Zenith Bank Emerges Nigeria’s Number One Bank By Tier-1 Capital for The Sixteenth Consecutive Year





Kayode Tokede
Guaranty Trust Holding Company
Plc (GTCO), the parent company of Nigeria’s biggest lender by market value (GTBank), has announced plans to raise $100million new ordinary shares and proposed cancellation of a Global Depository Receipts (GDRs) listing on the London Stock Exchange (LSE).
The lender in a regulating filing also proposed admission of shares on the LSE’s main market for listed securities.
The $100 million Accelerated Bookbuild (ABB), is a capital raise being managed by Citibank, and what appears to be a significant move in the evolution of the bank’s listing journey on the LSE.
A GDP is a bank-issued certificate representing shares in a foreign company. It allows investors to trade the shares on international stock exchanges (like the LSE) without dealing with the complexities of cross-border settlement.
The group has, since 2007, maintained a GDR listing on the LSE and in its case, 1 GDR = 50 GTBank shares, providing global investors exposure to Nigerian banking equity.
According to regulating filing on the LSE, GTCO stated that it has given notice of its intention to cancel the listing of its existing GDRs on the certificates representing certain securities (depositary receipts) category of the Official List of the
United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the admission to trading of GDRs on the LSE’s main market for listed securities.
The notice stated: “In place of the GDR listing, the Company intends for all of the ordinary shares of the Company (the Shares) to be admitted to the equity shares (international commercial companies secondary listing) category of the Official List of the FCA and to trading on the main market for listed securities of the LSE.”
Selling shares to institutional and qualified investors by the management of GTCO is part of an ongoing effort to recapitalise its main subsidiary, GTBank Plc.
That’s in line with a Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) requirement that all lenders with international banking licenses raise their equity capital to a minimum of N500 billion or $327 million by March 2026.
The bank had previously sought shareholder approval to raise $750 million through an offering of ordinary or preference shares, convertible and non-convertible notes, bonds or any other instruments.
In January, it announced the completion of a N209 billion - or $136.6 million capital raise, which it said was the first phase of a funding exercise.
The holding company, which is already listed on the Lagos-based Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), will be the first lender from the West
African nation to list on the LSE, bringing to three the number of Nigerian firms trading in London.
The Group Chief Executive Officer of GTCO, Mr. Segun Agbaje, in a statement said: “This Offering and transition to a full listing on the Official List of the FCA and to trading of the Company’s shares on the London Stock Exchange’s main market for listed securities represents a pivotal moment in GTCO’s growth story, reinforcing our position as a forward-thinking African Financial Services Institution.
“This move builds on our tradition
of “many firsts” and innovation, as we continue to create exceptional value for our shareholders, customers, and broader stakeholders.”
He added: “Our consistent track record of strong performance, underpinned by disciplined execution and a relentless focus on customer excellence, gives us confidence as we embark on this next phase of growth.
“By enhancing our global visibility and access to capital, we are not just advancing our own ambitions but also unlocking transformative opportunities across the markets and customer segments we serve.”
GTCO is a leading sub-Saharan banking franchise with a longstanding track record of strong growth and returns.
GTCO has consistently demonstrated strong profitability (Q1 2025 Return on Average Equity (RoAE) of 36.3per cent and averaging an RoAE of 30.6 per cent and Return on Average Assets (RoAA) of 5.1per cent in the last decade to 2024FY, which is at a clear premium to Nigerian tier 1 banking peers).
“These profitability metrics compare favourably in a global banking context and are supported
by strong operating efficiency (Q1 2025 cost-to-income ratio of 29per cent and averaging 37.9per cent in the last decade to 2024), as well as a robust capital position (39.3per cent CAR as at 2024).
“Well-positioned to deliver continued growth across multiple verticals in banking and non- banking business segments. Underpinned by economic tailwinds, the banking business of GTCO is poised to continue growth through scaling the retail and SME franchises, enhancing customer experience and technology, and increasing corporate lending in focus sectors.
The President of Topbrass Aviation Limited, Captain Roland Iyayi, Trustee member of Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), has joined other stakeholders in the industry to condemn the recent imposition of $300 landing fee on helicopters that provide shuttle services to oil and gas companies.
The fee is being collected by NAEBI Dynamic Concept Limited on behalf of the federal government in collaboration with the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency
(NAMA), which gives start-up for the take-off of aircraft across all the airports in the country.
Captain Iyayi said before the new fee was introduced, the helicopter companies have been paying all their taxes in accordance to industry regulations, insisting the additional $300 landing fee is a burden on the operators that may undermine the industry, saying with the involvement of NAMA it ought to have legislative and regulatory approval.
“When this matter came up during Hadi’s time (former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika), we shut it down because we felt already the industry is overtaxed.
“Introducing something like this, we felt, was even going to be inimical to the growth of the industry.
“Again, if you ask all these individuals who are justifying
the collection, they always say to you that the money is going to government, but the money is leaving the aviation sector.
“In aviation, the money earned in aviation is meant to be used to develop aviation. But in Nigeria the money is used for other purposes and not ploughed back to develop the industry. With the new tax laws, the money earned will go to Nigerian Revenue Service (NRS) before it is now redistributed.
Definitely things will get worse in the industry.
“What we found intriguing about the charges is that NAEBI Dynamic Concept Limited is not providing any service at all by way of infrastructure. However, they would leverage on NAMA’s infrastructure to be charging $300 per landing.
“Helicopter operators most of
the time use platforms belonging to their clients (oil and gas companies). These are private terminals. So, how would you want a terminal operator or owner to be paying you for the use of his own facility?
“I don’t see how that is going to go down well with the oil and gas companies,” Iyayi noted. He pointed out that the new tax was not thought through well because oil and gas companies have joint ventures with the federal government, represented by NNPC and in most of the ventures, government has about 60 per cent stake and with past experience.
“It is government that pays such charges, as the order of the payment from NAMA stated clearly that the landing charge will be paid by oil companies and not helicopter operators.
The Organised Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for halting the implementation of certain provisions of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria Act, which imposed financial caps and additional compliance dues on private companies.
The OPSN is comprised of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, NACCIMA, Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association, Nigeria Association of Small and Medium Enterprises and the Nigeria Association of Small Scale Industries.
It should be recalled that the federal government on Sunday announced the pegging of the annual dues payable by large
private companies that are not quoted on the stock exchange at N25 million.
The government also promised to seek legislative amendment of the controversial sections of the FRC Act.
Chairman of the OPSN, Mr. Jani Ibrahim, described the action as “a timely relief to the organised private sector members-including the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), many of whom had expressed deep concerns about the financial and administrative burden posed by the mandatory levies and reporting obligations under the current FRC framework.” Ibrahim, who is also the national president of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), said that the OPSN and
its stakeholders have been in active dialogue with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and other critical agencies, advocating business-friendly policies that foster enterprise growth, protect jobs, and enhance national productivity.
He said: “We, therefore, commend the efforts of the government for this timely decision, which is a proactive and responsive measure that supports the federal government’s commitment to improving the ease of doing business and sustaining investor confidence.
“The suspension provides a critical window for stakeholders to revisit the framework and ensure that future implementations of financial reporting obligations are transparent, equitable, and sensitive to the realities and legitimate concerns of Nigerian businesses.”
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, has called on health practitioners to be more dedicated during public service to foster meaningful growth in the sector.
Pate made the call in Abuja at the unveiling of the book titled: “The Journey Outlives the Traveler” authored by the UNAIDS Country Director, Dr. Leopold Zekeng.
The book is centered on Zekeng’s four decades journey in public global
health sector, from his early beginnings in his hometown Cameroon to leadership roles across Africa and beyond, based on working at the frontlines of HIV and AIDS responses.
Also working during some of the most complex health emergencies such as Ebola and COVID-19, global health diplomacy and social-works development.
Pate, speaking at the book launch, said: “I congratulate you for this milestone and appreciate you for the years of service, particularly for investing the time to codify what you
have learnt about the present and future generation of public health practitioners.
“I think what you have written in the book tells the story of public health practitioners over a period of time and the impact on lives is still unfolding.
“It is a remarkable journey and I look forward to studying you more. Congratulations for all you have done, you have left us with a lot to learn. Your journey is our journey and I think it is a transition moment.”
INAUGURATION OF OGUN TECH HUB WINDOW...
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has raised the alarm over the $88.6 billion annual illicit financial flows from the African continent, describing it as a drain on the continent’s much-needed resources.
Speaking at the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4) which ended in Seville, Spain, yesterday, Tuggar stated that there’s currently a $4 trillion annual funding framework for financing sustainable development as agreed upon during the Addis Ababa Action Agenda a decade ago, The conference, the 4th decadal UN-led summit following the Monter-
rey Consensus (2002), Doha (2008), and Addis Ababa Action Agenda (2015), is a political blueprint for financing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) over the next decade, with actionable proposals on tax reform, debt restructuring, climate finance, and private sector mobilisation.
It was attended by scores of heads of state, although the United States was absent, having formally withdrawn due to objections over climate, tax, and gender equity measures, citing concerns over sovereignty.
However, the event witnessed a strong presence from the European Union (EU) and developing countries, like Nigeria reinforcing a global
commitment to multilateral finance.
Extending warm greetings from President Bola Tinubu to the government and people of the Kingdom of Spain for hosting the conference, Tuggar, in his speech, described the event as timely, but added that the world was running out of time, with development assistance from developed nations’ budgets shrinking.
“It’s 10 years since the Addis Ababa Action Agenda set the framework for financing sustainable development, but the gap in funding only increases and is now more than $4 trillion annually. Development assistance budgets in the largest economies have plummeted.
“In those 10 years, we have seen
terms of trade and access to markets deteriorate and the re-emergence of tariffs and rival trading blocs. Ratings agencies make or break our economic prospects, but with little transparency.
“The costs of the climate emergency, in terms of remediation measures and increased competition for diminishing resources, have soared. The challenges of violent extremism, organised crime and irregular migration are common for us all here today. But we are on the front line of this ‘everywhere war’ and bear huge – and disproportionate - human and financial costs,” the minister highlighted.
Tuggar argued that there are real world consequences for the
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu yesterday paid glowing tribute to Nigeria’s business mogul, late Alhaji Aminu Dantata, imploring Nigerians to emulate his good habits, particularly his extraordinary generous philanthropy.
The President described Dantata’s demise as a great loss not just for the family, but for Nigeria and the entire Muslim community.
Tinubu made the remark in Kano during a condolence visit to the family of the late business mogul who died recently, where he was represented by Vice President
Kashim Shettima.
He said: “I am here at the behest of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who said I should come here to pray and sympathise with the Dantata family over the loss of our father and grandfather, the late Aminu Dantata. “He was a good man, full of the fear of God. He helped a lot of people, not just here in Nigeria but in other parts of the world. He will be remembered for his good work. May God grant him Aljannatul Firdausi and comfort the family and all of us over this great loss”.
The President said the death of Dantata was a celebration of
life and the good works of the late elder statesman, advising the children of the deceased and other family members to cooperate and continue to live in peace with one another in honour of their departed father.
Speaking on behalf of the Dantata family, the younger brother of the deceased, Alhaji Munzali Dantata, thanked Tinubu and Shettima for their show of love.
He explained why the late Aminu Dantata was buried outside the shores of Nigeria, saying the late elder statesman had requested that whenever he dies, he should be buried in
Saudi Arabia, a request the Saudi government obliged.
Those who accompanied the vice president on the condolence visit were the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hadejia; Special Adviser to the President on General Duties, Umar Modibo; former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke (SAN), and former Kogi State Governor, Idris Wada, among others.
ratio rose from 10% to 13.5% in one year
decisions taken, or indeed for those deferred, stressing that in the end, those consequences will be felt just as much in established as well as emerging economies.
According to him, helping to level the playing field – or at least, to make it a little less uneven – will help the whole world.
Because Nigeria understands that the process of change must begin at home, the minister noted that the Tinubu-led government has taken bold measures to improve fiscal responsibility and reallocate resources toward productive investments.
To him, one of the earliest reforms of Tinubu’s administration was the removal of fuel subsidies, a tough but necessary decision, as well as the unification of the country’s exchange rate and increasing market transparency.
“These reforms are already bearing fruit. Nigeria’s credit rating has improved, and in 2024, our economy recorded its fastest growth in a decade. Our tax-to-GDP ratio rose from 10 per cent to 13.5 per cent within a year.
“Last week, President Tinubu signed comprehensive tax reform bills into law that seek to raise this ratio to 18 per cent by 2025, introduce a global minimum tax for multinationals, and increase Value Added Tax (VAT) to 12.5 per cent by 2026,” Tuggar added.
Highlighting the interconnectedness of the world, Tuggar argued
that domestic resource mobilisation alone will not suffice.
“ Illicit financial flows drain Africa of $88.6 billion annually. In response, Nigeria has embraced digitalisation, overhauled its revenue systems, and launched a Beneficial Ownership Register to promote financial transparency and fight corruption. We call on all countries to adopt open Beneficial Ownership Registers and support the establishment of a global registry.
“We are also focused on financial inclusion and economic empowerment. Nigeria is scaling up the capacity of development finance institutions like the Bank of Industry (BoI) and Bank of Agriculture (BoA) to support micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, especially women- and youth-led businesses,” he pointed out.
He recalled that in January, the President announced the establishment of the National Credit Guarantee Company to enable the ambition and initiative of entrepreneurs - and encourage the private sector growth that will deliver jobs and prosperity, peace and stability.
“We have a common interest in giving a real voice in global financial architecture. We have seen the positive impact of the IMF’s reforms of Special Drawing Rights in 2021 and urge a similar spirit of bold thinking to deal with the burden of debt repayments that undermine the prospects of so many poorer countries.
Technology, the forward-thinking GFA Technologies group, and the US mission.
L-R: CEO, GFA Technologies, Mr. Debo Omololu; Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele; Governor Dapo Abiodun and the acting US Consul-General, Mrs. JoEllen Gorg, during the official commissioning of the Ogun Tech Hub Window on America, on Thursday EIRS Boss: Edo Generated N52.6bn in First Half of 2025
Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City
The Edo State Government Thursday said it has generated N52.6 billion as Internal Generated Revenue (IGR) between January and June 2025. It added the money represented a 46% increase in what was generated within the same period in 2024 where it raked in N36.1bn.
The Executive Chairman of the Edo Internal Revenue Service (EIRS), Otunba Oladele Bankole-Balogun, who stated this at a press briefing in Benin City, said the figure
represented 89.5% performance year-to-date.
Bankole-Balogun stated the EIRS would continue to widen the tax net in the state even as he urged people to pay taxes as a civic duty.
He said management of EIRS is focused on capacity enhancement of staff, regular stakeholder engagements, infrastructure upgrade, improved staff welfare and strengthened compliance with tax laws since he assumed office in December last year. The EIRS boss disclosed the
collaboration with the judiciary led to the recovery of tax liabilities owed the state government.
Speaking on the Nigeria Tax Reform Law recently signed by President Bola Tinubu, BankoleBalogun said the EIRS would intensify its public enlightenment efforts to ensure taxpayers were fully aware of the changes and how they affect them.
According to him, “Seeing what the governor is doing with the taxes, I am sure we will increase tax collection from the people.
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has challenged Nigerian youths to leverage the enormous opportunities available in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to make themselves self-reliant and relevant in the future.
The governor made the call on Thursday at the unveiling of ‘Window on America’, an ICT project initiated by the American Consulate office in collaboration with GFA Technologies at the Ogun State Tech Hub, Kobape Road, Abeokuta.
He said the establishment of the American Window at the Ogun State Tech Hub is the product of a visionary public-private partnership involving the Ogun State Government through the Bureau of Information
According to the governor, the initiative is a dynamic and inclusive space created to serve as a bridge between the aspirations of the youths and the global opportunities that await them.
Ogun State, the governor observed, understands the transformative power of digital innovation in driving sustainable economic growth, generating employment, and enhancing the quality of life of the citizenry.
“This understanding is what has led us to make considerable investments in our digital infrastructure, ranging from fibre optic connectivity to digital literacy initiatives and innovation clusters across the state.
“This initiative represents more
than a space; it is a platform for knowledge exchange, skills development, and peer-to-peer collaboration between our young minds and their counterparts not just in the United States but in the entire world.
“This is where global ideas and ideals converge with local ambitions,” he said.
Abiodun noted the project testifies to the administration’s firm belief in collaboration over competition and the idea that innovations thrive while borders are widened by a shared vision.
The spaces, the governor revealed, apart from offering free programming, an English conversation club, digital literacy workshops, and discussions on global affairs, also provide access to American-authored books, journalism, and digital resources.
Economy from $40bn to $200bn in 10 Years
Okoye: SEDC plans December launch UNDP: Tinubu acting to restructure Nigeria’s devt architecture
The South East Development Commission (SEDC) has revealed it planned to grow the economy from $40 billion to $200 billion in 10 years, working closely with development partners and state governments.
Its Managing Director of SEDC, Mark Okoye, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja while commemorating the 100 days of the establishment of the commission with the theme; “Rebuilding Legacy: Co-creating a New Era of Growth in the South East.” He also added the commission would also launch its strategic development plan by December.
Okoye noted that one of the strategic objectives of the commission “is to grow our economy from $40 billion to $200 billion in 10 years, working closely with our development partners, our state governments, the organised private sectors, CSOs and the academic with interventions in four critical areas.
“The second strategic objective for us is to drive and develop high impact major infrastructure projects, region wide infrastructure projects, and get these projects.”
Also, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ben Kalu, said they were at the roundtable not just as stakeholders, but as partners in a collective
journey to redefine the trajectory of the South-east.
Kalu, represented by the Chairman, House Committee on SEDC, Hon. Chris Nkwonta, noted the engagement spoke to both their history and shared aspiration as a region that has long demonstrated resilience, innovation and has an unwavering commitment to progress despite long standing challenges.
He stated: “This round table provides us with a platform to give you conversations, align our goals and forge partnerships that will uplift our people and transform communities.
“The south-east is a region that is one of Nigeria’s most industrious zones. It is home to a population of over 29 million people. With a projection showing significant growth in coming decades.
“Notably, more than 60 per cent of this population is under the age of 30. This means that the South-east holds one of the most beautiful and vibrant populations in the country. It’s a blessing that we must wisely harness.
“However, we must be honest about the hurdles, infrastructure gaps, neutral environment and all the utilization of free economic assets.”
On his part, the Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh said the conference was about reviewing the legacy for
creating a new era of growth in the South-East.
His words: “Therefore the SouthEast is readily answering the call with commendable energy and clarity of purpose.
“This roundtable is not just a conversation. It is a large pact for action. It offers us a valuable opportunity to deepen and share understanding and for stronger collaboration between the regional
development commissions and development partners.
“Let me also at this juncture take a moment to recognise and appreciate the consistent and transformative contributions of our development partners across the entire country.
“As we turn our attention specifically to the South-East, we see a region rich in talents, resilience and enterprise, but it is also a region that faces unique development challenges.
“The South-East Development Commission is addressing deep rooted challenges. We must work together to address issues such as: industrialisation, infrastructure deficits, youth unemployment and social cohesion. Our purpose must ensure that women, youth and vulnerable groups are not left behind.”
In her submission, the Resident Representative, United Nation Development Plan (UNDP), Elsie
Attafuah, said the establishment of SEDC was a profound affirmation that the Bola Tinubu administration was listening and, more importantly, acting to restructure Nigeria’s development architecture in ways that reflect challenges and aspirations of the diverse regions. She stressed there was a need to confront the dual reality of Nigeria’s immense potential and developmental challenges.
Proposals
Sunday Aborisade in Abuja
The Senate will today (Friday) commence a two-day public hearing in Lagos as part of the ongoing efforts to review the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The hearing, which will be held at WaterCrest Hotel, Ikeja, is expected to provide a platform for stakeholders in the South-west geopolitical zone to engage in deliberations on wide-ranging
MTN and 9mobile, yesterday in Lagos, announced a national roaming agreement partnership that would enable 9moble customers to leverage on MTN’s radio network infrastructure to make uninterrupted voice calls across Nigeria, where MTN has network coverage.
The initiative according to the two telecoms company, the agreement, which is a three-year term partnership, is in line with the policy of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), on telecoms industry collaboration that will bring about cost-efficient service delivery. Speaking on the partnership during a press conference yesterday in Lagos, the Chief Executive Officer of 9mobile, Mr. Obafemi Banigbe, said the partnership would enable 9mobile customers to leverage on
the MTN radio infrastructure, to enhance call connectivity in every city where MTN is present.
According to Banigbe, “We are currently entering into a partnership with MTN, where we have signed a national agreement for a three-year term that allows nine mobile subscribers to be able to use MTN’s radio access coverage across the country, and that is quite exciting for us in 9mobile.”
Our mantra still has not changed, as we continue to invest in the development of our network infrastructure, invest in our core network operating system, invest in the operating of our payment system, and our transmission infrastructure. We consider it an opportunity to leverage on the infrastructure that MTN has in place across the country in order for us to extend our services to our
end customers, Banigbe further said.
Chief Enterprise Business Officer at MTN Nigeria, Lynda SaintNwafor, who represented the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Dr. Karl Toriola, commended the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani and Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida and the entire leadership of the NCC for their support in pushing through the partnership.
“We are very grateful to our minister, Dr. Bosun Tijani, and the NCC for championing the drive for cost-efficient industry partnership and collaboration. At MTN, we are very committed to driving collaboration and we are very committed to pushing the boundaries and ensuring that the people of Nigeria get the best that is possible,” Saint-Nwafor said.
proposals, including the creation of 18 new local government areas, establishment of state police, and comprehensive electoral reforms.
Similar hearings are being conducted simultaneously across other geopolitical zones, with the exception of the North-west, where proceedings have been postponed following the recent demise of Kano businessman and philanthropist, Alhaji Aminu Dantata.
Leader of the Senate and Chairman of the South-west Zonal Constitution Review Committee, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, announced the development yesterday in a statement which outlined the programme for the Lagos hearing.
He stressed the importance of the exercise in strengthening Nigeria’s governance structures through inclusive stakeholder engagement.
According to the statement, the Senate Constitution Review Committee, inaugurated on Febru-
ary 14, 2024, is composed of 45 members and led by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, with Bamidele serving as Vice Chairman.
He noted that the committee had received numerous memoranda covering key areas of national interest such as security and policing, judicial and institutional reforms, local government autonomy, fiscal federalism, the role of traditional institutions, and electoral integrity.
Among the prominent proposals is a bill advocating for the establishment of state police and other state-level security agencies to bolster internal security and decentralized policing.
Another seeks the creation of a State Security Council in each state to advise governors on matters of public safety and security.
Further proposed amendments include transferring key responsibilities—such as labour, industrial rela-
tions, and minimum wage—from the Exclusive to the Concurrent Legislative List, thereby allowing both federal and state governments to legislate on these matters. There is also a proposal to transfer control over interstate waterways to the Concurrent List, enabling both levels of government to manage shipping and navigation in inland waters.
To promote equity and democratic inclusion, one bill recommends that each local government should have at least one representative in the State House of Assembly. This, Bamidele said, would ensure that residents of all LGAs benefit from state-level legislative decisions.
In the area of electoral reforms, Bamidele revealed that proposals have been submitted to allow independent candidacy in elections and to enable Nigerians in the diaspora to participate in voting.
Garba: He’s responding well to treatment
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
Former President Muhammadu Buhari has taken ill and has been admitted for treatment in an hospital in London, the United Kingdom.
Though nature of the illnes and name of the hospital where he is undergoing treatment remains
unknown, Buhari’s spokesperson, Mallam Garba Shehu, on Thursday however, confirmed his principal’s illness, but assured Nigerians that the former president is responding well to treatment. According to him: “It is true that the former president, Muhammadu Buhari, is unwell. He has been
receiving treatment in the UK.
“You would recall he made it known that he was going for his annual medical check-up. He became ill there, but I am happy to announce to you that he is doing well in his recovery while receiving treatment. We pray for his healthy recovery”.
L-R: Ekiti State Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Akintunde Oyebode; Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Ebenezer Boluwade; Technical Advisor, (Change Management), Office of Transformation and Service Delivery (OTSD), Mr. Adebiyi Fashoyin, and Special Assistant, Service Delivery, OTSD, Mr. Toba Fatunla, at the town hall meeting with business owners organised by the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms in Ado-Ekiti...recently
Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa
The Bayelsa State High Court Judge, RT. Hon. Justice E.G.Umokoro, has regained freedom after 12 days in captivity. According to the Nigeria Police Force and Department of State Service(DSS), he was released from kidnappers’ den without payment of ransom.
Umukoro, who was kidnapped in controversial circumstances at a popular eatery in Yenagoa, was released on the day President of the Nigeria Bar Association, Afam Osigwe, visited the state, calling
for collaboration between the security agencies, the bar and bench to effortless effect his release.
Osigwe, who condemned the delay in the rescue efforts, had visited the State Commissioner of Police, where he and members of the State NBA held a closed door meeting for hours. Though details of the meeting were not disclosed to newsmen, the Commissioner has assured them that the security agencies were on top of the matter.
Osigwe and his entourage later visited the Deputy Governor, Sen Lawrence Ehwrujakpor, and
Determined to support the governments in its food security effort, the Dangote Cement Plc has launched a Farmers Empowerment Programme in Benue State. The initiative is aimed at enabling 50 farmers to produce subsistence and cash crops in commercial quantity from Benue State, considered to be the food basket of the nation.
The programme is coming barely two months after the company empowered businesswomen in Gboko host communities of the state with cash grants, thus deepening business activities in the State.
Earlier, the company had increased bursary payments to students of host communities by more than 100 per cent.
Speaking at the launch of the Farmers Empowerment Programme, yesterday, General Manager Social Performance, Johnson Kor, described the programme as ‘historic and innovative.’
He said the beneficiaries were selected from the company’s host communities of Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State.
According to him, the beneficiaries were carefully selected from the six catchment areas of the Local Government.
Mr. Kor said the projects have been earmarked for the communities as captured in the extant Community Development Agreement (CDA), adding that the contents of the CDA are progressively being executed.
“Today we are witnessing an historic occasion in our journey of mutual development. Farmers Empowerment Programme is the first programme to be launched since we signed the CDA with the immediate host communities in December 2024,” he said.
In his speech, Plant Director, Dangote Cement, Gboko Plant, Munusamy Murugan, said the company will also support farmers with fertilizers, Agro chemicals, Knapsack Sprayers and various types of seedlings. Murugan, who was represented by Head of Production Department, Engr Soom Kiishi said: “This is the first batch but certainly just the beginning, and certainly not the end. We plan it to be an annual event, but the choice of the Farmers programme may change, depending on the choice of the benefiting communities.”
other well-meaning stakeholders in the state.
Unconfirmed sources had it that kidnappers had last Saturday demanded an
equivalent of N300 million in foreign currency for his release. However, it was gathered that the release of the judge followed days of joint Police
Tactical operations led by the Commander of the Operation Puff Adder, CSP Chris Nwaogbo. It was also gathered that few of the suspected kidnappers
involved
State where the abducted Judge hails from.
Sylvester Idowu inWarri
Operatives of the Delta State Commissioner of Police (CP-Special Assignment Team) have arrested four suspected cultists in the state.
The operatives also recovered firearms, including one Beretta pistol with three rounds of live
ammunition and a stolen vehicle, from suspects during raids of criminal hideouts in the continued efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.
According to a statement issued yesterday by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Edafe Bright, a Superintendent of Police (SP), the
Ibrahim Oyewale inLokoja
Stakeholders in Kogi State have decried the growing menace of kidnapping, abduction, and banditry in Nigeria. The stakeholders were unanimous in the condemnation of kidnapping and abduction in state during the engagement meeting organised by the National
operatives led by Julius Robinson arrested one Rasheed Atanda last Sunday.
He disclosed that the team, acting on credible intelligence, stormed Yoruba Street of Sapele town and arrested Atanda, 31, a native of Irinle community of Kwara State, resident in Sapele town.
Edafe said that a preliminary investigation led the operatives to arrest other suspects namely Charles Oyowe, 36, native of Obeda in Warri North LGA of Delta State, in whose possession a Beretta Pistol with three rounds of live ammunition was recovered.
Orientation Agency in Lokoja yesterday in Lokoja.
The stakeholders also emphasised the need for unity and cohesion to tackle these social vices. The campaign, tagged: “Pathway to National Cohesion Unity and Development”, highlighted the alarming rate of kidnapping and banditry in Kogi State.
In his remarks, the state Director of NOA, Mr. Patrick Edogbayan, said as part of a nationwide campaign, the meeting brought together stakeholders to chart a pathway to eliminating these challenges and promoting national development.
He said the nationwide campaign was aimed at achieving unity and cohesion as a nation to eliminate all kinds of social disorder for development.
Edogbanya, who was represented by Assistant Director and Head of Civic Values and Democracy Education, NOA, Mr. Augustine Ogbonnikan, said the campaign seeks public cooperation to create a safe society where citizens can live without fear.
The Seventh Regional Consultation of the Network of National Human Rights Institutions in West Africa (NNHRI-WA) has ended in Abuja with the election of Nigeria’s Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Anthony Ojukwu as the new president.
The meeting with theme: “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations: The Role of NHRIs” was hosted by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), in partnership with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS Commission), the
Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in West Africa (OHCHR-WARO) and the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS).
The Regional Consultation was aimed at enhancing the overall role of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) toward the
promotion and protection of human rights in West Africa. It had in attendance representatives of NHRIs from 12 countries in the West African sub-region, ECOWAS Commission, OHCHR-WARO and UNOWAS took part in the Regional Consultation.
Ayodeji Ake
Health stakeholders and journalists gathered in Lagos to discuss and develop advocacy solutions to tackle high mortality statistics of maternal and newborn.
The stakeholders spoke at a threeday media training workshop on
Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent Health and Nutrition (RMNCAH+N), Health Financing and Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) services for media personnel in Lagos State. Explaining the objectives and expectations of the workshop, the Lagos State Accountability
Mechanism for Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent Health and Nutrition (LASAM), Desk Officer, Mrs. Nike Idris , noted that the media plays a pivotal role in shaping public perception, awareness, and engagement with health interventions on RMNCAH+N programmes in the state.
“The reasons for this workshop include enhancing knowledge by strengthening participants on RMNCAH+N, to promote accurate mode of reporting, equip media personnel with tools and skills to accurately report, interpret, and disseminate information on RMNCAH+N programmes.”
Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan
Oyo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, yesterday said the policies being implemented by the state government in the health sector have led to the overall
improvement of the sector and also helped to mitigate the effect of Japa syndrome by medical professionals.
She noted that these policies have directly resulted in improved quality of lives for residents of the state, reduction in maternal
mortality rates, infant mortality rates, under-5 mortality rates and upgrade of hundreds of health facilities and infrastructure.
The commissioner stated this yesterday while addressing journalists at the Governor’s Office Briefing Room during the
Omituntun 2.0 Inter-Ministerial Briefing, stating that the Governor Seyi Makinde administration has also improved the health sector by recruiting thousands of health professionals and improving their welfare to address medical brain drain.
David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka
A non-governmental organisation (NGO), The All-Rights Foundation (TAF Africa) has rallied operatives of the Anambra command of Nigeria
Police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) to enforce the rights of People With Disabilities (PWDs) during the forthcoming elections.
The foundation at a twoday workshop sponsored
by European Union (EU) called for the collaboration of security operatives who will be working during the November 8 governorship election in Anambra, to ensure that PWDs voted with ease.
Senior Communications Officer of TAF Africa, Lynn Agwuncha, who was one of the resource persons, insisted that it was a right and not a place of pity to accord PWDs the right to vote with ease.
Acting Group Politics Edito r DEJI ELUMOYE
Email: deji.elumoye @thisdaylive.com
08033025611 SMS ONLY
Sunday Dare writes about the wave of economic transformation spreading across the 36 states of the federation in the wake of bold strategic reforms being carried out by President Bola Tinubu.
Across Nigeria’s 36 states, a now obvious and relentless economic transformation is unfolding—driven by the bold, strategic reforms of President Bola Tinubu.
From Benin City to Birnin Kebbi, Lagos to Lafia, the signs are increasingly clear: the Renewed Hope Agenda is not just about empty political sloganeering—it is a nationwide movement that is empowering state governments to deliver real, measurable progress to their people.
This new wave of development is intentional. It results from President Tinubu’s careful adjustment of Nigeria’s economic structure. The removal of unsustainable fuel subsidies, the unification of exchange rates, and a more sensible debt profile are beginning to stabilise macro-economic fundamentals.
But more importantly, these reforms are restoring fiscal space, rebuilding investor confidence, and enabling subnational governments to act as genuine centres of development.
At their just-concluded strategic retreat in Benin City, governors under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC)—speaking through the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF)—praised the President’s reform agenda for repositioning the states as engines of economic renewal. In their communiqué, they outlined how policies initiated at the federal level are directly unlocking opportunities at the state level: better infrastructure, increased capital inflows, improved public procurement systems, and more robust digital governance frameworks.
These are not mere policy outcomes—they are the foundations of a new kind of federalism: one built on economic coordination, local autonomy, and shared prosperity.
The Renewed Hope Agenda recognizes that national development must be inclusive, decentralized, and people-focused. That is why the Tinubu administration has strengthened fiscal transfers to the states, giving governors the tools to tailor solutions to local needs—whether in agriculture, youth employment, small business support, or social protection. With the right incentives and institutional alignment, governors are now able to translate presidential vision into localized action.
And this alignment is paying off. Across APC-led states, we are seeing a surge in investor interest, fresh public-private partnerships, and a visible commitment to competitiveness and reform. From new roads and industrial corridors to innovations in education and healthcare delivery, the message is clear: the era of passive governance is over.
Certainly, none of this progress can be maintained without security. The President’s strong stance on national security is matched by a renewed push for grassroots intelligence, better coordination, and communitybased policing. The PGF has echoed this, promising to support the federal government’s security framework while enhancing surveillance and staff welfare at the local level.
Importantly, the governors also emphasized the role of local government structures—those closest to the people—in delivering democratic dividends. Reforms to make local councils more responsive, transpar-
ent, and development-oriented are already underway. This aligns with the President’s view that sustainable
transformation must begin at the grassroots. It is also worth noting the political
realignment underway across the country. The recent decision of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, and his Delta State counterpart, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to join the progressive fold, speaks volumes. It reflects a national consensus that the Renewed Hope Agenda is not only working—it is resonating.
The APC’s ability to manage leadership transitions, including the recent resignation of its National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, further underscores the maturity of the party and its institutional resilience.
As we move forward, the message from the Presidency is clear: these reforms, though tough, are necessary - and they are already delivering results. But to consolidate these gains, Nigerians must remain engaged, optimistic, and committed to the national vision.
The road ahead may still hold challenges, but for the first time in a long while, it is a road paved with purpose, discipline, and possibility. President Tinubu’s commitment is unwavering. The support of our governors is firm. And with the backing of Nigerians, the journey toward a more secure, equitable, and prosperous Nigeria is well underway.
-Dare, a presidential media aide, writes from Abuja.
Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has flagged off the distribution of farm inputs and equipment to young farmers and women in Kogi State under the Renewed Hope Initiative Agricultural Support Programme.
Speaking during the inauguration of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Agricultural Support Programme in the Kogi state capital, Lokoja, Mrs. Tinubu said the initiative was part of RHI’s unwavering commitment to supporting women and youth farmers, with the ultimate goal of transforming agriculture and improving livelihoods across Nigeria.
According to her, the initiative encompasses four key agricultural support programmes: the Women Agricultural Support Programme, Youth Agricultural Support Programme, Every Home a Garden Initiative, and the Young Farmers Club.
Represented by the Wife of the Kogi State Governor, Hajia Sefinat Ododo, the First Lady emphasized that the initiative aligns with the broader national agenda of strengthening the agricultural sector in the country.
In her remarks, Mrs Ododo expressed deep appreciation to the First Lady for her leadership and inspiration in empowering the poor and vulnerable.
She noted that the initiative would significantly boost food production and contribute to economic growth in Kogi State.
Her words: “The initiative, which targets women, youth, and students, provides equipment and inputs such as agrochemicals and financial support to enhance agricultural productivity.
“It is part of the state’s commitment to producing sufficient food for its citizens and contributing meaningfully to national food security”.
Mrs Ododo expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to empower these groups, describing the initiative
as one designed to plant hope and foster a brighter future for the community.
She further disclosed plans by her office to launch a data portal to register women agricultural students in tertiary institutions, reiterating her commitment to empowering women and promoting inclusivity.
She congratulated the beneficiaries on receiving the support, which she described as an investment not just in their farms, but in their futures and the overall food security of the nation.
The governor’s wife urged beneficiaries to use the resources wisely and ensure proper maintenance to maximize output and ensure sustainability.
In their separate remarks, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Timothy Ojomah, and his Education counterpart, Hon. Wemi Jones, commended Senator Tinubu
and Mrs. Ododo for their visionary initiative.
Ojomah revealed that Governor Usman Ododo had earlier distributed assorted fertilizers to farmers across the state to boost wet season farming, reaffirming the government’s unwavering commitment to achieving food security in Kogi State.
On his part, Hon Wemi Jones, who was represented by the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Barikisu Omolayo, described the initiative as a strong affirmation of the role of education in nationbuilding and in fostering a prosperous agricultural future.
“By involving our youth today, we are planting the seeds of innovation, responsibility, and food security for tomorrow.
“Our Ministry is proud to align with this initiative and we reaffirm our commitment to supporting all programmes that integrate education with empowerment, productivity, and national development,” Jones stated.
Also speaking, the Desk Officer for the RHI Agricultural Support Programme in Kogi, Mr Abubakar Otaru, disclosed that 33 women would receive multipurpose processing machines.
He noted that 25 women poultry entrepreneurs would benefit from broiler production inputs, including 100-day-old chicks, poultry feed, and wheelbarrows.
Otaru added that 36 youths would be supported in maize and cassava cultivation through the provision of improved seeds, fertilizers, herbicides, and knapsack sprayers.
Several months of nocturnal meetings by prominent politicians in the country, Wednesday, culminated in the adoption of the African Democratic Congress, as the official political platform of the opposition coalition. But can they serve as the muchneeded counterfoil to the allegedly looming one-party state by the ruling All Progressives Congress? Samuel Ajayi writes
Coalition team… on a mission to unseat the president
To some political observers, the recent defections by some governors to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)seemed to have made 2027 a foregone conclusion for President Bola Tinubu. But the emergence of the coalition African Democratic Congress (ADC), might have changed the permutations. Now, the ruling party has a fight on their hands.
WHEN CELEBRATION CAME TOO SOON
If after the defection, quick succession, of the governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, and his Delta State counterpart, Sheriff Oborevwori, to the ruling APC, an average supporter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu felt the 2027 presidential contest was already in the bag, you would be unfair if you did not forgive him or her for thinking so.
But developments in the last one week have shown that no soccer match is ever won before a ball is kicked and no political contest is decided unless votes are cast. It would not be surprising, therefore, if the presidency has been having some sleepless nights recently.
Beyond electoral value in terms of votes, the two states of Akwa Ibom and Delta are among the five richest states in the country. And in a country where deep pockets play a major role in electioneering, top leaders in the ruling party would be salivating politically with the grinning belief that their political negotiating net had captured a big fish.
In the case of Akwa Ibom, the Senate President, Godwill Akpabio, himself a former helmsman in the state, played a major role. There were also the muted whispers that a combination of blackmail and subterfuge had influenced the defection, especially as it related to Delta State.
Defecting with Oborevwori was the immediate past governor of the state, Ifeanyi Okowa.
Not only was Okowa a staunch member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he was the vice-presidential candidate of the party during the 2023 presidential election. Observers, therefore, believed thatOkowa might have been blackmailed into joining the APC to stave off being prosecuted by the EFCC for sundry allegations of financial recklessness against him.
However, while the presidency was still clinking glasses over the capture of these political big fishes, a rude reality check was handed down on Wednesday July 2nd, 2025, when some undoubtable political big wigs led by former Senate President, David Mark; former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar; one time governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi; former governor of Rivers State and immediate past Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi; former Kaduna State governor and one time Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, former governor of Imo State, Emeka Ihedioha, former governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola, former Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, veteran journalist and one time Minister of Youth and Sports, Bolaji Abdullahi,amongst others came together to launch a coalition under the aegis of the ADC.
There was, however, a mild drama before the official launch itself. The original venue was the Wells Carlton Hotel in Asokoro, Abuja. The hotel, owned by late billionaire businessman, Captain Hosa Wells Okunbo, had, at the last minute refused the use of the place citing, some “internal compliance issues”.
Though many in political circles, conversant with the pettiness that usually accentuates the nation’s politicking knew that perhaps, pressure had been put on the management of the hotel to deny them the use of the hotel. However, like the proverbial palace that had to get burnt to earn a facelift, the organisers moved to the Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Central District and it turned to be an even more strategic venue.
MARK MARKED HIS
COMEBACK
Appointed as the Interim National Chairman of the party is a former Senate President, David Bonaventure Mark. A former soldier and one time military governor of` Niger State, there could never have been a better choice than the former Minister of Communications.
Speaking at the launch, Mark said the coalition had nothing to do with election or gaining power. To him, it was about the battle for the democratic soul of the country ominously flirting with oneparty statehood. The open courting of opposition governors, the dangling of poliical carrots and application of subtle blackmail had combined to make even the most apolitical observer feel that the ruling party has zero respect for political pluralism.
Mark said: “Let it be known to all that this coalition of national political opposition groups goes beyond gaining political power. It is a concerted effort to rebuild the crumbling pillars of Nigeria’s democracy.
“Today marks the beginning of what we believe will be a long, difficult and tedious journey. However, it is a journey that we are prepared to undertake, united in our collective belief that no price or sacrifice is too high in the service of our fatherland.”
He was not done. “The blatant destabilisation and infiltration of all major opposition political parties is aimed at achieving only one objective, to enhance total state capture and leave Nigerians with no alternative or options in 2027. This coalition is to prevent our country’s descent into a one-party state.”
CLINICAL DESTABLISATION OF OPPOSITION
Talking about infiltration of opposition parties, the PDP and Labour Party have been embroiled in crises that many know have nothing to do with inability to manage their internal issues but
a blatant external manipulation. The case of the PDP is even peculiar.
For more than two years, the party has been unable to have a substantive National Secretary with two individuals laying claim to the post. That even pales into a child’s pastime withthe antics of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and immediate former governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike.
Wike is claiming to still be in PDP (he even recently stormed one of their meetings) but he is a serving minister under the APC. In a move that has never been seen in the history of politicking and electioneering in the country, Wike said he would do everything possible to ensure the PDP loses the 2027 election and he made it clear that he would work for the re-election of President Tinubu.
However, in the midst of all this, Wike claimed he was still a member of the PDP. Perhaps, anti-party activities have assumed a different meaning as far as politicking in Nigeria is concerned. It is now an open venture.
While Wike carried on with the onerous task of being the political undertaker of PDP, the Labour Party was having its own internal wrangling.
The party has two national chairmen with one of them, Julius Abure, claiming that Peter Obi came to hijack the party in 2023 and that he would expose the former Anambra State governor.
Another factional chairman, Lamidi Apapa, who had disappeared from the scene leaving the party for Abure and the Nenadi Usman-led Caretaker Committee, resurfaced. But he reappeared in April this year claiming that he had taken over the party. He was relying on the certified true copy of the Supreme Court ruling, which set aside the Court of Appeal judgment recognising Abure as the party’s National Chairman.
Many political observers believed that the crises rocking these opposition parties were not ordinary. In fact, the belief in political circles is that these crises were being sponsored by the ruling party, specifically the presidency, to ensure that they were not organised and cohesive enough to present any form of opposition come 2027. If there was no concrete proof to back these up, the antics of the likes of Wike were enough evidence.
Tinubu, a former Lagos State governor, who is now the nation’s chief executive, has often been labeled as master political strategist with cold but calculated political moves. He is also seen as a man who is capable of pulling off any political stunt and is always on top of his game. While all these attributes might be true to some extent, it has also been proven that these were not exclusive to him. Perhaps by now, he might have started realising that others too are as good as he is in the game.
It all started some few months ago when the former governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, announced his move to the Social Democratic Party, SDP. No sooner had he done this than the National Secretary of the party, Olu Agunloye, a former chief executive of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, that there were ploys to kick him out of the party.
In his petition to the IGP, Agunloye said he “petitioned the IG about a person who forged letterhead paper and is threatening to resign.” Ironically, this was the same Agunloye who had been in a seeming political limbo for a long time as he battled to save his head amid allegations of financial impropriety when he was Minister of Power and Steel. But immediately El-Rufai joined, the former Minister of State for Defence quickly found his voice. Not long after, the same voice was lost. The next distraction was the rumoured application to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), by the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), for registration. It was one of the 110 parties that applied to INEC for registration. The social media went agog with the rumour that it was the party those mulling coalition were planning to use to slug it out with the ruling APC.
In fact, Atiku and El-Rufai were claimed to be behind the party. The logo of the party was being shared across social media platforms. But as this was going, another orchestrated confusion set in. Another party with the moniker, ADA, came up. It was called the All Democratic Alliance and was being promoted by one Ahmadu Suleiman as the protem National Chairman and one Zipporah Miracles as the National Secretary. But Amaechi was the real brain behind it.
While the confusion was still going on, the coalition promoters announced the adoption of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as the new party. Apparently aware of the incredible capacity of the Presidency to throw spanner into their works again, credible sources told THISDAY that resignation letters had been extracted from the leadership of the party before the adoption. It was therefore not surprising when the leadership of the party led by Ralph Nwosu, the founding National Chairman, handed over the party to David Mark.
His words: “We all decided to resign so that Mark, Aregbesola and others can lead us to the (Presidential) Villa. We also approved Mark as National Chairman and Aregbesola as the National Secretary of the party. When you look at the two of them and their commitment to this country, you’ll see that this is a new beginning. They will reposition the party and Nigeria.”
NOW THE GAME HAS JUST BEGUN
The emergence of former Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola, as the interim National Secretary of the party could not but have deeper ramifications for political alignments in the Southwest. Many were shocked by Aregbesola’s involvement in the new political coalition with many accusing him of betrayal going by the fact
Hate him or like him, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar remains one political figure you ignore at your own peril. He has not only been around, politically, for 35 odd years, he has also been as constant as the northern star. While many have accused him of political harlotry going by his constant change of political associations, he is arguably the politician with the largest and most organised political structure in the country today. Opinions are sharply divided on whether he should run again in 2027 but it will be foolhardy on the parts of the promoters of the coalition if that is allowed to be an issue in these early days.
The former Minister of Interior is a grassroots politician, organiser and mobiliser. His emergence as the interim National Secretary of the new coalition party was a game changer. A critical party position, he is a major political figure from the South-west and it was a big steal from the political family of President Tinubu.
One attribute of Aregbesola is his incredible ability to organise political engagements and build bridges.
A retired civil servant, Babangida Aliyu served as governor of Niger State between 2007 and 2015. A consummate politician with wealth of experience, he was one of those who threw their weight behind power returning to the North in 2015 and he did not support then President, Goodluck Jonathan, picking the party’s presidential ticket. For the new coalition, Aliyu is another big catch.
The former Anambra State governor shocked many people in 2023 when he pulled over six million votes in that year’s presidential election. Without a known national political structure, Obi rode on a massive wave of support from young Nigerians seeking a total break from the past and a permanent of the old guards. Obi’s support cuts across the country and that support is still active. Many still believe, however, that if Obi had not left PDP to run on the platform of the Labour Party in 2023, APC would never have won the election.
Former Senate President, David Bonaventure Mark, wrote his name in gold when the National Assembly under his leadership came with the Doctrine of Necessity to save the nation from a collapse in 2010. The then President, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, had been sick in faraway Saudi Arabia but he did not commute a letter to the National Assembly officially transferring power to then VicePresident, Goodluck Jonathan.
The former governor of Kaduna State is controversy personified. But one thing you cannot take away from El-Rufai is that he brings intellectual dimension and critical reasoning into political conversations. With an incredible capacity to whip up emotions and stir up the hornet’s nest, El-Rufai will serve as the northern version of Aregbesola in the coalition.
El-Rufai was at the fore-front of power returning to the South after Buhari in 2015 and he played a major role in the emergence of the current president as the flag-bearer of the ruling APC. But he fell out with Tinubu shortly after his swearing-in and they became political foes.
The former governor of Rivers State and immediate past Minister of Transportation, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, is arguably one of the longest serving public office holders in the coalition, having been holding office from 1999 till 2023 when he quit as minister. Whatever misgivings anyone might have about Amaechi, he is one of the bravest in the group and could stand up to anyone regardless of who they are.
that he owes whatever he is today to Tinubu.
But Aregbesola has been having running battle over the control of the APC party structure in the state with his immediate successor and current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola. Oyetola was never Aregbesola’s pick as his successor, he had only obliged him in deference to Tinubu. But immediately Oyetola became governor, Aregbesola was marked
for total political annihilation. Now that Aregbesola is fully in opposition, the game has just begun.
The state is due for another gubernatorial election in 2026. The incumbent, Ademola Adeleke, is seeking a second term in office and is believed to be willing to do business with the APC at the centre so he could get a second term while he works for Tinubu the following year. Ironically, many believed that Aregbesola threw his
An old political war horse, Sule Lamido was the National Secretary of the then Social Democratic Party (SDP), on which platform the late Bashorun MKO Abiola ran and presumably won the June 12, 1993 presidential election.
Lamido was to later serve as the governor of Jigawa State on the platform of the PDP. Lamido is one of the most experienced politicians in the country today and he brings to the coalition an organisational and grassroots mobilisation experience needed in these critical early days.
Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami is the brain behind the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) structure, one of the legacy parties within the ruling APC. He is credited with doing a lot of leg and background work towards the emergence of the coalition. He is said to have looked at the legal loopholes that could be exploited by the ruling party to throw spanner into their works and ensured these were taken care of.
A former governor of Edo State, John Odigie Oyegun, is another big catch for the coalition. Oyegun was governor of Edo State from January 1992 to November 1993. He then joined National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) to fight for restoration of democracy and when the APC was to be formed, he was elected the national chairman after the interim National Chairman of the party, Chief Bisi Akande left. He worked towards the party’s victory in the 2015 general elections and also in 2019.
Another Trojan, who has been around for so long, is Chief Tom Ikimi. This time 35 years ago, Ikimi emerged as the National Chairman of the now defunct National Republican Convention (NRC), before becoming the Minister of Foreign Affairs under the military regime of General Sani Abacha. Ikimi pitched his tent with the PDP in 1998 and left the party to join the APC upon the formation of the party in 2013. One of the most experienced politicians around, he brings that father figure to the coalition.
structure behind him in 2022 against his then party, the APC. This, it was believed, helped Adeleke to defeat Oyetola.
The question is: will Aregbesola throw his weight behind Adeleke again bearing in mind that he (Adeleke) is already ‘negotiating’ with the APC? Indeed, the speculation is that, part of the deal Adeleke had with the president is to not have anything to do with Aregbesola. The other possibility
Tambuwal was a two-term governor of Sokoto State and former Speaker of the House of Representatives. Tambuwal cut his political teeth as a Legislative Aide before being elected into the House of Representatives on the platform of the PDP on which same platform he became governor in 2015. Tambuwal’s emergence as Speaker was not without controversy as his party never wanted him but Mulikat Akande from Osun State, whose political career was cut short by Tinubu, his Southwest brother.
The former governor of Imo State is yet another big catch for the coalition. Ihedioha is an unassuming politician, who seems to detest controversy. He resigned from the PDP over a year ago after the structure of the party in the state was taken away from him. Emeka, as he is fondly called, was one-time aide to Atiku. With him, the coalition and ADC are sure to make strong in-road into the South-East, especially, Imo State.
Fifty-five year-old Senator Suleiman Nazif is former senator representing Bauchi North Senatorial District. In a state dominated by the ruling APC and where the current Vice-President, Kassim Shettima, comes from, he is a big catch for the coalition, especially if the rumoured plan to drop Shettima turns out to be true.
Jibrilla Bindow served as the Senator representing Adamawa North Senatorial District between 2011 and 2015 before becoming governor of the state on the platform of the APC in 2015. He was voted out in 2019 and he seems to have kept his loyalty to Atiku. His joining the coalition is a major boost to Atiku, who needs a strong home base to strengthen the party in the months ahead. Bindow joining the coalition is another loss to the APC.
is for Aregbesola to support another strong candidate who will run on the platform of the now strengthened ADC.
“I think it is going to be interesting,” a political analyst told THISDAY. “Aregbesola remains a very strong political figure in Osun State and he is a massive grassroots mobiliser, who will play a major role in whoever emerges as the next Osun governor. The days ahead will determine. Will he support
Adeleke again? Or he will back a fresh candidate on ADC platform?
Let’s wait and see.”
In the North, some governors and senators on the platform of the APC were being rumoured to be on their way to the ADC, especially those governors not looking for second term in office.
Apart from this, the alleged antiTinubu sentiment in some parts of the North might force even some first term governors to review
and weigh the choices available to them. It seems the 2014/15 scenario is about playing out again when some PDP governors secretly and some, openly, worked for the rival APC going by the political mood in region then. Ironically, a recent poll commissioned by the coalition and which El-Rufai alluded to at an interview with the Arise News TV, revealed the president is doing well in the North West.
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COALITION: OLD HEADS, NEW HEADACHES
JOSHUA J. OMOJUWA writes that where old heads are gathered, headaches are guaranteed
THE TRIAL OF NATASHA AKPOTIUDUAGHAN
The court is the proper place to test the truth of any claim, argues KEN HARRIES
EDITORIAL
AMINU DANTATA (1931 - 2025)
opinion@thisdaylive.com
While the INEC proposal may not be perfect, the work is significant, reckons
The various reactions to the Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s recent proposal for the delineation of electoral wards in the Warri Federal Constituency, could be seen as clear indications of tensions and potential involved comprises Warri North, Warri South, and Warri South-West local government Areas (LGA) or
Itsekiri consider the proposal unfair, decrying that it their numerical strength in the region, particularly in Warri South where they claim they command an has also stirred up once again, the insidious contest for group legitimacy and entitlement, often pushed through age-old competitive claims of which one of
The simmering wave of discontent, particularly among citizens of Warri city, thus has the potential to Warri, the provincial headquarters of the former Delta Province of colonial Nigeria, has earned the infamous nickname, hot zone as a metaphor for a The City of Warri over the years has had far more than
seemingly intractable crisis has resulted in the wanton loss of lives, destruction of property, displacement of
in Warri, are being instigated by local elites, vying for political control of the area, thereby unfairly dragging innocent citizens, many of whom are blood relatives into destructive fratricidal wars, time and in Warri, seemingly more so than anywhere else has the innate desire to work for self-interest, which according to Jawaharlal Nehru, a former Prime fair play but also to the simplest application of logic desire for personal advantage over others, often to the detriment of the common good, the advocates for peace, are losing in the struggle against the din of those who, for self-interest, are beating the drums
cowards and hypocrites, the elites are also the very same individuals who shield their children from harm’s way, shipping them away to safety in foreign countries, particularly those of Europe and America,
Yet as ominous as the situation is, the task of in Warri and environs remains daunting, so much so in an age of easy access to technology and the
to be a lot of ignorance out there, and people need the Warri crisis, information, as factual and as clear especially, for this time around, there is the need to get the people to understand the role of INEC, unfairly characterized in some quarters as villains, in the could demystify the propaganda that the process of delineation is intended to provide some advantages
respond, more forcefully, perhaps in another essay, to correcting many of the false and misleading information, carelessly thrown around to confuse
delineation of wards by INEC as constitutionally mandated, is to ensure that each of the electoral wards in Nigeria is created roughly equal in population, to
through births/deaths and migration over time, electoral boundaries become outdated; redistricting measures are therefore considered necessary to role for INEC should therefore be one of delineating In essence, the purpose of electoral delineation is the need to maintain a fair and equitable electoral system
emphasized for a modern state, in which [legislative bodies]: parliaments, houses of assembly and local government councils are elected by universal adult in the constituency or ward in which one lives
The three Local Government Areas of Warri North, Warri South and Warri South-West as currently
Some view the composition of the councils as unfairly designed to give Itsekiri full political control of the the minority in at least two of the three councils, the Independent National Electoral Commission of Nigeria, had assigned to them more electoral wards
even though many believe that the population of the
the Warri Federal Constituency, the Itsekiri command
electoral units as instruments for manipulating and
The people made several representations to INEC to group of citizens of Warri, commenced a court action, Federal Constituency of Delta State of Nigeria, to set
Western Nigeria Regional Government created a new system of election based on the Local Government
delineated the council area into separate wards to accommodate the interest of people resident in administered by the Warri Township Local Authority, independently of any indigenous body, including the Authority was, however, assisted by an Advisory
Nigeria, must have observed many of the irregularities
provisions, that a man should register where he lived (provided that this was in the Division of which those disenfranchised by this clause could register in
Itsekiri women living in Sapele had no right to register in that town; so, they came to Warri, rather than to the So, too, did many other Itsekiri husbands, who saw pack the Warri Township, and they brought in lorry
with ineligible names, has since then become common practice especially in the less accessible creek areas
one village registered more than twice the number of
alleged that the area had been ‘packed’ with Itsekiri voters by the [opposing political party] Action Group Itsekiri did come in, probably from Sapele, under the •Prof Edevbie is of the Urhobo Historical Society
JOSHUA J. OMOJUWA writes that where old heads are gathered, headaches are guaranteed
ITThe court is the proper place to test the truth of any claim, argues
To accuse individuals,
• Harries Esq is an Abuja-based Communication Strategist
Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA
Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com
Aminu Dantata, billionaire businessman and philathropist, dies at 94
The death last Friday of Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata at the age of 94 marked the passing of one of Nigeria’s foremost and illustrious statesmen. A businessman, respected philanthropist and community leader, he passed away in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, but was buried in Madinah, Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, in accordance with his wishes. “We lost a prominent business mogul, patriot, the growth and development of our nation,” President Bola Tinubu said in his tribute. “Alhaji Dantata will be remembered for his industry, diligence, steadfastness, and great commitment to national unity through his many business ventures and philanthropic activities that touched countless lives of Nigerians.”
We agree with the president on the remarkable life of Aminu Dantata who was for three decades the patriarch of a family that has become synonymous with entrepreneurship since the pre-colonial era. More remarkable is that from being Northern Nigeria’s most prominent businessman, Aminu Dantata transformed into a foremost philanthropist - a rich legacy that he will be remembered for. In the past two decades, he spent billions of naira on schools, hospitals, orphanages, widows, physically challenged persons, mosques and disaster relief.
Aminu and elder brother, Ahmadu took over the family business. Upon the counsel of some British modernising the business, and their children have continued the trend by venturing into transport, property, construction, manufacturing, petroleum, agriculture and banking. In the ensuing decades, they consolidated their name as the pre-eminent face of business in Northern Nigeria. During the postcivil war indigenisation programme of the General Yakubu Gowon administration in the early 1970s, the Dantata Group acquired major shares in previously
Industries. They also went into banking and the oil and gas sector.
In the past two decades, he spent billions of naira on schools, hospitals, orphanages, widows, physically challenged persons, mosques and
disaster relief
T H I S D AY
EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU
DEPUTY EDITOR WALE OLALEYE
MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO
DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU
CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI
EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN
THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE
Born on 19 May 1931, Aminu was one of the 17 children of Alhaji Alhassan Dantata, founder of the family business dynasty. He acquired early Islamic education before attending Dala Primary School, Kano from 1938 to 1945. He then continued his studies at home in a private school that his father built in Alhassan Dantata & Sons where he took on the role of buying agricultural products. In the process, he played pyramids in Kano.
When their father died in 1955, the then young
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA
GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, EMMANUEL EFENI
DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE
DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI
SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI
CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI
DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com
A member of the Nigerian business mission that toured the world in 1961, Aminu Dantata was also a pioneer member of the board of Nigerian Industrial Development Bank (NIDB), now Bank of Industry (BoI) in 1964. Beyond the business environment, Dantata played critical political and public service roles. Elected to the Northern House of Assembly in Development, Trade and Industry in Kano State in Audu Bako’s cabinet until 1973. In 1978, he was also a
However, as many have attested after his passage, the focus of Dantata’s latter life was devoted to how he could be of immediate service to the less fortunate of the nation requires today. We need philanthropists like Dantata who are not transactional in their giving or driven by self-promotion. Genuine givers are driven by altruism and the impact they could make in the lives of others. Aminu Dantata supported worthy causes to make our society a better place for all.
May his soul rest in peace.
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.
LET’S RISE TO PROTECT THE RIGHTS OF EVERY GIRL
We might not know the level of damage child marriage can cause until it happens. In a small village of the Northern region of the country lives a girl called Amina (not real name). Amina already had big dreams of becoming a teacher just at the age of 13. But those dreams were cut
When she clocked 14, she became a mother and had complications of ‘bladder incontinence’ after child-birth and was treated very badly by her husband who later divorced her. Without education, skills, and support system, her voice and dreams were swallowed by the silence of early motherhood and ill health.
Early marriage, also known as child marriage, refers to any legal or customary union involving a boy or girl below the age of 18. In their right to education, health, safety, and development.
In various parts of the world, child marriage is driven by: deep-rooted cultural and religious practices, poverty and economic hardship, gender inequality and the undervaluing of girls, fear of pre-marital pregnancy and the pressure to preserve family honor, and lack of access to education or awareness of girls' rights. The consequences of child marriage are damaging and long-last-
ing: Physical and emotional health risks from early pregnancy and childbirth as in the case of Amina; disruption of education and loss of economic opportunities; increased vulnerability to domestic violence as demonstrated by Amina’s husband; and high rates of maternal and infant mortality, to mention but a few.
In as much as child marriage could be a deep-rooted cultural and religious practices in some places, the end weighs negatively. Nevertheless, this could be prevented. Prevention can start with collective action: Educate girls and keep them in school; enforce and strengthen laws prohibiting child marriage; empower families through economic support and awareness programs to curtail poverty; engage community and religious leaders in advocacy; promote safe spaces and mentorship for young girls.
lions of girls across the globe.
Let’s rise to protect the rights of every girl to learn, lead, and live on her terms in which ever way we can. Speak up, support organizations working on girls’ education and protection so that we can give every Amina the chance to become what she dreams of and more.
•Grace Ehi Ekainu, Kano State
Now that the great Presidential best mates team members are no longer mates there may be some harsh responses.
Musk is looking at opposing Trump favored candidates where as Trump is threatening to deport Musk. The President has stated "We'll have to take a look" in relation to a possible deportation. Just a small question, does the "Alligator Alcatraz" venue have a penthouse suite?
Chinedu Eze
The plan to expand African air travel market is currently being hindered by intrigues and inter-state rivalry by countries that do not want the actualisation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).
These countries, it was learnt, believe that if SAATM is given free reign, as enshrined by the African Union, which enables some airlines in Africa to grow at their expense.
But the major objective of SAATM is to encourage interAfrican travel by developing intra-regional routes for the delivery of goods and services produced in Africa and taken to Africa.
This is expected to grow the economy of the countries on the
continent, create jobs and lead to the development of robust aviation market and stronger African carriers.
According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), SAATM is a flagship project of the African Union Agenda 2063, an initiative of the African Union to create a single unified air transport market in Africa to advance the liberalisation of civil aviation in Africa and act as an impetus to the continent’s economic integration agenda.
The global body optimistically stated that SAATM would ensure aviation plays a major role in connecting Africa, promoting its social, economic and political integration and boosting intra-Africa trade and tourism as a result.
The SAATM was created to expedite the full implementation of the Yamoussoukro Decision. It was flagged off in Nigeria in 2018 and since then no significant advancement has been made in its realisation despite that 27 countries have subscribed to its commitment.
It is hoped that SAATM will create more market for African airlines. Currently the Africa air transport is dominated by European and Middle East carriers, but if the goals of SAATM were actualised, it would lead to the creation of more inter-state routes to virgin destinations, where trade would have been enhanced, as airlines take goods, services and business men and women to such destinations.
Airlines that dominate the African
air transport market include; Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, Air France/ KLM, Ethiopian Airlines, Qatar, Emirates, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and Egypt Air. Among the first 10 major airlines only two are African carriers, while the rest are European and Middle East airlines.
Travel expert and organiser of Akwaaba Africa Travel Market, Ambassador Ikechi Uko, told THISDAY that many countries in Africa do not want SAATM to be implemented in their countries, noting that having open sky for Africa, which allows African airlines to fly to any country on the continent without immigration and airspace barriers, would open up the continent for business. According to him, an airline could
open Kumasi-Lagos route, but the airline that has the capacity to do that might not be allowed because it may not be a Nigerian or Ghanaian carrier; so, this tendency to undermine such possibilities with government denial is the major inhibition to the realisation of SAATM.
“So much will happen in African if SAATM is implemented. For example, Jambo Jet is a subsidiary of Kenya Airways. It has about 62 per cent of the Kenya domestic market. It flies Kigali, Rwanda to Mombasa, Kenya and to Zanzibar, Tanzania. Opening up such routes across courtiers will help Africa grow economically and enhance the growth of African carriers,” Uko said.
According to THISDAY
investigation, there is a seeming dichotomy between French speaking African countries and their Englishspeaking counterparts, especially in West Africa and there is also an indication that some African countries are being teleguided by their former colonial masters. For example, Ivory Coast has stringent conditions against African carriers operating to their airspace. When Air Peace and Asky wanted to operate to Abidjan, its capital, the government introduced very difficult conditions accompanies by outrageous high charges. But Air France, European carrier, has practically free access.
The Nigerian private sector suffered a decline in productivity, which was attributed to slowdown in the pace of expansion in manufacturing production.
This is stated in the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) report of the Stanbic IBTC Bank Nigeria for June 2025, which said that the headline PMI reading fell from 52.7 in May to 51.6 in June.
According to the report, “the rate of output growth eased particularly sharply, slowing for the second
month running to a seven-month low. Sector data indicated that the slowdown in the pace of expansion reflected a fall in manufacturing production as activity continued to rise elsewhere.
“The headline PMI remained above the 50.0 no-change mark for the seventh consecutive month in June. That said, at 51.6, the reading was down from 52.7 in May and the lowest in the current growth sequence. The PMI signalled a modest improvement in business conditions in the private sector.”
It added that “where output rose, respondents linked this to higher new orders and the securing of new customers. Indeed, new business increased solidly in June, albeit here too the pace of expansion slowed and was at a five-month low.”
The report also said that June data pointed to a further sharp increase in overall input costs in the Nigerian private sector.
However, “the pace of inflation eased to the slowest in just over two years. All four monitored sectors posted a slower rise in total input costs during the month,”
the report said.
Commenting on the PMI report, the Head of Equity Research West Africa at Stanbic IBTC Bank, Mr. Muyiwa Oni, said that “business conditions remain in the expansionary territory for the seventh consecutive month in June, but the pace of expansion slowed for the third consecutive month after peaking in March.
“Specifically, the headline PMI settled lower at 51.6 points in June from 52.7 points in May, which is below this year’s average PMI print of 53.1 points.”
Oni also said that some firms noted muted demand conditions in June, while others witnessed higher activity linked to securing new customers and greater new orders.
“Nonetheless, optimism in the 12-month outlook for output surged higher to 83.9 points in June from 70.9 in May – the highest level since August 2022 (85.8 points) and moving much closer to the series average (89.4 points) after a period of historically subdued expectations,” he said.
He explained that survey
participants linked this confidence to hopes that sufficient funding would be available to invest in improving and expanding operations.
Oni remarked that output price inflation slowed for the second month running in June and was the weakest since May 2023. He, however, said that selling prices have continued to rise sharply as firms passed on higher input costs to customers.
Eromosele Abiodun posits that the election of the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Basir Adewale Adeniyi as the Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation Council, is a recognition of his bottom-up approach, dismantling of obstacles to trade and prioritising efficiency in service delivery as the bedrock of trade facilitation and record revenue generation
When he assumed duty as the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), on June 27, 2023, Mr. Basir Adewale Adeniyi, promised to dismantle obstacles to trade and prioritise efficiency in service delivery and as the bedrock of trade facilitation and revenue generation.
Specifically, he said, “No longer shall encumbrances impede trade–we shall dismantle obstacles and foster a new culture of consultations and compliance.”
Also promising to prioritise staff welfare and training, Adeniyi said his administration would work diligently to implement career advancement opportunities approved by the board, and ensure that competence remained the sole criterion for assigning responsibilities and measuring effectiveness.
Adeniyi who took over from the erstwhile Comptroller General, Col. Ahmed Ali (Rtd), who led the service for about seven and a half years, also promised to adopt a bottom-up approach, where the needs of the country would take precedence over everything else.
He said he remained humbled and honoured by the trust placed in him by President, Bola Tinubu, describing it as a call to duty that signifies a great responsibility to serve the nation as trade facilitators and enforcers of government policy.
He said, “Our focus is on cultivating a highly skilled workforce that is equipped to face the challenges of a rapidly changing world. Staff welfare is of paramount importance to us. We acknowledge the harsh and hostile environment in which our officers and men are compelled to function. Therefore, we commit ourselves to prioritise the welfare and well being of our personnel.
“By providing better remunerations, improved accommodation, life insurance, and quality healthcare, we aim to create an environment that supports and motivates our workforce. We understand that a wellmotivated team is instrumental in achieving our aims and objectives.”
It was exactly two years ago last week, June 27th that Adeniyi was appointed Nigeria customs’ boss. In two years at the helm, he has posted record revenue generation, transformed trade facilitation and enhanced staff welfare. Adeniyi has increased revenue collections, consistently surpassing budgetary targets, improved relations with various stakeholders, modernised operations and digitalised processes for effectiveness.
Over the weekend, in recognition of his stellar performance, he was elected as the Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council, the highest decision-making body in global customs administration.
This was contained in a statement by the National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Abdullahi Maiwada. Maiwada added that Adeniyi was elected during the 145th/146th WCO Council meeting held on Saturday at the WCO Headquarters in Brussels.
According to the statement, the election is coming exactly two years after his historic appointment as the Customs boss by President Bola Tinubu.
He explained that Adeniyi succeeded Edward Kieswetter, Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service, making him the first Nigerian to hold the office since the WCO’s establishment.
Reacting to the appointment, Adeniyi expressed profound appreciation to the council members for the confidence reposed in his leadership, describing the moment as both humbling and historic for Nigeria and the African Customs Community at large.
“This honour is not mine alone, it reflects the collective progress of the NCS and the transformative agenda we have pursued over the past two years. I pledge to uphold the core values of the WCO, while promoting innovation, equity, and deeper collaboration among member states in response to the complex realities of global trade,” Adeniyi said.
He pledged unwavering support for the WCO’s ongoing modernisation efforts affirming his commitment to implementing its 2025–2028 strategic plan.
“We are entering a critical phase in the evolution of global trade, where customs must balance facilitation with enforcement, transparency with innovation, and sovereignty with cooperation. I intend to work closely with member administrations and stakeholders to position the WCO as a dynamic, forward-looking institution fit for today’s challenges,” he said.
Adeniyi acknowledged the commendable work of his predecessor, Edward Kieswetter, providing guidance and stability to the council, adding that his leadership laid a solid foundation upon which current reforms can thrive.
The CGC further expressed optimism towards the coming sessions of the council, stressing his readiness to facilitate meaningful dialogue and progress among the global customs community.
The WCO Council is the organisation’s supreme governing body, established by the Convention on
Establishing a Customs Co-operation Council. Its core mandate promotes uniformity, modernisation, and global best practices among customs administrations. All WCO working bodies report to the council, whose policy decisions guide the operations of customs administrations across its 185 member states.
As Chairperson, CGC Adeniyi is expected to provide strategic leadership to the WCO Policy Commission, steering the global customs agenda and facilitating high-level discussions on trade facilitation, revenue optimisation, security, cross-border cooperation, and digital transformation.
Adeniyi, who takes over the leadership of the Council of WCO from Edward Kieswetter, Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service, officially began guiding the global institution on July 1, 2025.
ADENIYI
First to react to the news was the DirectorGeneral of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who commended the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for its ongoing reforms and leadership in customs modernisation and trade facilitation under Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
Okonjo-Iweala lauded Adeniyi’s efforts to align Nigeria’s customs operations with international standards, describing the Service as a continental model in trade and border administration.
“The leadership of CGC Adeniyi has positioned Nigeria as a model for customs modernisation across the continent,” the WTO chief stated. “These efforts are critical to strengthening global trade and ensuring that customs administrations contribute meaningfully to economic development.”
She also noted the NCS’s progress in leveraging technology, improving compliance frameworks, and enhancing border procedures. Dr. OkonjoIweala emphasised the continued importance of addressing complex trade issues such as customs valuation and rules of origin, which are essential for effective and transparent trade facilitation.
Responding to the commendation, CGC Adeniyi expressed gratitude to the WTO Director-General, calling her recognition a major boost to the Service’s ongoing transformation drive.
“We are honoured by Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s remarks. Her acknowledgment of our work is both humbling and energising,” CGC Adeniyi said. “It reaffirms that our reforms—ranging from automation and institutional transparency to digital innovation and leadership renewal—are on the right path. We remain committed to strengthening customs operations in line with global best practices.”
FG
Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu also congratulated Adeniyi, on his unanimous election on in Brussels as the Chairperson of the Council of the World Customs Organisation.
Tinubu said the hoisting of the Nigerian flag at the WCO headquarters in Brussels marks a significant milestone.
“It is the first time the flag has been raised at the organisation’s headquarters since its founding in 1952. This event demonstrates the dynamism of the leadership provided by Adeniyi, who has been the head of NCS since his appointment two years ago. I congratulate the Customs boss for bringing pride and validation to our country and the economic reforms. I urge the new Chairperson of the WCO to live up to the expectation of the WCO Council and even surpass it,” the President said.
President Tinubu thank the Secretary-General and WCO leaders for unanimously electing the Nigerian Customs boss and assures that his government will support his leadership of the Council.
ANLCA: ADENIYI’S EMERGENCE EXPECTED
Similarly, the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), congratulated the NCS boss over his election, as the WCO Chairman.
The licensed customs agents group said it was not surprised about the emergence of Adeniyi, noting that his inspiring leadership capacity, astute administration, key agenda, the reinvigoration of the modernisation of customs processes and efficient implementation of government policies were clear signs that Adeniyi was taking the NCS to a higher pedestal; and invariably, himself as the chief guardian of the new, improved customs service.
ANLCA National President, Mr. Emenike Nwokeoji who was the first to react to the election of Adeniyi said the association and its members are very proud of the CGC and wish him a successful tenure as chairperson of the global customs organisation.
“What has happened shows that in the international stage, Nigeria is not always a push over, and here is another chance that portrays us a capable people and trustworthy partners. It also shows that all we do here is not negative, Adeniyi has again made Nigeria proud. On behalf of my humble self, the leadership of ANLCA and its members, we share in the joy of this moment because, however you look at this beautiful event and development, we feel a sense of belonging, and share in the joy of our CGC occupying the chairmanship seat as partners”, Nwokeoji said.
Also speaking on the development, ANLCA Vice President, Prince Segun Oduntan said the election of the NCS boss into the chairmanship position of the WCO Council is a testimonial that Nigeria’s rating in customs trade and administration meets with global acceptance and respectability.
He said Adeniyi has succeeded is radically refocusing the service, with notable achievements in many fronts.
“You must agree that since he came on board, customs processes have changed for the better,
especially in the area of compliance. He introduced very strong stakeholders’ engagement and customs agents and their importers have seen the need to be compliant.
“It may not be one hundred percent yet but our level of compliance is rising and making customs brokerage becoming more respectable, more professional. You can even say it is helping in the area of economic stability, so kudos to Adeniyi.
“As customs agents, we believe that without us, the customs service is not complete; so also the CGC. We are excited about what has happened, his election into the WCO Council is also a thing of joy for us. We are proud of him and we will continue to support his administration. I also think that under his watch, this government has seen an efficient, focused, result oriented customs service.
“Let us face the fact, no customs administration has made so much impact on the overall growth of the national economy and in the area of helping the federal government achieve set goals. We congratulate him and wish him more strength,” Oduntan said.
Speaking on behalf of Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service, head of the unit, Charles Orbih applauded his boss for his unanimous election as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation Council. The remarkable achievement, he added, marks a historic milestone not only for your distinguished career but also for Nigeria and the entire African continent.
“Your appointment to this prestigious position represents the global recognition of your exceptional leadership vision and the transformative work you have accomplished in modernizing the Nigeria Customs Service over the past two years. The confidence reposed in you by the international customs community is a testament to your unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation in customs administration.
“We are immensely proud to serve under your leadership and witness Nigeria’s ascension to this influential role in global customs affairs. Your appointment as the first Nigerian to chair the WCO Council brings great honour to our nation and demonstrates the world’s faith in Nigeria’s capacity to lead meaningful change in international trade facilitation.
“The officers and men of Zone ‘A’ recognise that this appointment comes with great responsibility and opportunity. We pledge our continuous dedication, loyalty, and support as you navigate this new chapter of service to the global customs community. We are confident that under your stewardship, the WCO will continue to evolve as a dynamic institution capable of addressing the complex challenges of modern global trade.
“Once again, we congratulate you on this welldeserved honour and assure you of our unwavering support as you embark on this distinguished role. May your tenure as WCO Council Chairperson be marked by landmark achievements and meaningful contributions to the advancement of global customs practices,” he said.
In an exclusive interview with MARY NNAH during a recent event in Lagos, Regional Director for South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa at the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC), Kevin Roepke and a U.S. Soybean farmer and Director, United Soybean Board, Robert Alpers, shared their insights on the resurgence of soybean trade between Nigeria and the United States. With Nigeria having imported 62,000 tons of U.S. soybeans between 2024 and 2025, the conversation delved into the impact of the six-year hiatus on both nations, the future of soybean trade, and the potential benefits of this partnership for Nigeria’s protein landscape
Between 2024 to 2025, Nigeria imported 62,000 tons of US Soybeans after a six-year hiatus. How would you describe the impact of the 6-year pause on both nations?
Roepke: Nigeria is a long-term market, and the demographics look extremely exciting. The population growth is well known, with estimates of over 400 million people by 2050. More importantly, the vision of the U.S. Soybean farmers and their long-term investments into markets is inspirational. That’s why we’ve been here for several years and are in it for the long haul. We are in Nigeria with Nigeria, not just for Nigeria, working together with people and the industry to find mutually beneficial collaborations on workforce training and efficiency gains, which could lead to increased commercial activities in the future.
Since the resumption of trade between Nigeria and the U.S, what would you say is the future of soybean trade between Nigeria and the U.S.? Roepke: I think it’s very optimistic, again, for the aforementioned reasons: demographics and urbanisation, but what we are looking forward to seeing is more personal income growth or growth in disposable income. One of the first things consumers do when they get more disposable income is add more protein to their diets, whether that’s poultry meat, eggs, aquaculture, or dairy. Alongside this, they also use more vegetable oil for frying, dressings, and other uses. This bodes very well for soybean demand in the country. Given Nigeria’s low poultry consumption of just over 2 kilograms per capita, compared to over 50 kilograms in other nations, the scope for growth is inspiring.
Could you describe the nutritional challenges faced by sub-Saharan African countries and the impact of malnutrition on children in Nigeria?
Roepke: We are observing a significant protein deficiency in Nigeria, with consumption levels falling short of World Health Organisation recommendations and global averages. This isn’t surprising, given the country’s low poultry consumption. That’s where soybeans come in. The humble soybean solves a lot of problems. It is a versatile solution that addresses protein needs across dietary preferences. Whether you’re a vegetarian seeking plant-based protein or a meat-lover who enjoys poultry, fish, and seafood, soybeans offer a valuable solution. The Right to Protein campaign has been instrumental and effective in building the narrative of increasing awareness and advocating for higher protein diets, especially in protein-deficient markets like Nigeria.
USSEC has been running the Right to Protein campaign in Nigeria for a few years now. Could you explain what it is and its impact so far in the country?
Roepke: One of the proudest aspects of the Right to
Protein campaign is that we’re at the forefront of shifting the global narrative from food security to nutrition security. The world has an abundance of calories, largely driven by wheat, rice, corn, and sugar, but what’s lacking is protein. By reframing the conversation to focus on nutrition security, Right to Protein has led the charge. As a result, protein is now in the spotlight – we’re seeing new high-protein products emerge, and companies are highlighting protein content in their marketing. We’re proud that Right to Protein has been at the leading edge of this movement.
Besides Nigeria, which other countries has USSEC taken the campaign to and why?
Roepke: We are currently running RIGHT TO PROTEIN in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. In the future, we hope to expand even further from there. We are in talks with other markets as well as other countries. But effectively, we are prioritising and looking at markets where there is a protein deficiency.
Beyond the soybean trade partnership, what other areas would you consider very critical and mutually beneficial for both nations, particularly for growth?
Roepke: The poultry sector, I think, is an excellent opportunity, whether it is in the form of chicken meat or eggs. I think eggs are a very elegant solution to many countries’ protein problems. Why? They are affordable, easy to produce, and have a natural shelf life of around 30 days. They don’t need a cold chain, and they can be distributed out to the rural countryside where protein is desperately needed. It’s very efficient.
For five years now, the Soy Excellence Centre (SEC) in Nigeria has been upskilling protein professionals across various learning tracks. Tell us more about this programme and why you think Nigeria needs it?
Roepke: The Soy Excellence Centre is a global initiative. Since we launched SEC – Nigeria five years ago, we have upskilled or helped train over 4,000 people in the Nigerian protein enterprise workforce. I think the real magic of this program is the fact that it’s industry-led, meaning our Regional Advisory Council is a group of Nigerian industry professionals that advise us on the curriculum that they want, on the execution they prefer, and on ensuring that the course remains relevant over time.
That’s why we’re seeing such traction with SEC’s students and the excitement amongst its graduates in our community, or you can think of them as alumni, who continue their education even after they have graduated and received their certificates.
Global trade is experiencing shifts worldwide. How is U.S. Soy navigating these challenges?
Roepke: We feel strongly in advocating and promoting free and fair trade. One thing that we are trying to illustrate across the world is that through advancements in technology, dedication, and investments in farm production and applications, U.S. farmers are the best in the world. This means that the U.S. supply will be available, affordable, and reliable. The U.S. Soy industry is integral in de-risking the supply chain for poultry integrators, soybean processors, and aquaculture manufacturers across the entire world. U.S. Soy’s quality is the most consistent, and its supply chain is the most reliable. We believe that coupling our supply chains with the U.S. Soy industry is the easiest way to de-risk the industry here in Nigeria.
What are the programmes that USSEC has designed to ensure market penetration in Nigeria for soybeans?
Roepke: The CEO Summit is a great example of how we bring together experts from around the world, not just from the U.S., to sit down and engage in deep discussions for a day and a half on major issues. It also explains what differentiates U.S. Soy from other origins. U.S. Soy has several advantages, but the biggest one is that we de-risk supply chains through natural solar drying and slow drying. This creates lower moisture, higher digestible protein, and higher metabolisable energy compared to our competitors. I think it is a real win-win for the protein enterprises here in Nigeria, helping to connect their supply chains with the United States.
How long does USSEC plan to carry on with the RIGHT TO PROTEIN campaign?
Roepke: We are here for the long run. The great thing about the U.S. Soy farmers is that they have a vision for international market expansion. We see Nigeria as a long-term market. When you look at its demographics, urbanisation, and low protein consumption, we get excited. We understand it’s going to be a long-term market, and we’re fortunate to have the support of our members and farmers back in the U.S. to invest here for the long term.
You must have done your critical impact analysis on the campaign. What did you find out?
Roepke: I think one of the most rewarding things we are seeing right now is the way protein foods and companies are leaning into this protein narrative by marketing their products with highprotein ingredients. Looking at the growth of the poultry sectors around the world, we’re fortunate to be seeing very strong demand for animal protein
everywhere. This goes back to leading the charge in evolving the narrative from food security, which was largely focused on calorie intake, to nutrition security, which looks at all macro and micronutrients and ensures the human body has everything it needs.
U.S. soybeans are known for their lowest carbon footprint when compared to soybeans from other origins. What sort of farming practices do you use on your farms to achieve this?
Alpers: We try to disturb the soil as little as possible, so we use no-till farming. Our equipment has evolved over time so that we don’t have to do the tillage that we used to do, and we can still get the seed placed in the ground correctly. We also help prevent erosion and build our soil health by implementing cover crops – different varieties of a green crop that grow before planting in the grain crop.
The U.S. is a bastion for sustainable practice in manufacturing, agriculture, etc, how is your approach impacting the global soy farming?
Alpers: I Am the third generation on our farm. My son has taken over the management, so he’s the fourth generation, and the fifth generation is already out there riding with him, harvesting some wheat. So, it’s very important to us – it’s a business, but it’s also family. We plan on taking care of our resources, with our number one resource being our soil, which is what we depend on. We want to make sure it’s taken care of.
What would you advise Nigeria to do to follow in your footsteps in this regard?
Alpers: I think, despite our cultural differences, the family business is important. I believe families must train and support the younger generation in leveraging what’s happening on the farm, making it better, and ensuring it’s profitable.
How profitable is soy farming for those who would like to embrace it?
Alpers: I’ll be honest with you. The markets have many cycles, and we are in a lower cycle right now. It’s good for Nigeria because it’s a good opportunity to buy from the United States. We just have to plan for these times. Sometimes, we just go through cycles, and this is one of the down cycles. Profitability isn’t as good now as it was a couple of years ago.
Could you share with us some of the innovations in soy farming?
Alpers: We are very fortunate to utilise a lot of technology on our farm, including satellite-driven practices. This has not only improved our efficiency and return on investment but has also helped our bodies. It’s reduced a lot of stress, allowing us to work longer and be more comfortable, making our jobs easier and more automated.
Stories by Chinedu Eze
Africa’s biggest carrier, Ethiopian Airlines on Tuesday started second flight to Nigeria’s busiest airport, the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by key stakeholders in the aviation industry and the federal government of Nigeria was well represented by the Permanent Secretary, the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana.
In a speech, Kana said the federal government welcomed Ethiopian Airlines second flight to Lagos commended the airline for its
steadfastness and commitment to Nigeria.
According to him, the federal government has taken cognisance of the airline’s commitment to Nigeria and promised to continue to give it support, as it has consistently provided flight service to Nigeria, conveying passenger and goods for so many years.
Kana’s speech indicated strong partnership between Nigeria and the airline, which started operating into Nigeria since the nation’s independence.
“When the airline approached us in the Ministry for an increase in frequency, we did not hesitate because Ethiopian Airlines is our
airline, it’s Nigerian airline, as a government, we see Ethiopia as part of Nigeria and we see Nigeria as part of Ethiopia; therefore, for Ethiopian Airlines requesting for an increase at anytime, we shall grant them that approval. I am particularly happy that today, we have 14 flights a week into and out of Lagos, we can only ask for more.
“For us in Nigeria, our dream is to see that Lagos becomes a hub (for West Africa) and in no distant time, I can guarantee you that where we are standing will be a hub for many airlines, Addis Ababa is a hub and Lagos is going to be a hub and Ethiopian airline can launch as many flights as possible.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of a new Governing Board for the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA). All the appointments are effective from 24th June, 2025. The appointment is pursuant to the provisions of Section 5 of the NIMASA Act. According to the Act, the Board is responsible for the determination of the general policy of the Agency with regard to the financial, commercial and operational programme.
Among those appointed by President Tinubu is Iroghama Ogbeifun, the Managing Director/
CEO of Starzs Investments Company Limited, and the Chairman of the Technical Committee of Shipowners Association of Nigeria (SOAN).
Industry experts have seen Iroghama’s appointment as a testament to the discerning vision of His Excellency, and the administration’s unwavering commitment to strengthening institutions, recognizing and enlisting individuals of exceptional merit and proven excellence in critical national assignments.
The appointment of Iroghama comes as no surprise to those who
have closely witnessed her passion for innovation, commitment to excellence, and tireless drive for growth and transformation. Her relentless passion for pioneering new ideas, fostering sustainable growth, and upholding the highest standards of excellence has been a hallmark of her leadership within the Starzs Group. Through her strategic foresight and unwavering dedication, she has also made significant contributions to the advancement of the maritime industry and the emerging blue economy framework in Nigeria and beyond.
Esther Oluku
Nigerian logistics firm, Clarion Shipping West Africa Limited, has pioneered the first Nigerian-owned container shipping line with the acquisition and arrival of MV Ocean Dragon to the Tin Can Island Port, Lagos.
MV Ocean Dragon with IMO number 9508770 arrived Nigeria on July 1, 2025, marking a significant step in indigenous shipping development while creating an opportunity for Nigerians to actively participate on the global maritime business scene.
Speaking during the unveiling ceremony of the vessel which held at Five Star Terminal, Lagos, on Wednesday, the Vice Chairman, Clarion Shipping West Africa Limited, Mrs Bernadine Eloka, explained that the acquisition of the vessel and the company’s expansion into container shipping is part of a broader vision to fill existing gaps in the country’s logistics value chain.
The vessel, she explained, will service the local Nigeria market and the African region offering direct connection to local and continental ports, cutting off delays previously
experienced as a result of indirect transits and risks associated with road transportation.
“Instead of moving cargo containers by road from Lekki to Apapa, Tin Can, Onitsha, Port-Harcourt or Calabar, MV Ocean Dragon can easily hold 349 Twentyfoot Equivalent Units (TEUs) of those containers and take them easily to these locations directly within two days. The vessel is also meant to service African countries like Cotonou, Ghana, Sierra, Leone, even as far as Egypt and South Africa,” she remarked.
Segilola Strengthens Osun Communities with Livelihood Restoration Programme
Segilola Resources Operating Limited (SROL), Nigeria’s first large-scale gold mining company and a subsidiary of Thor Explorations Ltd (Thor), has launched a new phase of its Livelihood Restoration Programme (LRP), reinforcing its commitment to delivering sustainable, long-term value to its host communities in Osun State.
The event, which took place at Iperindo Community New Town Hall, brought together community members, traditional leaders, and local stakeholders.
The distribution marked a significant step in Segilola’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainable agriculture, reduce environmental impact, and foster self-sufficiency within its host communities.
The Livelihood Restoration Programme (LRP), implemented alongside paid compensation for project-affected persons, is designed
to strengthen economic resilience and promote environmentally responsible livelihoods. In 2023, Segilola Resources Operating Limited (SROL) commissioned key LRP initiatives in its host communities, including fish farms and vegetable farms, as part of its commitment to sustainable development. Building on this foundation, the latest phase of the programme focuses on two major agricultural interventions: oil palm high-yield seedling distribution and cocoa rehabilitation.
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)
Lagos is set to host a major convergence of key players in the Nigerian aviation sector, as the 2025 edition of the Airport Business Summit and Expo (ABSE) prepares for take-off from July 15 to 17 at the NIGAV Expo Centre, Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
Reporter Peter Uzoho (Energy) FRIDAY, JULY 4,
The annual event, the only dedicated airport business summit in Nigeria, is designed to spotlight the economic dynamics of air transport from an airport-centric perspective. It brings together airlines, regulators, private investors, airport managers, and government officials to chart a path toward a more sustainable and investment-friendly
airport ecosystem. Organised in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigerian Transport Commissioners’ Forum, and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the summit has as its theme: ‘Investment Opportunities in Airport PublicPrivate Partnerships’.
According to convener of the summit, Mr. Fortune Idu, this year’s edition aims to deepen conversations around attracting private capital into a sector historically dominated by public funding.
Chinedu Eze
The Managing Director/CEO of Aero Contractors Limited, Captain Ado Sanusi, has exposed the benefits and challenges of dry leasing of aircraft, a long-term lease of aircraft whereby the airline (the lessee) takes charge of the maintenance, insurance, crew management and operation of the aircraft.
But the alternative, which is wet lease, the lessor is in charge of the aircraft maintenance, insurance and crew and the lease is usually for short-term.
Issues on dry lease has come to the front burner in the aviation industry because for a long time, over10 years, lessors have blacklisted Nigerian airlines from accessing aircraft dry lease arrangement but with the dexterous efforts of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, Nigeria is at the cusp of resuming dry leasing of aircraft.
Throwing light on the different types of aircraft leasing, Sanusi identified key obstacles as legal and judicial bottlenecks, ambiguity in practice direction and judicial capacity gaps.
“There is renewed optimism within Nigeria’s aviation industry following the recent issuance of Practice Directions by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, spurred by the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo. The new directives are designed to align Nigeria’s legal system with the Cape Town Convention (CTC), thereby improving trust and transparency in aircraft leasing.
“For years, Nigerian airlines have struggled to acquire aircraft under dry lease arrangements—where the airline operates and maintains the aircraft without crew or insurance provided by the lessor. While this is the most cost-effective way for carriers to expand their fleet, several enduring challenges have hindered access. With legal reforms underway, now is the time to examine what still stands in the way and how to pave the road forward,” Sanusi said.
On legal and judicial bottlenecks, Sanusi said despite the Cape Town Convention being domesticated into Nigerian law, its implementation has faced serious roadblocks, which include ambiguity in the practice direction, saying that the guidelines do not clearly define aircraft asset categories or timelines for enforcement and this opens the door to inconsistent judicial rulings and legal manoeuvring through injunctions, ex parte orders and prolonged court appeals.
There are also the judicial capacity gaps, which according to Sanusi, many judges lack the necessary training to handle complex international aviation finance cases. As a result, enforcement can be delayed or inconsistent—leading to a perception of legal risk among global lessors.
Other factors include insurance market constraints. Aero Contractors Managing Director explained that dry leases require adequate insurance coverage, which presents unique challenges in Nigeria, and this include limited underwriting capacity.
According to him, “Domestic insurers do not have the financial muscle to cover multi-million-dollar dry lease risks. International lessors often insist on offshore coverage, creating tension with local insurance regulations.”
This he said, entails high reinsurance costs and to mitigate their own risks, Nigerian insurers depend on expensive reinsurance from global markets—pushing premiums higher and discouraging lease deals.
Sanusi observed that although things have started getting better because of the current efforts of the current government but there is also the residual risks perception, noting that Nigeria’s image in the global leasing market has only recently begun to recover because of the aforementioned efforts of the Minister of Aviation.
Sanusi recalled that past defaults that led to blacklisting of Nigeria has remained a liability on the image of Nigeria in the aviation circles, noting, “Historical incidents of Nigerian airlines defaulting on lease payments—and then using the courts to block repossession—resulted in a blacklisting that the country only recently overcame. Although Nigeria has now been delisted, individual airline reputations continue to play a major role in lessor decision-making.
He also noted that there is global aircraft shortage; so, even if Nigeria resolves its domestic challenges, the international market presents another hurdle, including limited availability of single aisle (small body) aircraft.
“The global post-COVID recovery and rising demand have created a scarcity of narrow-body aircraft, such as Boeing 737s and Airbus A320s.
Nigerian carriers must now compete globally for a shrinking pool of aircraft,” he said.
Sanusi also recommended how these hurdles could be overcome, saying that to take full advantage of the Cape Town Convention and Practice Directions, a holistic strategy is required, which include strong legal framework, clarity on the practice direction, including definitions, asset classes, and that procedural timelines must be spelled out clearly. He recommended a 10-day repossession window, with restricted appeal rights, which would bring Nigeria to be in line with global best practices.
“There should be aviation-specific training for judges or the establishment of dedicated aviation courts. This will significantly improve the speed and reliability of legal decisions. There should be reform on insurance regulations. Recent efforts by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and NAICOM (National Insurance Commission) to allow up to 90% offshore coverage are promising. More reforms are needed to accommodate lessor expectations while protecting local interests. There should be encouragement of collaboration between Nigerian insurers and international firms to expand underwriting capacity and reduce long-term costs,” he said.
Sanusi also said Nigeria should improve its risk management and reputation by promoting transparent airline operations.
“Nigerian carriers must build trust by complying strictly with lease terms, avoiding legal manipulation, and ensuring timely payments. They should engage lessors actively. With improved legal protections and insurance structures, airlines should reach out to lessors, highlighting these improvements and Nigeria’s rising CTC index ranking,” he advised.
To secure aircraft despite global shortage, the former Managing Director of the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) also said there should be a new push for access to finance, noting that institutions such as Afreximbank have shown willingness to fund dry lease acquisitions; so, Nigerian airlines should capitalize on these opportunities. He said there are flexible lease options; that in the short term, there could be combination of wet lease with transitional short-term dry leases, which may be a viable strategy while waiting for availability of aircraft to improve.
According to him, Nigeria is losing a lot by not dry leasing, remaking that the inability to access dry leases comes at a heavy cost, which include high operational costs, as wet leasing drives up costs and erodes airline profitability. It also affects the growth of the airline because without affordable aircraft, Nigerian carriers struggle to expand into new routes or increase frequency on existing ones.
Then there is the foreign exchange drain because wet lease payments in foreign currency contribute to Nigeria’s persistent FX challenges and this has led to high fares, which discourages tourism and trade, affecting wider economic growth and job creation.
“The recent efforts by the Nigerian government and judiciary mark a critical step toward improving access to aircraft under dry lease agreements. However, legal clarity, insurance reform, and airline discipline are still needed to unlock full benefits. The aviation sector’s growth—and indeed Nigeria’s broader economic resurgence—may well depend on how quickly these remaining barriers are dismantled. With political will, industry collaboration, and institutional reform, Nigerian airlines can once again take their rightful place in the global aviation ecosystem—this time with wings of their own making,” Sanusi further said.
A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return.
An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the
floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg. Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
GUIDE TO DATA:
Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 02 Jujy-2025, unless otherwise stated.
Eromosele Abiodun
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Mr. Gbenga Alade, has said that the corporation’s obligors damaged the Nigerian economy, alleging that they never intended to repay the loans they borrowed from various banks.
Alade, who stated this during an interactive session with media executives in Lagos yesterday, remarking that, “Unfortunately for them, we were told of this trend before we assumed office. So, we are not deterred by these antics. Our appointment is a call to serve the motherland, and we will deliver that with all humility and sincerity of purpose.
“Dealing with AMCON’s recalcitrant debtors is not easy, but dealing with such debtors who are in government, holding very high positions across different decision-making portfolios in governance in the country, is one of the most challenging tasks that I have ever faced in my career…”
Alade stressed that AMCON executive management with him in the saddle, will continue to go about our recovery mandate with the fear of God, love of country, “and will follow the rule of law. Please, no matter the skewed narration, these obligors come to give to you in your different newsrooms; kindly take it with a pinch of salt.
“If you recall, the last time we met, we told you there was a ban on asset sales. But today, with the Board is now in place, so, the sale of assets by AMCON has been lifted, and consequently, we have sold some high-profile assets running into several billions of Naira.”
He said Arik Air (in Receivership) is returning to profitability, “and our engagements with AfreximBank are yielding positive results. Aero Contractors is also delivering massive value in the country. As of today, Aero is the only airline in Nigeria with an MRO, and that can only be the result of effective and prudent management.”
He also said that the divest-
ment of Ibadan Disco (IBEDC) is almost completed adding that AMCON would soon hand over the company to the preferred bidder.
Alade added that even as the current leadership of AMCON has stretched the bidders to get the best and most realistic value, there are still some distractions out there.
According to him, “We have also commissioned some foreign asset tracers who will help us locate where some of these obligors have hidden their assets across the globe.”
He said, AMCON’s recovery efforts have been strongly supported by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the judiciary, the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Attorney General of the Federation, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Police, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the National Assembly, and a host of other sister agencies of the government.
Taiwan’s Representative/ Head of Mission in Nigeria, Andy Yih-Ping Liu has described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to the Caribbean nation of Saint Lucia as a landmark achievement in Nigeria diplomacy.
He said, “We, the people and Government of Taiwan, wholeheartedly congratulate President Tinubu for his visions and concrete actions of extending Nigeria’s connection with the Caribbean island state, just like Taiwan has made diplomatically with St. Lucia.
Taiwan (ROC) and St. Lucia, as well as three other Caribbean island nations, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Haiti, have long established diplomatic relations with full-fledged Embassies setting in each other’s capitals. “Our diplomatic presence of Embassies, together with Development and Technical Aid of medical, agricultural, women and youth empowering, trade and investment strengthening, sustainable development, etc., have truly
assisted St. Lucia as well as other Caribbean nations to grow well economically and socially. During President Tinubu’s visit, we are certain His Excellency would have toured some facilities jointly developed by the Taiwanese government and St. Lucian authorities. We’re proud to offer our helping hands that produce fruitful results, and we certainly welcome wholeheartedly that Nigeria will also be joining this humanitarian and economic collaborations in the Caribbean area.”
The University of Lagos (UNILAG) received a significant boost to its academic infrastructure with the refurbishing of its research laboratory equipment by the management of Vitafoam Nigeria Plc under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
The Group Managing Director, Vitafoam Nigeria Plc, Mr. Taiwo Adeniyi, at the Unilag campus in Lagos said the company had always thrived on making sure it gives back to the society through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
He noted that Vitafoam Nigeria, listed on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) had the responsibility to the environment and giving back when the need arises.
He said, “We found Unilag a worthy partner and then we found this particular laboratory that provides access to five departments of the faculty. By refurbishing this lab, we are covering a larger percentage of students.”
The Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, who was represented by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics & Research) of the University, Prof. Bola Oboh-Oboh commended the management of Vitafoam Nigeria for consistently showing commitment to assist the University.
According to her, Vitafoam Nigeria has completed a world -class laboratory used by students
in the new faculty of life sciences.
“The faculty comprises five departments- Botany, Self-biology & genetics., Marine Science, Microbiology and Sociology. The students in those departments from year one to four and those in the faculty of education, especially Biology education, always use the laboratory,” he said.
She, however, called on the students, and lab attendants to maintain the facilities donated by Vitafoam Nigeria.
Speaking also, the Dean, Faculty of Physical and Earth Sciences, Unilag, Prof. Olayinka Taiwo-Asekun, commended the management of Vitafoam for turning the lab to a world class facility.
The Executive Secretary/ CEO of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), Mr. Kamar Bakrin, has assured critical stakeholders in the Sugar industry that the council is working tirelessly to remove every impediment affecting the full production of sugar in the country.
Speaking at a tripartite meeting involving the agency, alongside the Ministry of Industry, Trade and investment and the major BIP operators, the NSDC boss said the Council has elevated
performance monitoring and oversight of the Backward Integration Programme (BIP) operators beyond what the Sugar Industry Monitoring Group (SIMOG) used to do.
According to him, NSDC under his watch has emphasised robust, one-on-one, physical and virtual engagement with the operators, giving them targets and following up on deliverables.
On the feedback he has obtained from the operators, Bakrin, told the gathering, chaired by the Minister of State for Industry, Senator
John Owan Enoh, that: “The operators have complained about the existing loopholes in the free trade zone regime, which they believe certain participants in the NSMP have exploited.
“They also cited delays in the clearing of equipment at the ports, smuggling of sugar into the country, and host community resistance to the expansion of their BIP programmes as the primary causes of the delays in their BIP execution. The loopholes in the FTZ regime are being addressed by the ongoing amendment of the NSDC Act by the National Assembly.”
Kayode Tokede
Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group), yesterday said it has signed a multi-billion-naira funding agreement with DEG Impulse gGmbH, a subsidiary of the German Development Finance Institution, DEG - Deutsche Investitions-und Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH, part of KfW Bankengruppe, to commence the implementation of its flagship NGX Net-Zero Programme (N-Zero).
The recently signed agreement in Cologne, Germany, marks a major step forward in NGX Group’s efforts to strengthen climate resilience and promote low-carbon development across Nigeria’s private sector. The multibillion-naira funding was secured under DEG Impulse’s develoPPP programme, which supports innovative private sector initiatives with high development impact.
N-Zero is designed to support businesses with the tools, frame-
works, and technical guidance required to set, validate, and achieve science-based emission reduction targets. It aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and the global goal of limiting temperature rise to 1.5°C. By bringing together global climate partners, including implementing partner Africa Foresight Group (AFG), NGX Group, through N-Zero, will assist companies in developing credible transition plans and carbon projects that generate
verifiable carbon credits, thereby supporting economic resilience, promoting green investments, and contributing to a decarbonized future.
The Group Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of NGX Group, Mr. Temi Popoola in a statement said:“The signing of this agreement with DEG Impulse marks a significant milestone in our sustainability journey. This partnership demonstrates strong confidence in our vision to drive
sustainable finance, build a climateconscious private sector in Nigeria and champion climate action across Africa.
“Through N-Zero, we aim to translate ambition into measurable impact by reducing emissions and positioning Nigerian corporates to benefit from emerging opportunities in the global carbon market.”
Group Chairman of NGX Group, Alhaji (Dr.) Umaru Kwairanga in a statement also added that, “This initiative represents a bold step
toward positioning NGX Group at the forefront of climate leadership in Africa. As we activate the N-Zero Programme, we reaffirm our longstanding commitment to innovation, sustainable development, and creating long-term value for the Nigerian economy. It is our firm belief that capital markets must play a central role in delivering climate solutions, and this partnership is a model for what is possible when global institutions collaborate with local expertise”.
In what was his first visit to Nigeria after he announced plans to give away $200 billion to end preventable deaths of mothers and children, eradicate deadly infectious diseases, and lift millions of people out of poverty, Bill Gates, Chair of Gates Foundation, last month, reiterated his call for innovative African-led solutions to drive health, equity and economic impact in Nigeria and Africa. Speaking to ThisDay and a select crop of reporters, the Gates Chair, in a recent media roundtable which took place ahead of the first ever Lagos edition of the Goalkeepers event, harped on the transformative power of AI and innovation to tackle health and economic inequalities in Nigeria and across Africa. Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that he also tackled questions on innovation, global hunger, health access and equity, partnerships, Primary Healthcare, vaccine coverage and the distrust around it, maternal deaths, and most importantly, why the 200 million dollars he pledged to donate for the next decade will have a large portion of that focused on the African continent
Your background is not originally in health, yet you’ve become one of the most vocal advocates for primary healthcare. Why did you decide to focus on this area as a central part of your presentation? What sparked the commitment?
What really drove me was the data I encountered. The statistics were alarming. For example, attendance at primary care was barely 10 per cent. Access to both primary and secondary care was just around 25 per cent, far below the expected 90 per cent. Immunisation coverage was at 14 per cent and in some areas, as low as 3.5 per cent. Meanwhile, the number of out-of-school children was around 580,000.
When I looked at those figures, it became clear that I needed to prioritise both health and education. I knew we had to reach people in underserved areas. That’s what led me to commit to upgrading the primary healthcare system.
Initially, I set a target to commission one primary healthcare centre per week. We managed to scale that up — we now commission two centres per week. We’ve rehabilitated close to 150 centres, and we’re still expanding. This was a deliberate decision because I knew that without access, we wouldn’t achieve meaningful results.
The outcome has been promising. Today, immunisation coverage has increased to about 50 per cent and access to primary care is now between 40 per cent and 45 per cent. We’ve also improved maternal and child health outcomes. Mortality has declined, absenteeism among health workers has reduced, and we’ve motivated staff better. But of course, challenges remain — and we’ll get to those shortly.
You recently made a landmark commitment to spend $200 million over the next decade, with a large portion of that focused on the African continent. What inspired this, especially at a time when foreign aid to Africa is declining? And how will the Gates Foundation ensure that this investment strengthens local institutions?
The Gates Foundation began in 2000 with the belief that all lives have equal value. I started by asking: Why are children dying? What do they die of? Where do they die?What I found was shocking. For instance, in northern Nigeria, a child is 50 times more likely to die than in a high-income country. And that’s without war — it’s one of the worst places in terms of child and maternal survival.
I looked around and asked, are medicines being made cheaper? Are they being tailored for the people who need them most? Are we investing in new tools for malaria or child survival? Back then, the answer was mostly no. That motivated us. Over 70 per cent of the $100 billion we’ve spent in the past 25 years has gone to global health. We’ve built strong partnerships across Africa, including Nigeria. We work with governments, because they are ultimately responsible. Our role is to help accelerate progress.
Improved health drives economic growth. You see that in Asia — when countries invest in health, they grow faster and become self-
sufficient. We believe African countries are heading in that direction. So our focus is to help speed up that journey, identify local challenges, and find solutions through partnership.
In 25 years, childhood deaths have dropped from nearly 10 million to under 5 million globally. I believe we can cut that in half again. Yes, foreign aid is shrinking — unfairly so, in my view — but the gains we’ve made are incredible.
Tools like cheaper vaccines for rotavirus and pneumococcus, malaria treatments, and prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission — all that has made a huge difference. We also track vaccine coverage closely. Some African cou ntries now outperform the U.S. in that regard. If we can spread best practices across countries, we can do even more.
You’ve also spoken about the importance of performance and accountability in healthcare delivery, especially in rural areas. What measures are you putting in place to ensure that health workers are doing their jobs?
Yes, performance is critical. In some places, health workers were not even showing up to work regularly. That’s why we introduced biometric systems to monitor attendance and improve accountability. But beyond that, the issue of funding was also key. When we came in, the budgetary allocation to health was only around 3.5 per cent. We’ve scaled that up significantly — to between 20 per
cent and 40 per cent in some areas.
This has allowed us to align resources properly and give our workers the support they need. It’s not just about having money, it’s about how you spend it — and we’ve tried to ensure that every bit of energy and funding is used effectively.
Given that these budget constraints in many African countries, are you still hopeful that real change can happen?
Absolutely. Even with tight budgets, when countries focus on workforce performance and primary healthcare, we see results — fewer childhood and maternal deaths, better nutrition rates. AI is also playing a role. Not just global AI, but local African entrepreneurs are developing AI solutions tailored to their own needs.
Africa is getting richer. Rich countries will return to offering support, and new tools — like those for sickle cell disease — are emerging. So, when you combine innovation and growth, I believe the next 20 years can outperform the past 25.
There’s also talk about moving from demand to production — from relying on imports to producing locally. Is that feasible?
It must be. Look at what we’ve done in other sectors. In petroleum, we built a refinery with a capacity of 650,000 barrels, the largest of its kind. In May alone,
we exported 400,000 metric tonnes of petrol. If we can do that in oil, we can do the same in health. We must stop medical tourism. We must produce our own drugs. If any of us fall sick — myself included — we shouldn’t have to go abroad for treatment. We also need strong partnerships to get this done.
Yes, our partnership has covered everything — from fighting polio to improving primary health care. We’ve worked not just in Nigeria but in neighbouring countries too. Having leaders who understand their country deeply helps us tailor solutions that work. That’s what makes the work fun and impactful.
Finally, what advice would you give to other governments and to young people in Nigeria?
I’d say, understand yourselves and your environm ent. Recognise your challenges and find homegrown solutions. We have the talent. Use your government role to unleash it, use innovation like AI, and engage with global partners. But the will and the sustainability must come from us. What’s amazing about Africa is its youth. This continent will account for more than half of all births this century. Cities like the one we’re in will be the largest in the world. That youth is Africa’s power. Whether it translates into real progress depends entirely on the decisions we make in the next 20 years — especially around health and education. If we get those right, the future is extraordinary.
Akah has left an indelible mark on the fintech landscape in Africa. Recently, she launched her captivating memoir, “Two Decades and a Dream”, a powerful reflection of her journey.As the Chief Customer Success Officer at Interswitch, she has b een instrumental in shaping the company’s vision and driving innovation.Through her NGO, Africans Build Africa, she has empowered countless young Africans to become solution-driven leaders, making her memoir a timely and inspiring call to action for a new generation of leaders; a reflection of her impact that has grown over two decades of her career.
In a continent bursting with untapped potential, one woman’s remarkable journey shines like a beacon, illuminating the path for others to follow. Oremeyi Akah, a trailblazing force in Nigeria’s fintech industry, has just unveiled her captivating memoir, “Two Decades and A Dream,” a vibrant chronicle of her unwavering dedication to unleashing Africa’s immense potential.
The book launch, held at the prestigious Four Points by Sheraton in Lagos, was a joyous celebration of Akah’s inspiring journey, from her humble beginnings to her current role as Chief Customer Success Officer at Interswitch. Her story is a masterclass in resilience, determination, and growth, motivating a new generation of Africans to rise, lead, and leave an indelible mark on the continent.
Akah’s husband, Ejimofor Akah, CEO of Iwemi Publishing, eloquently described the book as a reflection of Africa’s boundless potential, highlighting the continent’s vast resources and human capital. “Africa will thrive,” he declared, emphasising the importance of Africans taking charge of their destiny and harnessing their collective brilliance. “We must open our eyes and take advantage of the potential that we have in Africa to build ourselves. Africa is ours. It’s not for any other person. It’s for us. So we have to build it.”
For Oremeyi Akah, the book is more than just a memoir; it’s a passionate call to action.
“It’s a call to every one of us to look within, to birth solutions that make a lasting impact,” she said, her words echoing with conviction. “I believe that it will take Africans to build Africa. We are not waiting for anyone to come and do it for us. We are taking charge of our destiny, and we are building our future.”
Her remarkable journey, marked by groundbreaking achievements, including being the first electronic payment certified trainer in West Africa, serves as a powerful illustration of the transformative power of vision, hard work, and unwavering dedication. “I studied engineering as my undergraduate, and at that time, the IT industry was just popping,” Akah recalled. “And I was, thank goodness, mentored by one of my cousins, who basically directed me in that line to go into IT.”
Akah’s journey has not been without its challenges. She spoke candidly about the setbacks she faced while writing the book.
“Of course, every great thing has a setback. I started writing this book about three years ago. It was just a concept. The first setback was trying to structure the book. But I had friends
who gave me advice along the way. Today, for every chapter, we have a contributor, a leader in their own space, who agrees to write a part of every chapter.”
Despite the challenges, Akah’s determination and perseverance have paid off. Her book embodies her hard work and dedication. “I would say that in writing this book, I was able to draw on the people who have supported me through growth. And I would say that as you grow in life, it’s very important to keep and maintain the right relationships.”
The book’s launch is intricately linked to the noble work of Africans Build Africa, the NGO founded by Akah, which aims to empower African youths to become innovative, solution-driven leaders.
Proceeds from the book will support the NGO’s initiatives, including sponsoring less-privileged children to access quality education and unlocking their potential. “Our vision is to tie it to the impact on
lives. When you buy this book or support the work of this book, you are not just buying a book that’s going to sit in your library. You are contributing to a vision that matters”, Akah explained. Akah’s passion for giving back to society is evident in her work with Africans Build Africa. “We had our very first programme in 2019. We had a large children’s Nigerian concert, themed ‘My Nigeria’, where we showcased the culture, dressing and dance of so many tribes. The major the minor tribes in Nigeria. We had over 700 children in attendance.”
Ayodeji Adelabu, Executive Director of Standard Chartered Bank and a close friend of the author, warmly praised Akah’s passion for giving back to society. “I’m excited to be part of what is happening today. Oremeyi is taking time to curate her journey in over 20 years. So underneath the book or underpinning the writing of the book is her passion to give back to
society. To have her experience documented and to also tell a story of how her drive to bring solutions to problems has brought her to where she is today.”
Adelabu further emphasised the significance of Akah’s story, saying, “On that journey are mountains that she’s had to surmount, challenging paths along her way. But she’s come to tell the story of how all things are possible to him who believes. And from all the things she said, you can see clearly that she has a firm belief in the ability of God to bring forth the deposit of the potential on the inside of her.
“So this book, I’m sure, is inspiring this generation and the next and several people to bring their best foot forward to impact Africa, particularly. And that is a word that has resonated strongly with all of today’s events. It’s about Africa. It’s about Africans bringing solutions to Africa. And ultimately, the world will come to learn from Africa. And this is a documentary of how that is possible”, Adelabu noted.
with Lanre Alfred
…truth behind the headlines, conspiracies, cover-ups, trials and triumphs
Oh, trust Mike Adenuga to steal the show without even trying. One moment you’re clinking glasses at Bright Igbinedion’s birthday bash in Lekki, casually chatting over canapés and highlife music, and the next—bam! The Bull strolls in, unannounced, unbothered, and unmistakably majestic in that signature quiet swagger that only he can pull off. No fanfare. No flashing cameras. Just a low murmur of, “Wait… is that Mike Adenuga?” And yes, it was.
You could almost hear the collective gasp ripple through the crowd. Because when the ever-elusive Chairman of Globacom decides to leave his fortress of privacy and grace your party, it’s not just an appearance, it’s an event. It’s the kind of rare sighting Lagos society lives for. And there he was: glass of whiskey in hand, trading warm smiles with the Igbinedions, moving like a man who knew exactly how to be both present and mythical.
Suddenly, it wasn’t just Bright’s birthday anymore. It was the night Mike Adenuga came out to play. And trust me, Lagos is still talking.
There’s something spellbinding about Mike Adenuga’s silence. Not just the absence of noise, but the careful, calculated hush of a man who understands the power of mystery. For years, we’ve whispered about him in the corridors of wealth and power, wondering where he is, what he’s doing, and who has been granted the rare privilege of his company. And then, like a ripple across still waters, he appears—effortlessly stylish, glass of whiskey in hand, draped in a quiet charisma money simply cannot buy.
So imagine my surprise, and that of the entire Lagos social radar, when the man himself, Dr. Mike Adenuga, one of Nigeria’s richest magnates, the elusive “Bull” of Nigerian enterprise, stepped out into the social spotlight again, this time at the intimate birthday celebration of Bright Igbinedion. The venue? The celebrant’s tastefully curated mansion tucked in the lush heart of Lekki, Lagos. The mood? Leisurely opulent. And there, amidst the chandeliers and the soft rustle of expensive linen, was Adenuga, fashionably decked in a simple yet striking ensemble, complete with a pair of designer sneakers that hinted—just barely—at the playfulness behind the mogul’s notoriously guarded exterior.
Yes, Mike Adenuga came to party.
It wasn’t his first public appearance in recent times. Only a few weeks earlier, he was spotted on a private visit to the newly elected President of Ghana, His Excellency Joseph Boakye Danquah IV—a longtime friend. The optics were subtle, yet the message was loud: The Bull is moving differently. This is a man who has built his empire behind fortress-thick curtains, whose reputation has flourished in whispers and whose name draws more gasps than photographs. And now, for reasons only he fully understands, he’s letting us glimpse the spectacle—just a little.
Just enough. At Bright Igbinedion’s birthday celebration, Adenuga didn’t just attend, he inhabited the room. He moved with the kind of ease only true power can afford: saying little, observing much, sipping quietly from a heavy-bottomed glass of whiskey, and exchanging nods and smiles with the familiar warmth of old friendship. He is extremely close to the Igbinedion family, and this wasn’t just a courtesy call—it was a gesture of kinship, a show of enduring bonds carved over decades of shared history and mutual respect. But here’s the thing about Mike Adenuga: he doesn’t need to speak loudly to be heard. In fact, he rarely speaks at all. And that, right there, is the masterstroke. Unknown to him—or perhaps entirely by design—his refusal to feed the spotlight is what makes him so dazzling within it. He shows up only when it matters, and when he does, the entire room leans in. I know I did. Everyone wanted a look, a handshake, a confirmation that this reclusive billionaire was not just real, but present. And not only present, but stylish, charming, and, dare I say, cool.
It’s the paradox of Adenuga’s public life: the less you see of him, the more you want to. He thrives on that savvy exclusivity—the calculated distance, the enigmatic stillness, the suggestion that you can have all the glitz, he’ll take the grit. He doesn’t chase virality, and yet he remains a perennial headline, not for what he says, but for what we say about him. In a society obsessed with visibility, his absence has become a kind of social currency.
I’ve always believed that the most powerful brands are the ones you don’t see coming. And Mike
Adenuga, whether in business or in life, is a brand sculpted by restraint. He doesn’t throw parties; he builds empires. He doesn’t grant interviews; he grants opportunities. Globacom, Conoil, and his deep yet discreet involvement in philanthropy all speak of a man who prefers to write history in permanent ink, not headlines. His money doesn’t scream—it echoes. It lingers. And when you think it’s gone, it shows up again, this time as influence, access, or inspiration.
That’s why when he appears, like he did at Bright Igbinedion’s party, we notice. Not because he demands our attention, but because his brand has taught us that attention to him must be earned. It’s not every day you catch a glimpse of a man who has successfully built and defended a fortress of privacy in an age of relentless exposure. Adenuga’s brand is sui generis—in a class of its own. Unreplicable, unreachable, untouched by the noise of modern celebrity culture.
And yet, for all his mystery, there’s something disarmingly human about his recent public appearances. Seeing him laugh with friends, toast to a loved one’s new chapter, and lean into old relationships with the relaxed air of a man at peace with his legacy—it was almost cinematic. There was no entourage, no media spectacle, no forced grandeur. Just The Bull, a birthday, and the easy grace of a billionaire who knows exactly who he is.
It makes me wonder: is this a shift in posture? Is Adenuga, at this stage in his life and legacy, beginning to embrace the public space he’s long held at arm’s length? If so, then we may be witnessing a quiet redefinition of what it means to be powerful in Nigeria. Not by the noise you make, but by the silence you
command. Not by the walls you build, but by the doors you choose—deliberately—to open. I’ve watched many of Nigeria’s tycoons attempt reinvention, but Adenuga never needed to reinvent. He simply needed to reappear. And now that he has, we’re reminded of why we’ve always been fascinated. Not just by his wealth, but by his will. Not by his presence, but by his absence. And not by what he shares, but by what he withholds.
Even his fashion choices that night betrayed a wink to the times. Those tiger sneakers weren’t loud, but they weren’t invisible either. They were precisely on-brand: bold, deliberate, just enough flair to hint at the man beneath the myth. It was a silent sermon on style and substance, the kind only a man like Adenuga can preach without saying a word.
But don’t let the occasional appearance fool you. He’s still the same Adenuga—obsessed with results, allergic to noise, uninterested in being misunderstood, and completely unbothered by the optics of popularity. He moves when he wants to, how he wants to. That’s the brand. That’s the message. And that’s why we keep watching, writing, whispering. For a man who built his fortune on the back of deep insight and disciplined silence, these rare public cameos are less about celebration and more about curation. He curates his presence like a luxury item: limited edition, high demand, low supply. And in that calculus of scarcity, he’s made himself priceless. What people don’t understand is that Adenuga’s brand of privacy is not withdrawal; it’s control. He’s not hiding, he’s choosing. He’s not absent, he’s exclusive. And in a culture that has blurred the lines between relevance and overexposure, he stands as a masterclass in restraint. Yes, he is reclusive. But it’s the kind of reclusion that draws, not repels. That stirs conversation, not suspicion. And so, every room he walks into becomes a scene. Every birthday party, a headline. Every photograph, a collector’s item.
We left Bright Igbinedion’s party that evening with a quiet smile. I had witnessed something rare, not just the celebration of a man, but the subtle, soft-edged performance of another. The Bull had tiptoed into the frame, stylish and smiling, and just as quietly, he disappeared again into his fortress of discretion. But not before reminding us all why we never stop talking about him.
It’s not just because he’s wealthy. It’s because he’s special. He has made himself rare. And in doing so, he has made himself unforgettable.
So if you ask me what the real headline is, it isn’t that Mike Adenuga showed up. It’s that he still knows exactly when and how to do so. Not too much, not too little—just enough to remind us that power, real power, doesn’t beg to be seen. It chooses when to be witnessed. And when it does, we pay attention. Every single time.
By Femi Salako
On the bright morning of June 28, 2025, Hon. Prince Henry Odi Okojie stood before an energized crowd of supporters, leaders, and beneficiaries at Okpujie Primary School in Uromi. It was the final day of a three-day mega empowerment event marking his two years in office as the Honourable Member representing Esan North East and Esan South East Federal Constituency. With warmth and humility, he addressed the gathering: “Thank you for your trust… for your patience…for walking this path with me—not just as constituents, but as partners in progress.”
This spirit of partnership has defined Hon. Okojie’s approach to governance. Since taking office, he has pursued a brand of leadership that balances articulate representation on the floor of the National Assembly with practical, people-centered impact across his constituency.
At the legislative level, Hon. Okojie has proven himself an advocate for infrastructure, health, and education. He consistently pressed for the rehabilitation of key federal roads linking Ewu, Uromi, Agbor, Auchi, and Benin—arteries crucial for trade, health access, and regional mobility. His motion on full implementation of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund, along with a push for better Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) standards, demonstrated his commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare framework. Notably, he stood firm on the urgent need to abolish the unjust denial of emergency treatment to accident or gunshot victims lacking police reports—a move that earned him commendations from civil rights advocates.
In 2023, he introduced bills proposing the establishment of a Federal College of Education in Ugboha, a Federal Medical Centre in Uromi, and a National Institute for Agricultural Research in Oria. These initiatives, designed to anchor long-term educational and health development in Esanland, reflected his foresight and legislative depth. His proposed Flood Management Board bill and amendment to the National Steel Council Act further revealed a broad grasp of Nigeria’s infrastructural and industrial challenges. Yet for all his work in Abuja, it is on the streets, farms, and classrooms of Esanland that his presence has been most deeply felt. Over the past two years, Hon. Okojie has facilitated over a thousand conditional grant opportunities for women and youths. Hundreds more have benefitted from N-Power enrollment, start-up grants, and skill acquisition programmes in areas like organic farming, cassava processing, poultry, and fisheries. His empowerment efforts have been guided
not by charity, but by a belief in potential—a philosophy that resonates through his oft-repeated phrase: “Support is not charity. It’s belief in your potential.”
In education, his impact has been equally profound. Nearly 4,000 students were supported with JAMB registration, while 150 student nurses and midwives at St. Camillus received full exam sponsorship. A block of six classrooms was constructed at Eguare Primary School in Ewatto, and a two-unit ICT-powered classroom was built at IdumujeEguare. These were not just physical structures, but deliberate investments in a new generation of Esan minds. Healthcare, too, has witnessed remarkable interventions. The construction of a primary healthcare centre in Ugboha and another in Uzea, along with routine medical outreaches providing free diagnosis and treatment, are easing the burden on rural families. Simultaneously, Prince Okojie’s push for improved access to clean water led to the drilling of solar-powered boreholes in Eko-Ibadin, Idumu-agbala, Oria, and Emu.
Esan streets are now brighter and safer thanks to his solar street-light initiatives, which have transformed over 90 sites across communities including Uromi, Ubiaja, Afuda, and Ewohimi. Roads that were once impassable have been opened up or rehabilitated, such as the 2.1-kilometre expansion around Uromi General Hospital and the flood control structures built on Onewa Road and Ebhoiyi. Meanwhile, a new open-stall market in Uzea and a motor park fitted with solar lighting are driving commerce and daily economic activity.
Beyond infrastructure, Hon. Okojie has quietly opened doors for individuals, helping scores secure
federal employment and appointments across national agencies—from the civil service to health institutions and law enforcement. Each success story adds to a growing list of citizens whose lives have been changed through his personal commitment.
The recent three-day event in Esan was not just a celebration but a reaffirmation of his covenant with the people. Day one was marked by the commissioning of completed projects. On day two, over 1,000 women received business support grants at the Uromi Town Hall. And on the final day, youth empowerment activities took centre stage, with tools, machines, and grants disbursed to help young people chart new economic paths.
As he begins the next phase of his term, Hon. Prince Henry Odi Okojie is already thinking beyond the present. He has vowed to deliver more educational support, complete the health and agricultural institutes he championed, and continue pursuing people-focused legislation. “I’ll return to Abuja not for recognition,” he declared, “but to keep delivering—because our people deserve the best.”
Two years in, the evidence of his performance is visible across Esanland—in the lit streets, modern classrooms, accessible water, functioning health centres, and empowered citizens. In a political climate often marred by broken promises, Prince Henry Odi Okojie stands out as a lawmaker who matches words with work.
“You stood by me,” he told the crowd with emotion, “now I stand with you.” In Esan North East and South East, it is clear that the journey of progress is just beginning.
Commissioning of Dualized and Upgraded Ushafa to War College/Army Check Point Roads and other Ancillary Roads in Bwari Area Council on Wednesday
Nume Ekeghe
The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) has approved a $100 million facility to support the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, as part of a broader funding package aimed at deepening regional integration and stimulating industrial development across West Africa.
This was among several key decisions made at the bank’s 92nd Ordinary Session, held on June 30, 2025, where the Board of Directors approved a combined financing of €174 million and $125 million to support projects designed to drive economic growth and promote industrialisation across the West African sub-region.
In a statement signed by the Head of Communications at EBID, Anita Somda-Dala, said the Lagos-Calabar highway project is a strategic investment that will enhance connectivity between nine Nigerian states, linking seaports and remote agro-industrial areas, and unlocking new regional value chains along Nigeria’s coast.
On Nigeria, she states: “A $100 million Lagos-Calabar coastal motorway project, in the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This project, which spans 47.7 km, will link nine Nigerian states, improve access to seaports and isolated agro-industrial areas, and contribute to the emergence of a regional value chain to help coastal communities.”
David Umahi
Furthermore, a breakdown of the funds approved Somda-Dala added: “A €50 million project for
the construction and equipping of six (6) technical education and vocational training centres by Planet One, in the Togolese Republic.
“This project aims to equip the Togolese youth with skills that are in high demand for various industries. It is expected that 3,480 learners per year will benefit from training, building a more productive and competitive workforce.
“$25 million project for the import of clinker by Société de Ciment de Côte d’Ivoire in the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire. This project will increase the availability of cement products in Côte d’Ivoire by importing 400,000 tonnes of clinker.”
She also noted the bank approved a €28.9 million project to
modernise and bring up to standard four agricultural high schools in the Republic of Guinea. This multi-sectoral development project, they reiterated, will help to improve the employability of Guinea’s young people and provide a structural solution to youth unemployment.
“€95.163 million project to build three hydroelectric micro-power stations (30 MW) with SOGEOH at Poukou, Bolokoun, and Biwbaw in the Republic of Guinea.
“This project aims to harness local hydraulic potential in areas with poor access to power to produce renewable energy, thereby improving living conditions and generating economic activity to benefit rural populations.”
Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, has heaped encomiums on the immediate past President of African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), Professor Benedict Oramah, for his uncommon
patriotism and purposeful leadership while holding sway at the helms of the financial institution, which has contributed immensely to the economic development of the country.
A statement by the Director, Information & Public Relations, OSGF, Segun Imohsien, said the
SGF made the commendation when the delegation from Afreximbank led by its Managing Director, Export Development, Mrs. Oluranti Doherty, in company of the CEO of African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE), Brian Deaver, paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.
Akume commended Oramah for the key role he played in securing credit facilities to Nigeria when the nation was in dire need, noting the support had gone a long way to breath a new lease of life to the stressed economy.
“Prof. Oramah has done a lot to impact the people and government
Legislation provides $46.5bn for border wall, $45bn to expand immigrants’ detention capacity
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
The US Congress yesterday passed the controversial spending and tax bill that includes signature policies of President Donald Trump’s secondterm agenda, sending the so-called ‘big, beautiful bill’ to the President’s desk ahead of a July 4 deadline.
The House approved the bill in a 218 to 214 vote, after the Senate narrowly approved the bill Tuesday in a 51-50 vote that required Vice President JD Vance to break a tie.
At the centre the bill is an extension of Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which was slated to sunset at the end of the year. The legislation would make most of the tax cuts permanent, while increasing spending for border security, defence and energy production.
The bill is partially paid for by significant cuts to health care and nutrition programmes, like Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programme (SNAP). The Congressional Budget Office
estimates the bill would add $3.4 trillion to federal deficits over the next 10 years and leave millions without health insurance. Republicans and the White House dispute those forecasts, CBS News reported.
Senate Republicans used a process known as budget reconciliation to pass the bill, which limits the types of policies that can be included in a simple majority vote. A handful of provisions that initially appeared in the bill were ultimately removed, including one that would have ordered the sale of public lands and another that would have paused state regulations on artificial intelligence.
The House passed its own initial version of the legislation last month, with some key differences to the final Senate-crafted version. The lower chamber approved the Senate’s changes Thursday, sending the measure to the president’s desk.
The 887-page legislation includes restrictions on Medicaid, which provides government-sponsored health care for low-income and disabled
Americans. The bill imposes work requirements for some able-bodied adults and more frequent eligibility checks. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that the bill would result in 11.8 million Americans losing health coverage under Medicaid over the next decade.
Senate Republicans proposed steeper cuts to Medicaid funding, in part by incrementally lowering provider taxes from 6 per cent to 3.5 per cent by 2032. The timeline is delayed by one year from the Senate GOP’s initial proposal, after the issue became one of the bill’s sticking points in recent weeks.
It’s a departure from the initial House-passed bill, which sought to lower federal costs by freezing states’ provider taxes at current rates and prohibiting them from establishing new provider taxes.
The bill also includes a rural hospital stabilization fund after some GOP senators expressed concern over how rural hospitals could be impacted by the Medicaid
restrictions, allocating $50 billion for rural hospitals over the same period that the provider taxes would be lowered.
Also, the legislation includes more than $46.5 billion for border wall construction and related expenses, $45 billion to expand detention capacity for immigrants in custody and about $30 billion in funding for hiring, training and other resources for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
of this country, Africa and beyond Africa. Since the day I met him, we became very close. Other financial institutions refused to extend credit facilities to Nigeria on the ground that we have reached allowable limit and has become increasingly difficult for Nigeria to import for the use of our people.
“But Prof. Oramah came to the Rescue. He reshuffled the debts owed the bank by the government. He went further to extend more credit facilities to government. So, in a way, he contributed immensely to the rehabilitation of the Nigerian economy,” Akume said.
He further eulogised the exAfreximbank boss for making Nigeria proud by facilitating the establishment of one of the best hospitals in Africa, the African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE), with the state-of-the-art medical equipment and with well-seasoned medical personnel trained in all medical fields.
The SGF added it was not a surprise to him when President Bola Tinubu conferred on him the second highest national award, Grand Commander of the Order of Niger (GCON) for his untram-
meled feats and patriotism.
Speaking earlier, the MD, Export Development of Afreximbank, Mrs. Oluranti Doherty, said that the purpose of the visit was to convey the deep appreciation of the Board Management of Afreximbank to the SGF for being a pillar of support to the financial institution toward the realisation and operationalisation of AMCE, which specialises in treating cardiovascular, oncological and blood-related diseases, among others and the Afreximbank African Trade Centre in Abuja, which serves as the trade and export hub of Africa. She also disclosed the recent annual general meeting held in Abuja where Oramah handed over the baton to his successor, George Elombi, having served meritoriously for the past 10 years. The Board Management thanked President Tinubu for honouring the meeting alongside the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu and also expressed their indebtedness to Mr. President for honouring their immediate past President with the Grand Commander of the Order of Niger (GCON).
Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
Leaders and elders of Rivers State have expressed satisfaction over the recent reconciliation between the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the 27 State House of Assembly members.
The elders under the aegies of Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum, praised President Bola Tinubu for restoring peace in the state through the reconciliation process that has reunited Wike and his godson, Governor Fubara.
Speaking at a press briefing in Port Harcourt yesterday, former deputy governor of Rivers, Dr
Gabriel Toby, noted that for the past months, the the state experienced painful divisions and political tensions that pitched between Wike, Fubara and the lawmakers
Toby, who spoke as the Acting Chairman of the forum, said, “It was a sad development that deeply wounded the soul of our dear state and cast an undeserved shadow on our collective image, unity, progress and prosperity.”
He gave God Almighty thanks and commended “the recent show of maturity, and courage demonstrated by both men in embracing peace and reconciliation process.
“This was exactly what we, the Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum, had earnestly sought from the very beginning, when we first extended an olive branch and invited both parties to a roundtable.
“Unfortunately, our initial efforts were not heeded, which necessitated our formal appeal to Mr President, His Excellency Bola Tinubu, to intervene as the father of the nation.
“We seek no personal gain, political favour, or reward. Our sole desire is to see our state thrive, with its leaders united and working together for the common good of all.”
exceptional value to our customers and stakeholders”. She thanked the Founder and Chairman, Jim Ovia, CFR, for his visionary and transformative leadership which has played a pivotal role in cultivating a resilient and thriving institution. She also expressed her deepest appreciation to the bank’s esteemed customers for their continued loyalty to the Zenith brand, the Board for the sound corporate governance, and the staff for their relentless & tireless efforts in ensuring the bank’s success.
Tier-1 Capital describes capital adequacy, the core measure of a bank’s financial strength from a regulator’s perspective. According to the ranking, Tier-1 Capital, as defined by the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) guidelines, includes loss-absorbing capital, i.e., common stock, disclosed reserves, retained earnings, and minority interests in the equity of subsidiaries that are less than wholly owned. A strong Tier-1 capital ratio boosts investor and depositor confidence, indicating the Bank is well-capitalised and financially stable.
According to the audited financial results for the 2024 financial year presented to the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), the Bank recorded a double-digit growth of 86% in gross earnings, increasing from N2.13 trillion in 2023 to N3.97
trillion in 2024. This growth was driven by a 138% increase in interest income, supported by investment in high-yield government securities, and growth in the Bank’s loan book. Zenith Bank’s profit before tax (PBT) rose by 67%, reaching N1.3 trillion in 2024 from N796 billion in 2023. This performance saw the bank record an unprecedented total dividend payout of N195.67 billion at N5.00 per ordinary share in the 2024 financial year. Zenith Bank’s track record of excellent performance has continued to earn the brand numerous awards including being recognised as the Bank of the Year (Nigeria) in The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards for 2020, 2022 and 2024; Best Bank in Nigeria from 2020 to 2022, 2024 and 2025, in the Global Finance World’s Best Banks Awards; Best Bank for Digital Solutions in Nigeria in the Euromoney Awards 2023; and being listed in the World Finance Top 100 Global Companies in 2023. Further recognitions include Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria for four consecutive years from 2021 to 2024 in the World Finance Banking Awards and Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria in the International Banker 2023 and 2024 Banking Awards. Additionally, Zenith Bank was acknowledged as the Best Corporate Governance Bank, Nigeria, in the World Finance Corporate Gover-
nance Awards from 2022 to 2024 and ‘Best in Corporate Governance’ Financial Services’ Africa for four consecutive years from 2020 to 2023 by the Ethical Boardroom. The Bank’s commitment to excellence saw it being named the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria in the Banker Magazine Top 500 Banking Brands for 2020 and 2021, Bank of the Year 2023 and 2024 at the BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards, and Retail Bank of the Year for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022 and in 2024 at the BAFI Awards. The Bank also received the accolades of Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria and Best Innovation in Retail Banking, Nigeria, in the International Banker 2022 Banking Awards. Zenith Bank was also named Most Responsible Organisation in Africa, Best Company in Transparency and Reporting and Best Company in Gender Equality and Women Empowerment at the SERAS CSR Awards Africa 2024; Bank of the Year 2024 by ThisDay Newspaper; Bank of the Year 2024 by New Telegraph Newspaper; and Best in MSME Trade Finance, 2023 by Nairametrics. The Bank’s Hybrid Offer was also adjudged ‘Rights Issue/ Public Offer of the Year’ at the Nairametrics Capital Market Choice Awards 2025.
NOG ENERGY WEEK 2025...
L-R: Special Adviser to the Minister of state for Industry, Trade and Investment, Ifeoma Williams; Minister of state for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri; Managing Director/CEO, Energy Inc Advisors, Rolake Akinkugbe-Filani; Group CEO of NNPC Limited, Engr. Bayo Bashir Ojulari; Minister of state for Petroleum Resources
Chief Ekperikpe Ekpo; and Chairman, IPPG and Group Chairman, Waltersmith, Abdulrazaq Isa, at the NOG Energy Week 2025 in Abuja… recently
Vice President Kashim Shettima has disclosed that the administration of President Bola Tinubu has repositioned cassava production to ensure the crop becomes a key driver of industrial development and import substitution in Nigeria. According to him, the government’s agenda for the sector is hinged on leveraging the crop as capital for re-engineering the nation’s economy, strengthening rural livelihoods, and ensuring national food and energy security.
Speaking Thursday at a ceremony in Abuja to mark the 2025 World Cassava Day, the Vice President noted that cassava, which for long symbolised food security for the vulnerable, can also signify prosperity for the ambitious.
His words: “We are moving from subsidy-heavy programmes to investment-led solutions. We are prioritising private capital, research, and coordinated action across government, academia, and development partners to drive mechanisation, agro-processing, quality inputs, and full commercialisation of cassava.”
Commenting on the theme of this year’s World Cassava Day, ‘Farm to
global markets: driving industrialisation, food security and exports’, Shettima said the commemoration of the day is a call to action, just as he invited all stakeholders to see the promise of the crop.
Said he: “Let this day mark the beginning of a new era where cassava is not merely grown, but transformed. Where our fields are not only bountiful, but profitable. Where Nigeria leads
Charges board members to deepen financial inclusion and stimulate nation’s grassroots economy
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
Vice President Kashim Shettima has inaugurated the Board of Directors of the National Credit Guarantee Company Limited (NCGC Ltd), charging members to deepen financial inclusion and stimulate Nigeria’s grassroots economy.
President Bola Tinubu had on May 29, 2025, announced the establishment of the company, just as he also approved the appointment of its board and management team.
The President also appointed former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, as Chairman of the NCGC Board, while Mr. Bonaventure Okhaimo was appointed the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.
The new institution is designed to serve as a financial backbone for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) struggling with access to affordable credit.
Speaking Thursday at the inauguration ceremony at the State House, Abuja, Shettima said the establishment of NCGC represents the government’s commitment to bridging the financing gap that has long plagued MSMEs across the country.
The Vice President said, “This is our response to a stubborn challenge that has stifled our economic potential for decades—access to finance. These entrepreneurs do not ask for handouts; they ask for the credibility of their ideas to be matched by the confidence of our financial institutions.”
Describing the NCGC as “a
critical engine in our pursuit of economic inclusion and sustainable growth,” Shettima explained that the company will serve as a vital bridge between entrepreneurs and financial institutions, providing the trust needed for small businesses to secure loans.
He cited instances of farmers, traders, artisans, and tech entrepreneurs across the country who, despite being productive, are often stranded due to a lack of collateral or guarantees.
“NCGC is that bridge. It is the assurance that when a farmer in Ibadan needs a loan to expand her cocoa farm, when a tech start-up in Abuja needs working capital to scale, when a leather artisan in Kano seeks to mechanise his craft, and when a trader in Onitsha needs capital to expand, the system will
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have agreed to collaborate to enhance disaster preparedness in the region.
The Director General of NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike, received a delegation from ECOWAS led by Dr. Sintiki Tarfa Ugbe, Director of Humanitarian and Social Affairs, at the agency headquarters in Abuja.
The collaboration, Anosike said, aims to strengthen early warning
systems, provide technical expertise, and support capacity building in meteorology and climate science.
The partnership, he added is part of the global initiative “Early Warnings for All” (EW4All) and aims to enhance regional resilience through science-driven, peoplecentred climate action.
NiMet’s leadership in advancing climate services across West Africa was however commended by the ECOWAS delegation, which also recognised the agency’s pivotal role in responding to regional disasters. The two parties discussed
areas of mutual interest, including joint training programs, technical exchanges, and access to climate knowledge products.
They also explored the establishment of the ECOWAS Disaster Operation Centre, which would serve as a regional hub for coordinating multi-hazard early warning dissemination and addressing climate-related vulnerabilities.
The recognition of NiMet’s Training Centres as ECOWAS Centres of Excellence for capacity development in meteorology and climate science was also discussed.
no longer fail them. It is a promise that productive Nigerians will not be stranded for want of guarantees,” the Vice President said.
To the newly inaugurated board, chaired by former Speaker Dogara, Shettima urged its members to combine “prudence with courage, accountability with ambition,” as they translate national policy into impact.
“This is a call to deploy your diverse expertise not only as overseers but as enablers of transformation,” he charged, adding that the new board’s leadership is important in unlocking capital for Nigeria’s most enterprising but underserved sectors.
not just in tonnes harvested, but in value created.
“Cassava is one of the most strategic assets in our agricultural portfolio. Its applications cut across food, feed, fuel, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and even construction.”
Outlining the Federal Government’s efforts in this regard, the Vice President noted that one of the most promising shifts the Tinubu administration has made is the Cassava Bioethanol Project.
“This initiative is expected to save the nation over three trillion naira annually by reducing our dependence on imported fuel additives.
“It will also stimulate the emergence of a circular economy in agriculture and allow us to harness cassava by-products for energy, fertilisers, and industrial inputs. What used to be waste will become wealth. This is how nations rise”.
He called for collective action, maintaining that it was time to move beyond plans and press releases to deliver outcomes that transform lives and rebuild rural economies, saying, “the world will not remember our intentions. It will remember our results”.
Shettima commended the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, other stakeholders and partners for their continued leadership and contribution in agricultural innovation, particularly the deployment of the Semi-Autotrophic Hydroponic system for cassava seed multiplication.
He acknowledged the progress made by the country and fuelled by strong international cooperation, highlighting the collaboration with
Brazil as fruitful and a demonstration of “how agricultural ambition, when matched with political will, can transform even the most difficult landscapes”.
The Vice President emphasised the need to speak of the youths in cassava value chain transformation, describing them as “not the future of agriculture but the present and must be empowered not just to farm, but to innovate, to scale, and to lead just as they have transformed fintech and agritech.
Earlier, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Abdullahi, said all stakeholders in Nigeria, Africa and beyond must continue to collaborate to ensure that cassava is transformed from a mere staple crop in Nigeria and Africa to the gateway for unlocking industrial and economic transformation of the continent.
He said the administration of President Tinubu remains committed to leveraging opportunities across the country to develop and transform the cassava value chain through accelerated and coordinated intervention programmes.
On his part, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Nnaji, said cassava holds immense promise, not only for food security but for industrial transformation.
According to him: “At the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology, we are actively working to unlock the full potential of the cassava value chain. Some of our strategic efforts include supporting research and development through partnerships.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has approved the appointment of Justice Babatunde Adejumo as the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute (NJI).
The appointment, according to a statement by the CJN’s media aide, Mr Tobi Soniyi, takes effect from August 1, 2025. Justice Adejumo is a former President of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN).
His appointment was sequel to his endorsement by the Board of Governors of the National Judicial Institute which is under the chairmanship of the CJN. Adejumo succeeds Justice Salisu
Garba Abdullahi whose tenure as Administrator ends on July 31, 2025, after four years of meritorious service.
The CJN expressed appreciation to the outgoing administrator for his tireless commitment and invaluable contributions to the growth and development of the Institute and the Nigerian judiciary as a whole.
Justice Adejumo, a respected jurist and a seasoned administrator served as President of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria until his retirement in 2019.
The statement described Justice Adejumo as an experienced jurist with a deep understanding of judicial administration, stressing that he is expected to enhance the Institute’s effort in promoting judicial capac-
ity development and institutional innovation.
The National Judicial Institute is the apex institution responsible for the continuing education, training and development of Judicial officers and their support staff across all levels of theItjudiciary. serves as a centre for excellence in judicial studies, with a mandate to promote efficiency, uniformity and improvement in the quality of judicial services nationwide.
The Institute routinely conducts courses, workshops, conferences and other academic and professional programmes tailored to enhance the knowledge, performance, and ethical standards of judicial officers and personnel in line with global practices.
L-R: Team Member, Corporate Communications Department, Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Hauwau Ibrahim; Head, Corporate Communications Department,
Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, AMCON, Mr. Gbenga Alade; Company Secretary, Mrs. Oyinlola Adebayo; and Technical Assistant to the MD/CEO, Mr. Mohammed Yusuf, at the just ended interactive session between the AMCON CEO and journalists at Radisson Blu Hotel,
Former beauty queen, Mrs. Helen Prest-Ajayi, yesterday testified before a Lagos High Court, presenting volumes of documents and pictorial evidence to establish her 25-year marriage to the late Dr. Tosin Ajayi, Managing Director of First Foundation Medical Engineering Company, who passed away on April 26, 2020.
She told the court that their marriage was conducted in 1996 under Kalabari Native Law and Custom, with her full consent and the blessing of her family. Mrs. Prest-Ajayi gave her testimony during ongoing proceedings before Justice Oluwatoyin Odusanya, which concern the management of Dr. Ajayi’s estate.
The claimants in the suit - Mrs. Adenike Oluyemisi Ajayi and her children (Tomi Deru, Olumide Ajayi, Omolade Soetan, Mayowa Okeowo, and Bisola Ajayi) - filed Suit No. ID/3364LM/21 against Mrs. Helen Prest-Ajayi and her daughter, Tomisin Ajayi.
They are seeking declaratory reliefs regarding the estate and inheritance rights of the deceased.
In response, the defendants - led by Mrs. Prest-Ajayi - argue that Mrs. Adenike Ajayi had been estranged from Dr. Ajayi for over 35 years
before his death. They maintain that the deceased had undergone a traditional Kalabari marriage with Mrs. Prest-Ajayi, which confers inheritance rights on her.
At the resumed hearing, Mrs. Prest-Ajayi, led in evidence by her counsel, Abiodun Owonikoko, SAN, tendered several documents, including a letter dated March 14, 1996, written by the late Dr. Ajayi to her mother, expressing his intention to marry her.
Earlier in her testimony, the witness informed the court that she is a published author of several educational books and has practised law for many years.
She also presented a series of photographs, including images of her mother, Mrs. Ella Prest, with Dr. Ajayi and their daughter, Tomisin Ajayi. Additional photos submitted included those of the family celebrating Mother’s Day, and another with Dr. Ajayi, Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora, and Mrs. Prest-Ajayi.
Other exhibits included publications in Ovation Magazine and ThisDay Style from her 50th birthday celebration, featuring her with Dr. Ajayi and other dignitaries. She also submitted a Punch Newspaper interview in which Dr. Ajayi publicly referred to her as his wife.
Furthermore, Mrs. Prest-Ajayi tendered correspondence with the daughter of the first claimant, Mrs. Adenike Ajayi, in which she was addressed as “Mama” and thanked for her role during her wedding. She also submitted a petition addressed to the Attorney-General of Lagos State, alleging the sale of a 21-hectare parcel of land located in the Chevron area of Lekki, Lagos, by the first claimant.
Another document presented was a letter to the Ministry of Interior requesting authentication of a Marriage Certificate dated July 6, 1974, purportedly presented by Mrs. Adenike Ajayi. She testified the ministry
replied it could not authenticate the certificate unless the original document was produced.
Mrs. Prest-Ajayi also tendered the medical death certificate of Dr. Ajayi, issued by St. Nicholas Hospital.
Justice Odusanya admitted all the tendered documents into evidence and adjourned the case to November 3, 2025, for crossexamination by the claimants’ counsel, Mr. Kunle Adegoke, SAN.
In their statement of claim, the claimants asserted that Mrs. Adenike Oluyemisi Ajayi is the only surviving spouse of Dr. Tosin Ajayi, who died on April 26, 2020.
They are seeking a declaration
that she is entitled to the personal chattels and one-third of the deceased’s estate.
They also seek a declaration that Mrs. Helen Ajayi, the first defendant, is not entitled to any share of Dr. Ajayi’s estate or personal belongings.
However, in their statement of defence, the defendants argue that the first claimant was merely an estranged spouse, as she and Dr. Ajayi had been separated for approximately 35 years before his death.
They stated that the deceased lived alone for 10 years before meeting the first defendant.
According to the defendants, after
a period of courtship, Dr. Ajayi expressed his desire to marry Mrs. Prest-Ajayi and travelled to Port Harcourt to meet her mother. Upon acceptance of his proposal, he fulfilled all customary marriage rites in accordance with Kalabari tradition, as Mrs. Prest-Ajayi is of Kalabari descent. The defendants also claim that no Yoruba traditional marriage rites were ever performed between the deceased and the first claimant. Under Kalabari custom, they contend, a wife is entitled to inherit her husband’s estate if he predeceases her, which, they argued, applies to the union between Dr. Ajayi and Mrs. Prest-Ajayi.
Seriki Adinoyi in
Jos
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has donated the sum of N1bn and 1800 bags of rice to support victims of recent renewed attacks in Plateau State through Renewed Hope Initiative. She disclosed this on Thursday
Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City
The Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, and the Benin Zonal Commander of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Sam Offiah, have commended the Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for its efforts in steaming the tide of drug trafficking and abuse in the state.
The NAPTIP Benin Zonal commander and Chief Igbinedion, gave the commendation when the Edo State Commander of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Mitchell Ofoyeju paid them separate him a working visit in Benin City on Thursday. Chief Igbinedion, while highlighting the role of the NDLEA in eliminating illicit drugs that jeopardize the health and well-being of citizens said: “Your relentless efforts are vital,
important and life-saving”.
Speaking also, the Benin Zonal Commander of NAPTIP, Sam Offiah, while hailing Ofoyeju, sought for collaboration between the two federal government agencies.
According to him, “Understanding the nexus between these two critical agencies is essential for strengthening our collective response. We understand that victims of drug trafficking are vulnerable tools in the hands of the traffickers, and it is important to adopt preventive strategies.”
He noted the synergy between the NDLEA and NAPTIP is imperative for a more robust fight against drug trafficking and abuse in Edo State.
While welcoming the Edo NDLEA Commander and other members of his entourage, Offiah who highlighted the functions of NAPTIP, said the agency is charged with the responsibility to enforce laws related to human trafficking, prevention, coordinating investigations and prosecution, and
providing assistance to victims, as well as raising public awareness.
Speaking during the visit to Chief Igbinedion residence, the Edo State Commander of National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mitchell Ofoyeju, said the visit was aimed at garnering support for antidrug abuse initiatives and emphasised the importance of partnership with influential community leaders and elders.
He described Chief Gabriel Igbinedion as a “champion in the fight against drug trafficking and abuse as well as other related antisocietal vices.”
Ofoyeju who said the NDLEA is actively addressing the drug scourge through comprehensive strategies aimed at both drug supply control and drug demand reduction, expressed hope that when leaders like Chief Igbinedion lend their support to the campaign, it indisputably helps to amplify anti-drug advocacy efforts.
while speaking at the Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos.
The First Lady, received at the Yakubu Gowon airport by Governor Caleb Mutfwan of the state, appealed to all stakeholders to do everything in their powers to ensure peace reigns in the state. While lamenting the attacks on innocent villagers, Mrs. Tinubu stressed the senseless killings must be brought to an end, describing it as evil and very unfortunate.
She said: “I want to appeal to the traditional rulers, as custodians of the land, to please bring peace back to the land. Just as it is stated in the second stanza of the National Anthem of the Federal Republic of Nigeria - to hand unto our children
a banner without stain.”
The First Lady also appealed, on behalf of Nigerian women, to the men to protect their lands and homes and ensure their children grow up in a society filled with peace and not fear.
She said her gesture was to help the beneficiaries recover from the impact of the attacks in their communities.
Responding, Mutfwang appreciated the First Lady for her kind gesture, pledging to do everything it takes to restore peace to the state.
The governor vowed to ensure that no kobo from her donation is misused but to meet the needs of the victims appropriately.
Describing her intervention
as timely, Mutfwang added his administration is committed to ensuring total peace in the state. The entourage of the First Lady included wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, wife of the Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Hajiya Fatima Abbas, wife of the Chief of Staff to the President, Mrs. Salamatu Gbajabiamila, Senator Nora Ladi Daduut, wife of the Deputy Senate President, Hajiya Laylah Barau, among others.
Senator representing Plateau South, Barrister Simon Lalong and former military administrator of state, Rear Admiral Atukum, and several other traditional rulers were also in attendance.
Gideon Arinze
An Enugu State High Court has granted the proposed motion for amendment in the case concerning the deaths of 21 coal miners allegedly killed by British colonial police during the November 18, 1949, Iva Valley massacre in Enugu. In the suit, NO: E/909/2024, filed by Mazi Greg Nwachukwu Onoh on behalf of the victims’ families, the plaintiffs demanded accountability from the British Government, the Commonwealth, and the Federal
Government of Nigeria. They sought an acknowledgment of liability, a formal apology from the British Government, and comprehensive compensation for the loss of their loved ones.
The ruling was delivered yesterday, during a court session, where the applicants sought to amend their claims in the ongoing legal battle.
Counsel for the applicants, P.N. Agazie, Ozioma Eguzuruibe, Chidinma Eze, and Florence Iloanya, holding brief for lead counsel Prof. Yemi Akinseye-George (SAN), filed the
motion for amendment on June 3, 2025, supported by an 11-paragraph affidavit and one exhibit. They also requested a date for a definite hearing. The counsel for the third and fourth respondents, N.R. Chude, did not oppose the motion but requested time to file a consequential amendment. The first, second, and fifth respondents were unrepresented by counsel in court. Presiding Judge, Justice A.O. Onovo, granted the applicants’ prayer, allowing 21 days for the consequential amendment to be filed.
Vice President Kashim Shettima with the Hydrographer of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer, National Hydrographic Agency, Rear Admiral Ayo Olugbode, at the Decarbonising Infrastructure in Nigeria Summit themed “Unlocking ClimateFinance for Sustainable Development” at the Statehouse Banquet Hall in Abuja. The summit was organised by the Office of the Vice President and the National Council on Climate Change Secretariat on Wednesday
Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha, Olawale Ajimotokan, Adedayo Akinwale, Sunday Aborisade, Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole in Abuja, David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka and Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi
Says promoters are political desperados driven by personal ambition, bitterness Insists ADC has no injustice to redress, but is out to realise pure individual ambitions Ruling party disses the new coalition party El-Rufai warns of infiltration plot by APC, reveals contingency plan Obi says coalition will put Nigerians first in 2027 Amaechi blames citizens’ docility for leadership failure Wike questions Mark’s credentials as senate president; you’re jittery declares party PDP yet to take any official position APGA set to poach Mbah, Otti away from coalition into party’s fold Kachikwu accuses INEC of collusion in ADC crisis, threatens legal action I stand firmly with PDP, Ningi declares Abure, Usman’s factions of LP disagree over ultimatum to Obi’s coalition move the speech delivered by National Chairman of ADC, Senator David Mark, was disgracefully vacant, without substance or purpose. He stressed that the speech was nothing but stitches of untruths, diatribe, and regurgitated and baseless allegations against the APC-led administration of Tinubu.
The presidency, yesterday, described the newly-formed opposition coalition under African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a hollow alliance of disgruntled politicians, warning that the group poses a threat to Nigeria’s democratic progress and stability.
In a formal reaction to Wednesday’s unveiling of ADC in Abuja by some opposition politicians, the presidency described its promoters as political “desperados” driven not by ideology or national interest but by personal ambition and bitterness towards President Bola Tinubu.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, stated on his verified X handle that most of the figures now aligning with ADC had long distanced themselves from All Progressives Congress (APC), some even before the 2023 general election.
According to Onanuga, “Rotimi Amaechi’s soul left the APC in 2022 after he lost the presidential primary to President Tinubu. Abubakar Malami, the former Attorney-General, has also not hidden his detachment from the APC since the president emerged, especially after his failed bid to govern Kebbi State.”
Onanuga further stated that former aviation minister, Hadi Sirika, now part of the ADC group, was facing trial over allegations of contract splitting
and abuse of office.
Similarly, he said the former Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola, who was expelled from APC for anti-party activities during the last governorship election in the state, had found refuge in the coalition.
Other notable defectors, Onanuga added, included Kashim Imam, who reportedly withdrew from APC after failing to clinch the vice presidential slot in 2022, and Chief John Odigie Oyegun, a former APC national chairman, who had long distanced himself from the party and had been a key figure in the opposition’s regrouping efforts.
“These are not people of principle or vision. They are desperate men and women who cannot bear political obscurity. Their only bond is animosity towards President Tinubu, not a shared ideology or developmental blueprint for the country,” Onanuga alleged.
He warned that the ADC coalition lacked both structure and substance, insisting that it would collapse under the weight of its members’ conflicting ambitions.
“A political party built on nothing more than shared resentment cannot move Nigeria forward. Nigerians must not be misled. This is a coalition of convenience that will only set the country back by decades,” he said.
Onanuga urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, describing the ADC movement as a fragile platform that offers no real alternative and is destined to unravel in due course.
“What we are seeing is not a credible force for change, but a gathering of the politically displaced, seeking
relevance by any means possible,” he stated.
Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Mr. Sunday Dare, also declared that there was no basis for comparing ADC with the 2013 merger that birthed the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Dare described the current coalition move as a desperate and self-serving power grab ahead of 2027 general election.
In a statement posted on his verified X handle (@SundayDareSD), he said the coalition, which several opposition politicians were championing as a pathway to reclaim national power, was not rooted in principle or justice, but “purely opportunistic.”
Dare stated, “Heads up for Nigerians about ADC — There is no injustice to redress — only avaricious ambition to satisfy.”
He stressed that unlike APC’s emergence in 2013, the current coalition was not driven by national interest.
According to him, the new opposition alliance was being led by “a serial election loser, clutching at what he clearly sees as his last shot at the presidency.”
Dare stated that the coalition’s chief promoter lacked the backing of key political constituency, including his own state governor and region, and has no substantial political structure to lean on.
The presidential aide further stated, “Unlike Tinubu, he enters the coalition alone—without the backing of his state governor, his region, or any meaningful political structure.
“His ambition is personal, not
patriotic. So also that of his many co-travellers.”
Drawing a sharp contrast with APC’s founding, Dare recalled that the 2013 merger was built on strategic discipline and collective sacrifice.
Emphasising the leading role played by Tinubu, who put national interest above personal ambition at the time, Dare said, “In 2013, the merger that birthed the APC was driven by selflessness, national interest, and strategic discipline.
“Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, despite commanding the loyalty of several sitting governors, chose to wait. He bided his time, played the long game, and focused on building a viable political platform.”
The presidential aide also referred to the unifying influence of then General Muhammadu Buhari, whom he described as “a man seen as a symbol of integrity” and a rallying figure with a national grassroots following, something he claimed the current coalition sorely lacked.
Dare stated, “No one in this coalition commands that kind of loyalty or trust. Not one of them could genuinely unite a ward, let alone a country.
“The APC coalition emerged to address real grievances: the constitutional denial of power to a region that had been unfairly side-lined and to end the 16 years of ruinous governance by the PDP. It was a coalition grounded in justice and balance.”
In contrast, he said, the current attempt lacked any ideological or national cause, especially as the presidency was already zoned to a region that, in his words, is “rightfully
due.”
He added, “This new coalition? It’s purely opportunistic. The presidency already rests with the region rightfully due. And that’s where it will be till 2031,” insisting that the difference between 2013 and today is as clear as day.
“Let’s be clear: this is not 2013—and this is not the APC,” he said.
ADC Populated by Politicians Who Can’t Stay Out of Power, Patronage, Ruling APC Asserts
The ruling APC has described the unveiling of the ADC as a coalition of politicians, who could not bear to be out of the corridors of power and patronage.
National Publicity Secretary of the party, Felix Morka, in a statement, further described ADC as a coalition of hoaxers, self-obsessed merchants of vendetta, and a roll call of “Nigeria’s me-or-nothing politicians, who equate their selfish interest with the interest of Nigerians.”
He said, “It was an unveiling of a coalition of hoaxers and self-obsessed merchants of vendetta, a roll call of Nigeria’s me-or-nothing politicians, who equate their selfish interest with the interest of Nigerians, who cannot bear to be out of the corridors of power and patronage, who are desperate to grab power for themselves by guile and subterfuge, who lay claim to an immoral birthright to power, even while draped in odious record of betrayal of public trust, and rapacious public service.”
The party spokesperson noted
Morka added, “From beginning to end, Senator Mark said nothing about the purpose of the so-called coalition other than a loud declaration of desperation for power.
“What value does the coalition bring to Nigerians? Why should any Nigerian be concerned about a coalition of a bunch of egotistical maniacs for whom power and patronage are the oxygen on which their lives depend?
“One would have expected that, after months of vacillating between the devil and the deep blue sea, in search of a host platform, Senator Mark and his co-travelers would take Nigerians seriously enough by telling them what their coalition would do differently regarding the administration’s bold economic and sectoral policy reforms.
“What key alternative policy approaches would the coalition implement, and with what prospects of success compared to the high value and transformative impact of the administration’s reform policies? What exactly is the philosophical or ideological leaning of the coalition or its new party, aside from desperation for power at all cost, by all means
Chairman, First Investment Development Company, Mr. Adebisi Adebutu; Head of Joint Venture, Arch. Adeyemi Olumuyiwa; Director, Legal Service, Lagos State Ministry of Housing, Mrs.
and Lagos State Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, during site inspection at Ilubirin Foreshore Housing Project, Lagos Island… recently
Chuks Okocha in Abuja Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, has been excluded as the US President, Donald Trump, is scheduled to welcome leaders from five African countries to Washington next week for discussions about business opportunities.
A White House official announced on Wednesday that Trump would host the presidents of Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania and Senegal for
talks and lunch at the White House on 9 July.
The meeting would focus on “commercial opportunities” that could benefit both American companies and African partners.
“President Trump believes that African countries offer incredible commercial opportunities which benefit both the American people and our African partners,” the White House official explained when asked why the meeting was being held.
The absence of Nigeria from the guest list was particularly notable given that it’s Africa’s most populous nation with over 200 million people and the continent’s biggest economy. The country is also a major oil producer and has significant trade relationships with the United States.
Africa Intelligence and Semafor had reported earlier that the Trump administration would hold a summit for the five countries in Washington from 9-11 July, though the White House
has only confirmed the single-day meeting so far.
The invitation came just as the Trump administration has dramatically cut US foreign aid to Africa as part of broader spending reductions.
The administration argues that much of the previous aid was wasteful and didn’t align with Trump’s “America First” approach to foreign policy.
Instead of traditional aid programmes, the administration says
The Surveyor General of the Federation (SGOF), Abduganiyu Adebomehin, yesterday reiterated the need for security agencies to work with his office in their planning of comprehensive security strategies in the country.
Specifically, he noted that mapping remains an integral part of any security architecture, stressing that the country cannot be an exception if it must effectively combat the current insecurity nationwide.
Adebomehin made the remarks in Abuja while hosting the Group Managing Director of Nembe Exploration and Production Company Limited,
Victor Okoronkwo, who visited his office with his management team.
A statement by the Head, Information and Publication Relations in the Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation (OSGOF), Henry David, quoted Adebomehin as saying that the office has now fully digitised all its materials.
Adebomehin said: ”I don’t know how they will be talking about security and they don’t know they are going to use maps. If they can subscribe, we’ll be able to give them maps. We have been able to digitalise everything.
“We called for paper presentation on mapping at a time and only a few of them were able to turn up
while others were giving different excuses, but those who attended the presentation gave the feedback on why we need this.”
He stressed that the OSGOF now has a full data base attached, emphasising the need to carry his office along in security planning.
He added:“ What we have done is to digitise each of the states, and we have a database that we attached to it, except where we are not fully convinced that we have enough data.“
In his remarks, the Nembe E&P boss, Okoronkwo highlighted the importance of the OSGOF office in terms of data mapping, management and marketing.
He said: “ The Office of the
Surveyor General of the Federation is a very important one when it concerns special data mapping, management and marketing. What most people don’t realise is that in some countries, surveying is in defence.
“Yes, when they started the GPS, there was a deliberate effort to design it for the military, so they didn’t want civilians to use GPS and satellite imaging to locate a place and then commit crimes.
it wants to focus on trade and investment that creates mutual prosperity for both America and African nations.
On Tuesday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio outlined this new approach, saying America was moving away from what he called a charity-based foreign aid model. The US would now favour countries that show “both the ability and willingness to help themselves,” Rubio explained.
Meanwhile, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has lamented that Trump has not extended invitation to President Bola Tinubu, despite doing same to other African nations.
In a statement by Atiku’s Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, he said on July 9, 2025, President Donald Trump would host five African leaders at the White House to discuss “commercial opportunities.”
‘’Not Nigeria. Not the continent’s most populous nation, the Giant of Africa which had an economy of $500bn and was among the world’s five fastest growing economies before the cancer called the All Progressives Congress inflicted this blessed nation.
‘’This exclusion by the Trump administration is not a diplomatic oversight. It is not a scheduling error.
It is a verdict — scathing in symbolism and staggering in implication. A verdict on Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s chaotic presidency, his divisive chairman-
ship of ECOWAS, and the complete evaporation of Nigeria’s diplomatic relevance,’’ he said. The former vice president further said, ‘’How do we explain it? Tinubu inherited an ECOWAS of 15 member states and left it gasping for breath with three countries pulling out and 40% of its land mass gone.
“Once Africa’s diplomatic compass — the nation that gave weight to regional consensus and global negotiations — Nigeria has now become an afterthought. Ignored. Sidelined. Stripped of influence. While others are summoned to negotiate Africa’s future, Nigeria is not even in the room.
‘’And while our Foreign Direct Investment has plunged to historic lows, Tinubu’s men lounge in St. Lucia, sipping champagne in the face of national decline. South Africa is negotiating trade frameworks with Washington. Nigeria is invisible.
‘’And let’s now kill the lie that’s been allowed to linger for too long: Gilbert Chagoury is not a Trump ally. He does not hold the keys to the White House. He has no diplomatic leverage in the Trump administration, having been listed as one of the major donors to the Clinton foundation.
‘’The illusion of his influence has collapsed under the weight of reality. Nigeria wagered its international standing on a mirage — and lost.’
‘’As chair of ECOWAS, Tinubu did
Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt Leaders of the Nigerian oil and gas industry, have applauded Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited at its official brand unveiling. The leaders of the oil and gas industry gave the nod during the Nigeria Oil and Gas (NOG) Energy Week 2025, held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.
In a statement by a spokesperson of Renaissance, Michael Adande, the unveiling drew applause from key government and industry leaders, including the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri; Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo; Group CEO, NNPC Limited, Bayo Ojulari; and the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) Mr.
Omatsola Ogbe. In his message to the NOG delegates, Managing Director and CEO of Renaissance, Tony Attah, said, “Renaissance is more than a name. It is a declaration of a bold ambition. It represents a new era of Nigerian-led energy leadership, a renewed commitment to excellence, and a platform for industrialisation that will translate into jobs, prosperity, and national growth.”
The Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State has issued a forceful and uncompromising rejection of the recent delineation of electoral wards by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing top officials of the commission of orchestrating a deliberate political disenfranchisement of its people.
The Ogbe-Ijoh leaders yesterday staged a protest at the INEC headquarters in Abuja, demanding an immediate end to what they described as the “institutionalized suppression” of their political representation in the Warri Federal Constituency.
A letter addressed to INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, claims the kingdom constitute the majority population and landmass in Warri South West LGA, and demanded the allocation of no fewer than eight (8) registration areas out of the nineteen (19) proposed by INEC.
It said the current proposal allocates only two registration areas to the Ogbe-Ijoh people - an action the leaders say amounts to “broad daylight political robbery.”
The letter, signed by prominent leaders including Hon. DenboDenbofa Oweikpodor, Chief Lucky Oromoni, Chief Samson Oyimi, Chief (Mrs.) Christiana Seibribo, and Hon. Michael Oweikpodor,
accused INEC National Commissioner representing the South-East, Dr. Kenneth Ukeagu, of leading a process laced with deliberate falsehoods and ethnic bias.
“This is no longer about technical discrepancies. It is a calculated attempt to erase a people from political relevance. We will not sit idly while our electoral presence is wiped out through administrative fraud,” the leaders declared.
According to the Ogbe-Ijoh community, the INEC field report released on April 4, 2025, formed the basis of the lopsided ward allocation, which they argue ignores verifiable demographic data from the National Population Commission (NPC).
L-R: First Vice-Chairman, Association of Nigeria Private Medical Practitioners (Lagos Chapter), Dr. Emmanuel Onyenuche; Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye; Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), Dr. Emmanuella Zamba; Deputy Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Dr. Oluwafemi Ojo; Chairman, Healthcare Providers Association of Nigeria (Lagos Branch), Biola Paul-Ozieh; President, Healthcare Federation of Nigeria, Njide Ndili; Chairman, Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (Lagos Branch), Tolulope Ajayi, during the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) 2025 Annual Healthcare Providers’ Forum held in Lagos… recently
PRESIDENCY: ADC COALITION WILL ONLY DRAG NIGERIA BACKWARD, THREATEN ITS DEMOCRACY necessary and unnecessary?
“Senator Mark’s speech was loud in its silence to these questions because himself and his coalition partners are disgracefully clueless, without a care or concern about Nigeria and Nigerians, only filled with wolfish quest for power for their own mendacious end.”
Morka said the opposition must think Nigerians to be gullible and uncritical. He said quite to the contrary, Nigerians were highly perceptive and discerning and will not be taken in by the coalition’s grand folly.
He added that the desperation was the reason for their wilful blindness to the massive structural transformation of the country’s economy that had earned the praise and admiration of local and global economic experts.
El-Rufai Warns of Infiltration Plot by APC
Former Kaduna State governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, revealed that the coalition of opposition parties currently rallying under ADC might register an entirely new political party ahead of the 2027 general elections as a strategic backup.
Speaking during an interview with the Hausa Service of Radio France International (RFI) on Wednesday night, El-Rufai sounded the alarm over what he described as a calculated attempt by the ruling APC to infiltrate and destabilise ADC.
“We know APC can infiltrate our coalition,” El-Rufai stated bluntly, adding, “That is why we have a backup plan. If they succeed in causing chaos in ADC, we will simply migrate to another party.”
The former governor, who had emerged as one of the architects of the opposition realignment, accused APC of deploying a carrot-and-stick strategy: enticing opposition members with appointments, cash incentives, or automatic party tickets, while threatening those who resist with investigations by anti-corruption agencies, like EFCC, ICPC, and the Code of Conduct Bureau.
According to El-Rufai, the APC-led federal government is using state machinery to pressure political actors into joining its ranks or, alternatively, to cripple their participation in the upcoming polls.
“They’ll dig up old ADC members and instigate them to reject the alliance publicly. This is part of the plan to create internal disputes and render the party unusable for our coalition,” he warned.
Despite the unveiling of ADC in Abuja as the opposition’s main political vehicle just days ago, El-Rufai’s comments suggested that the coalition leaders were deeply sceptical of the long term viability of any party that could be manipulated from within.
El-Rufai further alleged that APC had been sponsoring internal crises in major opposition parties like the PDP, Labour Party, and NNPP in a bid to fragment their influence ahead of the next general election in 2027.
“What the APC is doing is not democracy. It’s political sabotage,” El-Rufai said.
Obi: In ADC, We’ll Put Nigerians First
Former presidential candidate of Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, said ADC would always put Nigerians first in all its decisions.
This was as Obi reaffirmed his support for the adoption of ADC as the coalition platform ahead of the 2027 general election to unseat Tinubu.
Obi said the move was borne out of a commitment to provide competent and compassionate leadership for Nigeria.
In a post on his X handle, the former Anambra governor said the coalition’s decision to unite under ADC was not taken lightly, but came after “deep reflection” on Nigeria’s current state and the urgent need for a new direction.
Obi wrote, “Yesterday, the coalition members formally adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 Nigeria General Elections with Distinguished Senator David Mark serving as the National Chairman and H.E. Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola serving as the National Secretary.
“Our commitment is to sacrifice and work together towards the 2027 General Elections, ensuring that Nigeria gets a competent, capable, and compassionate leadership that will prioritise the nation’s future by putting the welfare of Nigerians first.”
Obi emphasised the importance of collaboration among opposition forces, stating, “No one group can change Nigeria alone. To dismantle the structures that keep our people in poverty and insecurity, we must build bridges, not walls, even when those bridges are uneasy.”
Former governor of Rivers State, Chibuike Amaechi, blamed citizens’ docility for leadership failure in the country. Amaechi, also a former minister of transportation, stated this yesterday in Abuja at the 2025 National Social Cohesion Dialogue (NSCD) and Unveiling of the 2025 NSCD survey report, with the theme, “Rebuilding citizens trust and public confidence in government and public institutions.”
The event was organised by the African Polling Institute (API) and sponsored by the Ford Foundation. According to him, the elite are not the problem of Nigeria but the masses whom he described are so docile.
He stated, “The elite of Nigeria are not the problem of Nigeria, we are not up to 20,000 elite that are stealing Nigerian money. But you have 200 million Nigerians that can fight 200,000 men.
“You sit down in your house and you’re complaining. Why do you think that the elite would take their hands from what they are feeding on? When all you do is to sit down in your houses, grumble and organise one small lecture on how you’re feeling, who told you that the elite don’t know how you’re feeling?
“They know how you’re feeling. They know you’re not happy. If they don’t know, you will not see them in their girlfriend’s house after 6pm. You know why? Because they are running away from you.
“They are scared, but you are helpless not because the elite want you to be helpless, you’re helpless because you make yourself helpless. The same elite who rigged elections are on the seat. What have you done? Until Nigerian citizens stop blaming the elite, nothing will change in Nigeria.
“Nigeria is the most docile society I’ve seen in my life. Politician’s have shown that they’re worse than the military.”
Amaechi stated that citizens must take responsibility for their own empowerment and not rely solely on the government,, even as he urged Nigerians to stop blaming the elite and, instead, focus on creating change through their own actions.
Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, challenged the interim Chairman of ADC, Senator David Mark, to justify his credentials as two-term Senate President from 2007 to 2015.
He accused Mark, former Speaker of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, and former Governor of Rivers State, Amaechi, and others of joining the coalition because they were angry.
Wike berated Mark for not having any project to his name as the senate president for eight years.
He stated, “I will take on them one by one. Now let me ask you, I heard David Mark said he wanted to rescue Nigerians and that Nigerians are angry. David Mark was Senate President for eight years. And there was no single project to Otukpo; not one. He was flying with a helicopter to go Otukpo. Nigerians were not angry then. Nigerians are only angry now.
“When Rotimi Amaechi was Minister for eight years, Nigerians were not angry. When Nigeria became indebted, Amaechi took Chinese loans and Nigerians were happy. It is now that Nigerians are angry. I saw Hadi Sidika. He is also saying Nigerians are angry. They want to rescue Nigeria. So, I’m asking this simple question: What happened to Air Nigeria? Nigerians were happy then.
“You see, it is unfortunate that they use Nigerians to play politics up and down. When you are angry with me, Nigerians are not happy. The only time Nigerians are happy is when you have power.
“The moment you are not having power, Nigerians are angry. You quarrel with your boss, Nigerians are angry. You did not get anything from Tinubu, Nigerians are angry
“When they went to APC in 2015 and took over the reins of power in 2023, Nigerians were happy. Was it under Tinubu’s government that banditry came? And what is he doing to solve the problem he met?
“Tambuwal, you were Speaker for four years. What did you do to make Nigerians not to be angry? You were a governor in Sokoto State.
“That boy, he was speaker for four years. What did he do? To make Nigerians not to be angry. You were a governor in Sokoto State.”
Wike also lashed out at a former Attorney-General of the Federation,
Abubakar Malami, for pretending to be totally deaf and dumb to the problems bedevilling the country in the past, asking, “Why are people thinking that Nigerians have gone so foolish? That you use Nigerians all the time.”
You’re Jittery, ADC Replies Wike ADC, yesterday, said it had taken note of the virulent attacks launched on the various leaders of the coalition movement by Nyesom Wike and dismissed him as jittery.
In a statement by the spokesman of ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said, ‘’Without justifying this behaviour that we find incompatible with the office of a Federal Minister, we believe Minister Wike could only descend to that level because of his mortal fear of the threat that the successful unveiling of the coalition of opposition political parties constitutes to the government that he serves.
‘’We observe that if Minister Wike and the government that he serves had kept their promises to the Nigerian people, the coalition movement would not have been necessary and he would not have had a need to be so jittery.
‘’If Minister Wike had paid the salaries of primary school teachers, who have been on strike for several months and if he had not treated FCT workers with so much contempt, while he goes about commissioning white elephant projects running into billions of Naira, he would have had no need to be afraid of the coalition.’’
Abdullahi said, ‘’Minister Wike claimed in his media chat that the coalition leaders are driven only by grievances. If we have any grievances, it is the way the government he is a part of has driven majority of Nigerians into poverty and misery. We are aggrieved to see children of the poor unable to get education because he would not pay their teachers’ salaries.
“We are aggrieved to watch the growing insecurity in the FCT that he superintends. We are aggrieved that minister Wike had allowed himself to be used by the government he serves to destroy one of the most powerful political parties in Africa, the PDP.
‘’But it is rather too late in the day to cry. The coalition movement belongs to the Nigerian people who had been promised renewed hope, but have been served renewed hopelessness. Therefore, no amount of tirade against the leaders of the coalition could stem the tide of this popular movement.’’
National Working Committee (NWC) of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) debunked insinuations in the media that it had directed its members to join the coalition group.
In a statement by PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the party said, ‘’For the avoidance of doubt, the NWC states in clear terms that the PDP has not taken any official position on the issue of coalition.
‘’The PDP is for now focused on building and consolidating on attained
unity, stability and strengthening of its structures and capacity to play its roles as the leading opposition Party determined to return to power in 2027.
‘’Our party is currently working conscientiously towards a successful National Convention which will further revamp and reposition the PDP for the task ahead.
‘’Nevertheless, as a major opposition Party with very strong presence and bond with Nigerians across the country, the PDP restates that it remains open to working with other well-meaning like-minded citizens in the collective effort to rescue our nation from the stranglehold of the rudderless and insensitive All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration.
‘’Our party appreciates Nigerians for their interest, solidarity and loyalty to the PDP brand and reassures that all machineries are being put in place to re-activate the PDP winning ways ahead of the 2027 general elections.”
APGA to Poach Mbah, Otti from Coalition
All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) said it was set to welcome two prominent governors in the South-east into its fold.
National Publicity Secretary of APGA, Mr Ejimofor Opara, said the party was set to poach both Peter Mbah of Enugu State and Alex Otti of Abia, who belonged to PDP and LP, respectively, into APGA.
Ejimofor said the decision was taken at the Party’s National Working Committee (NWC) meeting where Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Uche Nwegbo, was mandated to lead a high-powered delegation to commence the process.
He said, “The National Working Committee’s decision is a testament to APGA’s commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive platform for progressive governance in Nigeria.
“At the 16th NWC Meeting held at the Party’s National Headquarters in Abuja, the NWC resolved to reach out to Governors Peter Mbah of Enugu State and Alex Otti of Abia State, with a view to welcoming them into the APGA family.
“This development was sequel to a motion moved by the Party’s Vice Chairman Southeast, Rev. Augustine Ehiemere, who noted that the current political landscape makes it expedient for the party to take this step.
“APGA is known for its commitment to the welfare of the poor and vulnerable and remains steadfast in its mission to leave no one behind.
The Party’s leadership believes that the inclusion of these governors will further strengthen its resolve to make a positive impact in the lives of Nigerians.”
The 2023 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mr. Dumebi Kachikwu, blamed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and entrenched interests within the party’s leadership for the prolonged crisis threatening the future of the ADC.
Speaking during an appearance on Arise Television, Kachikwu condemned what he described as “a dangerous coalition of strange bedfellows” working to hijack the party’s structure. He specifically criticised INEC for its alleged failure to act decisively during a period of deepening internal discord.
According to Kachikwu, the crisis within the ADC began after the expiration of the tenure of its former National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu, on August 21, 2022.
He said, “From that point forward, the party has remained in limbo.”
He recalled that court rulings had directed the conduct of a special convention to resolve the leadership tussle but lamented INEC’s apparent inaction.
“INEC refused to play the role of umpire or regulator. They just watched while the party sank deeper into crisis,” he said.
Kachikwu further alleged that efforts by leadership of the proposed political coalition to partner with the ADC stalled due to their insistence on working with Nwosu, whom he accused of repeatedly compromising the party.
He said, “When they reached out to me, I told them clearly: if you’re talking to Ralph Nwosu, it’s a non-starter. That man has sold this party multiple times.”
He also criticised the coalition’s rejection of zoning and the principle of power rotation.
The senator representing Bauchi Central Senatorial District of Bauchi State, Senator Abdul Ningi, declared that he remained a member of the main opposition PDP.
Political observers were of the opinion that Ningi might have parted ways with his political mentor and confidant, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Ningi and Atiku Abubakar had been inseparable political duo since 1999 as Ningi had been at the forefront of Atiku’s political struggles.
In a statement he personally signed, Ningi stated, “I, Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi (CON), wish to address the public, the media, my supporters, and the people of Nigeria with complete transparency and unwavering conviction.
“Let there be no room for speculation or misunderstanding: I am a dedicated and loyal member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“I have spent the entirety of my political career standing on the platform of the PDP — a party that has consistently represented the hopes and aspirations of the Nigerian people.
“My journey in public service has always been guided by the party’s principles of accountability, equity, and people-centered governance.
“Over the years, I have served with distinction in the National Assembly — first as a Member of the House of Representatives for 12 years, then as Senate Deputy Majority Leader, and now as Chairman of the Northern Senators Forum.
President Bola Tinubu has expressed great sadness at the passing of legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, at 61.
The President, in a statement issued on Thursday by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, condoled with the Rufai family, friends, and football enthusiasts on the demise of the inimitable goalkeeper fondly called ‘Dodomayana’ by his numerous fans and football lovers all over Nigeria.
President Tinubu noted that Peter Rufai would be remembered as one of those patriotic sportsmen who wrote their names in gold in the sporting annals of Nigeria and the African continent.
According to him: “I recall with fond memories the heroic contributions of Peter Rufai in the historic victory of the Super Eagles at the 1994 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia as the first-choice goalkeeper, followed up with Nigeria’s equally epoch-making, first appearance at the FIFA World Cup competition, dubbed USA ‘94.
“Rufai was also a strong member of the team at the subsequent edition of the competition in France in 1998.
“Having started his career with Stationery Stores of Lagos in 1980, Rufai was one of the earliest footballers in Nigeria to go professional, playing in many European countries including Belgium, Spain, Portugal and the Netherlands, bringing honour to the nation and opening a new window of opportunities for young footballers in Nigeria.
“After he retired from active football, Peter, a Prince of the Royal House in Idimu, Lagos, set up the Staruf Football Academy, where he continued to inspire, mentor and nurture young footballers”.
The President prayed for comfort for all who mourn Rufai’s loss and for the repose of Rufai’s soul.
Also in his reaction, Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described the passing of Peter Rufai,
as a great loss to Nigeria, especially football fans.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said the death of the Nigerian football legend is painful. He sympathised with the deceased’s family, friends, colleagues, the Nigerian Football Federation and the Nigeria Sports Commission.
The Governor, in a statement issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, said Peter Rufai, fondly called Dodomayana, was a legend who wore the Green-White-Green with passion and pride.
“The death of Dodomayana, as Peter Rufai is fondly called, is a painful loss to our country, Lagos State and Nigeria. The country has lost a legend and national icon. He was one of the best Nigerian goalkeepers
in football history.
“On behalf of the government and people of Lagos State, I offer my heartfelt condolences to Nigerians and Lagosians in particular, especially those with fond memories of Dodomayana of the famous Stationery Stores Football Club. Peter Rufai was a good ambassador of our dear State and Nigeria. His death is a great loss to us.
“I am saddened by his death and will be sorely missed. I pray to God for eternal peace for the late Peter Rufai. May God grant the family, friends and football fans the fortitude to bear the irreparable,” concludes Gov Sanyo-Olu.
General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Football (NFF), Dr Mohammed Sanusi, expressed shock at the
death of the goalkeeper fondly called Dodo Mayana.
“This is really, really shocking. Peter Rufai dead? What happened? I am perplexed. We did not even know that he had been ill. We earnestly pray to the Almighty God to grant him eternal rest, and to comfort all his loved ones as well as the entire Nigeria football family,” observed the NFF Scribe.
Former Nigeria international midfielder, Waidi Akanni, who confirmed the death of Dodo Manyana to THISDAY, expressed sadness at the passing of the flamboyant footballer.
He was also the first to confirm that the body of one of Nigeria football’s true heroes had been deposited at a Lagos hospital.
NPFL Chairman, Otunba Gbenga
Demonstrating their shared commitment to youth empowerment, gender inclusion, and grassroots sports development, adidas and its strategic partner, LATC, have donated 200 adidas footballs to schools across Lagos State.
The donation, made in collaboration with the Lagos State Sports Commission, will benefit 20 schools across the state, with an equitable distribution between male and female teams. This initiative is a bold statement in support of inclusive participation in school sports, regardless of gender.
To officially mark the donation, Dave Thomas, CEO of adidas Global Emerging Markets, presented a symbolic football to the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu during a courtesy visit.
The gesture underscored adidas’ commitment to supporting government-led efforts in youth and sports development across Nigeria.
“Sport has the power to shape the future,” said an adidas spokesperson. “This donation is more than just equipment, it is an investment in the dreams, health, and leadership potential of young boys and girls across Lagos. We believe every child deserves the opportunity to play, grow, and thrive.”
LATC, adidas’ franchise partner in Nigeria, emphasized
that the donation aligns with a broader vision of develop-
ing total students; not only academically, but also physi-
cally, emotionally, and socially through the transformative power of sport.
“School sports is a powerful tool for a complete education,” said Kingsley Oko, Chief Strategy Officer at LATC. “This donation supports children not only to become better athletes, but more confident, healthier, and focused individuals.”
The Lagos State Sports Commission lauded the initiative, noting that it deepens grassroots sports efforts and strengthens gender equity within school sporting programs.
This initiative reflects adidas’ global ethos of “changing lives through sport” and LATC’s mission to foster youth development in Nigeria. It arrives at a time when physical education and inclusive participation are being re-emphasized as key pillars of national development.
Elegbeleye, described Rufai’s demise as saddening, stressing that he was a good Ambassador of the league and an inspiration to the younger players.
“Rufai was a gentleman who was always willing to support the league whenever he was invited to grace our events such as workshop and fixture draws.
“To the younger players, he was the big brother they all looked up to because like them, he played in the domestic league before seeking greener pastures in Europe.
“He returned home after retirement and has been helping our young ones learn the art of goalkeeping through his annual booth camps”, Elegbeleye recalled.
Captain of the Super Eagles, Ahmed Musa, in his reaction to the death of Peter Rufai, said on his X handle: “Can’t believe I’m typing this - a post to bid farewell to a true giant of Nigerian football, Peter Rufai. Your heroic reflexes and unwavering presence between the posts brought us moments of pride on the world stage.
“May your spirit continue to inspire future generations of Super Eagles.
Though you’ve left us, your legacy soars higher than any trophy. Fly high, DODOMAYANA — the nation mourns a hero.
“Condolences to your family, friends, teammates, and fans. Rest in peace, legend,” concludes the former Leicester City winger. Rufai made his debut for then Green Eagles in a friendly match in December 1981, and won the Africa Cup of Nations silver in 1984 and 1988, before Nigeria swept to glory in the continental finals in Tunisia in 1994. He was the first-choice goalkeeper in the three championships. The charismatic and disciplined goalkeeper also kept goal for Nigeria in the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cup finals (the Super Eagles made the Round of 16 on both occasions), and dedicated his post-retirement days to discovering and mentoring young players. He also served as the coordinator of the Nigeria U23 team at a time.
Apart from his memorable outings with the Super Eagles, Rufai was an extraordinary figure at Lagos club, Stationery Stores, with whom he reached the final of the Africa Cup Winners Cup competition in 1981.
Portugal and Liverpool forward, Diogo Jota, has died in a car crash in Spain.
According to reports, the car he was traveling in left the road due to a tyre blowout while overtaking another car, local police source announced on Thursday.
His brother, Andre Silva, also died in the crash.
Jota, 28, married his partner last month – the couple had three children together.
The Portuguese international was a key part of the Liverpool side that won the Premier League last season. He also won the FA Cup and League Cup with the Merseyside outfit.
Spanish state-owned TV station citing local firefighters claimed that
Jota died in Zamora in northwestern Spain Police told Reuters everything pointed to that information being correct, although they could not yet officially confirm the names.
The regional fire department of Castille-Leon, where Zamora is located, said on its website a car crashed shortly after midnight on Thursday and burst into flames, with two men, aged 28 and 26, found dead.
Jota arrived at Anfield from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020 and scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for the club in all competitions.
He made 49 appearances for Portugal, winning the UEFA Nations League twice in the process.
Out of the 468 teams that entered for this year’s 1XCUP Grassroots Football Tournament sponsored by 1XBET, only 64 teams have been picked for the preliminary round slated to begin on July 8, 2025 in Lagos.
According to a statement issued by the Organisers , the four semi finalists from the last edition will join the 16 teams that qualify from the preliminaries for the Group stage.
Former Super Eagles player and Head of the Organising Committee of the 1XCup, Engr Waidi Akanni, said yesterday that it was really painful for the committee to come to this decision due to the deluge of entries received for this year’s tournament.
In a message sent to club owners and representatives, the
1XCup organising committee head expressed gratitude to the grassroots clubs for their interest in the yearly tournament.
“I wanted to personally reach out to you and express my sincere gratitude for registering your club for our community football championships.- 1XCup 2025. We were overwhelmed with the response, which is a testament to the passion and dedication of clubs like yours that make our tournament thrive.
“Regrettably, due to the unprecedented number of registrations, we had to make the difficult decision to select a limited number of 64 clubs for the main championship. Please know that this decision was not made lightly, and we understand the disappointment it may have cause,” observed Akanni.
Following a standout performance at the 23rd African Fencing Championships, Oluwafolayemi Akinyosoye has emerged as Nigeria’s highestranked fencer globally. The latest rankings released by the International Fencing Federation (FIE) earlier this week place Akinyosoye at 65th in the men’s senior sabre category. Akinyosoye, a quarterfinalist in
the individual men’s sabre event, stunned spectators by defeating top seed and Olympic silver medallist Fares Farjani of Tunisia in a tense preliminary round bout, edging him 5-4 at Charterhouse Lagos. The 20-year-old UK-based athlete, who previously represented England at cadet and junior levels, has now overtaken Inkosi Brou as Nigeria’s top-ranked fencer.
Despite being displaced in the senior rankings, Brou remains Nigeria’s highest-ranked junior fencer, holding the 23rd position globally.
The US-based athlete, and grandson of former NAFDAC DG Prof. Dora Akunyili, continues to be a key figure in Nigeria’s fencing development.
In the senior men’s epee category,
Mahadi Idongesit leads the Nigerian contingent at 206th, followed by Wisdom Okanlawon (209), Mahathir Idongesit (212), and Adegbola Babade (215). For senior men’s foil, Oritsematosan Egbesemirone is ranked 116th, with Olumuyiwa Ige (502) and Alex Aninyei
The brickbat between one of Nigeria’s foremost carriers, AirPeace and the Senator representing Edo North in the National Assembly, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has thrown up some of the real issues confronting the aviation sector in Nigeria. Air Peace first gave some vivid description of what transpired at the Zulu terminal of the Murtala Muhammed Airport. On that fateful day, it was said that the Comrade Senator could not board the flight because he arrived after the boarding time. For the Comrade Senator, he arrived on time and he did what he did to protest the airline’s style of racketeering and exploitation of passengers. Whichever version of the event is true, certain issues have to be addressed urgently, for the protection of the public and the huge investments of the airline operators. It was good that this happened to the Comrade Senator, who has the clout and experience to tackle it but I think both parties could have acted differently. It is commendable that the federal government has set up a probe into the unfortunate encounter and we await the outcome thereof.
Undoubtedly, many travelers must have suffered the same or similar fate as the Comrade Senator, either by way of late arrival after the boarding time had passed, cancellation or rescheduling of flights or some other issues making it impossible or frustrating to fly. Not too long ago, we read of the case of an airline that booked and checked in passengers to fly to Abuja but ended up in Asaba. For one reason or the other, many passengers do not follow the rules regulating domestic travels, especially as to early arrival at the airport at least two hours to the time of departure. This is not the case with international travels, wherein some passengers arrive five hours ahead of their scheduled departures. It is still about the impunity of leaders, whereby it is convenient to obey the same set of rules outside the jurisdiction but the same rules are flagrantly flouted locally. Having said that, I verily believe that the rules are skewed against passengers in favour of the airlines. If you have any reason to miss your flight, the airlines apply the arbitrary rule of “no show”, for which you are automatically penalized on record. But where the flight is cancelled by the airline due to no fault of the passenger, the rule still favours the airline, as there is no penalty for the cancellation, no compensation to passenger and even when the same ticket is to be used for future flights, the passenger will still be penalized to pay the difference. It is all about our weak institutions which have no will power to enforce the laws.
I had cause to travel with an airline and I booked my ticket online. The flight was scheduled for 11a.m. and I
arrived at the airport well ahead of my departure time.
A fellow Senior Advocate was also at the airport with me, but was booked with another airline. He was told that his flight had been cancelled, so he quickly made arrangements for his agent to book the same airline that I was scheduled to fly with. A little while thereafter, we were informed that my own flight had been cancelled, right at the time of boarding. For this flight, passengers travelled from other neighbouring towns to be on it.
We were told that the aircraft developed some technical problems the previous day and the airline decided that it was not safe to fly. Meanwhile, the agent of my Learned Brother Silk sent him a ticket duly paid for on the same flight that I was scheduled to board. The airline knew well ahead the day before that it would not fly. Yet, it could not reach out to its passengers who travelled from far locations to get to the airport and it could not notify us well ahead of time so as to make alternative arrangements thus wasting precious time and energy.
Worst of all, the airline still sold a ticket for the same flight to my Learned Brother Silk a few minutes to the boarding time, when it knew well ahead that it would not fly. You need to see the frustration and disappointment on the faces of the passengers who had been shortchanged.
At another time, I was scheduled to board another flight to Lagos and I booked online. The aircraft arrived a little late and we commenced boarding. I noticed the gloom on the faces of the people already seated in the
aircraft. Suddenly, there was an announcement from the hostess, offering apology to the passengers for bringing them to Akure from Abuja. They were originally booked to go to Ilorin from Abuja and it was when they got to Akure that the airline informed them of the diversion. On my own part, I booked the same airline from Akure to Lagos but I had to be taken to Ilorin first before heading to Lagos. A journey of twenty-five minutes took about one hour and a half. I was informed that the same airline at times shuttles between Abuja, Uyo, Akure and then Lagos. And this is not peculiar to one airline as there are others shuttling between Lagos, Ilorin, Abuja and then Akure, charging differently for these routes on the same day and with the same aircraft. What some airlines do is to enforce the boarding time closure strictly but they would have generated a long list of potential passengers in their order of preference. As soon as the boarding time is past, these new passengers are offered the vacant tickets at the prevailing rate. This way, the airline enjoys double profit, charging a penalty for the cancelled ticket and selling the same ticket at a higher price. For some of the airlines, this can be an incentive to always enforce boarding time regulations whimsically against their passengers. There are other cases of arbitrary change of seats, inexplicable flight cancellations, missing luggage, over booking and issuance of multiple tickets for the same seat, leading to constant friction and struggles between passengers. The list is endless and passengers are always at the receiving end.
I understand however that the airline business is a huge investment that comes with a lot of costs, in constant maintenance, multiple taxes, decayed infrastructure, corruption of regulating agencies and cost of services.
I have myself wondered on a number of occasions when I boarded flights that were not even half full, especially in the remote routes where passenger traffic is very low. This will result in monumental losses for the operators. There are also the problems of inflation and the exchange rate volatility. Many of the aircrafts are on lease based on agreements settled in foreign currencies. When it is realized that these ventures are meant to guarantee return on investments, then there is need to give due consideration to the plight of the airline operators, howsoever that such will not lead to corporate extortion. The airlines complain of multiple taxes by different government agencies, inconsistent policy regulations, absence of necessary infrastructure and the cost of maintenance. Constant engagements between the regulators and the airline operators should be encouraged to address these issues for the benefit of all.
The authorities must act swiftly and urgently to protect
everyone involved in the business, both the operators and the passengers. A manual should be developed to serve as the Aviation Book, detailing the roles and responsibilities of the airlines and the passengers. This should be made available online and the hard copies should be affordable and readily accessible. It should be rendered in plain, simple language that the ordinary person can relate with. It will become the manual for air travels which will be given universal application by all stakeholders. Following after this would be a robust and holistic overhaul of the complaint mechanisms for passengers to seek redress. The absence of a functional and an effective dispute resolution process is part of the reasons for the impunity being experienced across the airlines. Enforcement of penalties would thus serve as deterrence and a disincentive against undue exploitation. As a member of the National Assembly responsible for promulgating the laws regulating the aviation sector, the Comrade Senator should have erred on the side of due process of law. If all passengers and citizens decide to take the law into their hands, a situation of uncontrollable lawlessness will ensue and this will not augur well even for the passengers that he claimed to be protecting. It was not surprising therefore that a few days after this imbroglio some other passengers were arrested for attempting to replicate the inglorious Oshiomhole strategy. Would he have attempted such gangsterism if he was not a sitting Senator? Imagine the losses and disruptions caused to the airline and other passengers from this avoidable descent to self-help. For Air Peace, there is a need for the owners to sit down to undertake a holistic re-appraisal of its strategy and methods. The goal of air travel should be for the safety and comfort of the passengers. The arbitrariness, rowdiness, racketeering and touting associated with the airline should be addressed urgently in the overall interest of the flying public and Nigeria. Reading through the press statements so far issued by Air Peace on this matter, I could not but wonder if the airline is bothered about its corporate image. The tone of those statements was unduly combative, unapologetically aggressive and totally undeserving. They could not even acknowledge the esteemed rank of the Comrade Senator as an officer of the Federal Republic! For a corporate entity to descend to such a level of abyss and linguistic indecency says a lot about its mission and vision. There has to be some minimum standard of decorum expected of such an organization that is dealing with the public and priding itself as the flagship of the air industry in Nigeria.