilitates legitimate trade and travel across the nation’s frontiers.
In response to the increasing need for rapid emergency management, Dr. Tunji-Ojo established the “Disaster Response Unit,” a specialized team
Nigeria And Africa’s Leadership Moment: From Boardroom to Nation-Building
Powering Sustainable Transformation Through Enterprise Keynote Address by
Your Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Dr. Shamsuddeen Usman, Chairman, Ministry of Finance Incorporated, Distinguished leaders, captains of industry, media men and women, colleagues, and friends. Good morning. It is both an honour and a responsibility to speak at this defining moment in our nation’s and our continent’s journey.
I. Confronting the Truth of Where We Stand
Given where we stand today, as a nation and as a continent, it is time to tell ourselves the truth. Not to assign blame, but to take responsibility. Not to lament, but to rebuild. Africa’s corporate
leaders must now step beyond the boardroom to champion governance reform, inclusive invest-
ment, and innovation ecosystems that transform enterprise into a purposeful engine of sustainable national development.
II. A Continent in Shadow
Imagine the world at night: a vast landscape lit by billions of lights. One in every five of those lights should shine from Africa. Yet, when you look from space, you see only a faint glow. That dimness is not for lack of fuel; it is because the wires that connect our potential to productivity are still broken.
Our task, therefore, is simple yet profound: to connect the wires, ignite the current, and let Africa shine in full brightness.
III. The Big Idea: From Boardroom Logic
to National Transformation
After two decades in various boardrooms, one truth stands firm: corporate prosperity without national progress is hollow. In our companies, we have mastered growth: strategy, risk, accountability, performance.
Yet, beyond the boardroom, our neighbours remain in darkness, our youths search for work, and our entrepreneurs struggle to survive. It is time the nation benefits from the wisdom that drives the boardroom. Just as a successful enterprise aligns strategy, accountability, innovation, governance, and performance, so too must a successful nation.
IV. Lessons from Singapore Consider Singapore. At independence, it chose to
Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo
President Bola Tinubu
L-R; Former Sunday Vanguard editor, Fola Arogundade; Nigerian novelist and columnist, Helen Ovbiagele; Publisher Vanguard, Sam Amuka-Pemu; former managing editor of the Daily Times newspapers, Ben Lawrence; veteran Journalist, Toye Akiyode; veteran broadcaster, Bimbo Oloyede, and former editor of Tribune, Banji Ogundele during the Appreciation Day for Nigeria’s news media elders and cutting of a cake to mark the 89th birthday of Ben Lawrence at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Ogba, Lagos on Wednesday PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN