Tinubu Seeks Senate Nod for $516m Foreign Loan to Fast-track Sokoto–Badagry Super
Akpabio
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Dangote Plans Nigeria-scale Refinery in East Africa, Seeks Partnership with Ruto, Museveni
Sets 4-year period for completion of project Leaders push for region’s
Sunday Aborisade in Abuja President Bola Tinubu on Thursday OGUN EAST APC ADOPTS GOVERNOR
DAPO ABIODUN...
L–R: Kola Ogunjobi; former Senator Lekan Mustapha; Secretary to the Ogun State Government, Adeleke Adedoyin; Tokunbo Talabi; Gbenga Kaka; and Pegba Otemolu, during the Ogun East Senatorial District Caucus meeting at Adeola Odutola Hall, Ijebu-Ode, where leaders adopted Governor Dapo Abiodun as consensus candidate for the 2027 senatorial election.
Deji Elumoye and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja
AT AN EXECUTIVE-LEGISLATIVE SESSION...
L-R: Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin; President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio; President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Chairman, Senate Committee on Sports, Senator Abdul Ningi, Chairman, Senate Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, Senator Danjuma Goje and Minority Leader of the Senate, Senator Abba Moro after an executive-legislative session at the presidential villa on Wednesday
Managing Director of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, said Nigeria had recorded increased export to the United Kingdom, as Nigeria-UK trade hit £8.1 billion.
Drawing from available data, Kuku confirmed rising trade volumes and new market opportunities within the aviation sector, which were contributing to Nigeria’s export volumes.
Relatedly, a high-level United Kingdom trade mission on education and skills concluded a week-long skills and schools trade mission to Nigeria, laying a foundation for expanded collaboration in education and workforce development between both countries.
The mission organised by the UK Department for Business and Trade, which ran from April 19 to 23 in Abuja and Lagos, brought together leading UK private schools, skills providers and education institutions with Nigerian stakeholders, including policymakers, investors and school operators.
Meanwhile, speaking at a forum hosted by the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce, Kuku, represented by Director of Cargo Development and Services, Lekan Thomas, stated that there were encouraging trade figures and policy support driving the aviation
corridor.
According to her, Nigeria-UK trade reached £8.1 billion, recording an 11.4 per cent year-on-year increase, while UK imports from Nigeria stood at £2.4 billion.
She stated that even a modest 1–5 per cent increase in exports could generate an additional $25–125 million in revenue.
The FAAN boss also pointed to the United Kingdom’s decision to grant duty-free or reduced tariffs on over 3,000 Nigerian products as a major opportunity for exporters, particularly in agriculture, manufacturing, and emerging sectors.
She emphasised strong government backing for aviation reforms, citing recent engagements led by President Bola Tinubu and Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, which had helped restore investor confidence and strengthen bilateral cooperation.
Kuku said FAAN was already advancing infrastructure upgrades, digital cargo systems, and incentives to attract more cargo airlines, positioning Nigeria to capture a larger share of the global air freight market.
“With the right systems in place, Nigeria is well-positioned to scale exports, deepen trade with the UK, and become a leading air cargo hub in Africa,” Kuku said.
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom trade mission on education and skills was organised by the UK Department
for Business and Trade. The engagement was part the UK’s broader International Education Strategy, which identifies Nigeria as one of five priority markets for global education partnerships.
The initiative is being championed by Steve Smith, who is expected to return to Nigeria later this year to sustain the momentum.
The mission builds on diplomatic
and educational engagements during a recent state visit to the United Kingdom in March, further reinforcing the growing importance of education within UK–Nigeria bilateral relations.
At the heart of discussions was the expansion of in-country delivery of British education, including the establishment of internationally recognised UK schools in Nigeria, as well as the
development of industry-aligned skills programmes, particularly in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
In Abuja, the delegation held highlevel talks with Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, securing strong political backing for deeper institutional cooperation. Both sides explored pathways for partnerships that
would strengthen Nigeria’s education system while equipping young people with skills tailored to labour market demands.
The delegation also visited several British curriculum schools and colleges in Abuja and Lagos, gaining first-hand insight into teaching standards and operational models already in place within Nigeria.
Senate Confirms Darma as Housing Minister, Tasks Him on Reforms, Affordable Homes
Lawmakers demand action on abandoned estates, pension-funded mortgages, Abuja Master Plan
Sunday Aborisade in Abuja
The Senate on Thursday confirmed the nomination of Dr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, with a mandate to tackle the country’s massive housing deficit, revive abandoned housing schemes, and restore order to urban planning—especially in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The confirmation followed an extensive screening session on the floor of the upper chamber, during which lawmakers subjected the nominee to questions on housing policy, financing, urban development, and even national
Senate Approves Amendments to Pension, Health, Teaching Hospitals Bills
Confirms nominee for Unclaimed Funds Trust Fund
Aborisade
The Senate on Thursday considered and approved amendments to key national legislations, including pension administration, health governance, and tertiary healthcare institutions, following the presentation of committee reports at plenary presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The upper chamber also confirmed the nomination of Obehi Aire Okafor for appointment as Co-Chairman of the Governing Council of the Unclaimed Funds Trust Fund, as lawmakers
moved through a packed legislative agenda centred on institutional reforms and public service restructuring.
The approval of the reports followed detailed consideration of recommendations from relevant standing committees during plenary proceedings in Abuja.
Leading the presentation, Senator Mohammed Sani Musa (Niger East) moved that the Senate receive and consider the report of the Committee on Finance on the confirmation of Okafor’s nomination.
The Senate subsequently approved the recommendation, clearing the
nominee for appointment as CoChairman of the Governing Council of the Unclaimed Funds Trust Fund, a strategic body overseeing dormant financial assets.
In another legislative action, the Senate considered and adopted the report of the Committee on Establishment and Public Service Matters on the National Assembly Service Pension Board (Establishment) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
Senator Cyril Oluwole Fasuyi led the presentation, moving that the chamber receive and consider the report.
security.
Moving the motion for confirmation, Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central), urged the chamber to approve President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s request in line with Section 147(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The Senate subsequently resolved into the Committee of the Whole to consider the nomination.
During the exercise, senators across party lines commended Darma’s academic and professional pedigree but pressed him on how he would address Nigeria’s widening housing gap, estimated to affect tens of millions of citizens.
Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno (Borno North) described the housing ministry as critical to national development, noting that shelter remains a basic human necessity.
“What will you do in your capacity as
Minister of Housing to bridge the huge housing gap and mitigate rural-urban migration?” Monguno asked.
In a similar vein, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) raised concerns about the underutilisation of pension funds, which he described as a potentially transformative source of housing finance.
“These funds represent workers’ social capital. What will you do to ensure contributors to the pension scheme can own homes before retirement?” he queried, urging the nominee to develop a robust mortgage system for Nigerian workers.
While endorsing the nomination, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua (Katsina Central) vouched for Darma’s competence and integrity, noting that the nominee had a strong track record in public service and was mentored by the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
“He is a versatile engineer, an
accomplished academic, and a loyal team player. Any assignment given to him, he will deliver,” Yar’Adua said, adding that senators from Katsina State unanimously supported the nomination.
Senator Mohammed Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), however, broadened the discussion to national security, asking the nominee to outline how he would contribute to addressing insecurity and banditry at the Federal Executive Council level.
Responding, Darma acknowledged the enormity of Nigeria’s housing challenges and pledged to pursue policies that would improve affordability and access.
“We are dealing with a significant housing deficit that requires strong leadership, collaboration, and innovative financing. My focus will be on making housing accessible and affordable to Nigerians,” he said.
Dangiwa Hands Over to Junior Housing Minister, Thanks Tinubu, Others
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
Erstwhile Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, yesterday handed over the mantle of leadership to the Minister of State in the ministry, Yusuf Ata, following his exit from the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
The former minister expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for the confidence he
placed on him to serve as minister, describing the opportunity to serve the country at ministerial level a rare privilege.
He explained that the opportunity to contribute to the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’, particularly in advancing access to affordable housing and strengthening urban development, remains one of the greatest honours of his public service journey.
Dangiwa made the comments in Abuja during the event, a statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Badamasi Haiba, said. In the same vein, the former minister appreciated the Governor of Katsina State, Dikko Radda, for the invaluable support, encourage- ment, and steadfastness shown to him, and the belief he had in his capacity to have nominated him to serve at the national level.
Sunday
in Abuja
FUBARA HOSTS SOUTHERN NIGERIA TRADITIONAL RULERS...
Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (l) in a chat with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, at the opening session of the meeting of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council, held in Port Harcourt on Thursday.
Shettima, at Privatisation Council Meeting, Seeks Expansion
of PPP Pipeline to Meet Nation’s Economic Ambitions
NCP intensifies efforts to bridge nation’s 5.6 million metering gap, end estimated billing
Nigeria on Thursday reaffirmed its commitment to unlocking the full value of national assets and attracting global capital.
This is coming just as Vice President Kashim Shettima, has called for an aggressive expansion of public-private partnerships (PPP) to drive Nigeria’s economic ambitions.
Speaking during the first 2026 meeting of the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) at the State House, Abuja, the Vice President said the administration is focused on attracting investment and ensuring that such capital is strategically aligned with national development priorities.
He said: “The task before us is not only to ensure that Nigeria emerges as a safe destination for
private investment, but to align that investment with the governing purpose of this administration and the larger destiny of our nation.:
Shettima stressed that Nigeria’s long-standing ambition of becoming a trillion-dollar economy would remain out of reach without a deliberate balance between public enterprise and private sector dynamism, noting that economic prosperity must be intentionally designed and sustained through strong institutions.
According to him, “Prosperity does not happen by accident. It is designed, negotiated, protected, and sustained by institutions that understand that national assets must be deployed in the service of the people.”
Commenting on progress made over the past year, the Vice President
highlighted key milestones across sectors such as mining, agriculture, and energy, pointing in particular to the sale of Eko Electricity Distribution Company (Eko DISCO) as a major signal of renewed investor confidence.
Shettima attributed the growing investor interest to the policy direction and reform agenda of the administration, emphasising that credibility, consistency, and clarity remain the strongest drivers of capital inflows. His words: “Investors do not respond to rhetoric alone. They respond to coherence, to clarity, and to the evidence that a country knows where it is going and has the courage to stay the course.”
The Vice President also commended improvements within the privatisation framework, particularly
the enhanced governance processes and timely completion of audit reports, describing institutional discipline as critical to building trust.
He charged the Council to accelerate the development of a robust pipeline of bankable projects and deepen the use of public-private partnerships as a central tool for economic expansion.
“We must accelerate the work of building a pipeline of bankable projects and of executing more public-private partnership transactions to support our economic targets.”
He further emphasised the importance of post-privatisation oversight, urging stricter monitoring to ensure that privatised assets deliver on their contractual obligations and contribute meaningfully to national development.
Leadway Assurance, Partners Disburse N396m Claims to Smallholder Farmers for Climate-related Losses
James Emejo in Abuja
Leading insurance provider, Leadway Assurance, alongside its partners, the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (PFSCU) and PULA Advisors, yesterday disbursed a total of N396.69 million in insurance pay-outs to smallholder farmers.
The 2025 wet season insurance pay-out ceremony was held under the National Agribusiness Planning Mechanism (NAPM) in Abuja.
The disbursement benefited farmers in Plateau, Borno, Kaduna, and Taraba States, reinforcing the critical role of agricultural insurance in safeguarding livelihoods, stabilising food production, and enabling farmers to recover from climate-related losses.
The ceremony provided a platform to review outcomes from the recently concluded wet season, present verified yield data, and recognise beneficiary farmers.
It also created an avenue for forward-looking discussions among key stakeholders, fostering stronger collaboration and strategic
alignment ahead of the 2025/2026 dry season farming.
Chief Executive, Leadway Assurance, Gboyega Lesi, said the pay-out underscored the company’s pledge to stand by farmers when it matters most.
He noted that agricultural insurance remained a vital tool for building resilience within Nigeria’s food systems.
Speaking at the ceremony, Lesi said, “We are proud to support farmers in mitigating the impact of climate risks.
“This pay-out reflects what is possible when public and private sector partners align around a shared vision for agricultural transformation.
“By leveraging data-driven insurance solutions, we ensure that vulnerable farmers are not left behind amid climate uncertainties.”
In his remarks, Global Head, Agricultural Risks Solutions at Leadway Assurance, Fatona Ayoola, said, “At Leadway Assurance, we view agricultural resilience as vital to Nigeria’s food security, and our commitment to claims
payment exemplifies this ethos.
“We understand that empowering farmers to recover from losses, rebuild, reinvest, and sustain their operations fosters the trust and confidence needed to continue investing in the production of food that nourishes the nation and build our food systems.”
Ayoola also hailed the PFSCU’s NAPM template which was conceptualised to clearly outline functional public-private partnerships in action.
On his part, Country Manager of Pula Advisors, Dr. Michael Enahoro, stressed that the partnership with PFSCU and Leadway Assurance had demonstrated that indemnifying the Nigerian agricultural production was workable and could be handled at scales to ensure food security.
Enahoro also commended the state governments for protecting their farmers and building their resilience against climate shocks and variability.
He thanked the Bayer Foundation for supporting the NAPM risk management exercise and
expressed his confidence of their willingness to increase support in alignment with the current season’s visions and objectives.
Shettima also warned against policy inconsistencies within government institutions, noting that overlapping mandates and unclear roles could undermine investor confidence and slow reform progress.
“Policy confusion is expensive. Overlapping mandates unsettle the market. If we are to speak convincingly to investors, government must speak with one voice,” he added.
Shedding light on the outcome of the meeting, the Director General of Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE), Mr. Ayodeji Ariyo Gbeleyi, said he updated the Council on the progress made with the distribution sector recovery programme, an initiative financed by the World Bank to the tune of $500 million.
He explained that a major component of the programme is the procurement of about 3.22 million prepaid metres for Nigerians to bridge the metering gap that is currently estimated at about 5.6 million.
“As of today, we have signed a contract for 1,437,000 metres that have already been deployed in the country. As we speak, almost 400,000 of those metres have been installed across the 11 DISCOs within the
country.
“These are all efforts geared towards ensuring that we can have stable power supply in the country and also ensuring that the era of estimated billing is a thing of the past, as promised by His Excellency Mr. President.” Gbeleyi noted that the effort of the Bureau is to complement President Bola Tinubu’s effort in terms of repositioning the economy, pivoting it towards a US$1 trillion gross domestic product economy in the near term.
He said to achieve this, some of “the ideal assets that have been revamped, that have been optimised are to be leveraged” to upscale GDP to a $1 trillion economy.
The DG further noted that the BPE has made sure its audited financial statements are up to date in line with global practises and the requirements of the Public Enterprises Act 1999.
According to him: “We inherited a situation where the audited financial statement of the BPE has been outstanding for three years. In less that nine months, we brought all of those audited financial statements up to date in line with the requirements of the Public Enterprises Act 1999.
Bagudu Urges Deeper Regional Cooperation to Strengthen Social Security Systems
James Emejo in Abuja
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, has underscored the importance of effective communication and inclusive policy design in strengthening social security systems across West Africa.
Speaking as special guest at the two-day International Social Security Association (ISSA) West Africa Technical Seminar 2026, hosted by the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) in collaboration with ISSA, the minister drew attention to the shared challenges and opportunities confronting countries within the sub-region.
Bagudu observed that social security remains a unifying concern
across West Africa, stressing that clear and strategic communication is vital to achieving inclusivity. He noted that countries in the region operate within similar socio-economic contexts, making collaboration on social protection not only necessary but strategic.
He said, “Social security has evolved over time—from informal, traditional support systems to more structured and formalised frameworks. Platforms such as this seminar offer an important opportunity to share experiences, adopt best practices, and use communication tools to ensure no one is left behind.”
The minister commended ISSA and Nigerian stakeholders for their
sustained efforts to deepen social protection systems, while highlighting Nigeria’s ongoing reforms—including pension restructuring, targeted cash transfer programmes, and broader macroeconomic adjustments—as part of a wider push towards sustainable and inclusive growth. He stressed that sustainability must go hand in hand with inclusivity, noting that economic expansion alone is inadequate if it does not translate into improved welfare, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Bagudu also reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to grassroots development, citing the Renewed Hope Ward Development Plan approved by President Bola Tinubu.
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
DEFENCE AND SECURITY ASIA WEEK...
the CG
concluded
and
In Kuala Lumpur, Wale Adeniyi Rallies Global Coalition Against Cross-border Crimes
Warns against fragmented security responses
James Emejo in Abuja
Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Mr. Bashir Adeniyi, yesterday, called for a decisive global shift towards coordinated enforcement to combat increasingly sophisticated transnational crimes.
Adeniyi warned that isolated national responses were no longer effective in today’s interconnected threat landscape.
Speaking at the 19th Defence Services Asia Exhibition and Conference (DSA 2026) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Adeniyi said the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) was at the forefront of a growing international push for intelligence-driven, cross-border security collaboration.
At a high-level dialogue on cross-border crime under the Asia Pacific Security Association Malaysia International Security Summit (AMISST) 2026, Adeniyi told security leaders from 14 countries that the evolution of global crime networks—spanning narcotics trafficking, wildlife crime, financial fraud, and terrorism financing—demanded urgent, unified action.
He said, “The nature of crime has evolved beyond borders. Enforcement agencies must move from isolated responses to coordinated global action. Collaboration is no longer optional; it is the foundation of effective security.”
Adeniyi’s intervention came amid rising concerns over technologyenabled crime and the growing operational linkages between criminal networks across continents.
Drawing on Nigeria’s experience, Adeniyi outlined a three-pronged strategy anchored on technology deployment, institutional collaboration, and continuous capacity building.
He stressed that modern enforcement must be powered by advanced tools and highly trained personnel capable of responding to rapidly changing crime patterns.
He said, “We must invest in technology, strengthen partnerships, and continuously build the capacity of our officers to stay ahead of criminal networks that are constantly evolving.”
He also pointed to established frameworks by the World Customs Organisation (WCO) as critical instruments guiding member states in
tackling cross-border threats, stating that criminal activities originating in one region increasingly have global repercussions.
Discussions at the summit revealed shared constraints among enforcement agencies, including manpower shortages, outdated infrastructure, and the accelerating pace of digital crime.
Participants agreed that criminals were becoming more organised and better coordinated—outpacing traditional enforcement methods.
Stakeholders called for deeper intelligence sharing, stronger collaboration with international bodies, such as INTERPOL, and greater
engagement with local communities to strengthen early detection and response mechanisms.
On the side-lines of the event, Adeniyi held bilateral talks with customs administrations from AsiaPacific and the Americas, aimed at strengthening operational partnerships and enhancing knowledge exchange. He reaffirmed the NCS’ commitment to expanding its global security footprint, stressing that sustained international cooperation is vital not only for border protection but also for safeguarding economic interests and preserving the integrity of global trade systems.
US Boards Iranian Oil Ship, Trump Orders Navy to Shoot Mine-laying Vessels
The US yesterday said its forces boarded a sanctioned ship carrying Iranian oil in the Indian Ocean in the country’s latest naval move against Iran.
The US Department of Defence (DoD) said in a statement it had carried out a “maritime interdiction” - the interception or inspection of a vessel by a navy on ships suspected to be hostile or in violation of the law - on the M/T Majestic X.
The US has intercepted multiple
Tinubu Approves N17bn Devt Fund Across 8,804 Wards
The federal government has approved the establishment of a Community-Based National Social Action Fund Taskforce to drive grassroots development and accelerate socio-economic improvements across Nigeria’s 8,804 wards.
A statement signed by the Assistant Director, Information and Public Relations, Ado Bako, said the initiative, approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will deploy interventionscommunity-driven tailored to local needs, with each ward engaging a verified community-based
entity, organisation, or association to implement priority projects.
The approval builds on earlier reforms, including the creation of the Social Action Fund (SAF) in September 2023 and the Community-Based Procurement Platform approved in January 2026, designed to simplify access for community organisations to deliver projects of up to N50 million.
To ensure effective implementation, the president has approved a project timeline commencing March 1, 2026, with delivery expected by December 2026.
A Programme Management Unit will be domiciled in the
Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp)
Coordination Office of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to oversee execution.
In line with this, the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation have been directed to release the sum of N17 billion into a ring-fenced special intervention account to support implementation, monitoring, communication, and accountability.
Speaking on the development, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, stated that the initiative marks a shift toward locally driven service delivery.
ships after imposing a blockade on maritime traffic entering and leaving Iranian ports on 13 April, the BBC reported.
The latest interception comes as President Donald Trump ordered the US Navy to “shoot and kill” any boat laying mines in the critical shipping channel the Strait of Hormuz.
Under the blockade, US Central Command (Centcom) said it has ordered 33 vessels to return to port, and the DoD has said it will continue to stop ships suspected of “providing material support to Iran - anywhere they operate”. Iran described one US ship interception earlier this week as “piracy”.
Trump has been hoping to put pressure on Tehran by targeting
the country’s oil revenues and tolls Tehran said it has collected from ships in order to navigate freely through the strait.
Hamidreza Haji Bababei, the deputy speaker of the Iranian Parliament, on Thursday claimed the first revenues collected from tolls imposed on ships using the vital waterway had been deposited with the country’s Central Bank.
No further detail has been provided on the amount of the toll, the method of collection nor who paid it. The BBC could not independently verify this claim.
The US has continued to impose its naval blockade despite Trump extending a two-week ceasefire at the request of mediator Pakistan.
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf,
who led the first round of peace negotiations, has said it is “not possible” to reopen the strait due to the blockade and what it called other ceasefire violations.
Writing on Truth Social on Thursday, Trump said US forces have “total control” of the Strait of Hormuz while claiming Iranians are “having a very hard time figuring out who their leader is”.
A day earlier, Iran’s navy said it had seized two cargo ships in the strait and taken them to the country’s coast after reports that three vessels came under fire from Iranian forces, the BBC report said. Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)-affiliated outlet Fars News Agency said IRGC was behind the attacks.
FG Canvasses Full Activation of Sugar Institute, Commends NSDC Boss for Sector Reforms
Sunday Ehigiator
The federal government has called for the full activation of the Nigeria Sugar Institute (NSI), even as it commended the leadership of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) for ongoing reforms in the sector.
The Minister of State for Industry, John Owan Enoh, made the call during an official visit to the institute in Ilorin recently, where he lauded the Executive Secretary of NSDC,
Kamar Bakrin, for repositioning the facility.
He stressed the institute must move beyond ongoing reforms to become fully operational, given its strategic importance to Nigeria’s drive for industrialisation and self-sufficiency in sugar production.
“The federal government is committed to ensuring that the Nigeria Sugar Institute becomes fully operational in line with its mandate as a driver of technical
capacity, research, and innovation in the sugar sector.
“While I commend the Executive Secretary of the National Sugar Development Council, Kamar Bakrin, for the remarkable reforms and progress recorded so far, I must emphasise that the work is not done until the Institute is running at full capacity to support Nigeria’s industrialisation and self-sufficiency goals in sugar production,” Enoh said.
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja
L-R: Etim Ibok, Special Assistant to
Customs; Muhammad Rizal, Assistant Director, Royal Malaysian Customs; Ambassador Mohammed Danlami, acting High Commissioner to Malaysia; Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, CG Nigeria Customs Service; Lt Col Ice Okenna, Deputy Defence Attaché; Yazeed Lawal, First Secretary, Economic Desk; and Capt. Mohammed Ahmad of the Royal Malaysian Air Force, at the recently
Defence
Security Asia Week held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tinubu Lauds Nigeria’s Impressive 91.45% Aviation Safety Rating by ICAO
Says rating confirms nation’s aviation safety standards, making it a more attractive destination for investment
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has hailed Nigeria’s impressive 91.45 per cent aviation safety rating from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
Tinubu, in a release issued on Thursday by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, commended Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development for the feat.
He stated that the rating affirmed Nigeria’s aviation safety standards and made it a more attractive des-
tination for investment in aviation infrastructure, maintenance facilities, and airline operations.
Tinubu urged the ministry not to relent but to review and implement every recommendation that the ICAO auditors made during the mission to ensure that Nigeria not only maintained, but went even further on the rating.
ICAO is a United Nations agency that coordinates the principles and techniques of international air navigation. It fosters the planning and development of international air transport to ensure safe and
orderly growth.
Through the Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP), ICAO assesses countries to ensure they manage safety risks effectively, ensuring that no country is left behind and directly influencing international confidence in that nation’s airspace.
Nigeria, as an ICAO member state, is obligated to comply with applicable international standards and to establish and implement these safety-critical oversight elements. Since the inception of the Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme in 1999, Nigeria has undergone four USOAP
safety audits conducted by ICAO auditors, with results measured through Effective Implementation (E.I.) scores.
During a recent debriefing by the ICAO audit team at the Abuja headquarters of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the lead auditor announced that Nigeria had recorded an impressive 91.45% Effective Implementation (EI) score – the highest ever for Nigeria.
The regional average for West Africa is 61.1 per cent, and the global average is 70.4 per cent. Nigeria is, thus, well positioned
above the regional and global ratings, which, in turn, significantly boosts investor confidence and strengthens international aviation credibility.
Upon assumption of office, Tinubu redefined the priority areas of his administration to include enhancing infrastructure and transportation as enablers of growth. He also promised to establish the air transport sector as a major driver for economic prosperity by building a safe, secure, and efficient aviation industry focused on making Nigeria a hub that met international standards and best practices beyond even the African continent.
DANGOTE PLANS NIGERIA-SCALE REFINERY IN EAST AFRICA, SEEKS PARTNERSHIP WITH RUTO, MUSEVENI
Festus Akanbi in Nairobi, Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and Peter Uzoho in Lagos
Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest person, yesterday pushed to expand his refining footprint beyond Nigeria, unveiling plans to build a refinery of comparable scale in East Africa in partnership with governments in the sub-region.
The proposed project is expected to be completed within four years, especially if East Africa’s regional leaders cooperate, Dangote stressed, kicking against Africa’s long-term practice of exporting raw materials abroad.
Speaking at a presidential panel at the “Africa We Build” summit in Nairobi, alongside Kenyan President, William Ruto, as well as Ugandan President, Yoweri Museveni, Dangote said his group was ready to build in East Africa a refinery comparable to
the 650,000 barrels-per-day facility in Nigeria, provided there was strong policy backing and alignment from governments across the sub-region.
The move comes amid rising intraAfrican energy trade, with Dangote’s refinery already exporting about 1.1 billion litres of aviation fuel to Europe. Meanwhile, strong oil import demand lifted South Africa–Nigeria trade volumes to $2.16 billion. This was revealed in a new data released at the fourth edition of the South Africa Week held in Lagos.
The event was hosted by the South African Consulate General in Lagos, in partnership with Brand South Africa and Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA)
Dangote stated that by exporting raw materials and importing finished products, Africa was further impoverishing its population of over
1.4 billion people. As part of efforts to reverse the trend, he planned the new move, which could reshape fuel supply, deepen regional integration, and accelerate the continent’s push towards industrial self-sufficiency, Dangote stated, “I can give commitment to the two presidents (Ruto and Museveni) that are here. If they will support the refinery, we’ll build the identical one that we have in Nigeria, 650,000 barrels. It will (work). There’s nothing that can stop it. We have done the one in Nigeria, and that’s why we’re taking the bold move, which we have started already.
“Piling has started. We’re building that one to a scale. 1.4 million barrels a day will be the largest refinery in the world. That’s number one. Number two, we’ll have 10 per cent of the entire United States of America’s refining capacity. And this is coming with a
lot of petrochemicals.”
When completed, the joint refinery is expected to serve Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The facility is expected to process crude from across the region, supported by shared pipeline infrastructure to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
According to Dangote, consistency in government policy and strong institutional support would be critical to unlocking such large-scale investments. He stressed that uncertainty and reversals in policy had over the years discouraged long-term capital deployment across Africa.
He said Dangote Group planned to invest $40 billion across sectors, including refining, petrochemicals, fertiliser, and manufacturing, by 2030.
Dangote said, “I want to just go into the market, and where I stand,
TINUBU TO GOVS: OUR PRIMARIES MUST BE HITCH-FREE TO PRESERVE APC UNITY, COHESION
AbdulRazaq, and his Niger State counterpart, Mohammed Bago, said deliberations focused on measures to forge a stronger and more cohesive party after the party primaries.
The governors said the president reaffirmed his support for the party’s decision to allow states adopt either consensus or direct primaries in line with the Electoral Act.
According to AbdulRazak, who is also Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), “We came to thank the president for his magnanimity and his support to the governors and for our party, the APC.
“He gave us a matching order on what to do for him.”
AbdulRazak also said the president “ceded his executive power to the governors to go ahead and conduct primaries based on the Electoral Act, either through consensus or direct primaries”.
Similarly, Bago said the president reaffirmed his support and gave approval for the primaries to proceed, stressing that the timetable for the exercise has been released.
He stated, “So he retreated his support for our decision, and he has given us a go ahead.”
Bago added, “We’ve discussed the process moving forward so that there’ll be free and fair elections. No rancour at the end of the process. The party should be stronger, stronger than ever heading towards the election.”
No fewer than 18 governors were present at the meeting. They included Chairman of Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), Hope Uzodimma (Imo), Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe), Professor
Babagana Zulum (Borno), Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Peter Mbah (Enugu), and AbdulRazaq (Kwara).
Some states were represented by their deputy governors.
Meanwhile, APC issued a revised timetable for its primaries ahead of the 2027 general election, with the presidential primary now fixed for May 25, and the governorship two days earlier, on May 23. APC Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Durosinmi Meseko, made this known after a meeting of the National Working Committee (NWC) held at the party’s secretariat.
A previous timetable and schedule of activities issued by the ruling party had scheduled the presidential primary for May 15.
Meseko revealed that the party had communicated the development to Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in line with the existing rules and regulations.
He stated that notice had already been given to state chapters on April 20, saying sale of forms would commence on Saturday, April 25, and end Saturday, May 2.
Meseko stressed that the last day for the submission of completed forms and accompanying documents would be Monday, May 4.
He added that screening of House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, and governorship aspirants had been scheduled to hold from Wednesday, May 6, to Friday, May 8.
He stated that Saturday, May 9 was the screening date for presidential aspirants.
Meseko said publication of screening results for House of
Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, governorship, and presidential primaries will hold on Monday, May11.
Meseko said screening appeals would be handled by the appeal committees from Tuesday, May 12, to Wednesday, May 13, for the House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, governorship, and presidential primaries. He revealed that the ruling party had scheduled Monday, May 18 for Senate primary elections, while Wednesday, May 20, was
syndicated loan facility for Sections 1, 1A and 1B of the project.
The president specifically requested approval for a $516,333,007 financing package from Deutsche Bank and its inclusion in the federal government’s borrowing plan already endorsed by the legislature.
He told lawmakers that the 1,000-kilometre superhighway, stretching from Illela in Sokoto State to Badagry in Lagos State, through Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo and Ogun states, would unlock significant economic opportunities across regions.
According to him, “The Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway is conceived as a strategic national asset that will enhance connectivity across geopolitical zones, reduce the cost of transportation, and improve the movement of agricultural produce and industrial goods.”
Tinubu added, “Upon completion, the corridor will strengthen food security, boost trade, and promote national integration by linking production centres to major markets and export routes.”
He explained that the financing
for House of Assembly primaries, and Thursday, May 21, was for governorship primary elections.
Meseko explained, “Saturday, 23rd May, 2026: Presidential primary elections. Post-primary appeal committees will sit as follows: Monday, 18th May, 2026 for House of Representatives; Wednesday, 20th May, 2026 for Senate; Thursday, 21st May, 2026 for State House of Assembly; Saturday, 23rd May, 2026 for governorship; Monday, 25th May, 2026 for presidential.”
arrangement would be backed by a partial risk guarantee from the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC), describing it as “a structured and sustainable funding model that aligns with the government’s fiscal responsibility framework”.
The president disclosed that the federal government would provide counterpart funding of N265.54 billion to cover land acquisition, compensation, and related infrastructure.
Tinubu stated that the loan had a tenure of nine years, including a grace period of up to three years, at an interest rate tied to the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) plus 5.3 per cent.
“The Federal Executive Council has already approved the financing structure and terms,” he said, urging Senate to grant expeditious consideration to the request “in the overriding public interest”.
Following the presentation, the senate referred the request to its Committee on Local and Foreign Debts with a mandate to report
that all Africans should invest (in the Dangote refinery). And we’ll be paying dividends in dollars. But my commitment today here is that if we agree with the three, four governments here about the refinery, we will lead and we’ll make sure that that refinery is built within the next four or five years.”
He also reiterated his position on free movement across Africa, urging leaders across the continent to accelerate visa-free movements, and explaining that the current heavily restricted system hinders trade.
He stated, “Today, with a foreign, with a European passport, you can move faster in Africa than being an African, which I think we must really stop.
“Why can’t we allow visa-free for all Africans? Please, we need to do that, because if we don’t really do that, it will be difficult to trade with somebody that you cannot get in and out easily.”
Kenyan President, Ruto, said Africa could no longer afford to export raw materials while importing finished products, describing the practice as a drain on jobs and long-term prosperity.
“Why would we fail? We have the raw materials, we have the market, we have the capital, and we have the industrialists to run these projects,” he stated.
According to the Kenyan president, discussions are already underway for a regional refinery model that pools resources and demand across borders, rather than duplicating infrastructure
back within one week.
Throwing his weight behind the proposal, Senator Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central) described the project as long overdue. He stated that successive administrations had failed to bring it to fruition.
“This is a project that has been on the drawing board for over 50 years. What we are witnessing now is a decisive effort to finally deliver it,” Aliero said.
He revealed that parts of the highway were already under construction, adding, “The use of reinforced concrete pavement and solar-powered lighting shows that this is being built to modern, durable standards.”
Highlighting its economic impact, Aliero stated, “When completed, the road will reduce travel time between Sokoto and Lagos from about 13 hours to roughly six hours. That is a massive boost for commerce, logistics and regional integration.”
He urged his colleagues to support the proposal, saying, “This project holds enormous promise for national development, and I appeal to the senate to approve
in individual countries. He said such collaboration would allow Africa to fully utilise its assets while building economies of scale.
In his remarks, Ugandan President, Yoweri Museveni, reinforced the need for Africa to move from raw materials export to export of finished products. He pointed to the significant value lost when raw materials were exported without processing.
Museveni stated that as much as 100 per cent gain was lost when African nations exported only raw materials.
“We cannot continue exporting raw materials. It is near criminal to export unprocessed resources when we have the capacity to add value,” he emphasised. Beyond refining, leaders at the summit emphasised the need to build integrated industrial ecosystems, linking energy, mining, manufacturing, and logistics across the region. The proposed refinery is expected to serve as a catalyst for such development, particularly in petrochemicals and related industries. Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) Chief Executive, Samaila Zubairu, stated that the continent held trillions of dollars in pension and insurance assets, much of which was currently invested in low-yield instruments rather than infrastructure.
Dangote: No Investor Will Come to Africa Without Local Leadership Dangote said without local leadership and domestic commitment to develop-
the committee’s report when it is presented.”
Equally backing the request, Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the superhighway as a transformative investment.
Akpabio said, “This is not just a road project; it is an economic corridor that will save lives, create jobs and enhance productivity across the country.”
He defended the decision to seek external financing, stating, “Borrowing for critical infrastructure is justified when such investments have the capacity to generate longterm economic returns and improve the nation’s ability to repay.”
Akpabio assured that the senate would give the request prompt attention, adding, “We have directed the relevant committee to expedite its review so that the senate can take a timely and informed decision.”
The senate leadership subsequently mandated the committee to fast-track its work, signalling strong legislative backing for the project widely seen as a potential game changer for Nigeria’s transport and economic landscape.
TINUBU SEEKS SENATE NOD FOR $516M FOREIGN LOAN TO FAST-TRACK SOKOTO–BADAGRY
President Bola Tinubu
Offa Revisited: Power, Justice, and Political Restraint
In this piece, Wahab Oba interrogates the implications of reopening the 2018 Offa robbery case within Kwara State’s current political and security climate. By situating present developments against both local realities and historical parallels, he offers a forceful critique of leadership priorities, urging a return to restraint, empathy, and people-centered governance.
By any reasonable measure, the decision by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara state to reopen the painful chapter of the 2018 Offa robbery raises far more questions than it answers. At a time when governance demands focus, empathy, and strategic clarity, AbdulRazaq appears to be drifting into a troubling preoccupation, one that increasingly bears the imprint of political vendetta rather than any sincere pursuit of justice.
The Offa robbery remains one of the darkest moments in Kwara state’s history. Lives were brutally cut short, families shattered, and an entire community left traumatised. It was a national tragedy. Yet, after years of investigation and due judicial process, those identified as perpetrators were arrested, prosecuted, and convicted. That chapter, by all reasonable standards, had closed, unless credible new evidence has emerged. For now, none is apparent in the charges before the court.
Why then this resurrection?
The renewed legal assault on former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki and former Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed does not read as a search for truth; it reads as a return to old political battles. Its timing is too convenient to ignore. The governor stands increasingly embattled, confronting internal fractures within his party, a growing succession crisis, and visible estrangement from key political actors who once formed the backbone of his ascent. Allegations that pre-election understandings with elements of the national leadership have been abandoned have only deepened this perception of political isolation.
In such moments, leaders are tested. Some turn to reform. Others turn to diversion. What we are witnessing suggests an administration under visible strain, defensive, unsettled, and increasingly isolated. The past the governor once dismissed now appears to be catching up with him, not as history, but as consequence. Meanwhile, those he reportedly sidelined are no longer reacting; they are quietly reorganising, steadily reshaping the political terrain in ways that leave the governor with a shrinking base and diminishing leverage.
But even this political drama pales in comparison to the reality confronting ordinary Kwarans.
Across the state, insecurity is no longer an emerging threat, it is a lived experience. And recent events have stripped away any illusion of control. In Oniko, a small village in Moro Local Government Area, residents were forced to raise an astonishing N20 million to secure the release of four kidnapped victims despite losing a soul. That is not just a ransom; it is an indictment. It is a measure of how far citizens have been left to fend for themselves.
In Kemanji village in Kaiama Local Government Area, the same local government where close to 300 souls were massacred and residents still live in agony, a violent attack claimed the lives of four servicemen, with numerous residents feared dead. In Ora Ayegbaju, in Obbo-Ile within Ekiti Local Government Area, families are still counting their losses after yet another wave of violence. These are not isolated tragedies, they are warning signals of a state steadily losing its grip on security.
Yet, at a time when communities are burying their dead, negotiating for the lives of their loved ones, and watching their villages unravel, AbdulRazaq is locked in an unforced political battle with Saraki and other perceived adversaries. This is not just a misplacement of priority. It is a failure of responsibility.
Farmers are abandoning their lands. Markets are thinning out. Food insecurity is tightening its hold. Across rural Kwara, fear has replaced productivity. In urban centres, economic hardship deepens daily. The cost of living continues its relentless rise, small businesses are collapsing under pressure, and unemployment fuels quiet desperation among the youth.
Even government policies that should inspire hope have delivered mixed consequences. The urban renewal drive in Ilorin, though ambitious in design, has displaced traders, disrupted livelihoods, and weakened fragile informal economic systems without immediate relief for those affected. For many, development has come not as progress, but as displacement.
The contrast is stark and damning: a government absorbed in prosecuting perceived enemies while real enemies, poverty, insecurity, and economic decline, tighten their grip on the people.
History warns us about moments like this.
The Roman emperor Nero, confronted with crisis, chose persecution over reform. As Rome
burned, literally and politically, he turned his energy toward silencing perceived enemies. His legacy was not one of strength, but of excess and failure.
NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com
2027: INEC and Question of Credibility
Sebastian Eshioromeh writes about growing concern about the impartiality of Independent National Electoral Commission ahead of the 2027 general elections in the country.
Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Pro fessor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) will find himself in the news for the wrong reasons, just like every INEC chairman before him. Fair or unfair, right or wrong, that is the burden of the office he occupies. When elections go well, the chairman gets a quiet nod. When things go wrong, he carries the blame. But here is what Amupitan must understand as the 2027 elections draw closer: his personal credibility is now on the line, and how he saves it depends entirely on him. He cannot blame the President, neither can he blame the political parties. He cannot hide behind administrative jargon to save his face, in the case of any infraction, as the buck stops at his desk.
Consider what has happened in just the past few weeks. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has publicly called for Amupitan’s resignation. At a press conference on April 2, 2026, the ADC leadership, alongside exVice President Atiku Abubakar and former governor of Anambra state, Peter Obi, declared that they had lost all confidence in the INEC chairman. Their grievance was that INEC removed the names of the ADC’s National Working Committee from its portal, citing a Court of Appeal order in a leadership dispute within the party. The court did issue that order. That is a fact. INEC acted on it. That is also a fact. But the ADC argued that INEC deliberately misinterpreted the ruling. The party insists its leadership emerged from a properly conducted NEC meeting that INEC officials monitored. The courts have not decided who is right. The case is still pending.
Then came the X account controversy.
On April 10, 2026, allegations surfaced that an account linked to Amupitan had posted partisan content supporting the APC during the 2023 elections. Digital investigators traced a Yahoo e-mail address and phone number, said to match those on Amupitan’s University of Jos CV, to the account. Amupitan’s office denied everything. INEC issued a statement saying the chairman does not own or operate any personal X account and that the posts were fabricated. No court has ruled on this matter. No independent investigation has been conducted. The allegations remain unproven. But the ADC has since escalated its demand for his resignation, describing the digital evidence as incontrovertible. Whether these allegations are true or false is not yet known. What is known is that Amupitan
has already entangled himself in controversies he should have avoided. The referee of Nigeria’s elections is now a story, not an invisible arbiter. The ADC has formally demanded his resignation, listing seven specific grievances including accusations of partisan conduct and overstepping constitutional boundaries. The party has threatened civil disobedience and submitted petitions to foreign governments. The damage is already visible. And in the game of democracy, that is a loss before kickoff. For weeks, there have been whispers about strange movements inside INEC. Resident Electoral Commissioners have been transferred. New faces have appeared. Old faces have returned. And on April 15, 2026, a press conference was held in Abuja that pulled back the curtain on something uglier than mere administrative reshuffling.
At that press conference in Abuja, Abayomi Arabambi, the National Vice Chairman of Labour Party (South West) laid out a troubling narrative in a letter directly addressed to President Bola Tinubu. He spoke of Mutiu Agboke, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Osun State, who was suddenly removed and transferred without any public explanation. He spoke of a petition written by the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Osun State, that somehow triggered this removal. He asked a simple question: where was the investigation? Where was the fair hearing? Where was the evidence?
-Eshioromeh writes from Abuja
PRIVILEGE OF GRACE, WEIGHT OF DUTY PAT ONUKWULI pays tribute to Orji Kalu at 66
See page 21
JAMB, JAPA AND THE ANNUAL ANOMALY
The absorbing capacity of the universities should be increased, argues JOSHUA J. OMOJUWA
page 21
Families of fallen officers should be adequately taken care of, writes
REGINA UGBYIGBO ALACHI
PAY THE PREMIUM, SAVE THE HONOUR
There is a principle in insurance that is so elementary it should not need restating: no premium, no cover. When an employer fails to pay the premium due to an insurance company, the insurer has no obligation to honour claims. This is the foundational logic upon which the entire insurance industry rests. And it is precisely this logic that has been routinely violated by the Federal Government in its treatment of the men and women who defend this country. The government has, for years, failed to pay insurance premiums for military and police personnel as and when due. The consequence is that when soldiers and police officers fall in the line of duty, their families are left stranded because there is no valid policy against which to make a claim. The government, in effect, sends these men and women to die without ensuring that the most basic financial protection is in place for those they leave behind.
Let me lay out the facts. Section 4(5) of the Pension Reform Act 2014 is explicit: every employer shall maintain a Group Life Insurance Policy in favour of each employee for a minimum of three times the annual total emolument, and the premium shall be paid not later than the date of commencement of the cover. The Federal Government is the employer of every soldier, every sailor, every airman, and every police officer in Nigeria. The Defence Headquarters supervises the Group Life Assurance for the military. The Ministry of Police Affairs does the same for the police. Both are bound by law to ensure that premiums are paid on time. Both have failed spectacularly.
The evidence is damning. When the former Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, assumed office in 2023, he inherited what he himself described as an alarming 13-year backlog of unsettled insurance claims, stretching from 2010 to 2023. Thirteen years. Let that settle. For over a decade, families of police officers who died defending this country were left in financial distress because the government had not paid the premiums that would have activated their insurance cover. Egbetokun’s predecessor, Usman Alkali Baba, was equally candid. He disclosed that due to paucity of funds, the federal government could not fund the Group Life Assurance and Group Personal Accident Insurance schemes successfully, creating gaps that led to a backlog of unpaid claims from 2012 to 2020. In other words, the government knew it was legally required to pay these premiums and simply did not do so, leaving over 6,000 families of fallen officers without cover for years.
Think about what this means in human terms. A police officer is killed during an operation against bandits in Zamfara.
His widow, perhaps with three or four children, travels to the state command or to Abuja to process the insurance claim. She is told there is nothing to pay because the premium for the policy year in which her husband died was never remitted by the government. She goes home emptyhanded. She returns months later. Same answer. She borrows money for transport, sells belongings, and keeps coming back. Years pass. Her children drop out of school. She depends on the charity of relatives and neighbours. And somewhere in Abuja, the budget for the policy year in question was either never released, diverted, or simply buried in bureaucratic inertia. This is not a hypothetical scenario. It is the lived experience of thousands of Nigerian families.
The military tells the same story in different colours. A 2024 study published in the journal Armed Forces & Society, based on interviews with widows of soldiers killed in the Boko Haram conflict, found that the difficulties of accessing the Group Life Insurance payout were compounded by what the researchers described as the problem between the Nigerian Army and the Insurance Company, a polite academic way of saying that the Army had not paid the premiums. Media reports corroborated this, highlighting unpaid insurance claims and the non-payment of premiums by the military authorities. The Nigerian Army Welfare Insurance Scheme (NAWIS), which has operated since 1988, funds itself partly through monthly deductions from soldiers’ salaries. But even that scheme has been plagued by opacity, delayed payouts, and the persistent question of whether the institutional premiums are being remitted to the underwriters as required.
Now here is where the matter becomes not just scandalous but unconscionable.
The 2026 defence budget allocates N2.392 trillion for personnel costs, salaries, allowances, and the bureaucratic apparatus that sustains the military establishment.
The Nigerian Army alone receives N1.504
trillion. The Police Force has seen its federal allocation rise from N800 billion in 2023 to approximately N1.3 trillion in the proposed 2026 budget. Yet within these enormous sums, the government cannot find the discipline to pay the insurance premiums that would protect the families of those who die in service?
The premiums for Group Life Assurance for the entire Nigeria Police Force were approved at N13.3 billion by the Federal Executive Council in December 2022, a fraction of the total police budget. But as subsequent events showed, even that approval did not translate into timely payment.
To appreciate the absurdity of this situation, consider what the Pension Reform Act actually says. Section 99(1) provides that any person who contravenes the provisions of the Act commits an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine of not less than N250,000 or imprisonment of not less than one year, or both. The Act further provides that where the employer fails, refuses, or omits to pay the premium as and when due, the employer shall make arrangement to effect the payment of claims arising from the death of any staff during such period. In private sector employment, the National Pension Commission, PenCom, actively monitors compliance and sanctions defaulters. But when the defaulter is the Federal Government itself, who enforces compliance? Nobody. The government breaks its own law with impunity, and the families of fallen heroes bear the cost.
When the new Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, presented cheques worth N2.43 billion to 1,075 families of fallen officers in March this year, it was rightly applauded. But examine the details: the disbursement covered policy years stretching back to 2018/2019. The Force Insurance Officer, ACP Lydia Ameh, acknowledged that decisive measures had been taken to compel compliance from insurance providers. Compel compliance as though the insurers were the villains. In truth, an insurance company that has not received premiums has no legal or moral obligation to pay claims. The villain in this story is the employer, the Federal Government that collected budgetary allocations, sat on the premiums, and left insurers without the funds to honour policies. The fact that Egbetokun’s administration had to disburse a cumulative N24.2 billion to 9,735 families across 11 phases tells you the scale of the prior default. Nearly ten thousand families had been waiting, some for over a decade.
Alachi is a Gender and Development Professional
The absorbing capacity of the universities should be increased, argues JOSHUA J. OMOJUWA
JAMB, JAPA AND THE ANNUAL ANOMALY
Every April, Nigeria performs an academic ritual. Unlike years past, these days it is efficient, computerised, and nationally coordinated. It is also, for the majority who participate in it, a ritual of organised disappointment. This year, 2,243,816 young Nigerians registered to sit the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination. They paid their fees, visited their CBT centres, and answered their questions. We now know some cheated because JAMB flagged over 100 candidates who had engaged AI-generated syndicates promising score manipulation. Most did not cheat. They simply sat the examination, hoping that the system on the other side would have space for them.
It does not.
The National Universities Commission (NUC) has confirmed what anyone paying attention already knew: that Nigeria's tertiary institutions can absorb approximately 700,000 students per year. That is the ceiling across all 309 universities in the country, federal, state, and private. The remaining 1.5 million candidates, those who registered, prepared, and sat an examination administered with increasing technological sophistication, are turned away. Not for failing. Not for cheating. Simply because the rooms do not exist. The system is not designed to take them.
This is the sentence Nigeria refuses to say out loud: the UTME is not an admissions gateway because for most of its participants, it is a professionally managed dead end.
There is a version of this story that Nigerian officialdom prefers to tell. In that version, the examination is evidence of ambition, of a young population hungry for education, of a board running increasingly clean processes and of a government investing in the future. Last year and into early 2026, the NUC approved 33 new universities, bringing the national total to 309. That announcement was made with the gravity befitting a policy triumph. What was not announced with equal gravity is that 199 of Nigeria's existing universities received fewer than 100 applicants each during the 2025/2026 admission cycle. You do not solve a supply problem by adding institutions that nobody trusts. New nameplates are not new capacity. New campuses without faculty, funding, or functional infrastructure are not solutions. They are the appearance of solutions, which in Nigerian governance is often more politically useful than the real thing.
The architecture of the problem is this: demand compounds annually. Nigeria's population is young; the median age sits below 19. The cohort of secondary school leavers seeking tertiary education grows every cycle. Registrations have climbed from roughly 1.9 million in 2024 to 2.24 million this year, a 10.5 percent increase in a single cycle. The supply side has not moved with anything like corresponding urgency. Seven hundred thousand slots is not a new number. It has been approxi-
mately the ceiling for years, accommodating an ever-shrinking fraction of those presenting themselves at the gate.
What happens to the 1.5 million who do not get in? Some will reapply next year, and the year after. Some will find their way to polytechnics and colleges of education. Many will fall into the informal economy, joining the 93 percent of Nigeria's workforce operating outside formal employment structures. Some will leave, and the ones with the resources and determination to leave tend to be precisely the ones the country can least afford to lose. Japa is not simply cultural or even primarily economic. It is, in significant part, the rational individual response to a system that has no room for you. They will contribute their quota to our forex demand.
The downstream numbers are no more forgiving. The State of the Nigerian Youth Report of 2025 documented that approximately 1.7 million graduates leave Nigeria's universities and polytechnics every year, entering a labour market that cannot absorb them. The ILO has noted that Nigeria's employment challenge is not merely about quantity; it is structural: graduates with theoretical credentials and no practical competencies, entering sectors that need technical skills the education system does not produce, competing for formal jobs that constitute less than seven percent of total employment.
Read that again. Less than seven percent.
The formal economy is not a destination for most Nigerian graduates. It is a narrow corridor that a relative few enter and the rest watch from outside. The examination, then, is not a gateway to a functioning meritocracy. It is the opening ceremony of a longer process of managed exclusion. One that is conducted with sufficient bureaucratic decorum to appear rational, and with sufficient annual repetition to appear inevitable. None of this is a condemnation of JAMB. JAMB is an administrative body. It does, increasingly, what it is designed to do, which is to administer a national examination with reasonable integrity. The fraud it detects, the results it releases, the logistics it manages across a geography as complex as Nigeria's: none of that is trivial. The failure is not administrative. It is political. It is the failure of successive governments to treat the structural mismatch between educational demand and supply as the emergency it plainly is.
Omojuwa
is chief strategist, Alpha Reach/ BGX Publishing
PAT ONUKWULI pays tribute to Orji Kalu at 66
PRIVILEGE OF GRACE, WEIGHT OF DUTY
At 66, Orji Uzor Kalu stands at that rare intersection where providence meets responsibility, where a life evidently touched by grace must now answer, with equal clarity, to the demands of legacy. He is, in the fullest sense, a man of contrasts: shaped by commerce yet refined by politics; lifted by fortune yet tested by circumstance; admired in equal measure as he is debated.
His beginnings, now almost proverbial, speak to the enduring Nigerian archetype of enterprise. With a modest sum borrowed from his mother, he entered the unforgiving circuits of trade, moving palm oil across regions, navigating markets with the instinct of one who understood early that survival in Nigeria demands both courage and calculation.
From that modest venture emerged a sprawling business empire, SLOK Holding, stretching across sectors and continents, and later extending into media with the establishment of The Sun, once the highest-circulation newspaper in the country, a platform that shaped public discourse as much as it reflected it.
By his mid-twenties, he had already entered the national consciousness, becoming the youngest Nigerian to receive the National Merit Award in 1986, alongside a constellation of honours, from industrial recognition to global humanitarian distinctions, each affirming a trajectory that seemed, even then, unusually accelerated. Politics, when it came, was less an interruption than an extension of ambition. His tenure as Governor of Abia State from 1999 to 2007 placed him at the forefront of Nigeria’s democratic rebirth, and his subsequent role as Senator for Abia North reaffirmed his enduring relevance within the national political architecture.
Yet, as with all long journeys in Nigerian public life, the road has not been linear. It has curved through acclaim and adversity, through moments of commanding influence and periods of profound scrutiny. These oscillations, between ascent and trial, have not diminished him; rather, they have inscribed his story more deeply into the complex narrative of the Nigerian state.
And yet, beyond the theatre of public life, there remains the quieter, less advertised dimension of the man. Within the discreet but discerning circles of House 40 Club, where the author has had the privilege to observe him closely in the capacity as a member of its Board of Trustees, one encounters a disposition that defies expectation. Love him or loathe him, one is struck by a certain unaffected simplicity, a personality disarmingly free of pretension.
There is no studied hauteur, no performative distance. Instead, there is an ease of manner, an instinctive friendliness, a readiness for conversation, and a simplicity that sits almost in quiet contradiction to the magnitude of his public achievements. He is, quite simply, approachable and carries remarkably little self-importance, an
uncommon trait in uncommon men who have traversed such heights. This duality, public complexity, private simplicity, remains one of the most compelling aspects of his persona.
Yet, if biography explains the man, faith perhaps explains the meaning of his journey. A devoted member of the Catholic Church, Kalu’s life bears the unmistakable imprint of a faith tradition that emphasises humility, service, and the stewardship of grace. His reflections on figures such as Pope Francis, whom he described as a “shepherd of peace, love, and compassion,” suggest an affinity for a moral vision anchored in service beyond self.
It is therefore not misplaced to say that his life, in many respects, has been a life of grace, grace in opportunity, grace in resilience, and grace in survival through seasons that might have undone lesser men. But grace, in the Catholic understanding, is never an end in itself; it is a summons, a call to higher responsibility.
And that summons is unmistakable at this moment. Few Nigerians have been as singularly endowed with access, influence, and longevity in public relevance. From enterprise to governance, from regional prominence to national stature, Kalu’s life has unfolded with a degree of privilege that is, by any fair measure, exceptional. Such exceptionalism demands not complacency, but consecration, an intentional redirection of fortune into service.
In his current role in the Senate, particularly as Chairman of the Senate Committee on the South-East Development Commission, he holds a position that transcends routine legislative duties. It is, in truth, a historic charge. The Southeast, long, industrious, yet structurally constrained, requires not merely representation, but advocacy of depth and persistence. It calls for leadership that understands both its wounds and its potential.
Beyond the region, Nigeria itself stands in a moment of profound uncertainty, grappling with security challenges that threaten cohesion and an economic reality that has rendered hunger not an abstraction but a daily lived experience for millions. In such times, the country does not require spectators; it requires stewards.
Dr. Onukwuli is a legal scholar and public affairs analyst. patonukwuli2003@yahoo.co.uk
Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA
Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com
PREPARING FOR THE RAINS
All stakeholders should take practical measures to minimise impact of floods
The 2026 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) does not look good for about 14,118 communities across 266 local government areas in 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). According to the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), these communities are at high risk of flooding in the next couple of weeks. Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters in terms of human hardship and economic loss, and they have caused untold damage in the last couple of years. We implore all the relevant authorities to take the reports seriously. The focus should be on pre-emptive intervention programmes. Little is gained when resources that should be put into developmental initiatives are dissipated in dealing with avoidable emergencies and calamities.
According to the Director General of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), Joseph Onoja, “evidence points more clearly to greater intensity of extreme rainfall, and in many places also to more frequent damaging flood episodes.” For Lagos specifically, a World Bank-linked flood risk note reports a rise in both high-intensity short-duration and low-intensity long-duration rainfall events, while pluvial or urban flooding has become more widespread. The Lagos Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan indicates that 165 square kilometres across 14 local government areas could be affected, threatening 82 per cent of wetlands if the risks are not well managed. All relevant stakeholders must therefore kickstart their adaptation strategies, as they have little time for mitigation measures.
semination of alerts to at-risk communities. They also recommend investing in flood-resistant infrastructure, including drainage systems, dams, and flood defenses, particularly in flood-prone areas like riverine and coastal regions.
Other recommendations include enforcing urban planning regulations and building codes to reduce the impact of flooding, especially in unplanned settlements and rapidly urbanising areas; engaging communities in flood risk management through awareness campaigns, training programmes, and the establishment of Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs). Fostering collaboration between government agencies, NGOs, and the private sector to ensure coordinated flood response efforts, resource mobilisation, and efficient disaster management. And expanding social protection programmes and humanitarian assistance for flood-affected communities, including cash transfers, food aid, and access to essential services like healthcare and education.
Floods have displaced several million Nigerians with rural dwellers losing farmlands, livestock and their means of livelihood
EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU
DEPUTY EDITOR WALE OLALEYE
MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO
DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU
CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI
EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE T H I S D AY N
Nigeria’s national and city-level outlook already predicts a combination of intense rainfall, river flooding, urban flooding, and coastal flooding over the next two decades. To help identify and solve climate-related issues, the federal government in 2024 produced what it called ‘Nigeria Risk Analysis,’ a project of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in partnership with UNICEF. Some of their recommendations include strengthening and expanding flood early warning systems across vulnerable states, ensuring timely and accurate dis-
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA
GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU
DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE
We urge government officials, at all levels, to update and advise on vulnerable areas, what needs to be done, and the reasonable timeframe for meaningful pre-emptive action. Blocked drains, especially in areas where flood waters easily accumulate and generate a strong force, should be cleared, and subsequently kept free. For a country where consecutive years of flooding, loss of farm produce and a lackadaisical attitude by the authorities have contributed to the challenge of food insecurity, we must take all the warnings much more seriously. These losses that traditionally occur during the peak of the rain season are detrimental to the country’s economy, and the wellbeing of our people.
In recent years, floods have displaced several million Nigerians with rural dwellers losing farmlands, livestock and their means of livelihood. In many states, local economies have collapsed, while the interventions designed to ameliorate the suffering of those affected have made little or no impact whatsoever. Authorities in the 36 states therefore have enough time to prepare adequate measures against the elements to avert another tragedy.
Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-300 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details to opinion@thisdaylive.com. We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (750- 1000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive. com along with photograph, email address and phone numbers of the writer.
BENJAMIN KALU AND ABIA 2027
Preparations for the 2027 general election have begun. Politicians with ambitions for the various political positions in the land are in frenetic activities for the actualization of their ambitions.
In Abia State, there are speculations that the incumbent Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, is nursing the ambition of wresting power from the incumbent governor of the state, Dr Alex Otti.
The ambition of the deputy speaker is legitimate and constitutional. He has the inalienable rights as guaranteed by the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria to contest for any position in the country.
However, the deputy speaker should look before he leaps. At the moment, he's the highest ranking citizen in the hierarchy of Nigeria from the south east. There are many politicians from his region and particularly from his own state of Abia who are not happy with his
meteoric rise to the vantage position.
There are those pushing him to contest for the governorship knowing full well that he can never defeat the incumbent governor in a free, fair and credible election. These politicians are mainly in his own party - the All Progressives Congress( APC).
The deputy speaker knows too well that he can't contest two positions at the same time. Once he gets the ticket of the APC for the governorship position, he can never revert to contest for the position of the House of Representatives. He must choose one.
Those pushing him to slug it out with the governor know that he will fail. They are uncomfortable with the reality that he's calling the shots in respect of anything concerning the APC in the state. Some of them are gutted how their former political boy is now the political leader in the state.
Some analysts posit that the deputy speaker is lean-
ing heavily on federal might to rig the governor out because he knows that he himself lacks the capacity to defeat a performing governor like Governor Otti. The federal might disappoint him should he take the gamble and jump into the contest with his eyes blindfolded. My honest and candid advice to the deputy speaker is to return to the House of Representatives. Perhaps, if the incumbent president wins a second term, the party may retain the current principal positions in the National Assembly, particularly the presiding officers. Then by 2031 when the governorship seat should automatically revert to the Abia North where the deputy speaker hails from, he will be in a very strong and pole position to grab the seat. A deputy speaker for eight solid years should be very strong politically to contest for the governorship seat.
Ifeanyi Maduako, Owerri via ifeanyimaduako2017@gmail.com
08056356325, 07034471123
FG Advocates Blended Finance Model to Address
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha has called for blended finance models to drive down the nation’s N3.4 trillion agricultural financing gap to boost productivity and yield.
Speaking at the Vanguard Economic Discourse event held in Lagos yesterday, the minister said food security must be treated, not just as an agricultural priority, but as a pillar of national security and socio-economic stability.
Represented by his Special
chinedu eze
Experts in the aviation industry have said that the re-emergence of COVID-19 pandemic will not disrupt flight operations this year as it did in 2020, when there was a global lockdown.
The experts insisted that with what the world has learnt about the pandemic, the aviation industry could
Adviser, Prof. Eustace Iyayi, Maiha that livestock contributes about 5 to 8 percent of Nigeria’s GDP and accounts for nearly one-third of agricultural GDP.
He maintained that beyond these figures, livestock plays a critical role in nutrition, particularly in addressing protein deficiency, noting that access to agricultural finance remains one of the biggest problems that both crop and livestock farmers have.
According to him, “We need to have a bridge in this sector. How can farmers have access
to finance with single digits? Because there is no business venture in agriculture you can do when you have interest rates as high as 23-25%. It is just not possible.
“One of the messages we would like to take out of here is, can we have our financial institutions create platforms that will enable farmers to have access to finance that will attract single-digit interest rates? Less than 5% of commercial bank lending goes to agriculture. This is also true. To address this, Nigeria must promote
The event themed, ‘Food Security and Socioeconomic Stability: Options for Nigeria’s Agriculture Sector Rebound’, for Maiha is both timely and urgent, reflecting the reality that food security has become one of the most critical determinants of national stability, economic resilience, and social cohesion.
He said, “We can’t stress this fact too much in terms
of the global and national context of food security. We recognise that across the globe, food systems are undergoing profound stress. Climatic variability, geographical disruptions, inflationary pressures, and rapid population growth are reshaping how nations produce, distribute, consume food. In Nigeria, these global challenges are further compounded by domestic structural constraints.”
On his part , the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari,
emphasised that food security is a foundation where all socio-economic stability is built upon. Represented by his Technical Assistant On partnership And Collaboration, Maruf Ajenifuja, he said that one of the strategic options for Nigeria is actually to scale up the access to inputs and reduce the cost of input to smallholders farmers across the country.
manage it, while observing its protocols.
Media reports confirmed that Nigeria has recorded a fresh case of COVID virus and the newest was confirmed in Cross River State. The CrossRiver State Ministry of Health had already started profiling and tracing individuals that might have been in contact with the Chinese
national admitted in health facility after testing positive to COVID virus.
Air Transport Executive and former Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Dr. Richard Aisuebeogun, told THISDAY that the re-emergence of the virus would jolt the aviation industry, logistics, public health sectors and others.
But considering what the world knows about the disease, it should not be allowed to disrupt economic and other activities as it did when it was first discovered.
“However, given the profound disruptions experienced during the 2019 and 2020 outbreak, particularly its impact on air travel, passenger confidence, and financial
burden on travellers, it is important that any renewed response is guided by lessons learned, existing data, and strategic foresight.
“Meanwhile public health safety must remain paramount, it is equally important to avoid a repeat of reactionary measures that significantly strained the aviation industry and the broader economy. The
approach this time must be measured, coordinated, and intelligence driven,” Aisuebeogun said. According to him, the first thing Nigeria should do is that it “must move away from blanket restrictions such as indiscriminate border closures and flight suspensions.”
Oluchi chibuzor
SAHCO Provides Science Laboratory to Mafuluku Grammar School
Stories by Chinedu Eze
Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) has unveiled and handed over all science subjects fully equipped laboratory to the management of Mafuluku Grammar School.
The event emphasised the disposition of the major handling company in Nigeria
towards science development in Nigeria. Identifying youths as the foundational backdrop to Nigeria’s emergence as technologically advanced country, SAHCOL has initiated blueprint for the transformation of science education and equipping students with practical, future-ready skills.
SAHCO said at the unveiling ceremony that the initiative highlighted its belief that education remains the bedrock of sustainable development and innovation.
“Education is more than a pathway to personal success, it is the foundation upon which communities grow, innovate, and thrive,” the company stated.
Air Peace Dominates 15th NIGAV Awards with Record Haul
Leading Nigerian carrier, Air Peace, delivered a historic performance at the 2026 Nigerian Aviation (NIGAV) Awards held at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
The airline secured an unprecedented seven awards in a single night; a record achievement that reinforces its leadership in safety, innovation, and service excellence.
Speaking at the event,
Director General of Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo said the NIGAV Awards has become a symbol of excellence, transparency, and industry cohesion celebrating the very best of Nigerian aviation while inspiring continuous improvement across all facets of our ecosystem.
According to him, this year’s theme, “Industry Rebirth,” is both timely and inspiring as it reflects a renewed trajectory
for Nigeria’s aviation sector one defined by resilience, reform, and results.
“Indeed, we are witnessing significant strides: from the consolidation of aircraft leasing frameworks, to certification of our aerodromes, ongoing modernization efforts at key gateways such as the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, enhanced intermodal connectivity, and the gradual expansion of airline fleets and route networks,” Najomo said.
Adeniji Bags CIS Fellowship for Economic Devt
The Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) has conferred its prestigious Honorary Fellowship on Chief Abiodun Adeniji, Group Chairman and Chief Executive of Jumbee Group, in recognition of his significant contributions to Nigeria’s financial market and the broader economy. Speaking at the conferment
ceremony, Oluropo Dada, the Institute’s 13th President and Chairman of Council, described the honour as one of the highest distinctions awarded by the CIS. He noted that while full membership of the Institute begins at the Associate level, Fellowship represents its peak, with Honorary Fellowship reserved for individuals whose impact
extends beyond the profession.
In his acceptance remarks, Adeniji expressed appreciation to the Institute’s leadership for the recognition, stating that he has maintained a longstanding connection with the CIS. He commended the Institute’s global standing and urged it to expand its presence internationally by establishing offices outside Nigeria.
Ibom Air Appoints Bailor as Director of Flight Operations
Ibom Air has announced the appointment of Capt. Banjana Bailor as its new Director of Flight Operations.
Bailor brings over 40 years of aviation experience and more than 20,000 flying hours to his new role.
He joins Ibom Air with a distinguished career spanning line flying, flight crew training, and operational management.
Commenting on the appointment, Chief Executive Officer of Ibom Air, Mr. George Uriesi, said: “We are pleased to welcome Capt. Banjana Bailor to the Ibom Air team. His wealth of experience, technical competence, and unwavering commitment to safety make him the ideal fit to lead our flight operations as we continue to expand our network and uphold our reputation for scheduled reliability. We look forward
Group Business Editor
Eromosele Abiodun
Deputy Business Editor
chinedu Eze
Comms/e-Business Editor
Emma Okonji
Asst. Editor, Energy
Emmanuel Addeh
Asst. Editor, Money Market
Nume Ekeghe
Correspondents
Kayodetokede(CapitalMarkets)
James Emejo (Finance)
Ebere Nwoji (Insurance)
reporter Peter Uzoho (Energy)
As NCAA Defends Air Travellers through Feedback
Chinedu Eze
One of the major successes of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) under the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration is closing the gap between air travellers and airlines.
In the past, many passengers find it difficult to seek redress whenever their rights were infringed upon by airlines or even the airport authority. In those days, when travellers were dissatisfied with the way they were treated by airlines, they would either give up or take their case to court.
There existed consumer protection department then but the process of a passenger taking his or her case to NCAA for it to be attended to was very slow and very cumbersome. Many years ago, the head of the department of consumer protection (it was later elevated to a directorate) would be strewn with petitions from local and international travellers who felt that their rights were infringed upon or who lost their bags on transit, allegedly exploited or short-changed.
But with the emergence of the current administration in NCAA, a radical change took place.
The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, adopted social media as medium of interaction between passengers and the agency. This gave rise to immediate feedback system. The dedication and commitment shown by the Director thawed the hitherto frosty relationship airlines used to have with passengers.
The key strategy was the adoption of social media to interface with travellers. Reports indicate that average Nigerian has access
to social media, so it has become the most reliable platform for passenger, agency and airline interaction. Reports have also shown that in Nigeria, there has been continuous increase in the number of social media users that from 2017 to 2023, the number progressed from 18 million in 2017, 19 million in 2018, 24 million in 2019, 27 million in 2020, 33 million in 2021, 32.9 million in 2022 and 31.6 million by January, 2023. By April 2026, it is indicated that about 47.8 million Nigerians are active social media users. Of course, the advent of social media has resulted in substantial changes in the way businesses function and engage with their consumers. Going through Achimugu’s X (Twitter) account shows his continuous interaction with passengers, striving to solve their problems and the relief most of the passengers have when their problems were resolved.
NCAA has also brought the airlines in. Letting the passengers know their obligations towards the airlines and has successfully brought down the air rage, which is when passengers become violent because there was delay in their flight or their flight was cancelled. Credit should be given to the enlightenment carried out by NCAA to educate the passengers and also reiterated the responsibility airlines have to their passengers.
Beyond social media interaction, the administration carried out road shows, especially in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt in addition to other fora where NCAA met with airlines.
the story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com
to the impact he will bring to the team.”
According to a statement signed by the Group Manager, Marketing and Communication for the airline, Aniekan Essienette, “Capt. Bailor holds an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) and has extensive operational experience on a wide range of aircraft, including the BAC 1-11 turbojet, DC-9, Saab SF340 turboprop, CL-65 (CRJ-200 to CRJ-900), and the Boeing 737 NG.
Aerospace University Offers Degree Scholarship to Winners
The African Aviation and Aerospace University has offered to give scholarship to the winners of cabin crew competition organised by NIGAV in Lagos.
The winners are known as Kings and Queens of the Air.
The scholarship offer was announced by the acting Vice Chancellor of
the university, Mustapha Sheikh Abdullahi, who was honoured with the Aviation Academic Excellence Award while the institution won the Most Promising Training Institution Award at the 15th edition of the Nigerian Aviation (NIGAV) Awards and Ministerial Dinner held in Lagos.
Akarachi Amadi: reshaping Politics through r esult-driven Impact
In a political arena long ruled by the old guard, Hon. akarachi amadi stands out as young, visible, and accountable. Through mega empowerment drives and active community engagement, he is proving that a new generation of results-driven leaders is rising to reshape Nigerian politics. Sunday ehigiator writes
In Nigeria’s political history, leadership has often followed a familiar trajectory, shaped by age, hierarchy, and years of gradual ascent through party structures. It is a system where influence is accumulated over time, and authority is often reserved for those who have “waited their turn.” But across the country, that pattern is beginning to shift.
A new generation of political actors is emerging; one less defined by age and more by the immediacy of impact. Among them is Hon. Engr. Akarachi Etinosa Tosan Amadi, whose rise to the House of Representatives at the age of 28 represents more than just a personal milestone. It signals a broader recalibration of what political relevance can look like in contemporary Nigeria.
A Generational Disruption
When Akarachi Amadi was elected to represent Mbaitoli/Ikeduru Federal Constituency, his age immediately became part of the narrative. In a legislature historically dominated by older politicians, his presence stood out.
But beyond symbolism, his emergence raised a deeper question: “Can youth in politics translate into performance?”
For many young Nigerians, political participation has long been framed as a future possibility; something to aspire to, but rarely to experience in the present. Amadi’s election challenged that notion.
“The youth are not the leaders of tomorrow,” he declared at a recent constituency event. “We are the leaders of today.”
It is a statement that resonates not just as rhetoric, but as positioning, an attempt to redefine youth from observers to active participants in governance.
From Representation to Responsibility
However, entry into office is only the beginning. For younger politicians, the burden of proof is often heavier. They are expected not only to perform, but to justify their presence in spaces traditionally occupied by more experienced figures.
In this context, Amadi’s approach to governance appears deliberately structured around the visibility of results.
Rather than relying solely on legislative visibility in Abuja, he has prioritised constituency engagement, ensuring that his presence is felt directly within Mbaitoli and Ikeduru. This strategy reflects an understanding that for many constituents, representation is not measured in parliamentary debates, but in tangible improvements to daily life.
The Politics of Immediate Impact
One of the defining features of Amadi’s tenure has been his emphasis on empowerment as a tool for immediate socio-economic impact.
The Mbaike Mega Empowerment Programme, held recently in his constituency, stands as the most visible expression of this approach.
With over 10,000 attendees and a wide range of distributed items, including vehicles, agricultural equipment, and cash grants exceeding ₦200 million, the event was not just a constituency programme; it was a statement of intent.
For a young politician, such scale carries significance beyond its immediate impact. It signals capacity, an ability to mobilise resources, coordinate logistics, and deliver
Akarachi Amadi with some Beneficiaries of the Mega Empowement Programme recently held in Imo State
results at a level that commands attention.
Challenging Traditional Expectations
In many ways, Amadi’s model challenges the traditional expectations placed on young politicians. Historically, younger entrants into politics have often been relegated to symbolic roles, seen but not necessarily expected to lead large-scale initiatives.
By contrast, his approach places him at the centre of delivery. This shift is not without its risks. High visibility creates high expectations. Each intervention sets a benchmark for the next, raising questions about sustainability and continuity.
Yet, it also creates a new standard, one that other young politicians may feel compelled to meet.
Execution as Identity
If there is a thread that runs consistently through Amadi’s career, from his time in engineering to his current role in politics, it is an emphasis on execution.
In the oil and gas sector, where he previously worked, outcomes are measurable. Projects are either completed or not. Targets are either met or missed. That mindset appears to have carried over into his political approach.
Campaign promises, in this framework, are not aspirational; they are commitments to be delivered.
“I made a promise to represent you well,” he told constituents during the empowerment programme. “And I live by that promise every day.” This framing positions leadership not as an abstract responsibility, but as a continuous process of delivery.
Youth Appeal and Public Perception
Amadi’s political identity is closely tied to his youthfulness, but it is also shaped by how that youthfulness is perceived.
For many young constituents, his rise offers a sense of relatability, a leader who reflects their demographic and, potentially, their aspirations.
This connection is reinforced by his focus on youth-centred interventions, including education support, skill Adevelopment, and economic empowerment. Scholarship programmes,
free examination registrations, and access to business tools all contribute to a broader narrative of youth inclusion.
This explains why he is so loved by his constituents, who, for the longer years before Amadi’s emergence, haven’t really felt the true impact of governance as they do now.
However, relatability alone is not sufficient. The real test lies in whether these interventions translate into long-term opportunities for young people within the constituency.
Balancing Youth and Experience
While youth can be an advantage, governance also demands experience, particularly within complex systems like the National Assembly.
Amadi’s role as Chairman of the House Committee on Oceans and Fisheries places him within a strategic policy space, linked to Nigeria’s ambitions around the blue economy.
This position requires not only technical understanding but also the ability to navigate legislative processes, build alliances, and influence policy outcomes.
Balancing these responsibilities with constituency expectations is a challenge faced by many lawmakers, but perhaps more so by younger ones seeking to establish credibility. However, he has navigated it comfortably and justified the voter’s confidence in his capabilities to quickly learn, adapt and take action.
The Sustainability Question
As with any model built on large-scale interventions, sustainability remains a critical concern. Empowerment programmes, while impactful, require ongoing support to maintain their effectiveness.
Vehicles need maintenance. Businesses require market access. Agricultural inputs must be complemented by extension services and infrastructure. Without these supporting systems, initial gains can quickly erode.
Amadi’s emphasis on continuity, framing empowerment as part of a broader, ongoing effort, explains his awareness of this challenge. But translating that awareness into sustained impact,
he also emphasised, is key to the long-term success.
Hence his approach of immediate impact as he showed at the recently held Mega-empowerment program where he empowered his constituents with over 57 motorcycles and 100 mini-buses for youth empowerment; 63 generators and big deep freezers respectively, to support selected business owners; 63 500KVA transformers with electric cables and poles, to energise them in the 63 autonomous communities within his constituency; N1 million cash empowerment for 100 selected traders and artisans; 126 sewing machines with stands to empower skill acquired tailors and fashion designers; 47 tricycle trucks for farmers empowerment, and cash grants worth over N200 million, all spread across his constituents, while also creating a monitoring and maintenance mechanism to ensure sustainability.
Amadi
as a Template for Emerging Leaders
The significance of Amadi’s political journey extends beyond Mbaitoli and Ikeduru. As more young Nigerians enter politics, there is a growing need for models that demonstrate how youth can translate into effective leadership.
His approach, anchored on visibility, execution, and direct engagement, offers one possible template. It suggests that political relevance, particularly for younger actors, may increasingly depend on the ability to deliver measurable outcomes.
For decades, the narrative around youth in Nigerian politics has been one of potential, what young people could achieve if given the opportunity. What figures like Amadi represent is a shift from potential to performance. The conversation is no longer just about inclusion, but about impact.
Within his first three years, Amadi has proposed 38 people centered bills on the floor of the House, which are at different legislative stages, attracted several infrastructural development projects to his constituency, including; construction/renovation of over 20 nos 3 and 4 classroom blocks, 2 primary health centers, skill acquisition center, renovation of town halls, solar water boreholes, street lightup projects amongst others.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the emergence of younger leaders will inevitably reshape expectations.
For Akarachi Amadi, the challenge is not simply to maintain momentum, but to deepen it; to ensure that early achievements translate into lasting transformation. For the broader political system, the implications are equally significant.
As Amadi puts it, “leadership is not just about occupying a seat; it is about serving people seated in your heart. And the people of Mbaitoli/Ikeduru are deeply seated in mine.”
If younger politicians like Amadi can demonstrate that leadership is defined by results rather than tenure, just as Amai have shown, doesn’t it therefore prompt a re-evaluation of long-standing assumptions about governance?
For now, in Mbaitoli and Ikeduru, Amadi’s impact is clear enough for the blind to see and deaf to hear, and he doesn’t seem anything close to relenting. The outcome may well shape not just one career, but the direction of generations, including those yet unborn.
Celebrating Chief Charles Nwogbe, a True Icon of Enterprise
Ayo Royce Okolie
In a nation where stories of success often begin with uncertainty and grit, few journeys capture the imagination quite like that of Chief Charles Nwogbe, a man whose life reflects the timeless values of hard work, resilience, and unwavering determination.
As he marks another year today, attention turns not just to the celebration of age, but to the honouring of a legacy carefully built over more than three decades.
Chief Charles Nwogbe’s story begins in Aba, a city widely regarded as the heartbeat of Igbo enterprise, a place where ambition is nurtured, and survival is shaped by innovation and persistence.
Like many young men driven by purpose, he left the familiar grounds of his hometown for Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial epicentre, armed with little more than a vision and the courage to pursue it.
Lagos, known for its intensity and unforgiving pace, has tested countless dreams. Yet, for Nwogbe, it became the fertile ground upon which his ambitions took root.
His early years in the city were defined by resilience, calculated risktaking, and a deep understanding of the dynamics of commerce and human interaction.
Over time, these qualities would evolve into a defining philosophy, one that would guide his rise across multiple industries.
His journey echoes a well-known Igbo proverb, “Aka aja aja na-ebute onu mmanu mmanu” in other words, diligent hands lead to abundance.
Through, persistence and strategic thinking, Chief Nwogbe transformed modest beginnings into a thriving business empire that spans nightlife, hospitality, wines and beverages, fashion, and logistics.
As the Chief Executive Officer of Xhibit Logistics, Gravity, a leading lifestyle club in Lagos, and Liquor Central, he has built more than businesses, he has established brands that resonate with quality, innovation, and consistency.
In the competitive world of nightlife and hospitality, his ventures have stood out not merely for their commercial success, but for their ability to create memorable experiences and set industry standards.
Observers of Nigeria’s evolving hospitality landscape often point to figures like Nwogbe as catalysts of change who understand that success in modern enterprise is not only about profit margins, but about experience, identity, and brand storytelling.
His establishments have consistently reflected a blend of sophistication, cultural awareness, and business acumen, positioning
them as reference points within their respective sectors.
Yet, perhaps what distinguishes Chief Nwogbe most is not the scale of his business achievements, but the depth of his humanity.
In a society where success can sometimes create distance, he has remained firmly connected to his roots and community.
He embodies the Igbo principle of “Onye aghala nwanne ya”, never abandon your brother. His philanthropic footprint, though often understated, speaks volumes.
Over the years, he has extended support to individuals, families, and communities, providing opportunities where there were none and offering hope where it was needed most.
Those who have encountered him frequently describe a man of humility, generosity, and quiet strength, a leader who understands that true influence
is measured not only by wealth, but by the lives one is able to uplift.
His approach to philanthropy is not performative; it is intentional, consistent, and deeply rooted in a sense of responsibility.
Within business circles, Chief Nwogbe is widely regarded as a mentor and a source of inspiration.
His journey offers valuable lessons to aspiring entrepreneurs, lessons about patience, discipline, and the importance of staying true to one’s vision.
He has demonstrated that success is not an overnight phenomenon, but the result of years of dedication, learning, and strategic growth.
Indeed, he stands as Odogwu n’Aba, a title not merely of status, but of substance. In Igbo culture, an Odogwu is a man of great achievement and influence, one who has
proven himself through action and integrity. It is a title earned, not given, and in every sense, Chief Nwogbe embodies its meaning.
Beyond titles and accomplishments, his life also tells a story of perseverance in the face of challenges. Like every successful entrepreneur, his journey has been marked by moments of uncertainty and adversity.
Yet, through each challenge, he has emerged stronger, reinforcing the belief that resilience is the cornerstone of lasting success.
As he celebrates his birthday, reflections on his journey naturally give way to considerations of his legacy.
In an era where the definition of success is constantly evolving, Chief Nwogbe’s life offers a refreshing perspective, one that balances ambition with compassion, and achievement with impact. His legacy is not confined to boardrooms or balance sheets. It lives in the businesses he has built, the people he has mentored, and the countless individuals whose lives have been touched by his generosity.
It is a legacy that will endure, not just because of what he has accomplished, but because of how he has accomplished it.
Looking ahead, there is little doubt that his influence will continue to expand. With a track record defined by innovation and adaptability, Chief Nwogbe remains well-positioned to navigate the evolving landscape of business and enterprise in Nigeria and beyond.
His ability to identify opportunities, coupled with his commitment to excellence, ensures that his story is far from complete.
As family, friends, colleagues, and admirers gather to celebrate him today, there is a shared recognition of a life well-lived and a future filled with even greater promise. It is a moment not only of celebration, but of gratitude. In the words of another timeless Igbo expression, “Ezi aha ka ego” meaning, a good name is better than wealth.
For Chief Charles Nwogbe, both have been earned, but it is his name built on integrity, impact, and excellence, that will stand the test of time.
On this special occasion, prayers and goodwill accompany the celebration.
As the sun sets on another remarkable year and rises on a new chapter, one thing remains certain: Chief Charles Nwogbe’s story is far from over. It is a story still being written, a story of vision, resilience, and enduring impact. And indeed, it is a story worth celebrating.
•Prince Ayo Royce Okolie, writes from Lagos
Nwogbe
Oando Foundation Awards N20M to 10 Young Innovators
Oluchi Chibuzor
Oando Foundation has awarded N20 million in grants to 10 outstanding young innovators following the successful completion of the pilot cohort of its Green Youth Upskilling Programme (GYUP).
The announcement was made at a closeout ceremony in Lagos, where the foundation also unveiled a new cohort that will train 50 additional young Nigerians in renewable energy, waste management, and green enterprise development.
Speaking at the event, Head of Oando Foundation, Tonia Uduimoh, reflected on the programme’s focus on youth empowerment through skills development and practical education.
According to her, “As an organisation, the Oando Foundation has focused on education since its inception in 2011. While education remains our core, we also recognise
that it extends beyond foundational learning and formal academics. In collaboration with NCIC, we developed the Green Youth Upskilling Programme. Through GYUP, we provide practical, realworld green skills that build on participants’ existing knowledge and experience, enabling them to become more empowered and selfreliant individuals, actively contributing to Nigeria’s green economy. We are grateful for the opportunity to implement initiatives such as this, as we expand our focus beyond younger children to also support the youth, who are a critical part of Nigeria’s population.”
Also speaking, the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Abubakre Ogunlende, said that “GYUP is proof that when the private sector, civil society, and development organizations come
together with a shared purpose, we can create opportunities that truly transform lives.”
“Collectively, the beneficiaries received grant funding totaling N20 million to accelerate the growth of their ventures, positioning them as catalysts for job creation and environmental sustainability within their communities,’ Uduimoh added
Toluwalase Abiona, a beneficiary from Cohort I (Waste Management & Recycling track) and a recipient of the N2m award grant, commended the Oando Foundation for its commitment to youth empowerment and skills development.
In her remarks, Titilayo Oshodi, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Climate Change and Circular Economy, said that “Climate action is no longer a future conversation. It is happening now, and it needs your ideas, your energy, and your courage.”
Providus Bank Expands Footprint with Ekiti Branch, Reaffirms Capital Strength
Providus Bank Plc has commissioned a new branch in Ado-Ekiti, marking another step in its steady expansion across key growth markets in Nigeria.
Having met the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) recapitalisation requirement since January 2025, Providus Bank is now focused on expanding its footprint to support local enterprise, deepen financial inclusion, and bring banking services closer to individuals and businesses.
Speaking at the commissioning, the Executive Director/
Chief Financial Officer, Deoye Ojuroye, noted that the expansion is part of a broader plan to strengthen the Bank’s presence nationwide over the next 12 months.
“Our approach is deliberate—we are growing in the right places, supporting real economic activity, and building a bank that is both resilient and responsive to the needs of our customers.”
He added that Providus Bank remains on a strong footing, with a disciplined approach to capital and risk management underpinning its growth.
“We are well capitalised
within our regulatory category, and that gives us the confidence to continue expanding responsibly while supporting businesses and communities.”
The bank plans to open additional branches in strategic locations over the coming year, reinforcing its commitment to scale, accessibility, and longterm value creation.
Providus Bank continues to position itself as a reliable partner to businesses and individuals, combining financial strength with a clear focus on sustainable growth.
African Youth Take Center Stage at AU Conference
The fifth edition of the Yale Model African Union (YMAU) concluded successfully in Accra, bringing together over 300 delegates, policymakers, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs from across Africa and the diaspora for three days of dialogue, innovation, and collaboration.
Held from March 13–15, 2026, under the theme, “Imagine, Challenge & Build the Africa We Want,” the milestone conference marked five years of fostering youth leadership and policy engagement across the continent. Among the distinguished speakers was Dennis Sampong,
Country Director of Fludor Ghana, a subsidiary of TGI Group. Drawing on his extensive experience in Ghana’s agricultural sector, Mr. Sampong shared insights on the urgent need to integrate youth into the cocoa value chain and the importance of private sector participation in shaping policy outcomes.
Speaking to a room of young leaders and aspiring policymakers, Mr. Sampong emphasised the demographic imperative driving Africa’s development agenda.
“The future of Africa is the youth. If you look at Ghana, more than 60% of the population are under
the age of 35. Anything we’re doing now is going to be the youth’s future,” he said. “Nobody can do better for Africa except ourselves.”
He also highlighted the challenges facing Ghana’s cocoa sector, noting that the average farmer is between 55 and 60 years old, and stressed the need to attract young people into agriculture through modern technologies.
“If our farmers used to use cutlasses and holes to do cocoa, what other technologies can we bring in? As part of our training programs, we encourage young people to go into cocoa and use modern ways of going about their farming activities.”
The price of OPEC basket of twelve crudes stood at $63.14 a barrel on Monday, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.
The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).
OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE As At 24 t H n OV e M be R , 2025
The shareholders of Afriland Properties Plc, yesterday approved the board’s payment of an estimated N329.7 million as total dividends payout for the financial year ended December 31, 2025.
The shareholders gave their approval at the 13th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of
the company held virtually in Lagos.
Speaking to shareholders, the Chairman of the company, Mr Emmanuel Nnorom, stated that the total dividend declared for the year amounted to N329.74 million, representing 24k per ordinary share.
Nnorom noted that the dividend consisted of an interim dividend of 13k per share already paid and a final
dividend of 11 kobo per share.
He said that the dividend payout reflected the company’s commitment to delivering value to its shareholders.
He explained that against the macroeconomic backdrop, the company recorded a 12 per cent growth in gross profit to N3.51 billion as against N3.13 billion recorded in 2024.
He explained that the company also achieved a eight per cent revenue growth
to N4.07 billion, from N3.75 billion in 2024.
“This reflects steady growth in spite of macroeconomic constraints. During the year, we commenced nine new projects, completed 18 projects carried over from previous years, and we have 12 projects at various stages of completion across different locations nationwide,” he said.
Nnorom noted that the company’s 2025 performance
reflected resilience, sound governance, and disciplined stewardship in a demanding operating environment.
He said, “We remain focused on protecting value, strengthening our asset base, and rewarding shareholders responsibly, while positioning the business to capture future opportunities across the real estate sector.”
Also speaking, Managing Director, Afriland Properties’,
Mr Azubike Emodi said the company’s total assets grew strongly by 33 per cent year on year to N65 billion, compared to N48 billion recorded in 2024.
According to him, this notable increase was primarily driven by sustained investments in the development of new properties, as well as fair value gains realised on investment properties during the year.
PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED AS OF APRIL 23/26
A Year of Missing You, Mum, a Lifetime of Loving You TRIBUTE
By Ivie Egbe
Mother of All, Woman after God’s Own Heart ,Great Businesswoman, Philanthropist, A Strong and Stylish Woman.
Today marks one year since our beloved mother, Theresa Egbe Onomre-Ogberota Egbe, affectionately known by many as “Tessy Yege,” departed from this earthly life. Though twelve months have passed, the memory of that day still lingers deeply in our hearts. Time has continued to move forward, but the love we hold for you remains just as strong as ever.
The truth is, life has not been the same without you.
There are moments when your absence feels overwhelming — moments when we wish we could hear your voice again, receive your wise advice, or simply sit beside you and share a laugh. Yet, even in the midst of our grief, we are constantly reminded of the extraordinary woman you were and the beautiful legacy you left behind.
Mum, you were not just a mother to us. You were our strength, our protector, our teacher, our encourager, and our inspiration. Your love shaped our lives in ways that words can barely describe. From the earliest days of our lives, you poured your heart into raising and guiding us, always reminding us of the importance of faith, family, humility, and perseverance.
You were truly a Mother of All.
Your love was not limited to your own children. Your heart was wide enough to embrace everyone who came into your life. Friends, relatives, neighbors, and even strangers experienced your kindness and compassion. Anyone who came to you in need could find comfort, support, and encouragement.
You had an incredible gift of making people feel welcome, valued, and loved.
To so many people, you were more than a mother — you were a mentor, a counselor, a supporter, and sometimes even a lifeline in moments of difficulty. Your home and your heart were always open.
Mum, you were known as a woman after God’s own heart. Your faith was the foundation upon which you built your life. You believed deeply in God and lived according to the values of love, service, humility, and generosity. Your faith guided your actions and shaped the way you treated others.
Your prayers carried us through difficult moments.
Your words of wisdom strengthened us when we felt weak.
Your unwavering belief in God reminded us that no challenge was too great when we trusted in Him.
Even today, we continue to draw strength from the faith you instilled in us.
Mum you were also a remarkable businesswoman. Through determination, resilience, and hard work, you built a reputation for excellence and integrity. You approached your work with dedication and discipline, always striving to provide for your family and create opportunities for those around you.
You understood the value of hard work and perseverance.
You showed us that success is not only about personal achievement but about uplifting others along the way. Your entrepreneurial spirit inspired many, and your example continues to motivate us to pursue our goals with courage and determination.
You were not only successful in business; you were also a great philanthropist.
(Theresa Egbe Onomre-Ogberota Egbe) “Tessy Yege”
Helping others was not something you did for recognition — it was simply who you were. You gave freely to those in need, often without expecting anything in return. Whether it was financial assistance, advice, encouragement, or simply your time, you were always ready to help.
Your generosity touched countless lives.
Many people remember you for the kindness you showed them during difficult times. Some remember the support you gave them when they were struggling. Others remember your comforting words, your guidance, or the simple but powerful acts of kindness you extended. Your impact reached far beyond what we may ever fully know.
One of the most remarkable qualities about you was your willingness to serve others. You were ever ready to serve, always placing the needs of others before your own. Whether it was within the family, the community, or the church, you made yourself available to help wherever you were needed.
Service was not a burden to you — it was a calling. Your life was a beautiful reflection of selflessness and compassion.
But beyond your strength, generosity, and
June 12, 1949- April 24 , 2025
faith, you were also a woman of style and grace. Mum, you carried yourself with elegance and confidence. You believed in presenting yourself with dignity and pride. Your sense of style was admired by many, and you always brought a special presence into every room you entered.
You were truly a stylish woman — graceful, confident, and full of life.
People noticed your warmth, your charm, and the energy you brought wherever you went. Your smile could brighten a room, and your laughter could lift the spirits of those around you.
Yet beneath that elegance was also an incredible strength.
You were a strong woman and a fighter.
Life was not always easy, but you faced every challenge with courage and determination. You refused to allow difficulties to define you. Instead, you confronted them with resilience, faith, and perseverance.
You taught us that strength does not mean never facing hardship. Strength means continuing to stand, even when life becomes difficult.
Your courage continues to inspire us.
Over the past year, we have experienced
countless moments when we wished you were still here with us. Moments of celebration where we longed to see your smile and hear your laughter. Moments of challenge when we wished we could seek your advice and guidance.
Your absence is deeply felt in our everyday lives.
Yet even in those moments of longing, we are comforted by the memories we shared with you. The lessons you taught us continue to guide us. The love you gave us continues to strengthen us.
You may no longer be physically present, but your spirit lives on within us.
We see your influence in the kindness we show to others.
We feel your strength in the courage we find during difficult moments.
We remember your faith when we turn to God in prayer.
Your legacy lives on in the lives of your children, your family, and the many people whose hearts you touched.
Today, as we mark one year since your passing, we choose not only to mourn your absence but also to celebrate your life.
We celebrate the love you gave.
We celebrate the sacrifices you made. We celebrate the strength you demonstrated. We celebrate the faith that guided you. And we celebrate the incredible impact you had on everyone who knew you.
Your life was a blessing.
Your memory is a treasure.
Your legacy is everlasting.
Mum, we miss you more than words can ever express. Not a day passes without thoughts of you crossing our minds. Your voice echoes in our memories, reminding us to stay strong, to remain faithful, and to love one another.
Though grief still touches our hearts, we also feel deep gratitude.
Gratitude for the years we were blessed to share with you.
Gratitude for the love you gave us.
Gratitude for the wisdom you shared.
Gratitude for the example you set.
Because of you, we understand the importance of faith, family, compassion, and perseverance. As we continue our journey through life, we promise to honor your memory by living according to the values you taught us. We promise to remain united as a family. We promise to extend kindness to others just as you did.
Your story did not end the day you left this world.
It continues through us. It continues through the lives you touched. It continues through the legacy of love and generosity you left behind.
And so today, we remember and celebrate the remarkable woman you were: Theresa Egbe Onomre-Ogberota Egbe.
A loving mother.
A woman after God’s own heart.
A great businesswoman.
A generous philanthropist.
A stylish and graceful woman.
A strong and courageous fighter.
And truly, a Mother of All.
Though you are no longer with us in body, your love remains alive in our hearts forever.
Rest peacefully in the bosom of the Lord, our beloved mother.
Until the day we meet again, we will carry your memory with us always.
Forever loved.
Forever remembered.
Forever missed.
•By Ivie Egbe, on behalf of your children - Blessing, Patrick, Julius, Uwa
PRIVATISATION MEETING...
L-R: Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu; Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu; and Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, with the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, during the National Council on Privatisation meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, yesterday
Education Promises: Tinubu has Delivered Three Years On, No ASUU Strike, Says Alausa
As ministers urge
Kuni Tyessi in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu’s 2023 campaign promise that 4-year courses will be 4-year courses has so far avoided disruption from nationwide university strikes, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has claimed.
So far, amongst several interventions running into billions of Naira,
UNIABUJA
N160b has been spent on building of hostels nationwide, N100b has been approved for the provision of more infrastructure, N50b this year alone for the rehabilitation of ICT centres, and millions of entrepreneurial studies for innovation have been established.
This was stated on Thursday at the University of Abuja, now Yakubu Gowon University by
students to vote Tinubu
Dr. Tunji Alausa during a panel discussion tagged “Renewed Hope Conversations,” organized by the students of the Faculty of Management Sciences.
The programme was attended by the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Uba Maigari Ahmadu and several
head of agencies such as NELFUND and NITDA.
The minister responding to a question on why Nigerians, particularly students, should vote for the President Tinubu’s second tenure, said data shows there’s no major ASUU strike since Tinubu assumed office on May 29, 2023, following an 8-month shutdown that ended in October 2022 under
Senate Directs Immediate Rescue of Abducted UTME Candidates, Others in Calabar-Oron Pirate Attack
The Senate on Thursday ordered security agencies to launch immediate, coordinated rescue operations to secure the release of at least 15 passengers abducted by suspected sea pirates along the Calabar–Oron waterways, including candidates preparing for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The directive followed the adoption of a motion of urgent national importance sponsored by Senator Ekong Sampson (Akwa Ibom South), who raised alarm over the violent hijack of a commercial ferry conveying passengers from Calabar to Oron last Friday. Presenting the motion,
Sampson described the attack as “heart-rending,” noting that the victims—many of them young Nigerians with aspirations for higher education—were seized at gunpoint after heavily armed pirates ambushed the vessel mid-sea.
According to him, “No fewer than fifteen Nigerians travelling in a commercial ferry from Calabar to Oron were violently abducted by suspected sea pirates. Among them are young people whose aspirations for higher education now hang in the balance.”
He said eyewitnesses and local fishermen confirmed the attackers forcefully commandeered the boat and whisked the passengers away to unknown destinations, deepening anxiety among residents of coastal
communities in Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.
The Senate expressed grave concern over the growing insecurity on the Calabar–Oron waterways, a critical economic and social transport corridor in the Niger Delta, warning that persistent piracy and kidnapping threaten livelihoods and undermine public confidence.
Lawmakers lamented that despite repeated assurances from security agencies, criminal activities on inland waterways have continued unabated, exposing commuters to grave risks.
Adopting the motion, the upper chamber condemned the attack “in the strongest terms” and commiser- ated with families of the victims, many of whom have been left in anguish since the incident.
The Senate subsequently urged the Chief of Naval Staff, the Inspector- General of Police and other relevant security agencies to immediately deploy robust and coordinated search-and-rescue operations to ensure the safe and unconditional release of all those abducted.
It further directed the Nigerian Navy, Marine Police and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to scale up surveillance, patrols and intelligence-gathering across the waterways and adjoining creeks to forestall a recurrence.
the previous administration.
“Most federal universities are in session today. For students admitted in September 2023, graduation remains on track for 2027 if calendars hold. This is an administration that has provided a loan fund for to make schooling easier for students and today there is no students that can claim that he is out of School due to lack of resources.
“By February 2026, the fund recorded over 1.7 million student registrations, with more than 600,000 loans approved and N104 billion released for tuition and stipends.
In her response on continuity, the Minister of Creative Economy, Musawa, said another reason to be considered for Tinubu’s second bid is for the preservation of Nigeria’s future which she said the government is framing its economic agenda as a deliberate break from past policies, citing tough decisions been taken to reposition the country globally.
She said as TikTok generation, the administration is directly targeting young Nigerians to create value with the talents they have, and the culture within the enabling environment which creators can use to create content and import value from it as viable alternatives
to traditional employment paths.
“Nigeria kept doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. This administration chose a different route to secure our rightful position on the committee of nations.
“This is the first ministry of its kind. The ministry was created to give structure to sectors like music, film, fashion, and digital content that have been successful organically without government coming on board. The goal is to provide a formal handshake between government and creatives.
“We are delivering tourism policy, creative economy policy, cultural policy, and an incentive policy. The policies aim to help creators in the “TikTok and digital sector protect intellectual property, access incentives, and monetize content without you having to know someone at the middle or having to work in an oil industry” she added.
In giving assurance to the students that they can become men and women of purpose and destiny without godfathers, the Minister of Urban Development, used his personal experience to argue that the current administration is an open government to Nigerians without political connections.
Daji Sani in Yola
Child protection experts and media stakeholders have renewed calls for zero tolerance for sexual violence against children, insisting that every child has a fundamental right to safety and dignity.
The demand followed a roundtable in Gombe State focused on protecting child rights and strengthening response systems.
Participants said breaking the silence around abuse is urgent. Stigma continues
to stop survivors and families from speaking out, allowing perpetrators to escape accountability and leaving children exposed to further harm.
Nuzhat Rafique, Chief UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, emphasized on timely reporting as a critical first step. She noted that delays in reporting reduce the chances of securing medical evidence, accessing care, and achieving justice. Coordinated response systems must be activated immediately when a case is reported.
She stressed the need to strengthen referral pathways so that health workers, police, social welfare officers, and legal actors respond effectively and compassionately.
Clear, functional links between agencies prevent survivors from being shunted between offices or re-traumatized, she stated.
According to Rafique, the life-saving impact of integrated, survivor-centered services was highlighted through the One Stop Centre approach.
The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) has rejected the federal government’s proposed 30 per cent increase in the Consoli- dated Academic Allowance for its members, warning of a nationwide strike if its demand for a 40 per cent increment is not met by May 1.
The union said the offer fell short of expectations, particularly as the federal government had earlier approved a 40 per cent increment for the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
Speaking at the Regular Meeting of Universities and Inter-University
Centres Trade Group Council held yesterday at the Lagos State University, the NASU General Secretary, Peters Adeyemi, said the union would not accept anything less than parity with academic staff.
“The simple thing is to conclude the agreement and give 40 per cent to non-teaching staff. That will guarantee calm and peace on our campuses. If anything contrary is done, we will shut down the system,” Adeyemi said.
He emphasised that non-academic staff play a vital role in the dayto-day functioning of universities, noting that academic activities would be severely disrupted without their contributions.
“We respect our academic colleagues, but they cannot operate without us being on duty. Our role is indispensable in the system,” he added.
Adeyemi explained the meeting focused on the ongoing renegotiation of allowances and the union’s firm rejection of the 30 per cent offer, warning that failure to meet its demand before the deadline would leave the union with no option but to embark on industrial action.
Also speaking, the NASU National President, Hassan Makolo, expressed concern over the prolonged renegotiation of the 2009 agreement between the federal government and university-based unions.
PHOTO: GODWIN OMOIGUI
Sunday Ehigiator
Sunday Aborisade in Abuja
ECHO CREATOR ACCELERATOR IN LAGOS...
L-R: Medical doctor, storyteller, and co-Founder of Askawadoc, Chinonso Egemba (Aproko Doctor); Creator and Founder of Any Production, Korty E. O; Film Director and Founder of Cruise TV, Oladayo Ibidunni; and Founder and Creative Director of Woof Studios Africa, Adetutu Laditan, at the ongoing ECHO Accelerator Programme powered by Woof Studios Africa held in Lagos…recently
FG Arraigns El-Rufai for Allegedly Wiretapping Ribadu’s Phone
The federal government on Thursday, arraigned the immediate past governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, over allegations bordering on alleged breach of national security.
El-Rufai was arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on a five-count criminal charge by the Department of State Services (DSS).
He was specifically accused of wiretapping the telephone line of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.
He however, pleaded not guilty to the five-count amended charge read against him.
Following his not guilty plea, prosecution counsel, Mr. Oluwole Aladedoye, SAN, asked the court for a three consecutive trial dates.
But, el-Rufai’s lawyer, Mr. Oluwole Iyamu, however, objected
to this request on the grounds that the defendant had been in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), since his arrest and access to him within the three days of the trial might be difficult.
While stating the three days might not be in their best interest, Iyamu also drew the attention of the court to the bail application of his client, filed on February, 17.
However, the further affidavit in support of the bail application was not in the court file and the judge stood down the matter for Iyamu to do the needful.
Meanwhile, when the matter resumed, the prosecution who did not oppose the bail application, moved an application seeking an order to conceal the identities of two witnesses expected to testify against el-Rufai.
According to the prosecution, the
identities of the witnesses should not appear in public court records and that pseudonyms should be used during trial.
He predicated the request on the grounds that witnesses’ families could be vulnerable to attack from persons sympathetic to El-Rufai.
While opposed to the request for concealing witness’ identify, the defence argued it is the constitutional right of an accused person to know his accusers.
Iyamu further submitted that there was no evidence before the court showing El-Rufai had any cult-like followership or posed a threat.
He also claimed the defendant had dedicated his life to public service and warned that granting a blanket anonymity order could create serious prejudice against the accused.
The defence also applied for an order directing the prosecution to
furnish the defence with proof of evidence to prepare for the trial. Responding, the prosecution submitted that the materials sought by the defence were documents unrelated to the filed processes. Meanwhile, Iyamu informed the court about another application he filed seeking to quash the charge. Meanwhile, the case has been adjourned to May 18, 19, and 20, for hearing in all the applications before the court.
Wike Grants Nigerian Law School Bwari, C-of-O Fees Waiver
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has granted an immediate waiver of fees for the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) for the Nigerian Law School Abuja campus in Bwari.
He granted the waiver yesterday after an appeal by the DirectorGeneral of the Nigerian Law School, Dr. Olugbemisola Odusote, who at the school’s management meeting with the minister in Abuja, highlighted the disrepair
REA: Nigeria Raised Solar Manufacturing Capacity by 150% Capacity to 300MW in 2 Years
Aliyu says Nigeria has begun export of panels to Ghana Country targets 3.7GW as regional energy hub
The Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Dr. Abba Aliyu, has posited that Nigeria is making significant strides in localising its renewable energy value chain, with installed solar panel manufacturing capacity increasing from 120 megawatts (MW) two years ago to approximately 300MW currently.
With an additional 3.7 gigawatts (GW) in the pipeline, the increase in capacity to 300MW within the period is about 150 per cent.
A statement from the organisation noted that this development has positioned the country to emerge as a leading renewable energy manufacturing hub in West Africa, with growing potential to serve regional markets.
Speaking during a webinar
organised by the African Association of Energy Journalists and Publishers (AJERAP), Aliyu attributed this progress to deliberate policy direction under President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Nigeria First Policy’, which prioritises local content development and domestic manufacturing.
He noted that 2025 marked a defining year for Nigeria’s solar industry, with imports of solar cells and components for local assembly reaching 837MW more than the cumulative 375 MW imported in all previous years combined, and overtaking finished product imports. According to him, this was a powerful demonstration that the Nigeria First policy was driving a structural shift toward domestic manufacturing in the renewables sector.
Aliyu added that this momentum is being reinforced by approximately
$425 million in investment earmarked for the establishment of eight renewable energy manufacturing facilities across the country, alongside additional commitments secured at the Nigeria Renewable Energy Innovation Forum (NREIF) 2025.
These developments, he said, are helping to build an integrated ecosystem spanning manufacturing, deployment, and financing, while creating the scale needed for long-term sustainability.
Aliyu emphasised that REA’s largescale deployment programmes such as the Energising Education Programme (EEP) and Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-Up (DARES) are now providing the predictable demand required to sustain domestic manufacturing, ensuring that local production is matched with real market opportunities.
and infrastructure deficits facing the Law School.
Wike expressed surprise that the Nigerian Law School had operated without a C of O since moving to Bwari.
The minister ordered the FCT Administration Director of Lands, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, to waive all processing fees for the school’s C of O, and issued a firm directive to ensure the document is processed and ready within one week.
He asserted that regularizing the land was essential to transitioning the school from what he colloquially termed an “illegal session” to
rightful ownership. He decried the lack of official documentation for government institutions as a trend that his administration was actively tackling.
Wike also declared an “emergency” on the construction of staff quarters and other critical infrastructure to enhance the institution’s learning environment.
In addition to the 10 staff quarters already completed and to be commissioned as part of the President’s third anniversary, the minister also pledged to construct an additional 10 units using existing prototypes to save on design costs.
He said the initiative will remove overcrowding and enhance staff efficiency.
Wike also confirmed he had approved the budget for a new auditorium and questioned why the contractor had not yet mobilised to the site.
He explained that these interventions were part of President Bola Tinubu’s broader agenda to support legal education and the judiciary.
“Anything we can do to help our children; we are willing to do that. The staff quarters must be treated as an emergency project to ensure rapid delivery,” Wike said.
FG Launches Compensation Scheme for Dead, Injured Civil Servants
Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja
The federal government has operationalised the Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS) to enhance staff welfare, improve workplace safety, and boost productivity across the Federal Civil Service.
The federal government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) to ensure effective implementation of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS) to provide timely compensation and support for civil servants affected by work-related injuries, diseases, disabilities, or death.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, stated this during the commissioning of the ECS Help Desk in Abuja.
She said the scheme will enhance staff welfare, improve workplace safety, and boost productivity across the Federal Civil Service.
Walson-Jack noted the ECS complemented the existing welfare programmes, including the Group Life Assurance Scheme, while expanding protection for employees and their families. She described the initiative as a reflection of the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s
administration to safeguarding the well-being and dignity of Public Servants.
The Managing Director, NSITF, Oluwaseyi Mayomi Faleye, described the ECS as a major step toward institutionalising structured care and protection for civil servants, backed by a transparent, payroll-driven system. He stressed the ECS Help Desk will provide information, claims support, and a feedback platform to enhance service delivery.
The rollout of the ECS marks a significant step in strengthening workforce protection and reinforcing a more efficient, responsive Civil Service.
Alex Enumah in Abuja
Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
ONE KINDRED ONE BUSINESS INITIATIVE...
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State (L) receives from Mrs. Rukaiya El Rufai, Special Adviser to the President on National Economic Council and Climate Change in the Office of the Vice President, a letter from Vice President Kashim Shettima recognising OKOBI (One Kindred One Business Initiative), a homegrown business idea of the Imo State Government, as a fit for purpose vehicle for the National Programme on Human Capital Development (2.0) in his office in Owerri, yesterday
2027: Fagbemi Lauds Media’s Role in Shaping Expectations
Says government agencies job can’t be stopped by those running foul of laws As CJN cautions against misrepresentation, sensational reporting Conflicting court orders pose a serious threat to national stability, NAJUC chairman warns
The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has commended the role of the media in deepening democracy in the country, noting that the media through their reportage shapes political behaviours as well as expectations in any election.
To this end, he appealed to journalists
in the country to shun political actors with divisive tendencies, and ensure the unity and development of the country.
The AGF spoke on Thursday in Abuja, during the annual conference of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents (NAJUC), Abuja.
“The activities towards the 2027 general elections have commenced and the media have their role to play. As the main bridge between INEC, political
actors, and 90+ million potential voters, the press shapes expectations, trust, and behaviour before ballots are cast and after results are declared.
“It is on this note that I urge the media not to give room to political actors trying to tear the fabric of this nation. The media must remember we need to have our country first before we can talk about elections. That is why as stakeholders, the media must not
be used as a tool of division. Those fanning the ember of hatred must be stopped”, the minister said.
Speaking further, Fagbemi, who was represented by the Special Assistant, on Legislative Drafting, Office of the AGF, Hussein Oloyede, took a swipe on those he described as “political desperadoes”, warning that they must learn to act responsibly and within the laws of the land.
Breaks into four focal persons to resolve issues Keyamo: Airlines may not sustain operations after seven days As Tinubu grant 30% waiver to airlines on debts owed agencies
Forty-eight hours after, the rescheduled meeting of the federal government with Airlines Operators of Nigeria (AON) and Aviation Fuel Jet A1, Marketers Thursday ended in a deadlock.
The meeting convened with the permission of Mr. President for stakeholders to discuss frankly and find a way out of the present situation, however resulted in the creation of four focal person’s to report back to government in the next seventy two hours to address the issue.
Speaking, on the sidelines on Thursday, shortly after the first face-to-face interaction with the marketers, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said: “The airlines have actually, traped into downing tools because it was no longer feasible to continue to buy JET-A1 fuel at the price that they were marketing and selling.”
According to him, “The airlines cannot continue for the next several days, with the recent prices, so let’s be clear to the public. And they will tell
you that. They have been stretched to limits.
“And so, we are looking at the next 48 to 72 hours for the focal person’s, on the side of the marketers, the focal person on the side of the regulator. And the focal person on the side of the airlines and governments to all meet and see whether we can get some very fair and appropriate reasonable pricing for the product.”
Speaking further, Keyamo asserted that the regulator will do its job in that regard. “There is a free market, yes, a free market, but it is not a licence to go haywire.
“So, whether there is a conspiracy or at some point, to punish the Nigerian people, we will see in the next 48 to 72 hours. And of course, we are going to announce to the public what that decision is. So, they will go into some very closed room meeting and get to the resolution of this matter.”
Keyamo further disclosed that Just yesterday, “Mr. President said we should submit our request today. Regarding the discounts to be given to the airlines from the debt they owe to the aviation agencies, FAAN
NCAA, NAMA. So this evening, Mr. President has definitely approved a 30% discount.
“Those who have lost their sense of patriotism should know that they would not be allowed to set the country on fire. Let me state with respect, relevant government agencies will not be stopped from doing their work if anyone runs foul of the law.
“The government will not succumb to blackmail no matter whose ox is gored. Violence, hate speech or any other criminal tendencies will not be tolerated in any form”, he said.
He called on all Nigerians to show a sense of patriotism and protect the unity of the country, as the elections draw nearer, adding that the President Bola Tinubu-led administration sees the media as partners, hence, its doing everything to ensure journalists do their job without intimidation or any form of threats.
judicial processes, noting that the judiciary’s impact extends beyond courtroom decisions to how such rulings are communicated to society.
“In every constitutional democracy, the strength of institutions is measured not only by the decisions they make, but by the degree to which those decisions are understood, trusted, and accepted by society,” she stated.
The CJN who was represented by the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Justice Babatunde Adejumo, emphasized that judiciary correspondents serve as a vital bridge between the Bench and the public, describing their role as “democratic in character” and indispensable to sustaining trust in the administration of justice.
“As at yesterday, we didn’t do the number, because Mr. President wanted to consider it. But this evening, Mr. President just communicated to us through the Chief of Staff while we were in the meeting that he is granting a 30% discount to all the airlines for this purpose. This is what you said.”
Speaking on behalf of AON, Chairman, Air Peace, Allen Onyema, stated that since the advent of the US-Iran War, there has been a tremendous spike in the cost of aviation fuel in Nigeria, which we, in AON, the airlines of Nigeria, feel that it’s not proportionate to the rise of the international price.
Also speaking, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, cautioned journalists, especially judiciary correspondents against misrepresentation of court proceedings and judgments, warning that sensational reporting could erode public confidence in the justice system and weaken democratic institutions.
In her keynote address, Kekere-Ekun underscored the critical role of the media in shaping public understanding of
The CJN warned that inaccurate, incomplete, or sensational reporting of court proceedings could undermine the Rule of Law, stressing that even the most well-reasoned judgments achieve their purpose only when properly understood by the public.
“Misinterpretation or sensationalism can unintentionally erode confidence in the judiciary, while accurate and balanced reporting strengthens institutional credibility,” she said.
2027: Labour Party Closes Door on Obi, Says
‘It’ll be Too
Chuks Okocha in Abuja
Labour Party chairman Nenadi Usman has said it would be too late for the party’s former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to return and contest under its platform ahead of the 2027 election.
Speaking during an interview on Prime Time on Arise Television on Wednesday, Usman cited electoral guidelines and party procedures as limiting factors.
Late for Him to Contest on Platform
According to the national chairman of the party, “Well, it will be too late, actually for him to come back, because if you look at the Act now, at some point we close the register, and once we close the register 21 days before primaries, submit the e-register to INEC. You can’t come from behind the door for us to register you and for you to contest,” she said.
Usman acknowledged Obi’s significant role in boosting the
party’s profile during the last general election, admitting that no current member commands similar political momentum.
“Even me, he convinced me to come with him to the Labour Party and not just me, many people that are in Labour Party today were convinced by Peter because we believed in equity and fairness,” she said.
She explained that her decision to join the party was influenced
by her dissatisfaction with the zoning arrangement of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the time.
“We believed that PDP should have zoned the seat to the south, but since they left it open and said they were not zoning and they were trying to field a Northerner. We felt no, it’s not fair, though I’m a Northerner, but I felt it was not fair. That’s why I just left and quite a number of other people joined the Labour Party,” she added.
Kasim Sumaina in Abuja
Alex Enumah in Abuja
FLAG OFF CEREMONY OF THE ANNUAL MEDICAL SCREENING EXERCISE...
L-R: Director, Public Affairs, Lagos State Ministry of Health (LSMOH), Mr. Olatunbosun Ogunbanwo; Permanent Secretary, LSMOH, Dr. Dayo Lajide; Head of Service, Lagos State, Mr. Olabode Agoro; and Permanent Secretary, Public Service Office, Lagos State, Mrs. Olasunkanmi Oyegbola, at the flag-off ceremony of the annual medical screening exercise tagged: ‘Know Your Numbers’ for public servants in Lagos State, held at the Folarin Coker Staff Clinic, Alausa Ikeja... recently
Ikorodu Stands Still as Hamzat Take Consultations to Political Leaders, Others
Bennett Oghifo
It was another glorious outing yesterday when the deputy governor of Lagos State and his entourage visited Ikorodu Division.
The first point of call was the residence of the former deputy governor of Lagos, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, where prominent indigenes that included Ashipa Kaoli Olusanya, APC chairman in Ikorodu, Hon. Olasunkanmi Tijani, among other dignitaries were present.
Accompanying the deputy governor were former Senator Musliu Obanikoro, Senator Ganiyu Solomon, Chief Mutual Are, Hon. Bode Oyedele and Special Adviser to the Governor on Works, Adekunle Olayinka.
Expressing his delights in welcoming the deputy governor, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye said, though, their expectations as Ikorodu indigene was not actualized, but as “believers in God, his wish has been fulfilled in the choice of Hamzat. `We support you and we pray that God will guide you in the discharge of the onerous duty of serving Lagos”.
At the residence of Asiwaju of Igbogbo Kingdom, Chief Olorunfemi Bashorun, the GAC member also
endorsed the candidacy of KOH saying It’s not I alone, but the entire Igbogbo Community. “I don’t have doubt in your competency, your humility and dedication to duties. God that helped those before you will see you through”, he said. Similarly, the former Head of
Service (HOS) in Lagos, Prince Adesegun Ogunlewe, also attested the quality and character of Dr. Hamzat.
At the residence of former Minister of Works, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, it was the same rousing welcome. He equally expressed
support for the candidacy of the deputy governor.
The former works minister advised Hamzat to put together various committees that would make his administration a “resounding success”.
Dr. Hamzat assured his host com-
munities at the Ikorodu Division, on their request for the urban renewal drive, including the provision of infrastructural provisions and other necessary amenities.
“But the question is: are we ready to support the government when it’s time for urban renewal, because people usually oppose change. But without pain, it’s difficult to get the urbanity of our dream”. He also assured that state police will help Lagos, noting that most of the security challenges in Lagos are being orchestrated by people from other states of the federation.
Adeleke: Why We Reactivated Security Trust Fund, Oyetola Worsened Insecurity
Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has justified the reactivation of Osun State Security Trust Fund on the grounds of growing insecurity and public sector funding challenges facing all levels of government.
To show the commitment of the state government, Adeleke announced a contribution of N300 million to the trust fund.
Billionaire philanthropist and brother of the governor, Dr. Deji Adeleke, donated N500 million,
Inaugurates
The federal government has inaugurated an Inter-Ministerial Committee to review the proliferation and rationalization of all existing federal, state, and quasi-government security and para-military agencies, including auxiliary and specialised outfits operating across the country.
The inter-ministerial committee was inaugurated yesterday in Abuja by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Sen. George Akume.
Akume, represented by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office (GSO), Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, stated the initiative was part of ongoing efforts to streamline Nigeria’s security architecture and curb the growing trend of unaccredited quasi-security outfits.
while several businesses contributed various amounts.
The governor also used the occasion to announce the imminent distribution of refurbished Armoured Personnel Carriers and new patrol vehicles. He declared, “The administration is determined to maintain Osun record as one of the most peaceful states in the country.”
Launching the security trust fund yesterday in Osogbo, the governor decried the abandonment of the trust fund initiative by the Gboyega Oyetola administration, describing the
Proliferation,
of Security, Para-Military Agencies
He added that the move equally underlined government’s commitment to promoting efficiency, accountability, and improved coordination among agencies responsible for safeguarding lives and properties.
He said the inauguration was borne out of concern over the arbitrary increase in the number of security and auxiliary agencies, with resultant challenges related to duplication of roles, jurisdictional overlaps, and inefficiencies in operations.
He added that the report of the IMC will serve as a framework to guide the federal government to take informed decisions in streamlining the auxiliary security agencies in the country.
The committee is expected to do an inventory of all security and paramilitary outfits at federal, state, and
quasi-government levels; examine their legal and operational mandates; and assess areas of overlap or conflict.
It will also evaluate the relevance and effectiveness of emerging security outfits, review coordination mechanisms among agencies, and propose reforms aimed at enhancing accountability and reducing operational redundancies.
Another mandate of the committee to be chaired by the SGF is to undertake a thorough review of existing frameworks, identify gaps, and recommend measures to ensure a more coherent and effective security system.
Its work will also focus on aligning the operations of security and para-military agencies with national priorities and international best practises.
implementation of the trust fund as “long overdue”.
According to the governor, several states in Nigeria have established security trust funds. Osun State started the process, but it was abandoned under the immediate past administration of Oyetola.
Adeleke stated, “Our government decided to revive the initiative by updating the law and organising the launching today. A security trust fund is a matter of necessity considering the security climate in Nigeria and Osun State.
“We all know Nigeria faces security challenges. Yet, available public financing resources are limited.
Governments at all levels then initiate public-private partnership to bridge
the funding gap.
“It is neither a political project nor a self-serving policy. This is a necessary policy to secure our people. Only an irresponsible government will abandon the PPP arrangement that is working so well in Lagos, Kaduna, River states among others. Ours is a responsible leadership with people-oriented innovations, policies and programmes.
“This fund is designed to provide sustainable funding for modern security infrastructure. Through this Fund, we will establish a modern Situation Room with real time CCTV surveillance. We will continue the provision of operational tools required by our security agencies.”
The governor appreciated all individuals, corporate organisations, and
stakeholders that had been contacted. He stated, “We appreciate your positive disposition. Today, I am inviting, for partnership, the private sector, financial institutions, development partners, professional bodies and all sons and daughters of Osun State.
“As a trust fund regulated by law, I assure you of strict accountability, transparency and due process in the management of the trust fund.”
Secretary to the State Government, who also doubled as Deputy Chairman of the trust fund, Hon. Teslim Igbalaye, congratulated the governor for reactivating the fund after its enabling law was passed as far back as 2012.
Several special guests pledged support for the initiative.
Mienye: Bayelsa Gas Turbine Inauguration Must Translate to Power Supply
Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa
A governorship aspirant in Bayelsa State under the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Dr. Domor Mienye, has called for a more structured and results-driven approach to infrastructure delivery following delays in the take-off of the recently commissioned 60-megawatt gas turbine project in the state.
The gas-fired turbine, which was inaugurated earlier this month by President Bola Tinubu, is yet to begin supplying electricity to Yenagoa and its environs, with the state government attributing the delay
to ongoing installation of critical safety and protective systems.
Reacting to the development, Mienye said while it is important to prioritise safety and long-term sustainability, infrastructure projects—especially in the power sector— power must be delivered in a way that ensures immediate functionality after commissioning.
According to him, “Electricity is not a symbolic project. It is fundamental to economic activity, livelihoods, and the overall productivity of a state. When a power project is commissioned, people expect results—not extended delays.”
He noted the situation highlights a broader challenge in public sector project execution, where emphasis is often placed on commissioning rather than operational readiness.
“Infrastructure delivery must move beyond visibility to functionality. Commissioning should not be the milestone—we should be measuring success by whether the project is actually working and delivering value to the people,” he said. Mienye, a data scientist and artificial intelligence expert, stressed the need for a systems-based approach to infrastructure development, particularly in the power sector.
Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja
Deji Adeleke donates N500m
SILVER JUBILEE AWARDS...
Hayatu-Deen: Nigeria at Crossroads, Needs
Help, Pledges to Be an Empathetic Leader
Chuks Okocha in Abuja
Investment banker and presidential aspirant in African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, has declared that Nigeria is at a crossroads and needed urgent genuine leadership to address the various crises befalling the country.
Hayatu-Deen pledged to be an emphatic leader who would always reflect on the feelings of Nigerians.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Hayatu-Deen said, “Nigeria stands at a crossroads. And at such moments, nations do not drift, they move forward with momentum.
They choose either the noble path of renewal or the easy slide into decline.
“For too long, we have made the wrong choices, tolerated weak systems, and watched as the gap between our potential and our reality has widened.
“Today, that gap is no longer
abstract, it is felt in the rising cost of living, in the insecurity that threatens lives and livelihoods, and in the growing sense of uncertainty about the future.
“Everyday, the signs around us suggest that we are drifting too close to that decline. The country that we love continues to pile pressures
I’m Now a Freelance Politician, Declares Mohammed, as Obi Continues Consultation
Chuks Okocha in Abuja
Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, yesterday, declared that he had become a “freelance politician” with no firm alignment to any political party. Mohammed made the remark while hosting a chieftain of African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peter Obi, alongside South-east stakeholders in Bauchi.
The governor described the engagement as part of a broader consultation on national unity and political cooperation.
He stated, “Neither PDP nor ADC is standing alone. I am a freelance politician now, and this party is also in limbo. We are looking up to the judiciary.
“Certainly, we are all in the opposition, and that is why I say this is a political discussion. We will not disclose everything we have discussed in terms of the ‘I’s and ‘t’s we have crossed.”
Mohammed stated that ongoing talks among political actors could lead to new alignments ahead of future elections.
“We cannot operate without a
platform. At the end of the day, the current political situation may even help unify us and strengthen our chances of winning elections,” he said.
He described Obi’s visit as symbolic of efforts to bridge regional divides and promote national cohesion.
“He is talking about unifying the country, building bridges, and creating a new tomorrow for Nigeria. This is what we stand for as a state and as a people. We feel highly honoured by this visit,” Mohammed said.
Accord Party Disowns Protest at INEC Office, Denies Existence of Factions, Groups
Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja
Accord Party denied the existence of any faction within its leadership, and said there was no more dispute in the party.
It disassociated itself from a protest organised by a purported splinter group at the party’s headquarters.
Addressing a press conference in Abuja, yesterday, National Chairman of Accord Party, Maxwell Mgbuden, reiterated that there was no leadership dispute or faction in the party.
While making reference to a suit filed by the party’s former presidential candidate, Christopher Imumolen, to restore him as national chairman, Mgbuden said the court had dismissed it as non-justiciable.
Mgbuden stated, “In dismissing
Imumolen’s suit on 17th July 2025, Hon. Justice F. A. Aliyu declared: ‘From the totality of the issues raised and the authorities considered, it is clear that the subject matter of this suit pertains to a non-justiciable intra-party leadership dispute.
“This suit is accordingly struck out for want of jurisdiction. All pending applications and interim orders granted in this matter shall abide by this decision’.”
Mgbuden added, “This clear judgement of the court buried whatever inordinate ambition Imumolen has in Accord.”
Regarding the activities of the Imumolen-led group, Mgbuden said, “For the avoidance of doubt, there is no leadership dispute or faction in Accord, and there is no court order
in favour of Imumolen or anybody for INEC to comply with.
“Nigerians know that there is no faction in Accord as members are united in support of the authentic National Chairman of the party, Barr. Maxwell Mgbuden duly elected in the party’s national convention held at Nicon Luxury Hotel Abuja, on Sunday, 28th July 2024, and monitored by INEC.
“The party urges citizens, particularly aspirants, who desire to contest elections on the platform of our great party to be mindful of this political merchant who has been roaming the political space and the courts in what the Supreme Court called ‘forum shopping’.
“If Imumolen’s aim is to give public impression that there is a leadership dispute or faction in Accord, he failed woefully.
Earlier, Obi said the visit was aimed at fostering unity and strengthening collaboration across the country.
“My purpose is to solicit support and cooperation among stakeholders, particularly from Bauchi State, in our quest to unite this country,” he said.
Obi dismissed speculation about political defections. He stressed that the meeting was not about party politics.
“We are not inviting each other into political parties; we are inviting ourselves to build a better Nigeria,” he added.
on everyday Nigerians, while the promise of a better life increasingly feels out of reach.’’
According to the presidential hopeful, “Food prices continue to rise. Petrol prices continue to climb. For millions of families, the simple act of getting through the day has become a test of endurance rather than a pursuit of opportunity.
“Everyday Nigerians are not only burdened economically, they are also increasingly unsafe and insecure.
In too many parts of our country, communities live under the shadow of fear, uncertain of what tomorrow may bring.”
He lamented the seemingly intractable Nigerian security crisis, saying, “Only this week, we have seen Boko Haram take 416 hostages in Borno, my home state. When it cuts this close to home, it only reaffirms to me that every Nigerian life matters.
“In some cases, citizens now bear the direct cost of that insecurity, paying ransoms to secure their own safety, a reality that speaks to a deeper failure of protection and leadership. Nigerians are poorer and less secure than they were
three years ago.
“Because, on the face of it, while macroeconomic reforms were needed, these should have been carefully sequenced in a systematic and orderly manner to mitigate the devastating side effects which the nation has and continues to experience.”
Hayatu-Deen said, “This has engendered a broader loss of confidence in the economic stewardship of the country. This is not the Nigeria that we were promised. And it is definitely not the Nigeria that we deserve.
“And it must not be the Nigeria that we accept. That is why I have joined other leaders in the ADC, to fix the problems that have been allowed to get progressively worse.”
He said Nigeria needed to take a new course, “A course that is anchored on clarity, discipline, and leadership that puts Nigerians first and restores confidence in our future.
“In every organisation that I have led, I have been guided by a simple principle: leave it better than you met it. That is the standard to which I hold myself, and it is these same exacting standards I will bring to the leadership of our country.”
Troops Frustrate Attack on Military Spot at Kukareta, Eliminate 24, Recover Weapons
Linus Aleke in Abuja
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), under Sector 2, in the early hours of yesterday, frustrated a terrorist attack on a military location at Kukareta, eliminating 24 insurgents and recovering a cache of weapons.
The attack, which began shortly after midnight and lasted until about 0300 hours, was met with a swift and coordinated response by vigilant troops.
They executed a deliberate offensive-defensive operation that effectively contained the assault and forced the terrorists into a disorderly retreat.
During the engagement, troops
inflicted heavy casualties on the attackers, with 24 terrorists neutralised so far.
According to Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant-Colonel Sani Uba, the ongoing exploitation of the battlefield has led to the recovery of a significant cache of arms and ammunition.
They included 18 AK-47 rifles, three General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG), two PKT automatic anti-aircraft guns, three RPG tubes, two mortar tubes, four hand grenades, 18 AK-47 magazines, and large quantities of belted 7.62mm ammunition for PKT systems.
Regrettably, two personnel were
wounded in action and have since been stabilised, while one reinforcing armoured tank sustained damage, with all its tyres blown out during the engagement, Uba said. He stated, “Exploitation operations are ongoing to recover additional bodies and equipment along the terrorists’ withdrawal routes littered with blood trails and medical consumables.
“This successful operation highlights the resilience, combat readiness and fire superiority of OPHK troops in denying terrorists freedom of action.”
Uba said the operations will continue with sustained offensive to consolidate gains and decisively defeat all terrorist elements across the Joint Operations Area.
Former Cross River State Governor, Mr. Donald Duke (r), presenting tokens of the Man of the Year Award (Social Impact Investor category) to Engr. Femi Sanni, All Progressives Congress Kwara State governorship aspirant, at the Independent Silver Jubilee Awards held at Eko Hotels, Lagos, on Saturday
ORIENTATION EXERCISE IN ELEME OF EX-ARTISANAL REFINERS TRAINEES ON COMMERCIAL DIVING...
A group photograph of the ex-artisanal refiners trainees on commercial diving and underwater welding with the Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, during orientation exercise in Eleme, Rivers State.
DANGOTE PLANS NIGERIA-SCALE REFINERY IN EAST AFRICA, SEEKS PARTNERSHIP WITH RUTO, MUSEVENI ment and growth investors would not be attracted to Africa.
He said Africa’s development had been undermined for decades by overreliance on foreign investors, who, in many cases, were not primarily interested in building local economies.
Dangote stated, “In the past, many international financial institutions were not focused on developing Africa; their priority was their own interests. Today, however, we have institutions that are willing to listen to African entrepreneurs.”
Dangote insisted that the era of waiting for external salvation must end, reiterating that no meaningful investment would come without domestic leadership and commitment.
He stated, “We have made serious mistakes by relying too heavily on foreign investors. No investor will come without local leadership and domestic commitment. We must take the risk ourselves and build our own continent rather than wait for outsiders.”
Dangote framed the move for expansion by his group as not merely a business idea, but as a statement of intent, an assertion that Africa must finally take ownership of its industrial future.
“With the cooperation of the two heads of state here, we will build refineries in Kenya and Uganda within three to four years,” he said, drawing immediate attention from an audience that included policymakers, financiers and development partners.
His declaration came against the backdrop of a broader, urgent conversation about Africa’s persistent infrastructure deficit and its longstanding dependence on external capital, issues that dominated deliberations at the session.
650,000 Bpd Refinery
Exports 1.1bn Litres of Aviation Fuel to Europe
Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) described Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals as a critical pillar of support for Nigeria’s aviation industry.
AON disclosed that the refinery currently supplied over 95 per cent of the Jet A1 fuel consumed nationwide, while also exporting 1.1 billion litres of aviation fuel to Europe between March and April 20.
Director General of Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Professor Nnanyelugo Ike Muonso, also said the $20 billion Dangote refinery had showcased the power of domestic value addition.
Ike Muonso declared that Nigerians owed the visioner, Dangote, a profound debt of gratitude for investing in the world class refinery.
Speaking during a televised
interview, AON spokesperson, Obiora Okonkwo, said the refinery’s output had played a vital role in sustaining domestic airline operations at a time of global supply disruptions arising from tensions in the Middle East and rising fuel costs.
“It is a matter of fact that over 95 per cent of aviation fuel supplied across the country comes from the Dangote refinery. To airline operators in Nigeria, Dangote is not just a refinery; it is a game changer and, indeed, a lifesaver,” Okonkwo said, according to a statement by Dangote Group.
Okonkwo stated that despite the refinery’s consistent supply, airlines continued to face severe operational strain due to escalating Jet A1 prices, which he attributed to sharp practices within the downstream distribution chain.
According to Okonkwo, some fuel marketers are allegedly creating artificial scarcity in spite of available supply from the refinery, leading to disproportionate price increases.
He disclosed that airline operators had recorded Jet A1 price hikes of up to 300 per cent since the onset of the Middle East crisis.
He stated, “We consider this exploitation. The refinery has not indicated any shortage, yet we are witnessing artificial scarcity and unjustifiable price increases. What airlines pay does not reflect depot prices.”
Echoing similar concerns after a closed door meeting between AON and the federal government, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, described the situation as deeply troubling, particularly given that the Dangote refinery sold its products at comparatively lower rates.
Onyema said, “The truth is that marketers must be called to account. How do prices rise by as much as 300 per cent when Dangote’s supply remains the cheapest and some marketers source directly from the refinery?
“So, why the astronomical increase?”
The Dangote refinery continues to expand its footprint in the international aviation fuel market as industry data indicate that the facility exported approximately 876,000 metric tonnes of jet fuel to Europe within the period under review—about 456,000 tonnes in March and an additional 420,000 tonnes by April 20.
Those export volumes underscore the refinery’s growing capacity and improved logistics, further reinforcing Nigeria’s emerging role in the global downstream oil and gas market, even as it strengthens domestic energy security.
RMRDC: $20bn Refinery
Showcases Power of Domestic Production Director
Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Ike Muonso, said the $20 billion Dangote Refinery was a testament to the power of domestic value addition. Ike Muonso stated that Nigerians owed Dangote a profound debt of gratitude for investing in the world class refinery.
He spoke in Lagos at the 2026 Bullion Lecture, powered by Centre for Financial Journalism. Other public policy analysts, government officials and stakeholders at the event also praised Dangote for his high impact investment in Nigeria.
They hailed the strategic foresight and industrial courage of President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), Dangote, describing the Dangote Petroleum Refinery as a transformative national asset deserving of collective appreciation by Nigerians.
Delivering the keynote lecture at the event, themed, “From Resources to Prosperity: How Raw Materials Development, Value Addition and Innovation Can Catalyse Nigeria’s Industrial Renaissance,” Ike Muonso said the refinery represented a decisive break from Nigeria’s long standing dependence on crude oil exports with minimal domestic value addition.
According to the RMRDC chief, Nigeria has historically exported crude oil only to re import refined petroleum products, such as Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), with little economic benefit beyond crude sales.
He said, “That narrative has now changed. Instead of exporting crude and importing PMS alone, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery processes crude locally to produce PMS, diesel, dual purpose kerosene (DPK), and valuable by products for petrochemicals, such as polypropylene.
“This represents complete domestic value addition.”
Ike Muonso described the refinery as Nigeria’s most concrete example yet of how strategic industrial investment could unlock the full value of the country’s natural resources.
Against the backdrop of ongoing instability in the Middle East and its implications for global energy supply and price volatility, the RMRDC boss said Dangote Petroleum Refinery had emerged as a stabilising force and an African led solution to global energy challenges.
He stated, “With the far reaching consequences of the Middle East crisis on global energy markets, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery stands today as a monumental demonstration of strategic foresight, industrial courage and African self reliance.
“Nigeria should, in fact, be praying for Aliko Dangote at this time.”
Ike Muonso also presented comparative data on raw material value addition
across countries, including the United States, India, Brazil, South Africa, and Kenya, revealing that Nigeria records the lowest percentage of value addition.
He disclosed that the country lost an estimated $29 billion annually due to the export of raw materials without processing, partly, due to the energy deficit.
“Rather than exporting raw materials, Nigeria should be exporting processed raw materials and finished products,” he stated.
Identifying obstacles to achieving full value addition, the RMRDC director-general highlighted key structural challenges, such as private infrastructure tax, resulting from companies’ reliance on self generated power; Logistics gaps. He said only about 30 per cent of Nigeria’s road network was paved; and there were capability gaps within the industrial ecosystem.
Ike Muonso stressed that sustained industrialisation remained Nigeria’s most viable pathway to broad based economic prosperity, citing Dangote Industries’ investments as a model for the country.
Earlier, in his remarks, Chairman of Economic Research and Ethics Committee and former President of the National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Otunba Kelvin Dele Oye, also commended Dangote’s industrial contributions.
He decried what he described as an imbalance in the exploitation of Nigeria’s raw materials by foreign investors, often without meaningful value addition to the local economy.
Oye called for deliberate government policies and stricter regulatory vigilance to ensure that raw material exploitation benefited Nigerians, while enabling local investors to compete favourably with foreign players.
The event, which marked the 10th anniversary of the Bullion Lecture, also featured the unveiling and launch of a commemorative book, titled, “Pathways to Nigeria’s Socio Economic Transformation.”
The book, authored by Chief Executive of Centre for Financial Journalism, Mr. Ray Echebiri, documents all lectures delivered since the inception of the Bullion Lecture series.
High Oil Import Pushes S’Africa-Nigeria Trade Volumes to $2.16bn
The 2025 economic relationship between Nigeria and South Africa emerged as one of Africa’s most strategically significant partnerships, with bilateral trade topping $2.16 billion despite a headline trade deficit for the Southern African nation.
New data released at the end of the fourth edition of the South Africa Week held in Lagos, showed the country exported $468.48 million worth of goods and services to Nigeria last year, while importing products worth $1.69 billion — leaving a $1.22 billion deficit.
The forum was hosted by the South African Consulate General in Lagos, in partnership with Brand South Africa and the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA). It is a strategic initiative aimed at fostering social cohesion between South Africans and Nigerians while positioning South Africa as a preferred destination for business, tourism, and education.
A statement by the organisers said, “The 2025 economic relationship between South Africa and Nigeria reflects a strategically significant, multidimensional partnership anchored in trade, energy security, investment flows, and strong institutional cooperation.
“While bilateral trade remains structurally imbalanced - with South Africa exporting US$468.48 million and importing $1.69 billion, resulting in a $1.22 billion deficit - this dynamic is largely driven by South Africa’s reliance on Nigerian crude oil, positioning the relationship as one of strategic interdependence rather than imbalance alone.
“This partnership is further elevated by the relative economic weight of both countries”,
According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) projections, South Africa’s economy is valued at approximately $443.6 billion, while Nigeria’s stands around $334.3 billion in nominal terms for 2026.
As two of the largest economies on the continent, their bilateral engagement constitutes a central axis of African economic activity, with disproportionate influence on the success of continental integration efforts.
Beyond trade, the statement said the relationship was reinforced by deep two-way investment linkages - South African firms -including MTN Group, Shoprite, and Standard Bank – maintained a strong presence in Nigeria, while Nigerian companies, such as Access Bank and Paystack, established a growing footprint in South Africa.
Although investment flows were asymmetrical and some Nigerian firms had faced operational challenges, the organisers said these exchanges reflected an emerging bi-directional economic corridor that extended beyond goods trade into services, finance, and digital innovation.
Aligned with Brand South Africa’s mandate to build the country’s global reputation and competitiveness, the week-long programme would convene leaders from government, business,
civil society, academia, and the media.
S’Africa Positions Nigeria as Primary Source of Fuel Supply
South Africa positioned Nigeria as its primary source of imports amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Director, Africa Bilateral Economic Relations, Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, South Africa, Mr. Calvin Phume, disclosed this at South Africa Energy Week 2026 in Lagos, with the theme, “Repositioning and Promoting Energy Investments Between South Africa and Nigeria.” Phume said the shift was already underway for refined products, driven by the Dangote refinery.
He said, “Due to the US Israel-Iran war, there are discussions that most of our oil will come from here (Nigeria). But the discussions are at the highest level. We get a huge amount of refined petroleum oil. So, it’s because of the Dangote Refinery. It has been helping us a lot in South Africa and the continent as a whole.”
Phume said bilateral trade between Africa’s two largest economies had surged since Nigeria gazetted its provisional schedule of tariff concessions under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) on April 15, 2025. He stated, “You will recall that I did indicate Nigeria gazetted its provisional schedule of terminal concession of the AfCFTA on 15th April, 2025, last year. So, we were able to add Nigeria into the list of the countries that will benefit under the AfCFTA in August last year.
“So, since then, up until now, we have seen that there’s a huge increase of trade between South Africa and Nigeria, but it’s heavily skewed to South Africa now.”
He said between 2023 and 2025, South Africa’s exports to Nigeria rose 24 per cent, from $355 million to $442 million. Last year alone, Phume said exports jumped 16 per cent, from $380 million in 2024, “which can be attributed to a rise in exports of goods, vehicles and fresh apples.”
According to him, in 2025, South Africa’s top exports to Nigeria included goods, vehicles, fresh apples, polypropylene, mixtures of odoriferous substances, and food preparations. Phume said, “Iron and steel, because of our industrialised economy, we are able to manufacture the pipes that are required for the oil in Nigeria. So, it’s number three. And we also do some miscellaneous chemical products that are very important in the Nigerian market.”
Conversely, South Africa’s imports from Nigeria fell 33 per cent, from $2.3 billion to $1.5 billion between 2023 and 2025. “This could be attributed to the drop in Nigeria’s overall crude oil exports in 2025,” he stated.
RECOGNiTiON FOR CORPORaTE sOCiaL PERFORMaNCE...
The Director, Statistics Department of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr. Usman Okpanachi (left), and the President, Bank Customers Association of Nigeria, Prof. Uju Ogubunka, during the special award presentation to CBN in recognition of Corporate Social Performance held at the 10th anniversary of The Bullion Lecture in Lagos...yesterday
Violence in Borno Displaces over 5,000 as Humanitarian Needs Surge in Pulka
Michael Olugbode in abuja
A fresh wave of armed violence in North-east Nigeria has forced more than 5,000 people from their homes in Ngoshe, pushing already fragile communities in Gwoza Local Government Area in Borno State into a deeper crisis. The international medical humanitarian organization, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), confirmed that it has launched an emergency response in Pulka, where displaced families have sought refuge following deadly attacks on March 3.
The assault reportedly left scores dead, and many others abducted, triggering mass displacement to the nearby town, located about 15 kilometres away.
Survivors arriving in Pulka described scenes of devastation
CHANGE OF NAME
I, formerly known and addressed as, mISS. bomA benJAmIn SAnIpe now wish to be known and addressed as, mRS. bomA benJAmIn VAn VlIeT. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.
I formerly Known as USHiEagU PaTiEncE UwakaEgo, now wish to be known and addressed as USHiEagU PaTiEncE nwakaEgo. And also hereby confirm date of birth as 16th June, 1993. All former documents remain valid. The general public take note.
I, formerly known as EnaikE UfUoma REbacca, now wish to be known and addressed as ibEH-iSicHEi UfUoma REbEcca. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.
I, formerly known and addressed as miSS UkwU winifREd ogocHUkwU, henceforth wish to be known and addressed as mRS cHURcHill winifREd ogocHUkwU All former documents remain valid.The general public should take note.
and hurried escape. Many fled with nothing, leaving behind homes and livelihoods destroyed by violence.
“Our homes were bombed, and everything we owned was gone. We ran for our lives. Some of us arrived here without clothes or anything at all,” said Safiya Mohammed Aga, a displaced resident of Ngoshe, told MSF.
With no formal shelter available, thousands are now sleeping in open spaces and on streets, exposed to harsh conditions and growing insecurity. Women, children, and the elderly are among the most vulnerable, facing acute shortages of food, clean water, er and basic sanitation.
MSF said the lack of essential services is increasing the risk of disease outbreaks, particularly among children. In response, the organisation began a fourweek emergency intervention on April 10, targeting the most urgent needs.
So far, more than 900 families have received non-food items such as cooking utensils, sleeping mats, mosquito nets, and water containers. Additionally, 884 dignity kits—containing menstrual hygiene supplies, soap, and oral care items—have been distributed to vulnerable individuals.
To address water shortages,
I, formerly known as Miss Olaniyi abideMi Mujidat, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs OlOrunfeMi abideMi Mujidat All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.
I, formerly known as niMatalaH OyinKansOla aKinsanya, now wish to be known and addressed as niMa OyinKansOla OsHe All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.
ConFIRmATIon oF nAme publIC noTICe
i, bodE-JoSEPH ElSiE, HEREbY noTifY THE gEnERal PUblic THaT laTE bodE JoSEPH waS mY HUSband and i am THE nEXT of kin on REcoRd, UnTil HiS dEaTH on 26TH JUlY 2022.all docUmEnTS REmain Valid. THE RElEVanT aUTHoRiTiES SHoUld PlEaSE TakE noTE.
This is to inform the general public that ogUnTUaSE, ESTHER Eniola and ogUnTUnwaSE ESTHER Eniola Refers to one and the same person. For clarity and consistency, I wish to be called and addressed as ogUnTUnwaSE ESTHER Eniola The general public should take note.
MSF teams are also delivering approximately 16,000 litres of safe drinking water daily, while also rehabilitating sanitation facilities and conducting
hygiene awareness campaigns to prevent the spread of disease. Despite these efforts, MSF officials warn that the scale of the crisis far exceeds current
assistance.
“People urgently need food and improved access to water, sanitation, and hygiene services. We are responding,
but we cannot meet these overwhelming needs alone,” said Abdoulaye Mahmoudoune, MSF’s emergency field coordinator.
Court Halts Arraignment of Rukuba Attack Suspects Over Lack of Legal Representation
yemi Kosoko in Jos
Proceedings at the Plateau State High Court, Jos, were abruptly halted yesterday after the arraignment of suspects linked to the deadly Angwan Rukuba attack failed to progress due
to the absence of defence counsel.
The suspects, brought before Court 9 presided over by Justice J.D. Fomyil, were expected to take their pleas on charges connected to the March 29, 2026, assault that claimed more than 30 lives
in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area. The attack, which also left dozens injured, triggered widespread outrage and prompted swift federal intervention.
But the court could not proceed after it became clear that the defendants had no legal representation. Justice Fomyil, in a ruling anchored on due process, adjourned the matter to April 30, 2026, directing that the suspects must secure counsel before their pleas can be taken.
Time’s Influential 100: Northern Business Leaders Hail Dangote’s Inclusion
Business leaders across northern Nigeria have lauded Africa’s foremost philanthropist, Aliko Dangote, for his distinction as the sole Nigerian named on Time Magazine’s 2026 list of the world’s 100 most influential people.
yinka Kolawole in Osogbo
The Chairman of Ovation Media Group, Aare Dele Momodu, has posited that the more the country has knowledgeable people about governance, the less Nigerians would follow politicians like slaves.
He stated this while responding to his perception
For instance, President of the Kaduna Chamber of Commerce Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KADCCIMA) Alhaji Farouk Suleiman, said: “This distinction is not only a personal milestone for Mr. Dangote, but also a moment of pride for Nigeria and the African continent.”
“His journey shows an extraordinary commitment to industrialization, economic transformation, and selfreliance, values that resonate strongly with our collective aspirations as a nation.”
Alhaji Suleiman noted that Dangote’s influence is deeply rooted in his pioneering role in building large-scale industries that have significantly reduced Nigeria’s dependence on imports while creating thousands of jobs.
OAU Confers Ambassador of Library Excellence Award on Dele Momodu
of the current situation in the country, after the conferment of the Distinguished Ambassador of the Library Excellence Award on him as both Guest Reader and Alumnus of the Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile- Ife. Momodu, who spoke at the occasion of the reading time organised by the Obafemi Awolowo University
(OAU) Library (Hezekiah Oluasanmi Library) during the year’s library week, also noted that: “We have a lot of problems in the nation’s political system, but through reading about global politics, the nation would overcome these problems.”
The theme of this year’s library week is ‘Building a Knowledge Society: Library
and Information as Variables in Academia - Industry performance’.
Aare Momodu stressed further that in Nigeria today, Nigerians must be very careful because full-time politicians will steal the people’s money, while a part- time politician like him is not interested in stealing but rather to serve the nation to the best of his abilities.
Moniepoint Reaffirms Agency Banking Leadership
Nume Ekeghe
Moniepoint Microfinance Bank (Moniepoint MFB) has reinforced its leadership in Nigeria’s agency banking segment, citing its execution track record and differentiated service model as key drivers of transformation in the space, while pledging to deepen value
creation across the ecosystem. The bank said its strategy extends beyond traditional service delivery, positioning itself as a homegrown technology platform underpinning real sector activity built to address the structural complexities of Nigeria’s commercial landscape. Moniepoint noted that its model is tailored toward local realities,
enabling scale, reliability, and financial inclusion at the last mile.
Speaking on the bank’s evolving strategy, the Senior Vice President (SVP), Distribution Network Sales, Moniepoint MFB, Ezekiel Sanni, said the bank’s approach is built on a clear understanding that agency banking must be anchored on consistent enterprise support, trust building, and real economic value for agents, merchants, and their customers.
He said: “Agency banking has grown significantly in reach, but the next phase of growth will be defined by quality of service and depth of engagement.
AFTER TINUBU, THEN WHAT?
Inadvertently and by omission, Awolowo’s singular focus on the aspiration to become the President of Nigeria denied Nigeria the service he could have rendered for the sustenance of federalism in Nigeria. The Nigeria that emerged after the counter coup of July 1966 and survived to this day was decidedly anti-federalist, never mind the nominal proclamations of federalism. The philosophy that ensued from the civil war was that the might (of the federal government) is right, that the unity of Nigeria (understood as unitarist centralisation of powers) is non-negotiable.
Recall my earlier observation on the (what is new) recurring nature of Nigeria’s dilemma and corresponding commentaries. To substantiate this I will now represent what I wrote nine months ago to which I need not add or subtract a jot.
“In an election that is shaping up to become a Tinubu vs Islamic North blowout, the South West electorate is under duress to provide a block vote for one of their own. Given the operative philosophy of what is dubbed the ‘turn by turn’ Nigeria Ltd, it is unpardonable naivety and ignorance to think otherwise”.
“I have been hoping for Nigeria to reach this point of inflection in which the throw of the dice is between two fight-to-finish power players in a balance of terror situation. As they say, you cannot make omelette without breaking eggs”
“If we cannot agree that the present constitutional structure is irredeemable then let the logic of gridlock force a resolution. Any constitution that enables Nigerian presidents to indulge in a nation shattering power grab, is, by definition, a very bad constitution and deserves not a second longer of survival”.
“In addition to the legacy of a repetitive countrywide poor governance and other historical inhibitors, government patronage and largese is the critical life support. Unfortunately, the prevailing neo liberal economic dispensation has targeted much of the Nigerian free booty. Hence, (subjectively speaking), the North has got more axe to grind with the harbinger of this ‘misfortune’”
“Increasingly, the utility of Nigeria’s power politics players, for me, lies in their capacity to accelerate Nigeria towards the appointment we have with fate. I’m less interested in the governance capacity or lack of it than Tinubu’s preparedness to provoke a balance of power breakdown of the system. Those who are bitter with him and desperately want him out of power will only get my acknowledgement with an immediate sign up to the return of Nigeria to constitutional sanity. I’m not at all in any hurry to trade Tinubu for a reconditioned Buhari or any Northern or Southern power monger”.
“For those who want Nigeria to constitutionally remain in situ, they need to suffer the consequences and partake of the degradation and pain others have endured within a country that is structurally rigged against rationality.
For all I care, Tinubu may decide to fill all federal government vacancies with the people of Lagos state, if this is the catalyst required to spark a constitutional crisis and political meltdown (that will provoke a constitutional overhaul) then so be it”.
Is it not significant that beyond the criminalisation of Tinubu no presidential aspirant has deemed it fit to espouse constitutional reforms as a kernel of his campaign? When I was informed that an Arewa Consultative Forum has been going round the South West to seek an anti-Tinubu coalition. I said, well, did you ask them of their position on constitutional reforms?.
It has been said that Tinubu is worse than Abacha. If indeed he is, then the response should be what are the contents in the constitutional rules of the road that enables him to operate a dictatorship. Abacha could do all he did because he was running a military dictatorship. Is the Nigerian constitution at par with a dictatorship manual?
One of the good returns of this political season is the mainstreaming of the South East as represented by the national appeal of Peter Obi, yet as it has been noted elsewhere, would a potential President Obi not have to deal with a political status quo National Assembly and Judiciary? Systems matter more than individuals.
I am not the only one who has taken judicious note of the escalation of the ongoing campaign of ungovernability, its regional colouration and peculiarity of the new focus on military officers which seemed calculated at inciting a military mutiny. This is against the background that “in January 2026, the Nigerian military confirmed a foiled 2025 coup plot targeting President Bola Tinubu, reversing earlier denials. Over 30 officers, largely of Northern Nigerian extraction, were arrested for plotting to seize power, with reports highlighting regional grievances over military leadership and economic issues”.
Senator Shehu Sani recently remarked
“Each time election season draws near, bandits and terrorists in the North increase attacks. If your hatred for Tinubu has gotten to the point where you think killing and destroying your own people is a political strategy, then you have completely lost it”.
“You are not fighting Tinubu neither are you fighting for Nigerians. You burn communities, create chaos and then turn around to blame insecurity on the govt just to score cheap political points. That’s not activism, that is wickedness” .
“You are busy turning wives into widows, husbands into widowers, and children into orphans,
FROM EDUN TO OYEDELE: FROM ONE OFFICEBOY TO ANOTHER
Taiwo Oyedele was Tinubu’s tax consultant and handy man.
He has no prior experience in public service and would probably come off worse than Edun in economic policy formulation and implementation.
Oyedele’s appointment has made it apparent that Tinubu merely wants someone to cover his tracks and not to run the economy. Nigeria’s economy is too important to be left in the hands of neophytes and wide-eyed popinjays.
Of course, Oyedele has no experience, gravamen nor grit to manage Nigeria’s finance, how much more coordinate the economy. So Nigeria remains in the muck while embroiled in the worst economic situation in her history.
Like most of Tinubu’s ministers, Oyedele will only take orders from his master instead of initiating policies and reforms to bring Nigeria’s economy out of the woods.
TINUBU AS ALPHA, BETA AND OMEGA:
Again, nigh all past leaders/Presidents of Nigeria always had economic advisers, economic management team or even a kitchen cabinet. These are usually highly respected men and women, pre-eminent in their fields, who would serve as a sounding board to number one. These are people who could tell a president in his face that his reform prognosis is flawed. They would usually be pressed to work in fashioning and driving workable reforms and policies. Such teams are absent in Tinubu’s government. Tinubu is the alpha and omega of his government.
Even the provincial President Buhari had Abba Kyari, Mamman Daura, Isa Funtua, Babagana Kingibe, to name just a few as his inner circle members or cabal if you like. These are men experienced and well heeled in public service. They would proffer alternative views.
Tinubu has no such team or such luxury. FINAL ANALYSIS:
The axing of Wale Edun offers no respite yet for Nigeria. The economy will continue to falter if it remains on the current hare-
all in a desperate attempt to push a narrative. But Nigerians are not blind. The truth is simple; you cannot blackmail a nation into rejecting a leader by inflicting pain on innocent people”.
“Tinubu is not your problem, your mindset is. And at the end of it all, while you are busy destroying your own people, the reality will still hit you hard because the Tinubu you think the best way to intrude his govt is by escalating security tension will be re-elected”.
This is not a new trend. There were speculations that the intensification of the Boko Haram crisis from 2013 was not a coincidence but orchestrated to stampede President Goodluck Jonathan out of office. Whether the speculation is true or not, the fact is that, more than any other factor, Jonathan owed his exit from office to the Boko Haram crisis. What is not speculation was that there was no logic to the Sharia crisis (of 1999/2000) other than being fomented to subvert the Obasanjo presidency.
According to the Social science research gate, “Many observers considered the adoption of Sharia a “populist response” by the northern political elite to maintain influence after losing federal power to a Southern Christian, Olusegun Obasanjo, in 1999. The 1999 Sharia expansion is considered a crucial factor in strengthening religious divides, reducing security in the region, and acting as a precursor to the rise of Boko Haram”.
In the words of the chief orchestrator of the political Sharia “I can die for the cause of Islam if necessary. We are prepared to fight another civil war. We cannot be blackmailed into killing Sharia.” “I will continue to show openly and inside me the total commitment to the Sharia movement that is sweeping all over Nigeria. God willing, we will not stop the agitation for the total implementation of the Sharia in the country.”
On a lighter note
There has been this theory of Aso rock instrumentality to the occasional errant behaviour of the occupants. Elaborated by my brother, Reuben Abati, the thesis is that the presidential villa complex is haunted by mysterious and maleficent forces casting their pall over all who dwell therein including especially the chief tenant. The point Abati laboured to make was that his principal, President Goodluck Jonathan took some decisions that could only be explained by recourse to the extraordinary. In a society as steeped in pseudo-religiosity and the occult as Nigeria is, Abati cannot be taken lightly. My experience and extrapolation is that all Nigerian Presidents would have taken one or two decisions which, upon subsequent reflection, leave them stupefied!
I will be taking a two months break from this page Akin Osuntokun 24-04-26
Over N130 billion at the end of January, the federal government continues to illegally sit on the Osun State’s LGA funds.
This is as unconscionable as it is unacceptable.
First, on the face of it, the FG has no authority to withhold any funds accruing to the sub-nationals because the subs are not a jurisdiction of the FG.
The FG and the subs (which basically is the State) are equal partners as far as the federation account is concerned. So ab initio, you do not need a lawyer or a court to establish this fact.
The FG is not dispensing any favours or lagesse to the States and LGA from the federation account.
Second, it is the states that the constitution assigns the authority and jurisdiction to oversee and supervise the LGAs in their domains. It is therefore unlawful and an overreach for the FG to deign to seize a property that rightfully belongs to a co-confederating unit.
If LGA chairmen in Osun State were illegally sacked by the governor as claimed by the FG, their recourse is to the courts and not the FG or the police as enforcers.
It is uncanny that the same lawlessness then President Olusegun Obasanjo meted to then Governor Tinubu of Lagos State in 2004 is now being repeated by a President Tinubu two decades later in 2025.
brained reform trajectory. Oyedele seems to have neither the capacity nor audacity to confront the president in order to reverse it at the least, review this error of a reform. So it remains a long night as Tinubu’s molue economy rattles down the slope.
This singular action by Tinubu’s administration of withholding a state fund that accrues in a common purse is a pointer to the fact that Tinubu is far from being a democrat. As Osun election approaches in four months, it’s apparent that the president is playing politics with the lives of millions of Osun people in the quest of a political advantage in Osun. And what with the double standards as the same situation played out in Edo State where the new APC governor sacked all the sitting PDP LGA chairmen!
As it goes, Tinubu is fast earning his epaulettes as the most anti-democratic president in Nigeria’s history yet.###
President Bola Tinubu
Edun
STAKEHOLDERS MEETING ON SUSTAINABILITY OF THE MEDIA...
L-R: GM/CEO, Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), Segun Adediran; National Treasurer, Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Dr Iyobosa Uwugiaren; Editor-In-Chief, LEADERSHIP Newspapers, Azu Ishiekwene; CEO/Executive Vice-Chairman, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Olatunji Bello; Hon. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris; Executive Commissioner (Operations) FCCPC, Louis Odion, and Editorial Director, Daily Trust, Malam Ibrahim Shehu, during a stakeholders meeting on sustainability of media in Abuja, yesterday
AKIN OSUNTOKUN
Iwas at Ada, Osun state, the other day, for the funeral ceremony of the founder and proprietor of the iconic Micom Golf and Hotel Resort, Prince Michael Ayantunde Ponle. Naturally, I went to commiserate with the widow, former deputy governor of Osun state and my admission officer at the faculty of social science, University of Lagos 46 years ago, Mrs Titi Laoye-Tomori. As is often the case anytime I ran into her, she took delight in reminding me of our prior relationship (student /admissions officer) at the Unilag. She asked me why I no longer write frequently. I attributed the lapse to the recurrent nature of the sociopolitical life of Nigeria; the same subjects of commentary keep repeating themselves. The subject of my column today on the primacy and priority of constitutional reforms typifies this attribute.
At the instance of the snap transition to civil democratic rule programme of the General Abdusalam Abubakar military administration, there ensued the
debate within the ranks of the pro democracy group (National Democratic Coalition, NADECO) on the
option to take between participating in the transition programme (oblivious of the nitty gritty of the 1999 constitution) and declining participation pending prior constitutional reforms. As it transpired, the former (option) won the day-to the eternal regret of the Pan Democrats. At the full maturity of the dysfunctional nature of the quasi unitarist 1999 constitution, it has been remorse galore. Matters, predictably, have come to a tipping point, once again. At the heart of the problem is the internally inconsistent logic of over-centralisation of power (at the centre) in an inherently federalist polity. A centre that should ordinarily be viewed with tempered equinanimity has increasingly become the object of desperate, obsessive covetousness. Given the extant North/South rotation principle, it is considerate of Peter Obi to pledge that he would do only one term in office if elected. Others make it sound like rapists whispering among themselves on how many rounds they want to ravage the
object of their lust.
In tandem with the regionalist letter and spirit of the Independence constitution, Sir Ahmadu Bello had chosen to remain as Premier of the Northern region and delegated his lieutenant Abubakar Tafawa Balewa to the federal government as Prime Minister. To the contrary, one of the ironies of post colonial Nigeria was the (reverse) spectre of the federalism personified Chief Obafemi Awolowo abdicating his Premiership of the Western region to embark on a near-obsessive aspiration to become the Prime Minister of Nigeria.
Otherwise full of insight into the Nigerian union, such as the prescience of proposing the incorporation of self-determination clause into the Independence constitution, it is difficult to reconcile this insight with his practical positions which often seems oblivious of limitations to the possibilities of Nigeria.
From Edun To Oyedele: From One Officeboy To Another After Tinubu, Then What?
President Bola Tinubu doesn’t seem to give a damn about Nigeria. It has become apparent that in all he does, he puts himself first. His cronies come second and his country a distant third. Consider his presidency: it’s arguably the puniest since independence. As we know, past presidents and even military rulers, would headhunt the best and seasoned minds in the land and beyond to help run a new administration. This is especially so for the most sensitive cabinet positions like finance, economic advisory and strategic sectors like power and infrastructure.
Tinubu doesn’t seem to care if the country develops or moves forward under his watch. This must explain why he rigs his office boys and bag carriers into very important positions requiring deep experience and specialised skills.
FROM EDUN TO OYEDELE:
Frying Pan To Fire: Mr Olawale Edun who has just been sacked from his perch as Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy wasn’t the proper fit for that all-important
job in the first place. For an economy brought to its feet by erstwhile President, Muhammadu Buhari, one expected a new president to scout for a transformational technocrat to fashion a reform
that would return the economy to growth by half term.
Rather, Tinubu picked his errand boy from his governorship days. A man who’s at best a bean-counter who didn’t understand broad socio-economic matters.
For two and a half years, Edun doodled. Like fish out of water, he seemed not to quite understand what was happening in his environment while his boss yakked about a nebulous reform that nobody sat down to plan. Thus Tinubu has so far run the stupidest economy since independence. Tinubu basically mops up cash from the pockets of Nigerians, keeps a good chunk; squanders a lot of it with his cronies and shares the rest with the so-called state governors.
And he tells us it’s reform. Some reform! With negative indices and outcomes, year on year... What manner of reform willfully shoves the citizenry into the abyss of poverty? Over 40 million Nigerians have become poor in less than three years Tinubu’s brain fag of a reform. We thought reform was supposed to make things better in the short run?
Wale Edun was actually out of his league, carrying a responsibility far beyond his ken. Whether it was the job that made him ill or it exacerbated an underlying condition, one can’t really tell but the point is that Edun literally keeled over on the job. He was a colossal failure.
Recall how it was his junior minister, Dr Doris Anoka-Anite who was answering questions during the last Senate Committee probe of failed budgets. He couldn’t give account of the N1.13 billion approved for capital projects funds that were never disbursed.
Recall again, that under Edun’s watch, Nigeria’s budgets have failed woeful since the inception of this administration in 2023.
Not even under the military regime were federal budgets trashed as we have witness today.
And now, another Tinubu man Friday has been eased into a big shoe. While Edun was a banker, erstwhile Finance commissioner and fund manager for over three decades, the new helms man Mr
